[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:38px|text_align:left” google_fonts=”font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Coils in your AC unit need to be replaced from time to time, but knowing when to actually replace the coils in your HVAC system is another story. Having a condenser coil that is not working properly may have your HVAC unit blowing warm air, and unable to cool your home. This is not a cost-effective cooling system, because you will be wasting energy to do nothing. We are going to get into what coils are, when to replace an evaporator coil, how they work, and when it is time to replace your air conditioning system overall.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3001″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

How Do Evaporator and Condenser Coils Work?

Also known as an indoor coil, the evaporator located inside the furnace inline with the blower motor so air can run over it. The condenser coils are located outside in the A/C condenser unit, together the evaporator and condenser coils regulate the temperature in your home by absorbing the heat and moisture from the air.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Because coils are filled with cold refrigerant, the HVAC blower is able to pull air from inside the house and blow the hot air across the coils. Next, the coolant evaporates as it absorbs the moisture and heat from the air.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Finally, the condenser coil removes the heat from the refrigerant liquid, and cold air is produced. The same process occurs when attempting to make cold air hot in the winter, but during the summer these coils work harder to dehumidify the air as it makes the air cold.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Why Do Coils Fail?

There are many reasons why your evaporator or condenser coils fail.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][bsf-info-box icon=”fas fa-water” icon_size=”32″ title=”Erosion”]There are many reasons why your evaporator or condenser coils fail. The main reason your coils may fail is due to erosion. This is when the refrigerant wears down the inside lining of the coils, which causes them to weaken. Another reason why coils might weaken and need to be replaced is due to using certain coil cleaners. This can disintegrate the outside lining.[/bsf-info-box][vc_separator][bsf-info-box icon=”fas fa-leaf” icon_size=”32″ title=”Environment”]Where the coils are physically located can cause failures.  Coils located by the beach or in a salt air climate will cause coils to corrode.  Air pollution is another big factor in causing coils to wear out.  The acid and other chemicals in air pollution will attack the fins on the coils and cause them to wear down.  As the fins become smaller on the coils, the ability of the coils to transfer the heat to the air diminishes.  It is the fins on the coil that do most of the work since the air runs over and through fins, if there is less mass to the fins then there is less surface area to transfer the heat to the air.[/bsf-info-box][vc_separator][bsf-info-box icon=”fas fa-cloud-showers-heavy” icon_size=”32″ title=”Corrosion”]When your coils are simply old with use, they can become corroded over time. In this case, the coils are weakened and they are prone to refrigerant leaks. Once a leak has occurred, you will either need to replace the coil or, in some cases, replace the entire AC unit.[/bsf-info-box][vc_separator][bsf-info-box icon=”icomoon-the7-font-the7-clock-01″ icon_size=”32″ title=”Age”]The age of your AC unit is a good factor to examine when it comes to deciding whether you need to replace your entire HVAC unit, or only replace the coils. Typically the lifetime of an HVAC unit is anywhere from 10 to 15 years. This depends on how you have taken care of the coils, and the condition in which your unit exists. After 15 years, your AC unit will most likely show more problems.[/bsf-info-box][vc_separator][bsf-info-box icon=”fas fa-coins” icon_size=”32″ title=”Mismatched Coils”]The SEER rating refers to the efficiency rating of your HVAC unit. When replacing a coil you need to ensure that your coils match based on their SEER, age, and refrigerant. If you do not have matching coils, then you will see issues with the temperature regulation, you may see higher electric bills and a decrease in the lifetime of your unit.[/bsf-info-box][vc_separator][vc_single_image image=”3005″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]

Replacing Coils vs Replacing Your Unit

There are two coils in your unit, the evaporator/inside coil and the condenser/outside coil. If your unit is older than 10 years of age, you had it serviced recently, and it is still breaking down, it may be time to replace the unit. This is because your unit most likely has more problems than just the coil, and it is most likely more cost-effective.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Even if your unit is a bit younger than 10 years it may still be more cost-effective to replace the unit. This is because the coils may already be obsolete, and your replacement coils most likely would not function with the remaining coil. On top of that, if your old coil uses R-22 refrigerant, then you will not be able to find a matching coil due to these being extremely not eco-friendly. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In most cases with older coils (above eight years), replacing the whole unit with new coils, and then using a protective coating on the coils, will save you money overall. Although the investment may seem more expensive now, over the next five years you will spend less with a better result. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Protecting Your Coil Investment

If your coils are under eight years of age, then you have time to replace the coils that are not working and find more efficient coils to last you for the next few years. At Rahn Industries, we offer a variety of options. Whether you want to make your coils last longer, or simply need a replacement, we can help you. We offer the highest quality of coil protective coatings and coil replacements. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”Get a Quote” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Request Quote” btn_color=”danger” btn_i_align=”right” btn_i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-angle-right” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_el_class=”popmake-contact-us”]Contact us today by calling (800) 421-7070 to learn which solution will work best for you and your business.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row]