Rusted Evaporator Coils: Causes and Consequences

Whether you have a rusted evaporator coil or an ailing blower motor, BVS Home Experts can help—call us today!

Your air conditioning unit may seem to be running fine until one day you discover warm air blowing from the vents. The top reason for an air conditioner that stops blowing cool air is a refrigerant leak caused by a rusted evaporator coil. 

As the most reliable air conditioning repair in Katy, TX, BVS Home Experts offers some insight into your heating and cooling unit’s evaporator coil and what to do if it fails. We are also available 24 hours a day for all HVAC emergencies, so be sure to call us when you need us.

The Presence of Rust Is Normal But Needs Attention

Katy’s above-average humidity levels mean that seeing rust on home appliances and fixtures is fairly normal. Rust can be an inconvenience, but will you still end up sweating away in the middle of the Texas summer if you know how to prevent it? That depends on how far along the problem is.

Finding rust on an air conditioning unit is never good. It seems to come out of nowhere and can end up eating into the metal surface to cause extensive damage. Catching it early helps, but rust that goes unnoticed leads to excessive repair bills.

What’s the solution? Regular maintenance and inspections of the unit. If you notice rust around the coils, be sure to call a team like BVS Home Experts for immediate assistance.

Corrosion On Your Evaporator Coil Costs You Money

Corrosion is a result of formic acid exposure that happens on many household appliances in Texas. Believe it or not, the cleaning solvents from your weekly cleaning routine may cause this corrosion. It also happens with high humidity. 

Have your HVAC coils suffered from moisture exposure for an extended period? This exposure creates the perfect environment for corrosion. And degrading coils don’t work well.

Typically, refrigerant moves through the evaporator coil during the cooling cycle. This process removes warmth from the existing air in your home, leaving only cool air. However, as corrosion spreads, the efficiency of the air conditioning unit dips, and the unit has to work harder to maintain these ideal temperatures—energy bills climb quickly thereafter.

Refrigerant Leaks Make Climate Control Impossible

When the corrosion remains on the evaporator coils for an extended time, a refrigerant leak is inevitable. An air conditioner heralds refrigerant leaks by blowing warm air through the vents as refrigerant spills out of the rusted evaporator coil.

Leaks don’t just form on the evaporator coil. As your air conditioning unit ages, parts shake loose and vibrate. And as the vibrations grow stronger, they damage the delicate inner workings of your air conditioning unit.

Refrigerant leaks might be a pinhole size when they start so that not much refrigerant can escape from the condenser coil. However, the hole will increase in size to let out increasing amounts of refrigerant until your air conditioning unit can no longer provide cool indoor air.

Avoid the Final Consequences of a Rusted Evaporator Coil and Get Professional Assistance

A rusted evaporator coil brings many issues with it as it wears away. When your air conditioning unit forms rust on the evaporator coil, it may develop a small leak that goes undetected for weeks or months until the unit can no longer work properly. As this happens, the air conditioning unit will also begin to struggle to run or run longer and longer to lower the temperature within your home. 

What happens when an air conditioner runs for an extended time with too little refrigerant? You will certainly find significant problems forming elsewhere within the unit. What starts as a small amount of corrosion ends in a complete air conditioning unit replacement without timely intervention.

So, taking proactive measures to maintain your air conditioning unit will keep refrigerant running freely through your unit and help it run as efficiently as possible.

Coatings Could Protect the Coil from Corrosion in Katy, TX

During the manufacturing process, responsible Katy, TX, technicians will discuss whether to apply protective coatings to your evaporator coil. Safeguarding the coils this way helps efficiency, but only if the technician can find a delicate balance.

  • Too much protective coating will mean your air conditioning unit won’t function optimally. 
  • Too little coating will allow rust to permeate your air conditioning unit prematurely. 

Don’t worry; experienced HVAC manufacturers and service providers like BVS Home Experts will know the exact amount to apply for optimal use.

Maintaining a Unit With Professional Service Pays For Itself

It is normal for corrosion to form on your evaporator coil at some point during the life of your air conditioning unit. So, the best way to extend the life of your evaporator coil and the unit itself is through regular maintenance from an experienced professional like BVS Home Experts.

During a maintenance call, an experienced HVAC technician will do the following:

  • Examine your air conditioning unit inside and out
  • Detect and remedy loose screws to prevent vibration from damaging your coils
  • Detect and repair damaged parts, including rusting evaporator coils

As long as corrosion has not grown out of control, a simple cleaning with a special brush and cleaning solution will restore your coils to a like-new state. With regular cleaning from a trusted HVAC technician, there’s more chance of detecting those pinhole-sized leaks to maximize your unit’s energy efficiency. Small leaks are much easier to repair.

Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance in Katy, TX, Today!

A rusting evaporator coil is normal during the lifetime of your air conditioner. However, it is also easily preventable when you know the importance of AC tune-up sessions with companies like BVS Home Experts. Keep you and your family cool for years to come with regular maintenance that helps you avoid heating and cooling emergencies.

A rusted evaporator coil is a great reason to call the BVS Home Experts at 281-916-8699, and we’re available 24 hours a day to ensure you can stay cool and comfortable in Katy, TX, and the surrounding areas.

Author Bio:

Ronald Via

Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.

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