There is a highly important part of your air conditioner known as the evaporator coil. This part of the system is where the cooling process really happens. Refrigerant is cycled through the evaporator coil where it is evaporated into a gaseous state. This allows it to absorb heat which creates cooler air for your home.
Without your evaporator coil in proper working condition, you will notice that there are some problems with your air conditioner’s operation.
Let us explain what can happen if your evaporator coil gets too dirty and why it can quickly become a big problem.
The Issues Caused By a Dirty Evaporator Coil
Dirt getting into your AC and collecting onto your evaporator coil may not seem like a big deal at first. One or two days’ worth of debris usually isn’t a problem. But over the course of months, enough dirt can get onto your coil to start creating problems for your AC system.
If the coil becomes coated in a layer of debris, it will start to hinder the absorption of heat into your system’s refrigerant. This will lead to a reduction in the amount of cool air you receive and will also drive up your energy bills.
If allowed to go on long enough, a dirty coil can even freeze over. Over time, the refrigerant will start to cool the debris and any moisture trapped in it that are on the coil, rather than providing cool air for your home. This can create a layer of ice that builds up in your system and creates even more problems as things progress.
How a Dirty Coil Can Lead to a Break Down
As we mentioned dirt collecting along your evaporator coil is going to eventually cause some major problems for your system operation. After a while, you may notice that your AC starts to short cycle because it may be overheating. A dirty evaporator coil is also going to drive up your energy bills as it forces your AC to try to work harder to cool the house. Eventually, all of this additional wear and tear will add up and can lead to a full system breakdown and some expensive repairs.
Avoid a Dirty Coil With Maintenance
First things first, one of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of dirt getting into your system and onto your coil is to keep up with regular AC filter changes. This ensures that your filter captures as much debris as possible, keeping it out of the system. Filter changes should be done every one to three months.
You should also make sure to schedule AC maintenance in Columbia, SC, if you haven’t already. Doing so allows your technician to examine and clean your coil to prevent build-up. This can prevent the issue from occurring and can also address any possible debris that has already gotten into the system.
Whether you need help with a dirty evaporator coil or any other AC issues, you can rely on us. Contact Fulmer Heating & Cooling for an appointment with an expert technician.