The evaporator coil is a critical component of any central air conditioning unit. It absorbs heat and helps cool your indoor space during the summer and warm it during winter.
A dirty evaporator coil can lead to numerous problems, including lower efficiency and costly repairs. Luckily, there are some telltale signs that you should know about to keep your system in top condition.
Airflow
If you have a dirty evaporator coil, it can cause your system to work harder than necessary. That will make it use more energy and cost you money on your monthly bills. Plus, it can damage the AC and your home’s other systems.
Dirty evaporator coils can also reduce airflow. This is because the clog reduces the ability of the coil to absorb heat and transfer it elsewhere.
Your AC unit relies on airflow to cool your home and keep you comfortable. If the clog prevents air from flowing through the coil, you may notice that your home doesn’t feel as cold as it should be, even after it has been running for a while, and it may require an AC repair service.
Another important sign that your evaporator coil is clogged is if the system starts to run slower than normal. This common symptom will lead to higher energy costs and damage to your HVAC system.
You can check airflow by measuring the pressure drop across your evaporator coil. This is a simple but effective way to tell if your coil is dirty or not.
The chart below shows the pressure drop at different airflows. The static pressure drop should be near 0.22 inches of water column (inches of water a minute).
So, if you measure a low-pressure reading, it is unlikely to be due to a problem with the refrigerant system or a faulty metering device. In fact, the low suction pressure is often a sign that the coil is dirty.
If the coil is clogged, dirt and other debris will get into the condensate drain. This can cause the drain to clog and prevent water from leaving your AC unit properly. This can cause a variety of problems, including high humidity and unpleasant moldy odors.
A professional HVAC technician can inspect your evaporator coil for a clog and clean it if necessary. They can also recommend an appropriate maintenance plan to keep your evaporator coil clean and working efficiently.
Temperature
If the temperature of your home doesn’t feel as cool as it should, or if you have to run your air conditioner for longer periods of time to achieve the same results, then there may be an issue with the evaporator coil. A dirty evaporator coil can make it harder for your AC to absorb heat from the air and keep your home cool.
The evaporator coil is part of an air conditioning system that removes heat from your home and transfers it to the refrigerant inside. When the evaporator coil is cleaned, your air conditioner will have more energy to keep your house cool and reduce utility bills.
It is important to clean your evaporator coil regularly, as the dirt will greatly reduce its efficiency and can lead to expensive repairs in the long term. A dirty evaporator coil can also affect your indoor humidity levels, making it more difficult for you to stay comfortable.
Another sign that you need to get your evaporator coil cleaned is if your unit has started to leak water from the condensate line. This can indicate a build-up of frost on the coil that can block the ability of the refrigerant to transfer heat to the water vapor in the air.
In addition to the obvious reason for a leak, your evaporator coil could be clogged with dust and other debris. This can cause the refrigerant to run out of charge faster than usual, resulting in a loss of efficiency, higher utility bills, and increased wear and tear on your AC unit.
One way to check if your evaporator coil needs to be cleaned is to compare the air pressure readings at the air vents that take in room temperature air and the air output of your AC unit. If the pressure difference is large, your evaporator coil might need cleaning.
Dirty evaporator coils can also cause problems with your compressor, condenser coil, or even your air filter, which may not be cleaned properly. If you notice any of these issues, contact your HVAC specialist as soon as possible to ensure your system is running efficiently and effectively.
Pressure
The evaporator coil is located in the indoor cabinet of your central air conditioner and is exposed to a lot of dust and dirt that can clog it up over time. This can result in a decrease in the performance of your AC unit and a higher repair cost down the road.
You can tell if your evaporator coil is clogged by checking the pressure. You can find pressure readings on your system’s suction and discharge lines to the outside of your home, and these should be compared with the values in the instruction manual for your equipment. If the values are off by a significant amount, the coil is likely dirty.
Typically, a dirty evaporator coil can be cleaned easily. Just make sure that the power to your air conditioning unit is off before you start.
A good way to clean your evaporator coil is using white vinegar and distilled water. The vinegar will help disinfect the coil and reduce mold and bacteria growth while preventing future problems.
Another effective way to keep your evaporator coil free from dirt is to change the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter can also prevent the evaporator coil from working properly and lead to a breakdown in your AC system.
If you can’t remember to change your evaporator coil’s air filter, call an HVAC professional for maintenance. An expert will be able to recommend a new air filter and keep your evaporator coil free from dust and dirt.
You should also check your condensate drain for a clog. As the evaporator coil absorbs heat and condensation from your home, excess water drips into a pan and drains out into your wastewater system. If the dripping water contains dirt, it will get stuck in the pan and eventually create a clog. This will impede the flow of water out of your unit, leading to excess moisture, high humidity, unpleasant odors, and health risks from toxic mold spores.
A clogged evaporator coil can also cause your air conditioner to work longer and harder than normal. This is because it has to run in cycles to reach the desired temperatures. If your air conditioner is constantly overworking itself, it’s more likely to break down and need costly repairs.
Noise
If you notice your AC system making a buzzing or whistling noise, it may be because of a problem with the coils. This could be due to a refrigerant leak, a damaged expansion valve, a clogged condensation line, or a faulty fan motor.
A clogged evaporator coil can cause your air conditioner to run for longer and to work harder, increasing your energy bills and placing stress on the entire system. This can lead to costly system repairs and replacements.
Debris and dust can clog your evaporator coils, especially if you have pets or your system is improperly maintained. This debris can include pet hair, dander, and dirt that can impede the flow of air through your ducts.
An evaporator coil should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent debris and dust from clogging it. This can be done by cleaning it with a self-rinsing product that can remove the larger debris.
Keeping the coil clean can also help your system run more efficiently, lowering your electricity bill. Additionally, a dirty coil is more likely to break down and require repair over time.
You can tell if your evaporator coil is clogged by hearing a pulsating sound when it’s turned on or off. If the pulsating sound is slow, you probably don’t have to worry about it, but if it’s loud and rhythmic, there’s a problem.
The noise might seem harmless, but it can actually be harmful if left untreated. It can cause hearing loss and other health problems.
If you’re having trouble hearing your evaporator coil, call an HVAC professional to come out and check it for you. They’ll take a look at the various components in your unit and determine what is going on with it so they can repair it.
The evaporator coil in an AC system absorbs heat and condensation from the air. As it cools, this excess moisture drips down into a drip pan. It then drains out into the sewer system. If the drip pan is clogged, the water won’t be able to escape and will build up and eventually cause a clog in the sewer line. This can lead to flooding and potentially moldy odors in the home.
