The evaporator coils absorb indoor heat and transfer it through to the refrigerant for cooling. Any issues with the evaporator coils can impact your system's efficiency. For example, frozen coils can make your air conditioner fail. Additionally, dirt and debris can clog the coils, which further aggravates AC problems. Some obvious signs of damaged coils are warm air, unusual noises, and refrigerant leaks.

Here is an overview of the common evaporator coil issues and their possible solutions.

Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak reduces the coolant levels, which means your system can't absorb sufficient indoor heat. Consequently, the AC's performance drops, which ultimately affects comfort levels in your house. With reduced cooling efficiency, the system will likely overwork itself. The AC motor will be strained to its limits, causing an unexpected breakdown. 

Common causes of evaporator coil leaks are incorrect installation and worn-out coils due to old age. Fortunately, you can easily detect refrigerant leaks with regular maintenance. But never handle the fluid yourself because refrigerant is harmful and can adversely affect you if you inhale or touch it. So, enlist a professional to repair the evaporator coils to avert these health risks.

Frozen Coils

A frost layer forming on the indoor evaporator coils indicates serious trouble in your system. With frozen evaporator coils, your AC can't cool your home effectively.

Frozen coils mostly occur when your system has restricted airflow. For instance, a buildup of dirt or debris on the coils obstructs the heat exchange process. So, the coils can't extract heat from the air. As a result, the condensation process decelerates, which leads to frozen evaporator coils. 

In fact, if a small amount of debris or airborne particles clog your system's drain pipe, the moisture has nowhere to go, so it freezes around the coils. And although the system might continue to run, it can't heat your home properly. The solution to frozen coils is to ensure proper airflow and adequate refrigerant in your system. 

Evaporator Fan Malfunction 

The evaporator fan blows air across the coils to eliminate heat. If the blower fan motor malfunctions due to electrical issues, poor lubrication, or wear, the blower might fail. When this happens, your system can no longer cool your home. 

Some unmistakable signs of a bad evaporator fan motor include cold air, buzzing noises, or the fan running even after you turn off your AC. These types of issues require an expert's help to fix. 

If faulty evaporator coils cause loss of AC efficiency, call a professional an air conditioning repair service for diagnosis and repair. Also, keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure your AC stays reliable throughout the summer.

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