How to repair an evaporator coil in your air conditioner & other common problems

The evaporator coil plays a vital part in the cooling process of your air con unit. The coil cools the refrigerant so that it can absorb the heat from your home. When this component decides to give in and your air conditioning no longer blows cool air, this can be frustrating. 

So, the evaporator coil in your air conditioning system has stopped working. This can leave you uncomfortable and stressed. But don’t panic - we are here to help. At BOXT, we have put together this handy guide to help you out with any issues your evaporator coil is having. 

We always recommend that you call a professional to fix any problems with your air conditioning. 

Signs of a damaged evaporator coil 

If you’re wondering how to tell if your evaporator coil is damaged, here are some pointers:

• Your air conditioning won’t turn on  
• The vents are blowing out warm air
• Your air conditioning system starts and stops frequently 
• The refrigerant is leaking 
• There are unusual noises coming from the units
• There is an increase in your energy bills (the system is having to work harder to cool your home)

5 of the most common problems 

A leaking coil 

If your evaporator coil starts leaking, your air conditioning system will need to work a lot harder to cool the air which can cause it to break down. 

This may happen in older air conditioning systems, however if a leaking evaporator coil occurs when your system is relatively new, this could be due to a manufacturing defect or a poorly installed coil. 

A leaking coil should always be replaced, not repaired. It is highly recommended that you call a professional to fix this. 

A frozen coil 

If your evaporator coil is frozen, you will find ice forming around the coil. 

You can solve this problem by calling a professional. Luckily, this issue can be repaired and doesn’t call for a replacement. 

If you want to attempt to fix the issue yourself, which we don’t recommend, you should begin by turning off your A/C system to give the coil a chance to thaw out. This should take around 24 hours. If you need your A/C system before this time, try blowing warm air on the coil with the help of a hairdryer, but do not overheat it. 

Next, check the air filters. Clean the air filter to ensure no dust or dirt is blocking it. Clean the coil itself. Check it for any damage. Top up the refrigerant and check for leaks. 

If your coil continues to freeze, call a professional. 

A dirty coil 

If the evaporator coil inside your system is dirty, it can lead to poor performance. Wipe around the coil and clean it well to ensure optimum efficiency. 

You should clean the coil often to remove dust and allow it to perform at its best, this way, the coil will be less likely to develop problems. This also prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. 

The refrigerant is running low

If the refrigerant is running low, the evaporator coil has nothing to cool to stop working. 

Top up your refrigerant and monitor it often. If you think you are topping the refrigerant up too frequently - check for leaks. 

The fan has stopped working 

The fan is an essential part of the cooling process as it blows air across the evaporator coil. Without the fan, the evaporator coil cannot function properly. 

If you are having problems with your fan, you should call a professional to have a look. 

Maintenance is the key 

Now you know that your evaporator coil can develop problems related to poor maintenance, it is essential to look after it.  You should do this by cleaning it regularly and replacing the coil if it is faulty. 

If these quick fixes aren’t enough for you and you are still having issues - you may need professional help, call BOXT on 0800 193 7777 or message us using our online Live Chat service. Our qualified technicians can quickly attend to any problems you are having.