Your AC system is comprised of various components Evaporator and Condenser Coils that work together to keep your home cool and comfortable. When they all work in perfect harmony, you enjoy conditioned air and the right level of indoor humidity. When they don’t, you want the problem identified and resolved – pronto!
Both the evaporator and condenser coils play important roles in removing heat out of the air, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. And if they’re not working properly, neither will your AC system.
What Does An Evaporator Coil Do?
The evaporator coil is located inside an air conditioner’s indoor air handler. It’s main purpose is to absorb heat from the air inside your home and transfer it to the refrigerant. The blower draws warm air through the return ducts, which then passes over the evaporator coil.
The refrigerant in the evaporator coil is usually at 40 degrees F to aid in heat absorption. The heat from the air makes its way through the evaporator coil where it’s absorbed by the refrigerant. The refrigerant then flows into a compressor where it’s compressed and increased to more than 100 degrees F. It is now ready for the condenser coil.
What Does a Condenser Coil Do?
Unlike the evaporator coil that captures heat from the air, a condenser coil releases it. After the refrigerant has been compressed, it turns from vapor to liquid. The heat that the refrigerant has absorbed is then released into the air outside your home. The liquid refrigerant then flows back to the condenser coil, passing through a small opening to convert it back to vapor. It’s then ready to absorb more heat.
Importance of Maintaining Your Coils
If you want to keep your AC system chugging along summer after summer, it’s important to maintain both the evaporator and condenser coils. Neglected coils can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris which can affect its ability to effectively transfer heat. As a result, your AC will struggle to maintain a desired temperature, therefore putting more strain on system components. Ultimately, a neglected system will see more frequent repairs and a shortened lifespan.
Change the air filter regularly to keep dirt, dust, pet hair, and other debris out of the air handler’s moving parts and away from the evaporator coil. Keep grass clippings and weeds away from the outdoor unit to allow proper airflow and keep the condenser coil clean for efficient transfer of heat.
Regular AC maintenance performed by the home comfort experts at Anthony’s can also ensure your coils and other components are protected and operating as designed. Contact us today for routine AC maintenance, repair, or any other home comfort need.
