The evaporator coil is a core part of your air conditioning system. But most homeowners don’t think about it until there’s a problem. Think of the evaporator coil as the heart of your cooling system. It’s responsible for pulling heat out of your indoor air and keeping your home comfy.
However, like freezes in the evaporator coil, leaks in this component can play havoc with its efficiency and lead to water pooling around the unit. If you feel you have a leaking evaporator coil in Florence, SC, our One Hour Magic Air Conditioning & Heating team is ready to save the day. We deliver expert AC repair services and can get your system back in business in a heartbeat.
What Causes a Leaking Evaporator Coil
First off, how do these leaks even happen? It’s actually interesting. The main culprit is something you might not expect: chemical corrosion.
Those everyday household items you use, such as cleaning sprays, air fresheners, and even that new paint you just applied, can actually create a tiny amount of formic acid that eats away at the copper coils in your AC. The way it happens is that copper coils, when exposed to high humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, can form formic acid. This acid corrodes the copper, creating tiny holes that allow refrigerant to escape.
While your AC is like a delicate piece of machinery, those cleaning products and paints are basically kryptonite. If your home doesn’t have great ventilation, these chemicals build up over time, slowly wearing down the coil. It’s like death by a thousand tiny cuts.
More Causes
Chemical corrosion isn’t the only troublemaker. Mold and bacteria love hanging out in the moist environment around your AC evaporator coil (basically a five-star hotel for microscopic organisms). Over time, they can cause serious damage to your system.
Also, as we mentioned previously, environmental factors like excessive humidity and poor air circulation exacerbate the coil’s deterioration.
What Are the Clear Signs of a Leaking Evaporator Coil?
If you have a leaking evaporator coil, your AC will start sending out some not-so-subtle signals:
1. Poor Cooling
The air coming out isn’t as cool as it used to be. A leaking coil often results in not enough refrigerant, causing your system to struggle to cool your home.
2. Strange Smells
You might notice a strange sweet or chemical smell. Refrigerant leaks can produce a sweet or chemical-like odor.
This is not only a sign of a problem but also a potential health hazard.
3. Compressor Problems
Low refrigerant caused by leaks can prevent the compressor from activating properly or force it to work harder than normal. Over time, this strain can damage the compressor. And guess what? Your energy bills start creeping up, and your wallet suffers.
4. Uneven Temperatures
If your home experiences inconsistent temperatures, with some rooms feeling warmer than others, it could mean a problem with the evaporator coil.
These inconsistencies often result from a system struggling to distribute cooled air evenly.
How to Fix an Evaporator Coil Leak
Back to our initial question, “Can you repair a leaking evaporator coil?” Here’s the tough part. Fixing an evaporator coil isn’t like changing a light bulb. In most cases, unfortunately, you’re looking at a full replacement. Here is why:
1. Repair Challenges
Evaporator coils are complex components, making it difficult to locate and repair leaks successfully. In most cases, multiple small leaks happen simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of recurring issues. As you can imagine, repairs become less and less effective in this case.
2. Replacement Options
Rather than repairing a damaged coil, replacing it is often a better solution. Depending on your system’s age and condition, replacing the air handler or the entire HVAC system may be more practical.
You may be thinking about the cost, right? The good news is newer systems offer improved energy efficiency, which can help offset your initial investment over time.
3. Professional Solutions
Addressing an evaporator coil leak requires a professional’s expertise. DIY repairs are rarely a long-term solution.
Certified HVAC technicians have the tools and training to evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action.
Temporary fixes, such as sealing leaks or adding refrigerant, might offer you short-term relief but are rarely worth long-term. Trust us, investing in a replacement coil or system will save money and headaches in the future.
Prevention Is Your Best Friend for Future Leaks
To reduce the likelihood of leaks and keep your AC happy and healthy, here are some pro tips:
1. Use Low-VOC Products and Minimize Corrosion
Using cleaning products with low VOC content and installing an air purification system in your home can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion.
Controlling indoor humidity with a dehumidifier also helps protect the coil from environmental damage.
2. Maintain Indoor Air Quality with Proper Ventilation
Improve your home’s ventilation. Proper ventilation allows fresh air into your home, reducing the buildup of harmful compounds.
For example, you may install an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This can help replace stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, reducing VOC buildup, too.
3. Add UV Lighting
Consider also installing UV lights near the coil to prevent microbial growth. This protects the component, extending its life and maintaining clean airflow.
4. Regular System Maintenance
Routine HVAC inspections are key to avoiding coil problems. Technicians can check refrigerant levels, clean the coil, and find early signs of corrosion before they grow.
Regular upkeep is an investment that can prevent evaporator coil leak and major repairs down the line.
Pro Help to Deal with a Leaking Evaporator Coil
Evaporator coil leaks are more than just a minor inconvenience. They can seriously mess with your home’s comfort and your wallet. The earlier you catch and address these issues, the better off you’ll be. By reducing exposure to VOCs, maintaining air quality, and scheduling regular maintenance, you can stretch the life of your system and keep your home comfy.
If you’re dealing with evaporator coil leaks or other HVAC issues in Florence, SC, don’t stress! Give One Hour Magic Air Conditioning & Heating a call. Our techs can care for your leaking evaporator coils and solve your cooling problems faster than you say, “It’s hot here.”
Call today to schedule your service!