Complete Cost Guide for AC Evaporator & Condenser Coil Replacement
If you own an AC unit, you may have noticed it slowing down or not working like it used to. Often this is because you need to replace one of the coils, or do other maintenance work on your AC unit. Understanding the different costs involved, you will be able to be informed when you are making decisions regarding your AC unit. Use this article as a guide for AC Evaporator & Condenser Coil Replacement Cost.
Read through the rest of this article to understand costs on both evaporator and condenser coil replacement, as well as other associated parts. You can also find tips that help you decide whether or not you should repair, versus replace your unit.
- Understanding AC Condenser Coils and Your AC System
- Condenser Coil Costs
- What to Consider When Replacing a Condenser Coil
- Evaporator Coil Costs
- Repair vs Replacement
Understanding AC Condenser Coils and Your AC System
AC Evaporator & Condenser Coil Replacement Costs
You might have seen a square-shaped, large box that sits outside your home. This plays an incredibly important part when it comes to heat transfer. It takes the refrigerant gasses and converts them into liquid form by way of the compressor. This process actually cools the refrigerant, which in turn releases the heat that came from your home. All the different parts of your AC unit work together to make it function effectively, these parts include:
- Compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant into a gas. This pushes it along the cooling loop.
- Condenser: Converts gas into a liquid which forces it to release the heat it has stored.
- Evaporator: Absorbs the heat from inside your house. This happens as the liquid flows through the evaporator coil and evaporates into a gas. Then it moves outside your home to the condenser to repeat the process.
Condenser Coil Costs
The unit that sits outside your home is called the condenser, or condensing unit, which obtains the HVAC Coil (condenser coil). It is called a condensing unit because the refrigerant that carries heat from inside your home will be condensed in the coil that is located inside your AC unit.
When this occurs, the heat is essentially wrang out of it. The heat flows through the coil fins and is scattered by the fan.
If you have been told by an HVAC professional that you require a new condenser coil (also known as an outside coil) then you might be interested to find out the general cost for this. As an HVAC coil manufacturer, Rahn Industries can offer valuable insight into the cost of this replacement.
How much does it cost to replace a commercial AC Coil?
Condenser coil costs vary when looking to replace one in your HVAC, but can be found in the range below.
| Coil Capacity | Part Only | Installation Cost | Total Costs |
| 1.5-2.0 ton | $575 – $800 | $475 – $650 | $1,050 – $1,450 |
| 2.5 ton | $625 – $975 | $535 – $750 | $1,160 – $1,725 |
| 3.0 ton | $735 – $1,055 | $600 – $835 | $1,335 – $1,890 |
| 3.5 ton | $775 – $1,025 | $775 – $985 | $1,550 – $2,010 |
| 4.0 ton | $855 – $1,360 | $840 – $1,075 | $1,695 – $2,435 |
| 5.0 ton | $1,000 – $1,595 | $950 – $1,200 | $1,950 – $2,795 |
What to Consider When Replacing a Condenser Coil
When having your condenser coil replaced, you will need all the remaining refrigerant to be removed from the system. It will also need to be disposed of properly, along with your oil coil. Finally, you should have new refrigerant added to your AC unit and test the system.
Although there are many different prices when it comes to condenser coil replacement, there are many factors that will influence your final cost: if your manufacturer’s warranty is still active, then you won’t need to pay for the cost of the replacement part. Alternatively in some cases, you may have a home warranty that covers HVAC repair. If this is your situation, then you most likely will only need to pay a portion of the parts and labor costs. Similar to purchasing tin foil from the market, you will find different types of coils that can be considered brand or generic. Spine fin and microchannel coil replacements are always manufactured by the brand. Typically standard coils are always generic, but you can use brand-name replacement parts as well.
There are four different types of common condenser coils:
- Standard Coil
- Spine Fin Coils
- Air-Cooled Condenser Coil
- Bare Tube Condenser Coil
The larger your unit’s size is, the greater its capacity. Additionally, the larger a unit’s capacity, the more the repair will cost. This is due to the part being larger, and it also requires more refrigerant which is expensive. Depending on where you live, the HVAC repair prices will vary. This means that if you live somewhere that generally has a high cost of living, your coil repair costs will increase as well.
Evaporator Coil Costs
Also known as the indoor coil, your evaporator coil holds refrigerant inside the tubing within the coil. This refrigerant evaporates when passing through a valve and collects heat from the air that goes over it. After the air is cold, it will then be pushed through into your home. As heat is removed from the air, the evaporator coil cools the air around it. Finally, moisture in the air condenses on the coil and will run into a drain. This not only cools the air but also dehumidifies it.
How much does it cost to replace a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 ton evaporator coil?
There is a huge range when it comes to evaporator costs.
| Coil Capacity | Uncased | Cased | Installation | Total Cost* |
| 1.5-2.0 ton | $185 – $565 | $340 – $825 | $400 – $595 | $585 – $1,415 |
| 2.5 ton | $230 – $780 | $425 – $985 | $445 – $650 | $675 – $1,635 |
| 3.0 ton | $265 – $1,000 | $500 – $1,350 | $515 – $675 | $780 – $2,025 |
| 3.5 ton | $300 – $1,115 | $565 – $1,475 | $550 – $725 | $850 – $2,200 |
| 4.0 ton | $410 – $1,240 | $695 – $1,600 | $595 – $750 | $1,005 – $2,350 |
| 5.0 ton | $430 – $1,395 | $875 – $1,725 | $665 – $925 | $1,540 – $2,650 |
Types of Evaporator Coils
- Uncased: These coils are installed inside of ductwork or a furnace cabinet. Typically if you are only replacing a coil, then you will use an uncased coil.
- Cased: Cased coils have their own cabinet, and would be replaced if you were also installing an air handler or other part on your HVAC.
Evaporator Coil Shapes
- A-coils: These look like an “A” and are the most common shape you will find. They are sloped and allow the moisture to condense on the coil before running into the drain.
- Slab coils: Flatter than other coils, these coils are used when your HVAC system is horizontal.
- N-coils: Because these coils have another area for heat to transfer, these are more efficient and are the most expensive.
Repair vs Replacement
Can HVAC Coils be repaired?
It can be difficult to decide when it is a better choice to repair your unit versus replace it. There are different pros and cons to each, and sometimes one is needed over the other.
Condensing Coils
When the condensing coils in your air conditioning unit fail, it is often more practical to replace the entire AC unit, especially if the system is no longer under warranty. This is because replacing just the condensing coils can be very costly. In some cases, the expense of repairing or replacing the coils may approach or even exceed the cost of installing a completely new system.
Additionally, by opting for a full replacement, you not only avoid the high cost of coil repairs, but you also gain the benefit of a brand new warranty. This warranty will typically cover the costs of repairs or replacement for a set number of years, giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to pay for major repairs out of pocket in the near future. Over time, this warranty can save you money on unexpected breakdowns and repairs, making the investment in a new AC unit a more financially sound decision in the long run.
Replacing the entire unit also gives you the opportunity to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, which could lower your utility bills and improve overall performance. So, while the upfront cost of replacing the entire system may seem high, it can ultimately provide you with better value, fewer maintenance headaches, and a longer-lasting, more reliable product.
Evaporating Coils
If your HVAC unit is less than 10 years old and still running smoothly, replacing the evaporator coil is usually the most cost-effective option. The evaporator coil plays an essential role in your air conditioning system. Replacing just the coil is often cheaper than replacing the entire unit, especially if the rest of the system is still in good condition.
If you’re trying to save money on the repair, you can consider opting for a universal replacement coil. Universal coils tend to be more affordable than brand-specific models, and they can fit many different systems. While they may not offer the same exact match as the original coil, they are still a reliable option that can get your AC back up and running without breaking the bank. Keep in mind that while the upfront cost of the coil might be lower, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional HVAC technician to make sure it’s the right choice for your system.
However, if your HVAC unit is over 10 years old or has already required multiple repairs, it might be time to consider replacing the entire system. While the cost of replacing an evaporator or condenser coil can be expensive, there are times when ongoing repairs will cost more in the long run. If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan or has already had several issues, replacing the whole unit could save you money in the future, as newer models are often more energy-efficient and come with warranties that protect you from future repair costs.
Total Cost of AC Evaporator or Condenser Coil Replacement
When deciding whether to repair or replace your system, it’s important to consider the total cost of AC evaporator & condenser coil replacement. A single coil replacement might cost a few hundred dollars, but replacing both the evaporator and condenser coils can add up to a larger expense. If your system is older and has other worn-out parts, it might make more sense to invest in a new air conditioning unit that will provide better efficiency, lower energy bills, and peace of mind with a new warranty. Replacing the entire unit also means you won’t have to worry about additional repairs anytime soon, saving you both time and money in the future.
In the end, it’s all about balancing the cost of repairs with the benefits of a more efficient, reliable system.
Making Your Decision
After reading the AC Evaporator & Condenser Coil Replacement Cost Guide and still having a bit of trouble deciding which types of coils you need, what the trouble is with your HVAC unit, or whether you should repair or replace, contact us today. We can help you decide what you need, the parts that fit into your budget, and if you should make the decision to repair or replace it.