Is it cheaper to replace an evaporator coil or whole unit?

Author: Ms. Otilia Schowalter V  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

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.

Should I replace the evaporator coil or the entire system?

Replacing just the evaporator coil can lead to problems. A common rule of thumb in the industry is if your AC unit is over 8 years old, it may be more beneficial to replace the entire unit rather than a single component.

What is the most expensive part to replace on an AC unit?

Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.

How much should it cost to replace an evaporator coil?

Homeowner: A new evaporator coil replacement costs $630 to $1,700 if it is still under warranty. Homeowner: An indoor AC coil replacement costs $1,230 to $3,700 if it is no longer under warranty.

Is it worth replacing the coil of an AC unit?

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.

REPLACE EVAPORATOR COIL VS ENTIRE UNIT | What's the Better Choice?

What is the life expectancy of an evaporator coil?

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.

Should I replace my 12 year old AC unit?

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.

How long does evaporator coil replacement take?

On average, evaporator coils can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, certain factors may cause them to wear out more quickly.

How do I know if my evaporator coil is bad?

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.

Does a home warranty cover an evaporator coil?

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover replacing AC unit?

Does homeowners insurance cover air conditioner replacement? If your air conditioner is damaged or destroyed due to a covered peril, such as lightning or a windstorm, your homeowners insurance policy may pay to repair or replace the unit, up to your coverage limit and minus your homeowners insurance deductible.

How much does a full AC replacement cost?

It costs an average of $5,955 to install a new AC, but prices commonly range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. A pro can provide an accurate quote based on your needs. The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC.

What is the most expensive AC repair?

7 Most Expensive HVAC Repairs
  1. Refrigerant Leaks. ...
  2. Compressor Replacement. ...
  3. Broken Fan Motor. ...
  4. Attic, Basement, or Crawlspace Ventilation Issues. ...
  5. Broken Louver. ...
  6. Condenser Replacement. ...
  7. Evaporative Coil Replacement.

Should I replace one coil or all?

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.

How long should an AC evaporator last?

On average, an evaporator coil in a commercial HVAC unit can last anywhere from 10-15 years. It's important to note that this is a general estimate and that the actual lifespan of an evaporator coil can vary dramatically. However, with regular maintenance and proper usage, the coil can last even longer.

Should I replace the AC condenser or whole unit?

Replacing the whole unit — In many cases, especially with older units, replacing the entire condenser is more cost-effective in the long run. It ensures compatibility of components and restores overall system efficiency.

What is the lawsuit about Goodman evaporator coils?

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).

Is it worth replacing evaporator coil?

Benefits of Evaporator Coil Replacement

Improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills: A new evaporator coil significantly enhances your HVAC system's energy efficiency. By efficiently transferring heat, it reduces the system's workload, leading to lower energy consumption and heating and cooling bills.

How do I know if my evaporator coil needs to be replaced?

You'll want to look out for banging, hissing, or clanging noises in particular, as these sounds are often associated with a damaged evaporator coil. Hissing could mean you have refrigerant leaking from your coil, while banging sounds often indicate cracks or debris are harming your coil.

What makes an evaporator coil go bad?

Over time, your system's evaporator coil will become covered in dust, dirt, grime, and more. This prevents it from getting the airflow it needs to properly move heat, which means that the system could then freeze over. Evaporator coil cleaning is an essential part of our AC tune-up service for this exact reason.

How often should AC evaporator coils be cleaned?

It is recommended to perform an annual cleaning of your AC unit's coil, although if the unit encounters substantial amounts of dirt, dust or moisture more frequently, it may be necessary to clean it quarterly.

How much does it cost to replace an entire HVAC system?

According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.

Can an AC unit last 30 years?

Central air conditioning systems can last anywhere between 10 to 30 years, with most averaging around 10 to 15 years total (1). Keep in mind, the lifespan of your air conditioner depends on how much you use it, your local climate, what type of AC it is, and if your house is well insulated and air sealed.

How often should I replace my roof?

In general, most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it's time to start considering a replacement. When a roof gets older, it becomes more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and hail.

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