What Would the Symptoms of a Dirty Coil Be?

An essential part of your HVAC system is the evaporator coil. It absorbs heat from your indoor living space while providing clean and comfortable air. When it gets clogged with dirt and dust, you can run into several issues that compromise the performance of your AC unit. And that’s why air conditioning repair and maintenance are vital.

The evaporator coil is critical to the proper functioning of your unit. However, it’s located inside your air conditioning system, making it hard to tell if it has accumulated dust and dirt. However, there are several signs you can look out for: Reduced cooling efficiency, higher utility bills, and frost forming on the coil, among other symptoms.

This blog will discuss the most common signs of a dirty evaporator coil and how to fix the issues.

Where Is the Evaporator Coil Located in Your AC Unit?

When conducting routine air conditioning repair and maintenance, locating the evaporator coil can be challenging. The component is in the AC unit near the air handler. Be sure to check your owner’s manual. It has instructions on where to locate the coil and how to access the evaporator coil safely.

Signs And Symptoms That Your Evaporator Coil Needs Repair

Below are the five telltale signs and symptoms of a dirty evaporator coil that you should look out for:

Ineffective Cooling

The least you can wish for is an air conditioner that doesn’t cool on a hot summer day. Ineffective cooling is a sign of a dirty evaporator coil.

When dirt and dust accumulate on the evaporator coil, it prevents the AC unit from functioning properly. You’ll notice that your living space is always warm or takes longer to cool down.

The Air Conditioning System Runs Longer

Does your air conditioning unit have to run for a more extended period to achieve the cooling your home needs? There’s a high chance the evaporator coil may be dirty.

When the evaporator coil has dirt and dust, it fails to absorb heat efficiently. It has to work extra hard and run for long periods to bring temperatures in your home down.

Higher Utility Bills

You can easily overlook the subtle symptoms of a dirty evaporator coil. For example, when your air conditioning system runs for extended periods to meet your home’s cooling demands, it uses a lot of energy. And, if you keenly track your energy bills, you’ll notice an increase.

Your utility bills can increase when your air conditioning system runs more often than usual due to a dirty coil. Therefore, searching for air conditioning repair services would be valuable to help you solve the issue.

Frost On the Coil

Frost or ice buildup on the evaporator coil is a commonly misunderstood symptom of an issue with your air conditioning unit. Most people dismiss it out of hand (an air conditioner should be cold) or scrape off the ice. It’s wrong!

When you notice ice or frost on the evaporator coil, it suggests a problem with your HVAC system. And scraping it off doesn’t help.

Frost or ice formation on the coil indicates that it’s dirty and needs air conditioning repair. It happens when condensation forms on the dirt and dust and freezes when the air conditioning system operates, preventing proper heat absorption.

A Reduction in Airflow

The most noticeable sign of an issue with your air conditioning unit is when there’s a significant drop in the airflow coming from the vents. It occurs when dirt and dust clog the evaporator coil blocking airflow in your AC unit.

Reducing airflow can lead to slow and uneven distribution of cool air in your home, creating cold and hot areas in your living space. Reduction in airflow can also lead to:

• Pressure imbalances
• Your AC unit is blowing warm air
• Weak airflow or no air coming from the vents in your home

When you overlook these issues, over time, it may strain your HVAC system leading to compressor failure. Therefore, performing air conditioning repairs would be beneficial to avoid purchasing the entire AC unit.

Why You Need to Keep the Evaporator Coil Clean

A dirty evaporator coil can lead to an increase in the consumption of energy in your home by up to 30 percent. Furthermore, it reduces the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system and indoor air quality; it may also affect those with respiratory problems.

A clean evaporator coil can:

• Increase its lifetime. Keeping the evaporator coil can extend its life. On the other hand, a dirty coil causes your AC unit to work hard and makes it wear out prematurely.
• Reduces air conditioning repair costs. The evaporator coil can easily break down if it’s dirty, compelling repairs. But when it’s kept clean, it saves you money.
• Enhances comfort in your home. A clean evaporator coil boosts the level of comfort within your home. However, when it’s dirty, it makes your living space stuffy and uncomfortable.

To get the most out of your AC evaporator coil, keep them clean and free from dirt or other elements that can interfere with efficient heat transfer in your home.

How Often Do You Need to Clean the Evaporator Coil?

How often you should clean your AC unit’s evaporator coil depends on the type of system you have. If you have an air conditioner, you should schedule a professional cleaning after every two years.

However, if your home has excess dust or dirt, clean the evaporator coil more frequently.

Have An HVAC Expert Clean Your Evaporator Coil

We understand you have a busy schedule, and accomplishing some tasks may be easier, while air conditioning repair might not. Well, our professionals at Randy’s Mechanical are ready to help. You won’t have to worry about a dirty evaporator coil anymore.

If your evaporator coil shows any of the above-mentioned signs, it’s time to call Randy’s Mechanical Inc. and let us diagnose your problem and provide air conditioning repairs and maintenance. Call us at (801)226-1592 today to speak to our HVAC experts about the maintenance or repair service you need.

Categorised in: Air Conditioning

This post was written by Writer