If the hot Cedar Hill summer temperatures are hitting and your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is having problems, you are likely to ask, “Should I replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit?” The answer depends on a few important issues.
In this post, the pros at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, which provides premier AC repair in Cedar Hill, TX, discuss what you should consider to address AC performance issues resulting from a failed evaporator coil.
What Does the Evaporator Coil Do?
The evaporator coil is the heart of an air conditioner’s cooling power. It pulls heat and excess moisture from indoor air. Compressed refrigerant circulates through the coil, which absorbs heat from warm air that passes over it.
After the refrigerant absorbs the heat and humidity through the coil, it moves to the air conditioner’s outside unit, releasing heat and moisture into the outdoor air.
The refrigerant then returns to the inside evaporation coil to continuously repeat the cycle.
What Happens When an Evaporator Coil Breaks Down
When an evaporator coil is damaged or failed, the problems that result include:
- The air conditioner takes longer to produce cool air or doesn’t cool at all
- Refrigerant has to be replaced to proper levels much more often than expected
- Ice and frost build up on the refrigerant line, and sometimes visible leaks begin
Causes of Evaporator Coil Failure
Evaporator coils can fail through normal aging and wear or from other issues, including:
- Erosion from consistently irregular refrigerant flow
- Corrosion from some harmful cleaning chemicals
- Cracking or breaking that leads to refrigerant leaks
When To Consider Evaporator Coil Replacement
For relatively new and otherwise in good condition units, replacing an evaporator coil can be a more cost-effective solution than installing an entirely new system. In addition to the existing unit’s age, it’s crucial to determine the availability and compatibility of replacement parts.
If the only problem with the existing unit is the evaporator coil, replacing it will typically lead to immediate remediation of the AC performance issues.
When To Consider Replacing the Entire Air Conditioner Unit
Have you been asking, “Should I replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit?” Because of the cost of evaporator coil replacement and other issues, there are circumstances when replacing the entire air conditioning unit is advisable.
Some of the most important that weigh in favor of whole system replacement include:
- System age. Air conditioners over eight years old are usually on the back end of their useful lifespan, and replacing an expensive component may not do much to extend how long the system will work efficiently.
- SEER rating mismatches. Modern replacement evaporator coils may not be compatible with older HVAC units, leading to inefficient operation.
- Use of R-22 refrigerant. Older air conditions that use discontinued R-22 refrigerant are more costly and difficult to maintain. They are also more damaging to the environment.
There are several advantages that whole system replacement typically provides in comparison to replacing an evaporator coil, including increased air conditioner efficiency.
They usually cost less to operate than old systems while providing the same or better cooling power. The expected lifespan of a new air conditioner can often far outdistance the expected remaining life of a repaired unit.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
Whether you decide to replace a failed evaporator coil or install an entirely new air conditioning unit, regular professional maintenance will improve system performance, efficiency, and lifespan.
As part of regular professional maintenance, your unit’s evaporator coils are cleaned and inspected for damage or unusual wear. Professional service provided at least annually before warm weather sets in will help head off issues that can grow into major problems.
Rely on Dial One Johnson Plumbing for Professional HVAC Repair or Replacement in Cedar Hill, TX
Having efficient cooling is not an option during the long, hot summers in Cedar Hill, and we will be glad to discuss whether you are better served by replacing an evaporator coil or installing a modern high-efficiency unit to maximize your HVAC system lifespan at the best cost. We’ll help you understand the energy savings comparison between a repair or replacement and what the unit replacement cost will look like.
The pros at Dial One Johnson Plumbing are ready to discuss your questions related to “Should I replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit?” as you consider the best way to address a breakdown of the most expensive part to replace on an AC unit.
Call Dial One Johnson Plumbing today at 972-291-0740 to discuss your options and schedule service.