Your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable but when key components like the evaporator coils get dirty, your system’s performance can suffer greatly. Evaporator coils play a vital role in the cooling process, and when they are coated with dirt, dust, or debris, it can lead to a range of problems that affect both your comfort and your energy bills. North Country Aire will break down what evaporator coils do, the signs they are dirty, and the problems they can cause if left uncleaned.

What are Evaporator Coils & What Do They Do?

Evaporator coils are located inside the indoor unit of your air conditioning system. Their job is to:
• Absorb heat from the air inside your home
• Allow the refrigerant inside the coils to evaporate and draw heat out of the air
• Help cool and dehumidify the air before it’s circulated back through your home
Clean evaporator coils are essential for efficient cooling. When they become dirty, the coils can’t absorb heat effectively, causing your system to work harder and perform worse.

Signs Your Evaporator Coils are Dirty

Reduced Cooling Efficiency: Is your air conditioner running longer but cooling less? Dirty coils reduce the system’s ability to absorb heat, which means your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool your home.
Warm Air Coming from Vents: If your system is blowing warm or lukewarm air even when set to cool, dirty coils could be the reason. They prevent proper heat absorption, leaving the air uncooled.
Increased Energy Bills: A system with dirty coils runs longer and harder, which leads to a noticeable spike in your energy usage and your utility bills.
Ice Buildup on Coils or Refrigerant Lines: When coils are coated in dirt, airflow is restricted and temperatures drop too low, causing moisture on the coils to freeze. This ice buildup can further block airflow and damage components.
Air Conditioner Shuts Down Unexpectedly: Restricted airflow and excessive strain from dirty coils can cause the system to overheat and shut down to protect itself.
Unpleasant Odors: Dirt, mold, and mildew on the coils can create musty or foul smells when your air conditioner runs especially when first turning it on.

Problems Caused By Dirty Evaporator Coils

Letting evaporator coils stay dirty for too long has its consequences which can lead to:
Poor Indoor Air Quality: Dust, mold, and debris on the coils can circulate through your home’s air, triggering allergies or respiratory issues.
System Overheating and Breakdowns: Overworked components and blocked airflow from dirty coils put stress on your system, increasing the risk of costly breakdowns.
Shortened System Lifespan: Running your air conditioner with dirty coils accelerates wear and tear on the system, shortening its expected life.
Frozen Coils: As mentioned earlier, ice buildup can eventually block airflow completely, causing the system to shut down or stop cooling entirely.

How Often Should Evaporator Coils Be Cleaned?

In general, evaporator coils should be inspected at least once a year, ideally during your spring HVAC maintenance visit. If you live in a dusty environment, have pets, or run your air conditioner frequently, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

Central Air Conditioning Inspection, Troubleshooting, Diagnosis, Repair, Tune Up Maintenance & More in Mora, Cambridge, St. Francis, Oak Grove, North Branch & Greater Isanti, Minnesota

If you are noticing any of the signs of dirty evaporator coils it may be time to have your evaporator coils checked. Contact North Country Aire today to schedule your air conditioner inspection and enjoy cleaner, cooler air all season long!