The evaporator coil is the part of your air conditioning system that absorbs heat from the air inside your home. The coil is either located on the inside of the air handler or attached to the furnace.  

Refrigerant enters the evaporator coil through the copper pipes connected to the outdoor unit. This refrigerant then absorbs heat from the air blowing over it. All the moisture present in the air is condensed into water on the coil. From here, the water gets collected into the drain pan. The warm refrigerant then flows to the outdoor unit, and the heat is transferred to the outdoor air. The cycle then repeats continuously to keep your home cool.  

It is essential to keep your evaporator coil clean to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Dirty evaporator coils can increase the energy consumption of your AC and cause several other problems, such as poor cooling performance. Here are some signs and symptoms of dirty evaporator coils:  

Reduced cooling performance 

This is one of the most obvious and noticeable signs of a dirty evaporator coil. If your air conditioner is not cooling your home as it should, or if you notice warm air coming from your vents, it could be a sign of a dirty evaporator coil. When the coil is dirty, the surface area available for heat transfer is reduced. The dirt prevents the coil from absorbing heat effectively from the indoor air. The dirt and debris can also restrict air passage and reduce the amount of air coming in contact with the coil, which reduces airflow and air circulation.  

Frozen coil  

When dirt and debris accumulate, restricting the amount of heat that the evaporator coil can absorb, condensation will build up on the coil, and moisture will turn into ice. When the evaporator coil becomes frozen, the air conditioner may eventually break down and stop cooling your home.   

Air conditioner runs longer 

Another common symptom of a dirty evaporator coil is that the air conditioner will run for a longer duration to reach the desired temperature. This happens because the debris that is accumulated on the evaporator coil acts as an insulator and prevents heat from being absorbed effectively. This forces the air conditioner to work harder and run longer to reach the desired temperature.  

Dirty evaporator coil Can Cause High indoor humidity 

The evaporator coil removes heat and moisture from the air, thereby reducing the humidity in your home. When the evaporator coil is dirty or clogged, this does not happen, and your home may feel more humid than usual.  

Increased energy consumption 

A dirty evaporator coil can cause the air conditioning system to work harder than usual to maintain the desired temperature. This leads to increased energy consumption. The increased energy consumption could also be due to reduced cooling capacity. When the dirty coils restrict airflow through the coil, the cooling performance is reduced, and the system has to run longer cycles to meet the cooling demand. This increases energy consumption. Another reason behind increased energy consumption could be the system trying to maintain the refrigerant pressure and temperature.  

Unpleasant odors 

Dirty evaporator coils can cause unpleasant odors because when moisture accumulates on the coils, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your air conditioner inspected and repaired by an experienced technician. Get in touch with us to schedule a visit by our technician to maintain your AC system for cleaner and healthier air.