Did you know that an air conditioner does not actually create cold air. Rather, an AC system uses a refrigerant as a means to absorb heat from the air inside your home, then bringing that heat to the outside of your home. This process of refrigerant continuously circulating remove heat from your home until your home’s inside temperature approaches what you’ve selected on your thermostat.

What is an Evaporator Coil?

An important part of this process involves your air conditioning system’s evaporator coil which facilitates the removal of heat from the air inside your home.  Thus, when the water vapor from the warm air inside your home comes in contact with the cold evaporator coil, that water vapor then turns into water (liquid form) and ends up in the condensate pan. The condensate pan then allows the water to drain away outside your home. Thus, your evaporator coil serves an important function that is to reduce the humidity in your home. Keep in mind that evaporator coils are made from copper due to its excellent heat conductivity properties.

Unfortunately, evaporator coils have a tendency to leak after years of use.

Why?  Corrosion of the copper tubing in the coil is perhaps the most typical reason why an evaporator coil leaks.

Additionally, evaporator coils both need to be kept clean in order to perform efficiently. A dirty evaporator coil can result in various problems such as:

• Reduced heat absorption and cooling capacity
• Increased energy consumption
• Higher temperatures and pressures
• Ice buildup

Therefore, it’s vital to keep your AC evaporator coil clean.

Why does an evaporator coil leak?

Leaky Seal

Check the seal around the evaporator. A damaged seal can cause the evaporator to leak. If this is the case, the seal needs to be replaced immediately.

Corrosion

After years of use, corrosion occurs when residual organic compounds, water and oxygen, cause tiny holes to form in the evaporator coil.

What can you do to prevent an evaporator leak?

Change Air Filters

We recommend that you change your air filters regularly (i.e. once a month). Doing so can ensure that fewer debris can damage your evaporator coils.

Schedule Maintenance

Perhaps as important, schedule an appointment for a qualified HVAC technician to inspect your entire air conditioning system.

If you’d like to avoid dealing with a leaking evaporator coil, contact the AC repair and maintenance experts at Eagle Air Cooling & Heating by calling 480-748-1781.