As we become accustomed to the convenient use of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units (HVAC), it is really easy to forget the complexity behind how the system is constantly working for us. That is, however, until your system starts to fail. If your air conditioning system is no longer pushing out cold air as readily or as cool as it used to, you might have an evaporator coil leak.

How Does The Evaporator Work?

Unlike your heating system, your air conditioner does not create colder air by cooling it and blowing it into the house or office. Instead, your system absorbs the air that it keeps circulating throughout the house, and with the use of evaporator coils and refrigerant, it draws out heat from the air. It does this continuously, blowing the cooler air, until the room reaches the desired temperature you have set on your thermostat. The evaporator coils are typically made out of copper, aluminum, or steel. These are responsible for absorbing the heat out of the air and are usually in the form of U-shaped tubes in the panels.

When Your Evaporator Isn’t Working

Your evaporator coils are crucial to keeping your house cool, so you want to pay attention to their performance. If you notice that your A/C is not blowing air at the desired temperature as quickly as normal, or if your electric bill starts to rise uncharacteristically high, or even an accumulation of ice or frost, your evaporator coils may need some attention. Even a layer of dust can slow down their performance as they are trying to absorb heat from the air in the room. Leaks can be caused by a variety of things. Airborne chemicals that are common in homes, such as air fresheners or cleaners, can be absorbed by these coils, causing holes to develop, which can then in turn cause a refrigerant leak.

How To Fix The Problem

Often when people experience issues with their cooling system, they think that they need to add refrigerant. However, this is not a repair but a temporary fix to an ongoing problem. More importantly, it is in fact illegal to continually add refrigerant to a system that is known to be leaking. If you suspect this issue with your HVAC system, call a Buda HVAC technician who will be able to test your system for a leak in order to confirm if that is the problem. If your unit does have a leak, finding it and repairing it is the only legal option and ultimately the best thing for your system.

Preventing Evaporator Coil Problems

If you have experienced evaporator coil leaks before and have had them replaced, then you should be aware of any chemicals that might be in your air causing the damage. You should also consider that the same air that caused holes in your coils is the same air you and your family breathe in daily. Having a home air purification system can help reduce the levels of toxins in your home. If you can change cleaning products, you might want to consider that as well. Also, having filtered fresh air intakes installed can do wonders for the quality of air in your home as well.

AC Repair In New Braunfels, Kyle, Buda, & San Marcos

Having your HVAC system regularly inspected and cleaned by a professional can stop unnecessary build up of dust and toxins as well as keeping your system working properly for the long haul. While it might seem tempting to clean your evaporator coils yourself, when it comes to your HVAC, it is best to hire a professional to avoid causing damage to your overall system that could end up costing you. If you suspect your system may have a leak, or need air conditioning repair in Buda, contact AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning today to consult a technician.