It’s not unusual for Columbia summers to reach the mid-to-high 90s, making an air conditioner a crucial part of staying cool, safe, and comfortable. Your evaporator and condenser coils are among the most important components of your system, ensuring warm air is removed from your home and pushed outside.
Learn more about AC coils below!
There are two types of AC coils; condenser coils and evaporator coils. They both have different jobs, and recognizing the differences between the two can help you determine what’s going wrong if your AC coils start acting up.
Evaporator coils are located inside your home, near the air handler, and play a key role in absorbing heat from the indoor air. As warm air passes over the coil, the refrigerant inside pulls heat away, cooling the air before it is circulated back into your home. This process also helps reduce humidity, making your indoor environment more comfortable.
Because evaporator coils handle cool refrigerant and are constantly exposed to airflow, they can accumulate dust and debris over time, which may lead to freezing or reduced efficiency. Regular filter changes and professional maintenance help keep evaporator coils functioning properly.
Condenser coils are located in the outdoor unit and work to release the heat absorbed from inside your home. After traveling from the evaporator coil, the refrigerant arrives at the condenser coil in a high-pressure, high-temperature state. The outdoor fan blows air over the coil, allowing the heat to dissipate into the outside environment before the refrigerant cools down and cycles back inside.
Condenser coils, being that they are constantly exposed to outdoor elements like dirt, leaves, and debris, often require regular cleaning to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Keeping the area around the outdoor unit clear and scheduling routine maintenance helps prevent system strain and overheating.
Having your AC coils professionally cleaned is among the most important steps to take in maintaining your cooling system. Your coils can experience dirt, dust, and debris buildup over time, which can negatively affect their ability to remove heat from your home.
Regular cleaning of your AC coils ensures your system operates at peak efficiency, helping to extend its lifespan and reduce energy costs. Scheduling professional cleaning at least once a year can prevent buildup-related issues and maintain optimal cooling performance.
Yes, AC coils can be cleaned without removing them. In fact, this is the most common method used by HVAC professionals. We recommend turning to an air conditioning expert when having your AC coils cleaned, as the process can be complicated and requires the right equipment to do the job effectively. A professional cleaning helps maintain your system’s efficiency, prevents unnecessary strain on your AC, and can even extend its lifespan.
When AC coils become dirty, they become less effective. If your AC coils are dirty, you may notice decreased efficiency, a drop in cooling performance, higher energy bills, or even longer run times as your system struggles to keep up. You might also see visible dirt or dust on the coils, experience weak airflow, or notice your home feeling more humid than usual. If you’re unsure, an HVAC professional can inspect and clean your coils to keep your system running smoothly.
Whether it’s corrosion, leaks, or any other issues, minor AC coil problems can be resolved with repairs. Be sure to call on professionals, like the team at Grove Heating & Cooling, at the first sign of trouble. Prompt repairs can help prevent further damage, improve efficiency, and keep your AC running smoothly. Trusting experienced technicians ensures the job is done right, saving you from bigger headaches down the road.
AC coils, like other air conditioner components, have limited lifespans. Sometimes, they’ll need to be replaced in order to restore system performance and efficiency. When serious problems develop, such as extensive corrosion, refrigerant leaks, or coil damage beyond repair, replacement is often the best solution. New coils can help your AC run more efficiently, improve cooling performance, and prevent costly breakdowns in the future.
From serious problems to regular cleanings, Grove Heating & Cooling provides services designed to restore AC system performance. Our experienced technicians are ready to handle everything from coil repairs to full replacements, ensuring your home stays cool and comfortable. Trust Grove for reliable, expert AC coil services in Columbia, MD.