Your home’s HVAC system has many interacting components that come together to maintain a comfortable and healthy living environment. One of these critical components of the HVAC system is the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil is a component that plays an essential role in cooling and dehumidifying your indoor air. But what exactly are the evaporator coils, how do they work, and why is it so important to keep them clean? Today, Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning would like to answer these important questions.

How Does an Evaporator Coil Work?

Evaporator coils are part of the indoor unit of your HVAC system, typically found near the air handler. These coils are made from metals that conduct heat easily, such as copper, surrounded by aluminum fins for more efficient heat transfer. The primary job of the evaporator coil is to absorb heat from the air inside your home. Here is a breakdown of the cooling process and the evaporator coils role:
• The HVAC system pulls in warm air from inside your home through the return ducts and passes it over the cold evaporator coils.
• The refrigerant inside the coils absorbs the heat from the air. This process will then transform the refrigerant from a low pressure gas into a high pressure liquid.
• The cooled air will then circulate back into the home, effectively reducing the indoor temperature.
• The heat absorbed refrigerant is then pumped to the outdoor unit which is the condenser, where it is condensed and the heat is released outside of the home.
• The refrigerant that is now cooled will transform back into a low pressure gas and returns to the evaporator coil starting the whole process over again.

Is Evaporator Coil Cleaning Necessary?

Over time, dust, debris, and other pollutants will accumulate on top of the evaporator coils. As these contaminates build up they create a blanket that impedes the heat transfer process and forces the HVAC system to work harder to cool the air. When the evaporator coils are dirty, certain consequences will occur, such as:
• Decreased Efficiency
• Reduced Cooling Capacity
• System and Mechanical Damage
• Poor Indoor Air Quality

How Do You Clean AC Evaporator Coils?

Routine tune-ups or maintenance of your HVAC system will include cleaning the evaporator coils. While some homeowners may choose to clean the coils themselves, it’s often best to seek the services of a professional HVAC technician. Improper cleaning of the evaporator coils can cause damage to the rather delicate fins on the coils. A professional cleaning involves using a special coil cleaner that can effectively remove the build-up without damaging the coils. The technician will inspect the coils, apply the cleaning solution, and then rinse the coils. It’s also important to clean the area around the evaporator coil, including the drain pan and drain line, to ensure a healthier cooling system.

Central Air Conditioner Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts

Maintaining clean evaporator coils is essential to your home cooling system. If you notice that your HVAC isn’t cooling efficiently or has ice developing on your air conditioner, you most likely need to have your coils cleaned. For quality HVAC services, contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning today.