What Causes Evaporator Coil Leaks?

Evaporator coil leaks are a common problem with air conditioners. They can be pretty inconvenient for homeowners since the decreased energy efficiency can bump up the cost of your running AC. In addition, there are some apparent signs of evaporator coil leaks. Still, some symptoms may have different causes, so it is always best to seek the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician to find out the underlying problem of your air conditioner.

What causes evaporator coil leaks?

1. Manufacturing defect

A critical reason evaporator coils leak is because of the manufacturing product. These coils are often made out of thin copper. Because of how rapid heat transfers through copper can cause a natural wearing out that leads to leaks. But a significant culprit determines how fast these leaks will develop.

2. Coil corrosion is the leading cause of evaporator coil leaks

Corrosion tends to be the reason behind the overwhelming majority of evaporator coil leaks. Evaporator coils are made of metals, fins on the condenser, and other structural metal plates. Copper and aluminum are vulnerable to oxidation caused by exposure to water and oxygen.

3. Frozen evaporator coils

Another big reason the evaporator coil leaks is when the evaporator coil freezes over. When the coil automatically melts, there may be too much condensation for the pan to manage, so a good portion ends up in your home. A dirty air filter stops airflow to the evaporator coil, which then drops the temperature around it, causing it to freeze. It would be best if you regularly check the air filter and change it when it’s dirty.

4. Chemical reactions

Specific volatile organic compounds can react with the copper evaporator coils. Volatile organic compounds include materials such as aerosol sprays, air fresheners, cleaning solutions, or emissions from furnishings or building materials that have been handled with chemicals during manufacturing. When We can produce the volatile organic compounds, contact the copper of the coils, formic acid. This acid generates corrosion that eats through the coils and creates leaks.

What are evaporator coils? 

The evaporator coil is the part of the air conditioning system which absorbs heat. It is where cold air comes in. The primary function of evaporator coils is to convert the state from liquid to a gaseous state in the refrigerant. What are evaporator coils? The evaporator coils help in the occurrence of the entire process of heat transfer, and thus, a cold surface is created.

Replace evaporator coil or whole unit?

If you are looking for a complete AC replacement, it’s more costly than replacing an air conditioner coil. But sometimes, it’s a wise decision to make an expensive investment. Which is better- replace evaporator coil or whole unit? It all depends on the issue. Some problems, like clogged air filters, are relatively simple to fix. But other issues, like faulty condenser coils, are more complex, so replacing the whole unit is better.

Final words

It’s essential to avoid the reasons for evaporator coil leaks, so your system is sidelined. To learn more, contact Fairfax Air Cleaning. We have a team of the best expert professionals who have been providing outstanding HVAC services for many years. We can help you remove the causes of evaporator coil leaks and improve your home’s IAQ.