A clean evaporator coil is essential to your AC system’s performance.
The evaporator coil is an indoor-installed heat exchanger. You can find it near the furnace and blower. As air moves through the ductwork, it will pass over the evaporator coil to become cooler. The evaporator coil will essentially absorb heat from your home’s indoor air.
If your evaporator coil needs cleaning, however, you may notice some of the following signs.
#1) Mildew Odors
Mildew odors can occur if your evaporator coil needs cleaning.
Mildew is the result of fungus. Fungus, of course, may grow on your evaporator coil if it’s covered in dust. Fungus will feast on the dust while spreading throughout your evaporator coil.
When you turn on your AC system, this mildew-filled air will enter your home’s living spaces to create bad odors.
#2) Less Cooling Power
As dirt and dust build up on your evaporator coil, your AC system’s cooling power may decrease.
Evaporator coils must be clean in order for them to effectively absorb heat from the air. The dirtier your evaporator coil, the less heat will absorb.
If your AC system isn’t cooling your home like it should, your evaporator coil may need cleaning.
#3) Long Cooling Cycles
Because of its negative impact on cooling power, a dirty evaporator coil can lead to longer cooling cycles.
Your AC system will have to run for a longer length of time to cool your home. The evaporator coil won’t absorb as much heat from the air, resulting in longer cooling cycles.
#4) High Humidity
Another sign that your evaporator coil needs cleaning is high humidity. The evaporator coil doesn’t just remove heat from the air; it removes moisture as well.
Condensation will occur as heat transfers from the air to the evaporator. If your evaporator coil is dirty, less heat will be transferred to the evaporator coil, in which case less condensation will be produced.
This means more moisture vapor will remain inside of your home.
#5) Ice On the Evaporator Coil
The presence of ice on your evaporator coil may indicate that it needs cleaning.
It may sound like an unusual problem given that less heat will be transferred to the evaporator coil if it’s dirty. Nonetheless, your evaporator coil may freeze over if it’s dirty.
Too much dirt on your evaporator coil will cause the refrigerant inside of it to develop ice. The temperature of the refrigerant will drop, and depending on just how cold it gets, it may cause moisture on the outside of your evaporator coil to freeze.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
