Is your air conditioning system no longer blowing cool air? It’s time to replace the evaporator coil. Here’s how to do it.

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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, your </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning unit</a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is no longer blowing cold air - this likely means it&rsquo;s time to replace the evaporator coil. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/what-does-the-evaporator-coil-do-in-an-air-conditioner" rel="follow"><span style="font-weight: 400;">evaporator coil</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, also known as the condenser coil, plays a central part in cooling the warm air that circulates within the air conditioner. So, if you find that your air conditioning doesn&rsquo;t seem to be as cool as it once was - it&rsquo;s likely to be <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/repairing-an-evaporator-coil" rel="follow">a problem with the evaporator coil</a>.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">BOXT</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, we highly recommend that repairs should be carried out by a professional, but if you are somewhat experienced and want to try it for yourself then here&rsquo;s what to do. With the right knowledge, replacing an evaporator coil can be pretty simple.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>How to tell if your evaporator coil needs replacing</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Besides the air conditioner no longer blowing cool air, </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-leaks"><span style="font-weight: 400;">leaks</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are another sign that your evaporator coil needs replacing. If you find that there are leaks around your air conditioning units, closely inspect the condenser coil for any damage. If the coil is cracked or damaged in any way, it needs replacing.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>A step-by-step guide to replacing the evaporator coil&nbsp;</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not only is replacing the evaporator coil a lengthy job, the cooling agent will need to be disposed of correctly without it leaking into the environment as this can lead to all sorts of fines. It is always better to contact a professional if you are having </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-problems"><span style="font-weight: 400;">problems with your air conditioning</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h3><b>Step 1 - Remove the coil</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Before you do this - turn off the air conditioning. First you should cut the inbound and exit tubes, but be careful - the gas will begin to leak. If you are unsure of how to dispose of the </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-refrigerant"><span style="font-weight: 400;">refrigerant gas</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> you should contact an expert.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h3><b>Step 2 - Replace the coil</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Insert the new coil into the existing ports and solder this into place.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h3><b>Step 3 - Replace the coolant&nbsp;</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vacuum out any air from the lines. If the coolant is not at the correct level - top it up.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h3><b>Step 4 - Test the air conditioner&nbsp;</b></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To test that the <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> is working properly, turn it back on, and you are all set to go! If, in the unlikely case that your air conditioning does not turn back on, inspect the unit for any further problems or call a professional to help.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Still struggling?&nbsp;</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information on evaporator coils or with help replacing them, talk to a member of our team on </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">0800 193 7777 or by using our online </span><a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Live Chat</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> service. Our team is always happy to help with any kind of query.</span></p>

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How to install a new evaporator coil in your air conditioner

Ensure your air conditioning unit stays in good working order here and discover the signs your evaporator coil may need to be repaired or replaced. 

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<p>Evaporator coil leaks or breakages in your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> can be hugely frustrating and, if not detected quickly, expensive to fix.</p>
<p>To help you avoid paying hefty fees for a new evaporator coil, we put this guide together.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here, we explore the common reasons for broken or leaking evaporator coils, what causes them, and, most importantly, what you can do to mitigate the risk of needing an evaporator coil replacement.</p>
<h2>What is an evaporator coil?</h2>
<p>An AC evaporator coil is typically located near the system fan in the indoor unit of an air conditioner. The coil is made from metal, usually copper, aluminium or steel, as these conduct heat well. In terms of what it looks like, the evaporator coil features a series of tubes that wind around A-shaped panels. These panels are also lined with thin pieces of metal, which maximise the cooling by guiding passing air into the coil.</p>
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We cover what an evaporator coil is, what it does, and how you can maintain it to avoid any mishaps.

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Want to learn more about evaporator coils?

<h3>What does the evaporator coil do?</h3>
<p>The evaporator coil plays a vital part in the cooling process of your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> unit. The coil cools the refrigerant to absorb the heat from your home. If this component becomes broken or faulty, and your air conditioning no longer blows cool air, it can be very frustrating.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to learn more? Read our &lsquo;<a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-refrigerant" rel="follow">What is air conditioning refrigerant</a>&rsquo; guide.</p>
<p>So, the evaporator coil in your air conditioning system has stopped working. This can leave you uncomfortable and stressed. But don't panic - we put together this handy guide to help you out with any issues your evaporator coil is having.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Common evaporator coil problems</h2>
<p>Before we get into the ins and outs of evaporator coils, their common faults, and what might have caused them, here are some telltale signs that you have a broken or leaky evaporator coil:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your air conditioning won't turn on &nbsp;</li>
<li>The vents are blowing out warm air</li>
<li>Your air conditioning system starts and stops frequently</li>
<li>The refrigerant is leaking</li>
<li>Unusual noises are coming from the units</li>
<li>There is an increase in your energy bills - this may indicate that the air conditioning unit is having to work harder to cool your home</li>
</ul>
<p>In terms of fixing issues, you should only attempt to repair leaks or a broken evaporator coil if you're a trained HVAC professional. Otherwise, you risk voiding your air conditioner's warranty and exacerbating the issue, making it more expensive to fix.</p>
<h3>1. Leaking evaporator coil</h3>
<p>If your evaporator coil starts leaking, your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning</a> system will need to work a lot harder to cool the air, which can cause it to break down.&nbsp;</p>
<p>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.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A leaking coil should always be replaced, not repaired, and you should call a professional to fix this.</p>
<p>Leaky evaporator coils are more common in older air conditioners and mean that the system will have to work a lot harder to cool air. Ultimately, leaking coils can cause air conditioning units to break down unless the problem is rectified quickly.</p>
<h4>What causes evaporator coil leaks?</h4>
<p>These things commonly cause evaporator coil leaks:</p>
<ul>
<li>A reaction that can occur when copper, water, and volatile organic compounds combine to create formic acid, corroding the copper tubing</li>
<li>Holes in the pipes that form due to excessive vibrations from aluminium fins</li>
<li>A build-up of mould that weakens the pipework</li>
</ul>
<p>An evaporator coil leak can happen when dirt and debris are left to build up, making it essential you have your air conditioning unit serviced regularly, especially before the warmer months when you'll rely on your cooling system most.</p>
<h3>2. Frozen coils</h3>
<p>If your evaporator coil is frozen, you'll find ice forming around the coil. Luckily, this issue can be repaired, so you won't need to pay for a new evaporator coil.</p>
<p>Although thawing AC evaporator coils may be as straightforward as turning off the system and giving it a chance to thaw out, you must inform a fully qualified HVAC technician about the problem so they can inspect any additional damage.</p>
<p>The engineer will also check the system to ensure there are no blockages or refrigerant leaks. Frequent freezing could be a sign that there is a more severe issue with your AC system, so you must get it checked out as soon as possible.</p>
<h4>What causes frozen coils?</h4>
<p>The common reasons for evaporator coils freezing in an HVAC unit are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Low refrigerant levels: Air conditioners need a certain amount of refrigerant to ensure adequate performance. Too little, and the system may freeze up.</li>
<li>Blocked condensate drain line: The condensate line expels excess water from the cooling system; if this line blocks and water collects near the evaporator coil, it can freeze because it is the coldest part of an AC unit.</li>
<li>Dirt and debris in air filters and vents: Air conditioners need airflow to function correctly. If a filter or duct is obstructed, e.g. by dirt and debris, the coils may get too cold, accumulating ice.</li>
<li>Faulty thermostat: Problems with your thermostat may mean it senses the wrong temperature, resulting in over-cooling and, eventually, frozen evaporator coils.</li>
</ul>
<h3>3. Dirt in the coil</h3>
<p>A dirty evaporator coil can have a significant impact on the performance of your AC and the air quality inside your home. The following symptoms can all be signs that dirt has built up in the evaporator coil:</p>
<ul>
<li>Increased energy consumption</li>
<li>Reduced performance and capacity</li>
<li>The unit produces an unpleasant smell</li>
</ul>
<h4>What causes dirt in evaporator coils?</h4>
<p>As air passes through your AC system, small dirt particles can be picked up. Once these start to collect, they can remain in the evaporator coil, reducing the airflow performance of your unit.</p>
<p>To manage this problem, you should ensure the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is kept free of obstructions.</p>
<h3>4. The refrigerant is running low</h3>
<p>As the refrigerant passes through your <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a>, it cycles between gas and liquid states, being recirculated through the system. So, in theory, the refrigerant should not diminish; however, if the refrigerant does start to run low, the evaporator coil will have nothing to cool, and the unit's performance will suffer.</p>
<p>Low refrigerant levels may also indicate a leak, so if you think your refrigerant needs topping up, you should call an HVAC technician to take a look.</p>
<h4>What causes low refrigerant?</h4>
<p>A refrigerant leak somewhere in the system may cause the problem. Still, it could be caused by using the air conditioner for extensive periods or in scorching weather, when increased demand puts pressure on the system.</p>
<h3>5. The fan has stopped working</h3>
<p>The fan is an essential part of the cooling process as it blows air across the evaporator coil. Without the fan, air cannot travel around the system, resulting in problems with the evaporator coil, including freezing.</p>
<h4>What causes a broken fan?</h4>
<p>Many factors can affect the performance of an air conditioner fan or even break it completely. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Electrical problems: </strong>If you have had your air conditioner for a while, the system's wires may have become frayed or loose, impacting the performance of the motor and the fan.</li>
<li><strong>Damaged fan blades: </strong>The blades on the AC unit's fan may bend or break. This can happen if dirt or debris has built up. If you have tried to fix the system yourself and have not taken the proper care, you increase the chances of damaging the fan blades, so it's best to have a qualified technician inspect your air conditioner.</li>
<li><strong>Motor issues: </strong>If you notice the fan not moving, it could be because the motor has burnt out. This can occur if the air conditioner has been used for an extended period or on an intense setting.</li>
<li><strong>A blocked air filter: </strong>An air conditioner needs good airflow to work at optimal levels. If it becomes blocked, ice can start to collect, putting pressure on the fan and eventually causing a breakdown.</li>
<li><strong>Broken belt: </strong>Some AC units, mainly older ones, run with a belt that connects the motor to the fan. As this component wears, it may slip or break, causing the fan to stop working.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What to do if your evaporator coil is beyond repair</h2>
<p>If your evaporator coil breaks, call an HVAC technician to investigate the problem. Sometimes, the system may need a replacement coil; however, it could be more serious.</p>
<p>You should never attempt to replace or fix the evaporator coil yourself, as this may make matters worse. Instead, trust a fully qualified HVAC engineer to inspect and repair the system.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you need a new air conditioning unit, contact the team at BOXT for an installation quote.</p>

How to tell if the evaporator coil in your air conditioner is broken

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Having problems with your air conditioner? This guide explores common air-con issues and how to fix them so you’re not left feeling the heat for too long.

<p>An <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioner</a> can be a big investment, and with potentially expensive repair costs, it&rsquo;s important you understand the signs that something may be wrong with the system if they arise. This way, you can identify faults and get them fixed before they become more serious.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To help you do this, we compiled the five most common problems that our HVAC technicians encounter when they&rsquo;re servicing AC units. By the end&nbsp;of this guide, you will be able to spot a problem and understand what to do and the next steps to take.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why is my air conditioner not working?&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Across the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, it can experience several problems. The first sign that something&rsquo;s wrong will often be a drop in the system&rsquo;s overall quality, whether this means it&rsquo;s taking longer to reach the desired temperature or that it&rsquo;s delivering insufficient airflow.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To avoid these problems worsening, you must know how to tackle them. This will avoid costly repairs and ensure you&rsquo;re not feeling the heat for too&nbsp;long.</p>
<h3>1. Improper use</h3>
<p>Our HVAC engineers often find that the reason an air conditioner is struggling to work properly isn&rsquo;t actually because there&rsquo;s a mechanical or functional problem.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning" rel="follow">Air conditioning systems</a> are pretty complicated pieces of kit and need to be used as per the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions if they&rsquo;re to perform correctly. One of the most common examples of misuse and reasons for breakdowns is leaving your windows or doors open whilst the air conditioning unit&rsquo;s turned on.</p>
<p>If you do this, the air conditioner must work far harder to keep your home cool, as warm air from the outside is entering just as fast as it can be removed. This increased pressure means your system is more likely to fail due to excessive wear.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>How to avoid faults due to improper use</h4>
<p>Our engineers&rsquo; top tip for ensuring maximum efficiency and longevity is to check that all your windows and doors are closed before turning your air conditioning on. You may also want to close any internal doors, as this will reduce the amount of air space your units need to cool.</p>
<p>If you think you have misused it in the past, get your air conditioning unit serviced by a qualified HVAC technician. They can identify any issues before they become major problems, which could end up saving you money in the long run.</p>
<h3>2. Lack of maintenance</h3>
<p>Over time, your AC unit may start to clog up with dust and debris that has been sucked into the system from the air. Even though you&rsquo;ll have filters and fans installed to rid your system of these materials, they must be thoroughly cleaned regularly to make sure the system itself remains clear.</p>
<p>If your air conditioner does get clogged, it can cause more problems further down the line, so you must frequently check the unit for dirt and debris and carry out subsequent cleaning and <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-maintenance" rel="follow">maintenance</a>.</p>
<h4>How to maintain your air conditioning unit</h4>
<p>Firstly, it makes sense to clean your unit thoroughly twice a year (or more frequently if you feel like it isn't performing as it should). We've covered how to clean your air conditioning unit in our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/air-conditioning-maintenance" rel="follow">air conditioning maintenance guide</a>.</p>
<p>With this being said, there's nothing quite like a professional clean to optimise performance. This cleaning can be carried out as part of your air conditioner&rsquo;s servicing, so make sure yours is booked in just before the summer months to guarantee a cool breeze when you need it most.</p>
<p>Filters on an air conditioning system should be changed every 1-2 months for optimum performance or more frequently if you have any pets or rely heavily on your air conditioning system. If you have a reusable filter, it needs to be cleaned just as frequently.</p>
<p>Our engineers&rsquo; top tip is to plan your air conditioning unit&rsquo;s annual service well in advance. Just like boiler engineers get booked up in the winter months, HVAC engineers are busiest in summer, so you may struggle to get an appointment at short notice.</p>
<h3>3. Leaks from the system</h3>
<p>There are two main reasons that your air conditioner could be running low on refrigerant; the first is that insufficient refrigerant was added to the system during the installation process, and the second is that there is a leak somewhere in the system.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It can be straightforward for a qualified HVAC technician to identify and fix an air conditioning leak, but the leak may go unnoticed for some time unless you know the symptoms. These include:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>The system not blowing cool air</li>
<li>The indoor unit being noisier than usual</li>
<li>An increase in your electricity bills&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4>How to fix a leak in your air conditioning system</h4>
<p>If you have a leak, simply adding more refrigerant won&rsquo;t solve the problem. Over time, this will leak out of the system, and you&rsquo;ll find yourself right back at square one. Instead, a trained HVAC engineer should add a fluorescent dye to the refrigerant system to identify the leak's exact point. Once identified, the engineer can seal the leak, and you&rsquo;ll be cooled down in no time.</p>
<p>The refrigerant levels should match the recommendations in the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions, so use this as a guide to determine if there is a leak in the system. Leaks should be dealt with as soon as they arise, as they can damage the environment and others who come into contact with the refrigerant.</p>
<p>If you suspect there is a leak in your air conditioning system, don&rsquo;t put off getting it fixed. Contact an engineer immediately to investigate and rectify the problem before it worsens.</p>
<h3>4. Drainage issues</h3>
<p>Issues around the drainage of your air conditioning must be sorted quickly to avoid a breakdown in your system.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Drainage problems can happen for a few different reasons. For example, if the air conditioning units aren&rsquo;t mounted level on your walls, your system won&rsquo;t be able to drain properly, which could cause internal flooding.</p>
<p>Typical symptoms of drainage problems include musty or mouldy smells or signs of water damage, like dampness, near your indoor unit.&nbsp;</p>
<h4>How to fix drainage issues</h4>
<p>It&rsquo;s worth routinely checking the unit&rsquo;s drain to ensure it isn&rsquo;t clogged and that waste liquids can drain away with no problem. If you feel like your system isn't draining properly, you'll need to call an HVAC professional to service your unit.</p>
<h3>5. Faulty thermostat sensors</h3>
<p>Home air conditioners have a thermostat sensor to manage the temperature and avoid overuse once your home is lovely and cool. If a sensor&rsquo;s position shifts for any reason, it may affect its ability to read the ambient temperature accurately, causing the system to function incorrectly.</p>
<h4>How to fix faulty thermostat sensors</h4>
<p>You should take care not to alter the position of the thermostat once it is installed. If you do knock or move it accidentally, don&rsquo;t panic! These things happen sometimes, and a dislodged thermostat shouldn&rsquo;t cause major issues if readjusted promptly.</p>
<p>If you find that your sensor is malfunctioning, it may be because something&rsquo;s blocking it. To fix this problem, remove the cover of the sensor and clean the parts inside using a soft-bristled brush. If the problem persists, it's best to call an expert HVAC engineer to take a look.</p>
<h2>How to fix air conditioner problems</h2>
<p>If you&rsquo;re noticing some air conditioner problems, here are some quick scenarios and fixes you can do yourself to prolong the life of your units.</p>
<h3>Have you got a dirty filter?</h3>
<p>If a dirty or clogged filter is restricting the airflow within your system and preventing it from effectively cooling the air into your home, you should clean or change the filter as soon as possible.</p>
<p>As a rule of thumb, we recommend you change the air filter in your unit at least every 1-2 months unless the filter is reusable. This is especially important in warmer weather, as you&rsquo;ll likely be using your air conditioning system more frequently. Or, if you use both the cooling and heating functions of the system (which can be an effective solution for smaller properties), you may find you need to replace the filter more regularly.</p>
<p>Take a look at our blog for further tips on <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/indoor-air-quality-in-the-home" rel="follow">how to test and improve the indoor air quality in your home</a>.</p>
<h3>Is there a warm airflow?</h3>
<p>Blowing out hot air when it should be cool is one of the more common air conditioner problems. There are a number of reasons why this could be, including electrical issues, clogging in the system or an issue with the compressor.</p>
<h3>Are your thermostat settings correct?</h3>
<p>If your thermostat isn&rsquo;t functioning or giving you the correct air temperature, you should check your thermostat settings.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Programmable thermostats allow you to easily control your air conditioning temperatures or schedule your air temperature via a mobile app, even when you&rsquo;re not home.</p>
<p>As mentioned previously, it&rsquo;s also important to ensure your sensors haven&rsquo;t been knocked or moved for any reason.</p>
<p>Explore how you can control your home's temperature straight from your phone with our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/smart-home/guides/smart-thermostat-guide" rel="follow">ultimate guide to smart thermostats</a>.</p>
<h2>Fix your air conditioner problems as soon as they arise</h2>
<p>Catching issues while they&rsquo;re small can prevent them from becoming much bigger and more expensive to rectify.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information on how to maintain your system, check out our dedicated <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/guides?category=air-conditioning" rel="follow">air conditioning guides</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Alternatively, you can discover <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/installing-a-new-evaporator-coil" rel="follow">how to install a new evaporator coil in your air conditioner</a> or our <a href="https://www.boxt.co.uk/air-conditioning/guides/samsung-air-conditioning-fault-codes" rel="follow">Samsung air conditioning fault codes &amp; solutions</a> for specific advice.</p>

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