Is Professional Evaporator Coil Cleaning Necessary?
The evaporator coil is integral to any AC or heat pump system. This winding length of metal tubing filled with refrigerant, located in an AC system’s air handler unit, is responsible for extracting heat and moisture from the indoor air. But when the coil gets dirty, it can no longer effectively do its job, and the system (as well as the homeowners) will suffer in multiple ways.
Periodic evaporator coil cleaning is not only necessary for the HVAC system to function properly, but it’s also highly beneficial. It can help improve indoor air quality by eliminating contaminants like mold and dust from the system. It also lowers energy bills by boosting efficiency, reduces wear and tear on the unit, and enhances overall performance.
So how can homeowners tell if their AC coils are due for a cleaning? By keeping an eye out for the symptoms! This article will share three of the most common signs of a dirty evaporator coil.
AC Isn’t Cooling Properly
The first sign to watch out for is if the home isn’t getting as cool as it should. When dirt, dust, or other debris accumulates on evaporator coils, the heat transfer process is impeded, and the unit won’t be able to cool the indoor air at its normal rate. As a result, the AC may pump out warmer air than normal and ultimately fail to meet the demands of the thermostat.
This loss of cooling function can drive up energy consumption and put undue stress on the unit. So if the house never seems to cool down, no matter how much the AC runs or the temperature on the thermostat, it may be time for an evaporator coil cleaning.
Ice or Frost On the Coils
AC evaporator coils are always cold, which is part of how they absorb heat from the air. Warmth naturally seeks cold. This cold surface is also what allows air conditioners to reduce indoor humidity levels, as water vapor in the air will condense into liquid on the surface of the coils. Normally, the condensation falls into a drain pan and flows out of the house via the condensate drain line.
But with a layer of dirt and grime on the coils preventing the transfer of heat energy, the condensation can freeze on the coils before it has a chance to drain away. Naturally, a frozen evaporator coil will be even less capable of absorbing heat energy from the home’s air and can cause the unit to break down. The frost and ice can show up on the coil itself or spread to the unit. If homeowners can access their indoor blower unit, it’s a good idea to check it for ice or frost, especially if the home isn’t getting cool.
AC Runs Constantly
Another common sign of a dirty evaporator coil is if the air conditioner has to run longer than usual to reach the desired temperature – or runs constantly and never quite reaches the right temperature. This generally occurs because the unit isn’t producing enough cool air to achieve the correct temperature in the time it would normally take.
There are other possible causes of this, such as leaky ductwork, a clogged air filter, or a refrigerant leak, but a dirty or frosty evaporator coil is one of the most likely culprits. Of course, longer cycles mean higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on the unit, so homeowners experiencing should call their local heating and cooling company to diagnose the issue as soon as possible!
About Method Air
Method Air has been Draper’s go-to HVAC service company since 2008. Their friendly, background-checked technicians always arrive on time in fully-stocked trucks and strive to leave every home better than they found it. Method Air offers transparent pricing, financing, membership perks, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there’s no one better to call for evaporator coil services in Draper, Utah!
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