Your HVAC system relies on many components working seamlessly together to provide adequate air conditioning for your home or business. The evaporator coil is an essential part of your air conditioning system. It is responsible for making sure your AC blows cool air. For this to happen the coil must be in good condition and well-maintained.

Understanding the Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil sits in the indoor portion of your AC and is responsible for removing heat from the air that the AC blows into your house. The evaporator coil contains the refrigerant. As the air travels over the coil, the refrigerant begins to evaporate. This causes a heat exchange as the air cools down and the refrigerant heats up.

Evaporator coils are often made of copper since it conducts heat easily. The coils also often have extra metal fins to add surface area.

Your Evaporator Coil and Your HVAC System

The evaporator coil works in tandem with the condenser coil. After the refrigerant has evaporated, that gas travels to the condenser coil, which is located outside. In the condenser coil, the heat exchange happens the other way. The gas refrigerant cools down as it releases heat to the outside and becomes a liquid again. Together, these coils keep the coolant in your AC moving while removing heat from the air inside your home.

Typical Coil Maintenance Concerns

Condensation sometimes builds up on the evaporator coil. Because it’s indoors and in the dark, the condensation sometimes leads to mold growth. It is supposed to drain away into the drain pan, but sometimes a clog develops and causes overflows or causes water to back up which can lead to water damage and again, presents ideal conditions for mold growth. Your evaporator coil may also freeze, which impedes its ability to exchange heat with the air. A dirty or frozen evaporator coil can’t do its job, so it is important to have routine HVAC maintenance, which includes examining and cleaning the coil.

Has your AC been acting up lately? Has it been some time since your last HVAC maintenance appointment? Sun Kool is your experienced contractor for keeping your AC running like as it should. Call us today at 352-282-4763 for more information or to schedule an appointment.