What do you know about evaporator coils? You might have come across this term when dealing with heating and cooling components. We can help you discover what evaporator coils are and the role they play in your heating or cooling unit. Learn more about evaporator coils below.
What are evaporator coils?
An evaporator coil is a component of your air conditioning or heating system whose function is to absorb heat from the indoor air. This component can be found inside the air handler or near the furnace.
The evaporator coil is made of a sequence of tubes that carry cold refrigerant which is responsible for absorbing heat from the air. These tubes are made of highly conductive materials like aluminum, copper, or steel. The tubes are also lined with fins to increase the surface area for efficient heat transfer.
Evaporator coil works alongside the condenser coil to complete the heat exchange process and effectively cool or heat your home.
What do evaporator coils do?
As the refrigerant in the evaporator coil is cooled by the blower fan, it absorbs the heat from the air inside your room through the coiled tubes. The cooled air is then blown into the supply ducts and released back into your home.
Moisture in your warm indoor air also condenses when it gets into contact with the cold evaporator tubes and is expelled outside making your room free of humidity. After absorbing heat from the air, the refrigerant becomes warm turning into gas and flows towards the condenser coil located outdoors. The hot air in the refrigerant is then released into the atmosphere through the condenser tubes while the refrigerant condenses and the heat transfer cycle is repeated. In a heat pump, the evaporator coil expels hot air inside your home as opposed to the air conditioner where the heat is expelled outside.
Where are evaporator coils used?
Evaporator coils are used in various industrial applications including:
- Transit cooling
- HVAC
- Ground support
- Military
- Electronics cooling
- Desalination plants
- Food processing
- Oil fields
- Heat recovery
How long do evaporator coils last?
Evaporator coils can last for about 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Routine maintenance can also help you maintain the functionality of your cooling or heating system. Some of the maintenance practices you should carry out include:
Regular cleaning and servicing
Dirt, grime, and debris can affect the functionality of your evaporator coils. This could lead to overworking your unit and increased energy bills. You can avoid this by regularly cleaning your evaporator tubes.
Alternatively, you can hire an expert to effectively handle the cleaning for you. Your expert can also service your system to detect and eliminate problems
What are the signs of a faulty evaporator coil?
There are several signs that could indicate issues with your evaporator coil including:
Warm air from your vents
When you constantly experience warm air even when you have adjusted your unit to produce cold air, there could be a problem with your evaporator coil. In this case, you can hire an expert to conduct an inspection and rectify the issue to avoid costly repairs in the future and restore your comfort.
Refrigerant leaks
If you notice leaks on your unit, it could be a result of evaporator coil issues. Your seal might be broken or your condensate line blocked. The leaks could also be caused by melting ice due to the regular freezing of your system. You should consider seeking the help of an expert to establish the cause of the issue.
Evaporator coils are crucial elements of your heating and cooling system that facilitate efficient heat transfer. A properly maintained evaporator coil can provide a long service life while still functioning effectively. If you require more information, reach out to us today.
