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Major Signs That an Evaporator Coil Needs Replacing

Why Hire a Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning Service 

Some things are best left to the professionals––and evaporator coil cleaning is no different. It’s more than applying Windex to a paper towel and wiping off dust. It’s about knowing why the coil gets dirty in the first place and the benefits of HVAC maintenance.

Plus, it’s worth noting that a professional can do more than maintain the HVAC system. They can also spot small issues and fix them before they become expensive problems. This season, one can reap the benefits of a smoothly-running system instead of struggling with a malfunctioning air conditioner. This involves knowing the cleans that an evaporator coil needs replacing. 

Some signs of a dirty evaporator coil include: 

The AC Has a Loss of Cooling Function 

coolingThe evaporator coil has an important function. This component holds a refrigerant that cools warm air brought in from the compressor. If the coil is dirty, however, the AC unit will not function as properly. It may even stop working altogether. 

Signs of this include: 

  • Homeowners are constantly having to adjust the thermostat. Unfortunately, this is nothing more than a placebo. If the evaporator coil is dirty, it doesn’t matter what the reading on the thermostat says. The air will never get to the desired temperature. 
  • The house never gets cold. As noted, the evaporator coil contains refrigerants that help cool hot air. Dust, dirt, and other debris on the coil prevent the unit from functioning properly. 

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that most AC systems last 15 to 20 years. If the AC unit isn’t working as expected and hasn’t reached that age, the problem could be with an unmaintained evaporator coil. 

There’s Frost on the Evaporator Coil 

frozeAs one can imagine, to cool hot air, the evaporator coil itself needs to be cold. When temperatures inside the coil dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, this can cause frost to appear. A frozen evaporator coil will not efficiently make contact with the surrounding air, and the air will never reach the desired temperature. 

Homeowners can remedy the problem by turning off the AC system, then wiping down the coil with a microfiber cloth. An evaporator coil cleaning professional may also suggest insulating the coil, preventing it from freezing. It all depends on the type of AC system one has and the reason for the frozen coil. 

The AC System Runs for Longer Cycles 

An AC system’s cooling cycle should only last for about 15 minutes. If it lasts longer than that: 

  • This can cause above-average wear and tear on the system. As noted, most AC systems can last for at least 15 years. However, if the system runs for too long, this can shorten the system’s lifespan. 
  • One may experience high energy bills. It costs money to keep an AC system running. As one can imagine, keeping the system constantly running can cause a spike in their gas or electricity bill. 

On the other hand, the system may short cycle instead of running for longer cycles. This has the same outcome; the home will never get cool, and homeowners may experience discomfort and frustration. 

About Albritton Service Co

Albritton Service Co has deep roots in the Pelican State. This family-owned-and-operated company recently celebrated its 40th anniversary serving the residents of Ruston, LA. They offer 24-hour emergency AC care, electrical repairs, and, best of all, evaporator coil help. Interested parties in Lincoln Parish can schedule an appointment online today.