The Life Expectancy of AC Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils are the primary component of your AC system. If they fail, your entire system will fail, and you’ll likely have to replace your unit. How long do AC coils last? If you keep up on maintenance, the life expectancy of an AC coil in Fair Oaks, CA will range from 10 to 15 years. Here is an explanation of AC coils, their role in air conditioning and how to take care of them.

What are AC coils?

The AC coils are located under the blower fan of your AC unit. In most homes, this is located in the attic or a utility closet.

The coils are comprised of aluminum or copper tubing. Most units contain coils that are serpentine shaped and curve through a grid of fins. These are the cooling fins which absorb heat from the air and cool the air that is later distributed through the ductwork system in your home.

When repair technicians address any coil issues in your AC, they will normally access the blower fan through ductwork or a service port. There are cases where access isn’t so straightforward, and the solution involves cutting through a duct to get to the coils. From there, the technician can finish repairs and seal the opening or create a service port to allow access for future maintenance.

Signs of trouble

As mentioned above, AC coils can last for 10 to 15 years. If they don’t last that long, and you’ve kept up with maintenance, you can likely have them repaired through a warranty. However, that warranty is void if you don’t keep up with maintenance.

Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the filters. When the filter gathers too much dirt and pollen, it will allow that debris to reach the AC coils. Since coils are usually covered with condensation, the dirt sticks to them and affects their efficiency. Also, this allows the dirt to continue accumulating until the coil cannot function. Corrosion, air leaks and breakdowns are also possible.

However, time can also lead to breakdown even with the best-maintained AC systems. Signs that indicate you need to replace coils include:

• HVAC struggles to transition between heat and cooling
• Warm air comes from your vents when the AC is activated
• Leaks around your AC unit
• AC fails to activate
• AC shuts down before your home is cooled
• New sounds like bangs, clangs and hisses

If you replace your AC coils, it’s often a good idea to replace your compressor at the same time. Both of these components work together to provide cooling efficiency, and combining new coils with an old compressor often leads to further repair issues. While this can be a large upfront expense, it is worth it for avoiding future repair costs.

Now that you know how long AC coils last, consider reaching out to Cassel Air Conditioning and Heating Service in Fair Oaks, CA if you feel the life expectancy of an AC coil in your system is too short. We’re your air conditioning experts, and we can help you diagnose any issues with your system. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Air Conditioner Maintenance

This post was written by Writer