(336) 815-5559 What is an Evaporator Coil & Why is it Important?
Did you know air conditioners cool the air by removing heat? One of the key components for removing heat from the air is the evaporator coil.
The evaporator coil is located indoors, typically within the air handler, as a copper tube with refrigerant circulating through it. The air handler’s fan blows warm indoor air over the coils, warming up the refrigerant, which then evaporates and carries the heat out of your home.
The coils also remove moisture from the air. The warm, humid indoor air condenses into a liquid as it hits the cold copper tubes (like condensation on a cold cup in the summer). This liquid drips into the condensation pan and drains outdoors. This leaves cool, dry air to circulate through the ductwork back into your home.
Do Evaporator Coils Need Maintenance?
Two common problems evaporator coils can experience are dust build-up and corrosion.
Dust and Dirt
The evaporator coil needs to be cleaned of dust buildup yearly to keep it cooling at its best.
A dirty coil can exhibit problems such as:
- Higher Energy Use
- Difficulty Absorbing Heat
- Higher Temperatures
- Ice Buildup
Corrosion
Oily residue on the coil or in the condensation pan is a sign of corroded evaporator coils. Corrosion happens when airborne chemicals mix with condensation on the coils, causing tiny holes to form in the coils. These airborne chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and they often come from air fresheners, new carpeting, cleaning chemicals, and many other sources. Ensuring you have good indoor air quality helps protect your evaporator coil, and your health.
Start Out Right
Installing the correct evaporator coil is essential to getting the highest performance and the most comfort from your central air conditioning or heat pump system. For best performance, we recommend installing a Custom Comfort Plus brand coil with a Custom Comfort Plus brand air conditioner or heat pump system. The Custom Comfort Plus brand offers what we believe are some of the best warranties in the heating and cooling industry.
