The evaporator coil on an air conditioner can experience a multitude of problems over their average 10-15 year lifespan. When cooling your house down, part of that process requires the air conditioner to cool the hot air in the room. This is where the evaporator coil comes in. It contains Freon, a refrigerant that cools down the hot air as it passes over it. If the evaporator coil corrodes, freezes, or gets dirty, that impedes its ability to function.
Dirty coils can cause significant damage to your air conditioner, including a full breakdown. It can also lead to higher energy costs as your air conditioner works hard to make up for lowered efficiency. To return your air conditioner to its former glory, you’ll need to have a tech to clean your unit. Some homeowners try to clean the coil themselves, running the risk of injury to themselves or costly damage to the unit.
A variety of issues can cause an evaporator coil to freeze. One of the most common reasons, however, is that there’s a Freon leak. If your air conditioner has a frozen evaporator coil, you must turn it off immediately. Upon inspection, an AC technician can determine if the frozen coil is due to a Freon leak. These leaks are sometimes caused by corrosion.
Corrosion can damage the evaporator coil if it is exposed to car exhaust or other pollutants. Since most air conditioning units are installed outside, this is a consideration for most homeowners. Corroded evaporator coils are usually replaced as repairs are often expensive. Replacing an evaporator coil is dangerous business, as it requires the handling of Freon. It also requires the use of specialized equipment. It’s always best to leave this type of repair to a professional.