If proper maintenance is regularly performed, then the evaporator coils should last 10 to 15 years, which is the ideal lifetime for an evaporator coil and comparable to the lifespan of an AC unit. However, how long your evaporator coils last will be much shorter if your unit is improperly maintained.
They should last for the life of the A/C system, which is generally 15-20 years for a high quality system. (Many people end up replacing their systems between 12 and 15 years due to efficiency issues or deferred maintenance causing damage to more easily damaged components, such as the compressor.)
Signs of Damaged Evaporator Coil Components
Air coming from the vents is warm. Air conditioner starts and stops frequently but doesn't properly cool your home. Air conditioner does not turn on. Refrigerant leak near the indoor cooling system components.
Homeowner: An indoor AC coil replacement costs $1,230 to $3,700 if it is no longer under warranty. Commercial: HVAC evaporator coil replacement costs the average business $2,000 plus.
Efficiency: A new coil can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, potentially lowering energy bills. If your current system is significantly inefficient, upgrading may be beneficial. Extent of Damage: If the coil is leaking or damaged beyond repair, replacement is necessary.
How Long Does An AC Coil Last? The lifespan of your system's coils isn't set in stone, but factors such as the quality of the coils, the frequency of use and the level of maintenance they receive are all relevant. On average, evaporator coils can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
If you have a relatively new AC unit, and you can get a replacement coil that ensures your two coils work well together, you'll likely find the evaporator coil replacement cost more affordable than replacing the whole unit.
The average AC coil cleaning cost is $250. The price of this service can range between $100 and $400, depending on several factors, including type, cleaning method, labor, size of your AC unit, and more.
Fixing an air conditioning unit typically takes between 30 minutes to 8 hours. Simple issues, like changing a clogged filter or replacing a fuse, are resolved quickly. More intricate problems, such as refrigerant leaks or compressor failures, require more time.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Cleaning AC units reduces electricity bills.
A product like Air Conditioning Coil Cleaner removes counterproductive dirt and oxidation on air conditioning coils. When fins and coils are clean, air circulates more fully and AC systems operate and cool more efficiently, reducing the unit's power consumption.
A refrigerant leak or other coil problem can be caused by wear and tear, which is why older coils are more prone to problems. Corrosion, vibrations, and accidental impacts can also damage an AC coil. Poor filtration can expose it to contaminants that eventually wear it out.
According to the lawsuits, the coils were too thin and couldn't stand up to the pressure the units regularly put out. This supposedly would cause corrosion and cracks to form in the coils, which could eventually lead to leaking refrigerant (Freon).
Many manufacturers suggest replacing all coils simultaneously, especially if the vehicle has high mileage or if a coil failure has occurred. This approach can ensure optimal performance and prevent future misfires, as the remaining coils may soon fail if they're of similar age.
The evaporator coil absorbs heat and humidity from the air inside your home, while the condenser coil expels that heat outdoors. Despite being separate components, their functions are interlinked and crucial for the proper operation of your AC unit. Replacing just the evaporator coil can lead to problems.
0 to 9 years old: Your HVAC equipment most likely has years of life left. Seriously consider a repair over a replacement. 10 to 13 years old: Some high-use heating and air conditioning systems wear out after about a decade.
Average Cost of Condenser Coil Replacement
On average, the cost of replacing an AC condenser coil can range from $100 to $1,500 or more for just the part. Labor expenses typically double the cost, while any additional repairs can drive the price up even further.
If proper maintenance is regularly performed, then the evaporator coils should last 10 to 15 years, which is the ideal lifetime for an evaporator coil and comparable to the lifespan of an AC unit. However, how long your evaporator coils last will be much shorter if your unit is improperly maintained.
In most cases, you can get away with cleaning your coils once a year with a seasonal tune-up. However, you should consider where your unit is located. If you're in a big city with heavy air pollution, you may want to have the coils cleaned two times a year.
While there are a number of commercially available coil cleaning solutions on the market, air conditioner coils can be cleaned with a solution of a mild household detergent and water. The detergent and water mix is applied to the coil using a low-pressure sprayer.
It's recommended to clean your outside AC unit at least once a year, ideally during the spring before you start using it heavily in the summer months. However, if you live in an area with high levels of dust, pollen, or other airborne debris, consider cleaning it twice a year.
Aluminum and Copper Coil Prices
There are two general types of air conditioner radiators: clean and dirty. With clean metal materials, you can expect to earn somewhere around $1.60 per pound for the aluminum and copper coil. For dirty materials, expect closer to $1.30 per pound.
A new evaporator coil can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $6,500 and takes 3+ hours to complete, potentially leading to higher labor costs than other AC repairs.
Home warranties will cover your compressor, evaporator coils, blower motors, and other critical parts of your AC system. Some providers do have exclusions for issues caused by a lack of regular maintenance, so check with your warranty provider for details regarding covered events.
Labor Cost
Labor for an evaporator coil replacement costs anywhere from $400 to $1,000 depending on the job and service area.