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When your air conditioning system runs into issues in our hot and humid climate, you must resolve the problems quickly and efficiently. Thankfully, it is not always necessary to replace a malfunctioning AC unit entirely. Sometimes, replacing the evaporator coil is sufficient to bring the system back into proper service.
As the top AC repair company in Katy, TX, BVS will help you assess your situation and determine the best course of action. As customers often ask, “Should I replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit in Katy, Texas?” in this article, we will discuss some of the most important factors to consider.
What Evaporator Coils Do
Air conditioners cannot function properly without a correctly operating evaporator coil. The coil is responsible for absorbing heat and moisture from inside the air, so without an operating coil, the system will not cool the air at all.
Air conditioners do not produce cold air. They absorb inside heat and carry it outdoors while circulating the “conditioned” air back to the interior. Refrigerant chemicals must constantly circulate through coils that absorb heat until the inside air reaches the desired temperature set on your thermostat.
Every air conditioner has two separate coils: the evaporator “inside” coil and the condenser “outside” coil. The evaporator coil absorbs heat and converts refrigerant to a heated gas, while the condenser coil releases the heat outdoors, converts the refrigerant back to a liquid, and circulates it back inside to repeat the cycle.
The two coils are separate components but must operate together for your AC system to operate correctly. As we will see, simply replacing the evaporator coil can cause some significant problems. In many cases, the apparently cheaper option of replacing only a failed evaporator coil can actually be much more expensive than replacing an entire AC unit. That’s why evaluating whether you should replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit is crucial.
What Causes Evaporator Coil Failure in Katy, Texas
The evaporator coil is the heart of an air conditioning system and undergoes constant wear and tear. Over time, erosion of the coil is a common symptom, which wears down the inner lining of the evaporator. Some cleaning agents used on evaporator coils contain abrasive chemicals that also affect the performance of the coil’s outer lining.
Over time, that erosion weakens the coil surface, causing cracks to develop. Refrigerant begins to leak, typically lowering efficiency and escalating the erosion. Escaping refrigerant can also adversely affect interior air quality and cause health concerns.
As more refrigerant leaks out of the system, the unit loses efficiency until it stops cooling interior air at all. Replacing leaked refrigerant is only a temporary fix, as the underlying leaks will continue to affect the system’s performance.
Evaporator coils are rarely repairable and must be replaced when they have eroded and leaks have developed. That leaves the remaining question of whether replacing the evaporator coil or the whole unit is better when the problem arises.
When To Replace Just the Evaporator Coil
If your AC unit is relatively new, and a replacement evaporator coil is available that will work properly with your unit’s condenser coil, replacing the evaporator coil alone could likely be a more cost-efficient repair.
However, there are many times when it is more appropriate to replace the whole unit. The interactive relationship between the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils is why whole-unit replacement is often the best option.
When To Replace the Entire Unit
While coil replacement can be a less expensive option in the short term, there are several situations in which whole unit replacement in Katy, TX, is preferable:
1. Your AC Unit is Old
High-quality AC units have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years under typical use and with regular professional maintenance. Replacing individual components, like an evaporator coil, in an AC unit that is at or near its expected lifespan will likely only accelerate additional stress and wear on the remaining components, leading to the necessity of an entirely new unit but with the extra cost of the replacement coil.
2. SEER Mismatch
An AC system’s efficiency is measured using a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). When a replacement evaporator coil is not properly matched with its complementary condenser coil, the SEER mismatch can lead to higher energy bills, additional failures and repairs, and lowered air conditioner efficiency.
The U.S. Department of Energy has revised federal regulations regarding minimum SEER ratings for air conditioning systems. Of course, the regulations are constantly evolving and move toward requiring ever-greater efficiency in new components and units that are allowed to be sold and installed.
3. Your Current Unit Uses Obsolete R-22 Refrigerant
Older AC units often use R-22 refrigerants, which have been prohibited from production or distribution in the U.S. since 2020. The EPA determined that R-22 depletes the earth’s ozone layer and is a contributing factor to climate change. Additionally, R-22 is toxic when present in indoor and outdoor environments, and system leaks using the refrigerant can be hazardous to your health.
As a result, replacing components on R-22 systems has become increasingly difficult and costly.
Contact BVS To Replace Your AC System’s Evaporator Coil or the Whole Unit in Katy, Texas
If you see signs your air conditioner needs repair, you can rely on the BVS Rest Easy Pledge™ to assure you of professional assistance in making a fully informed decision about whether you should replace the evaporator coil or the whole unit in your AC system.
Our family-owned and -operated company has been serving Katy and the West Houston area since 1981, and our team of technicians are proud members of our local community. We maintain our reputation for unmatched customer service by building permanent relationships with customers and treating you as our neighbors.
Call BVS today at (281) 809-6417 for a free quote for evaporator coil replacement, a new AC unit, or any other AC service you need in Katy, Texas.
