Evaporator Coils
What Are Evaporator Coils? How Do They Function?
An evaporator coil is an integral part of an air conditioning system. They look like a network of metal pipes found inside your air conditioner within your home. They are usually made out of copper or aluminum. Evaporator coils contain refrigerants which are cooling substances that are responsible for creating the cold air in a refrigerator and air conditioner.
Assuming you have central air conditioning with a forced air system, when you turn on your AC, the warm air is diverted to the evaporator coils inside the air conditioner. The evaporator coils are very cold and are excellent at absorbing heat and humidity.
The warm air and moist air from your home is cooled and dried by the evaporator coils. The cool and dry air is then recirculated around your home through ventilation ducts. The warm and humid air that the evaporator coils absorbed is sent to the condensing coils located in the outdoor AC unit where it is released outdoors.
What Are Some Common Issues With Evaporator Coils?
There are many issues that can arise with evaporator coils in an air conditioner. Because air is constantly being blow in and out, dust and dirt can rapidly accumulate on evaporator coils. This can reduce its efficiency and spread dust and dirt all over your house. Another problem is moisture. If water that occurs as a result of the cooling of warm air is not properly drained it can accumulate on the coils.
The water can cause bacteria to grow which can be unhealthy and also cause corrosion damage to the coils. Freezing is another common issue with evaporator coils. This can be caused by a low amount of refrigerant or inadequate air flow to the evaporator coils. Frozen coils reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. In the worst case scenario, frozen evaporator coils may stop an air conditioner from functioning.
How do I Properly Maintain Evaporator Coils In My Air Conditioner?
The best way to ensure optimum performance of the evaporator coils in an air conditioning unit is to hire a licensed HVAC technician to clean and inspect the evaporator coils. The technician will be able to clean the coils safely and adjust the level of refrigerant if necessary. They will also be able to
spot and correct issues such as drainage problems, inadequate airflow and worn mechanical parts.
There are some things that you can do yourself. If you can, clean the air filter and change it constantly to ensure you keep the evaporator coils clean of dirt, dust and any other debris. This will also ensure better air quality for your entire home. Keep the area around the air conditioning unit both indoor and outdoor clean.
Plants and other objects can clog the evaporator coils and the condenser coils reducing its efficiency and even causing damage. Try to have a clear space around the AC unit indoors and outdoors if possible.
If you need any assistance with your evaporator coils on your Manchester HVAC unit, Call Skovron Mechanical Services LLC. today at (603) 674-9885, and get the right answers and assistance from the experts.
