Coils are an important part of a heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system.
Assuming your home uses a traditional split HVAC system, it should have two separate coils: an evaporator coil and a condenser coil, each of which features a series of thin and parallel metal fins.
Because they are so thin, though, coil fins can become dented. Maybe a recent storm caused hail damage that dented your home’s condenser coil fins, or perhaps you accidentally dented the evaporator coil fins when attempting to change the air filter.
Regardless, neglecting to straighten and repair the dented coil fins could lead to several problems with your home’s HVAC system.
Problems Caused By Dented Evaporator Coil Fins
If your home’s evaporator coil – the indoor unit – has dented fins, the HVAC system will struggle to create a cool environment during the summer.
The evaporator coil contains refrigerant that picks up heat from inside your home. When you run the air conditioner, refrigerant will collect heat from the indoor air. If the fins are dented or otherwise damaged, however, the evaporator coil may fail to collect a sufficient amount of heat from the air.
With a dented evaporator coil fins, you may notice a warmer-than-usual environment inside your home when running the air conditioner.
Strangely enough, it may cause ice to form as well. With an insufficient amount of heat absorbed from the air, the evaporator coil won’t warm up to an appropriate temperature. Instead, it will remain cold, which could lead to it or other refrigerant-containing components freezing over.
Problems Caused By Dented Condenser Coil Fins
Dented condenser coil – the outdoor unit – fins can cause similar problems, including poor air conditioning performance.
Like with the evaporator coil, refrigerant flows through the condenser coil. As it flows through the condenser coil, refrigerant changes from a vapor state to a liquid state, after which it circulates back into your home to repeat the cycle.
The purpose of the condenser coil is to dissipate heat that’s collected from inside your home.
If the fins are damaged, it won’t be able to perform this essential cooling process. Heat will remain trapped inside the refrigerant and, therefore, your home’s HVAC system. Your air conditioner may still turn on, but it won’t perform at its fullest potential.
What You Should Do
If either your evaporator or condenser coil has dented fins, you should get them repaired as soon as possible to improve the performance and efficiency of your home’s HVAC system.
Depending on the extent of the damage, a professional HVAC technician should be able to straighten them using a comb-like tool.
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.
