If your air conditioning unit is not performing as well as it should, the evaporator coil may be the culprit. The coil helps for cooling the refrigerant and turning it into a gas.
If there is a major problem with the evaporator coil, the refrigerant will not be able to cool properly, which can lead to several issues.
Here are some of the most common evaporator coil problems and how to fix them.
- Leaks
Air conditioners rely on a closed system of refrigerants to work correctly. However, this refrigerant can leak out the system over time, causing your evaporator coil to freeze up.
If you notice that the AC isn't working as well as it used to, or if it's not cooling your home evenly, it could be due to a refrigerant leak.
To fix this issue, you'll need to have a trained HVAC technician come out and repair the leak. Once the leak has been fixed, they'll be able to recharge your AC system with refrigerant.
If you don't address a refrigerant leak, it can cause severe damage to your AC unit and even lead to a complete system failure.
- Dirty Coils
When your AC evaporator coils get too dirty, they won’t be able to absorb heat as well. It means your system will have to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to several issues, including:
- Higher energy bills
- Reduced cooling capacity
- Short cycling (the AC system turns on and off more frequently than usual)
- Water leaks
- Frozen coils
If you notice these issues, it's essential to have a professional clean your evaporator coils. Depending on the severity of the dirt, they may need to be replaced entirely.
You can help prevent dirty coils by changing your air filter regularly. A blocked filter makes it harder for air to flow through the AC, which can cause dirt to build up on the coils.
- Low Refrigerant
A refrigerant is a critical fluid in your evaporator coil that helps to cool the air. If there is not enough refrigerant, it can't absorb enough heat to cool the air properly. It could be due to a major leak or simply because it wasn't charged properly when installed.
If you think you might have a low refrigerant issue, you should first call a professional. Only they can diagnose the problem correctly and recharge your system if necessary. Do not try to recharge it yourself, as this could cause further damage.
When it comes to evaporator coil issues, low refrigerant is one of the most common problems. An expert technician will use special tools like a pressure gauge to diagnose the issue and then recharge your system if necessary.
- Frozen Coils
Coils can also freeze due to low refrigerant levels. When this happens, the air conditioner will not produce cool air. The best way to thaw out frozen coils is to turn off the air conditioner and let it thaw on its own.
A professional can use a particular thawing solution to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Five Star Plumbing & Heating is a full-service plumbing, heating, and cooling company. We are committed to providing clients with the best possible service. Our highly trained and experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help you with your AC needs.
