Why Do You Often Have AC Evaporator Coil Leaks?
Talking about an air conditioner’s evaporator coil may sound technical, but stick with us. This little component is basically a defender of your cooling system. It works behind the scenes to keep your home comfortable and dehumidify the air inside your home. So, if you ever wondered why your AC isn’t cooling like it used to, you could have an AC evaporator coil leak and didn’t even know.
A leaking evaporator coil is a sneaky problem you want to catch early. If you’re in Myrtle Beach, SC, experiencing this type of problem, our team at One Hour Magic Air Conditioning & Heating is here to jump into action with expert AC repair services.
For now, as we want to help you identify the issue promptly, here are common causes of evaporator coil leaks and the best ways to fix and prevent them.
What Causes AC Evaporator Coil Leaks?
Chemical Reactions and Corrosion
Evaporator coils are often made from copper, which can corrode when in contact with certain chemicals in the air. Believe it or not, your home’s everyday products could be sabotaging your AC.
Those cleaning sprays, air fresheners, beauty products, and even your favorite paint can create a nasty chemical cocktail — AKA volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — that eats away at your AC’s copper coils. It’s like slow-motion corrosion that you can’t even see happening.
Mold Growth
And wait to get us started on mold! These little troublemakers love to grow on your coil, creating the perfect environment for further damage. As a rule of thumb, we recommend regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent these yucky buildups.
Spotting AC Evaporator Coil Leak: What to Watch For
When you have problems with the evaporator coil, your AC will send you some SOS signals. Slow cooling, weak airflow, or frequent refrigerant refills are common signs of a leak. These issues suggest a loss of refrigerant, which directly affects the evaporator coil’s ability to cool effectively.
Watch for these signs:
- Weaker Cooling than Usual: If your AC isn’t cooling as effectively as it used to, a refrigerant leak may be the culprit.
- Strange Chemical-Like Smells: If you smell a sweet or chemical-like odor from your AC system, you often have a refrigerant leak.
- Compressor Problems: Leaks can break the pressure your AC need to function properly. This causes the compressor to work harder or fail altogether.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: If you feel uneven cooling or fluctuating temperatures, this could indicate that the refrigerant levels are low because of a leak.
Think of these symptoms as your AC’s way of saying it’s not feeling great. And if you notice any of these issues, call a pro to inspect your system ASAP.
A coil leak requires specialized tools and expertise. This is something that only licensed HVAC technicians, like those at One Hour Magic in Myrtle Beach, SC, can accurately diagnose and provide the right solution to.
Can You Fix an AC Evaporator Coil Leak?
Fixing AC evaporator coil leaks is typically not the most practical solution. The leaks are often small and widespread, making them difficult to find and seal properly.
We recommend replacing the coil or related components as the better alternative.
Replacement Options
Depending on the age and condition of your system, you may choose from the following:
- Coil Replacement: If the rest of the AC unit is in good shape, you can replace the evaporator coil to restore your system’s full power.
- Air Handler Replacement: If your air handler is also aging or damaged, swapping out it along with the coil may be more practical.
- Full System Upgrade: For older systems, upgrading to a new, energy-efficient HVAC unit could save money in the long run.
Trust the Experts
Look, DIY is great for many things, but AC repairs? That’s a job for the pros. Trying to patch up a leaking coil is like trying to patch a hole in a water balloon. It just doesn’t work well. Professional technicians can provide a long-lasting solution.
How to Prevent AC Evaporator Coil Leaks
Prevention is one of the favorite words we keep in our HVAC dictionary.
Here are some surprisingly simple tricks:
Go Low-VOC in Your Home
Start swapping out your household products for low-chemical alternatives. This step not only benefits your evaporator coil but also improves indoor air quality. We guarantee your AC (and your lungs) will thank you.
Bring in Fresh Air with Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs)
Consider an energy recovery ventilator. It’s like giving your home a breath of fresh air. Literally!
An ERV can help remove VOCs and other contaminants by cycling fresh air into your home while expelling stale air. This process improves air circulation without wasting energy and reduces the risk of corrosion.
Install UV Lights
Sounds sci-fi, but these can zap mold and bacteria before they become a problem and break your coil.
This solution is especially useful in humid climates where microbial growth is more common.
Manage Indoor Humidity
This trick goes hand-in-hand with the previous one. High humidity levels encourage mold growth and accelerate corrosion.
However, a great way to keep indoor moisture under control is by using whole-house dehumidifiers, especially during Myrtle Beach’s humid summers.
Routine Maintenance
Here is another of our favorite tech words: routine AC maintenance. When you’re on top of your AC maintenance, you can catch potential problems early. We’re talking about coil erosion or microbial growth.
So, it’s safe to say that cleaning, inspections, and tune-ups keep your system working soundly while extending its lifespan.
Choosing a Reliable HVAC Service for AC Evaporator Coil Leaks
Your AC is more than just a machine. It’s what keeps you cool, comfortable, and happy. On the other hand, evaporator coil leaks are a common issue that can throw your air conditioning system into disarray, impact performance, and increase energy costs.
But when you understand the causes, symptoms, and solutions, you can address these problems quickly and take steps to prevent future burdens. A little prevention goes a long way, though. To protect your AC from leaky evaporator coils, go low on those chemicals, control indoor humidity, and get regular checkups.
The bottom line is, want to keep your cool? Stay proactive, and don’t hesitate to call in the experts when something feels off. If you’re in the Myrtle Beach area and your air conditioner is giving you grief (or you’re having AC evaporator coil leaks), One Hour Magic has got your back. Our team of certified superheroes can diagnose and solve these tricky coil issues. That’s not all! We’re committed to keeping your home comfortable with high-quality work and customer care. Call today to schedule your service.