You usually don’t hear much about them, but AC coils are crucial to the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about AC coils—how they work, what to know about keeping them clean, and how to know when it’s time to repair or replace them.
Whether you’re troubleshooting a problem or just want to extend the life of your system, understanding your AC coils is key to keeping your home comfortable.
AC coils are the component of your cooling system responsible for absorbing heat from the home and releasing it outdoors. Your AC actually has two coils working together to make this happen: the evaporator coil, which absorbs the heat, and the condenser coil, which releases that heat outside.
As warm air passes over the coil, refrigerant inside absorbs the heat, cooling the air before it circulates back into your home. This process also removes excess moisture from the air, helping to reduce indoor humidity levels for added comfort.
The condenser coil sits in the outdoor unit and works to release the heat that was absorbed by the evaporator coil. The refrigerant carries this heat outside, where the condenser coil and a fan work together to disperse it, allowing the cycle to start again.
Evaporator and condenser coils work together to cool your home, and keeping them clean is a crucial part of maintaining your air conditioner’s efficiency and longevity. Dirt, dust, and debris can build up on the coils over time, making it harder for them to transfer heat and forcing your system to work harder than necessary.
For the evaporator coil, regular filter changes can help reduce buildup, but occasional professional cleaning may be needed to remove stubborn dirt or mold. The condenser coil, on the other hand, is more exposed to dirt, leaves, and other debris because it’s located outside. Routine maintenance, including professional coil cleaning, can help prevent breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your AC system.
Yes, you can clean AC coils without removing them, but the method depends on the level of buildup. Light dirt and debris can often be removed using a soft brush, compressed air, or a no-rinse coil cleaner, while more stubborn grime may require a deeper professional cleaning.
Signs of dirty AC coils include reduced cooling performance, higher energy bills, longer run times, or even ice buildup on the evaporator coil. If your home feels less comfortable despite the AC running, or if you notice visible dirt on the coils, it’s a good idea to have them inspected and cleaned.
Over time, it’s possible that your evaporator and condenser coils may need to be replaced. It’s more common for the evaporator coil to require replacement than the condenser coil since it is located inside the unit and exposed to constant moisture, which can lead to corrosion or refrigerant leaks. If the evaporator coil develops a significant leak or becomes too damaged, replacement is often the best solution to restore efficiency and performance.
Condenser coils, on the other hand, typically don’t run into as severe of problems as evaporator coils, but can still suffer from damage due to dirt buildup, physical impact, or corrosion. They, like evaporator coils, can also be replaced if the damage is severe.
However, coil replacement can be costly, so it’s important to weigh the repair costs against the benefits of investing in a new system. An HVAC professional, such as one from Grove, can help assess the condition of your coils and determine the most cost-effective solution for keeping your home cool and comfortable.
In some cases, AC coils can be repaired, but it depends on the type and severity of the damage. Minor issues, such as small leaks in the evaporator coil, can sometimes be patched or sealed as a solution.
Condenser coils can run into bent fins or small areas of corrosion, and smaller issues like these are often repairable. Since these issues don’t impact the overall integrity of the coil, a simple fix can restore efficiency and extend the lifespan of your AC system.
Repairs are often the most cost-effective solution when the damage is minor and doesn’t interfere with the coil’s ability to transfer heat properly. Replacing a coil can be expensive, and if the issue is small enough, repair is usually the smarter choice to keep your system running without a major investment.
By addressing minor problems early, you can avoid unnecessary replacements and keep your air conditioner functioning efficiently for years to come.
If your AC coils have experienced any type of damage, they might not be working at peak performance levels. Scheduling AC services with Grove Heating & Cooling ensures that your system gets the attention it needs to run efficiently and keep your home comfortable. Our experienced technicians can inspect your coils, determine if repair, replacement, or a thorough cleaning is necessary, and provide reliable solutions to restore your cooling system.
Give us a call today for air conditioner services.
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
