Five Signs of a Bad AC Coil in Manhattan, MT

One of the most critical components of your cooling system is the AC coil system. If the coils malfunction, you will likely lose cooling power when you need it most. 

In the following discussion, Premier Systems, the top-ranking AC repair in Manhattan, MT, provides some key information to help you identify bad AC coils and when to call for professional assistance. 

What Goes Wrong With AC Coils in Manhattan, MT?

There are two main types of AC coils: evaporator coils and condenser coils. The evaporator coil sits in the indoor unit, absorbing heat from indoor air. The condenser coil, located outside, releases that heat into the outdoor air.

The coils work together to move refrigerant through the system and enable heat exchange. When coils fail, the refrigerant cannot serve its purpose, and malfunctions can lead to health hazards. 

Here are five leading problems indicating a system with a bad AC coil needing expert attention.

1. Refrigerant Leaks

A refrigerant leak is a primary sign that coils are malfunctioning or defective. Leaks typically occur inside the evaporator coil in the indoor unit. The earliest sign of leaking refrigerant is a drop in cooling efficiency.

When refrigerant levels fall, the unit cannot effectively absorb heat, leaving warm air circulating through the system and your indoor living space. 

Other indications of leaking refrigerants include hissing sounds around the indoor unit. Pressurized refrigerant gets forced through even tiny holes or cracks, sometimes producing a high-pitched hissing or whistling. Chemical odors around your indoor unit are another telltale sign of leaking refrigerant. 

2. Frozen Coils

Ice or frost formation on coils is another common problem resulting from bad AC coils. Every air conditioner depends on robust airflow and refrigerant circulation to operate correctly.

In addition to a faulty coil, freezing can result from dirty air filters, clogged drain lines, improper fan operation, or anything impacting proper coil function. Multiple closed vents inside your home can restrict airflow, causing freezing. 

Many times, freezing is directly caused by a dirty evaporator coil. Anything covering the coil acts as an insulator that directly inhibits coil function. Ambient heat simply cannot get to the refrigerant, which remains supercooled and causes ice and frost formation. Of course, this only adds to the insulating effect. 

3. Dirty Coils

Dirty coils are another common issue that harms cooling system performance and energy efficiency. Even under ideal conditions, dust, dirt, and debris accumulate on evaporator and condenser coils. 

As with frozen coils, dirt on bad AC coils acts as an insulator, impairing the refrigerant's ability to absorb or release heat.

Coils are delicate, and DIY attempts at cleaning them often cause further damage and impair system performance even more. 

Routine professional HVAC maintenance by quality technicians includes coil cleaning using proper materials and methods. 

4. Restricted Airflow

Every air conditioner depends on unrestricted airflow to function correctly. One of the leading malfunctions caused by circulation issues affects indoor and outdoor coils.

Poor airflow prevents the evaporator coil from absorbing heat and the condenser coil from releasing heat. This leads to either system overheating or freezing coils, both of which cause poor cooling. 

Leading causes of restricted airflow include clogged filters, blocked vents or ductwork, and malfunctioning fans. If your air conditioner runs continuously without reaching the desired temperature or distributes cool unevenly inside your home, the coils could be suffering from inadequate airflow. 

5. Coil Corrosion

Corrosion is a problem that runs deeper than simply dirty coils. Excessive moisture and certain environmental contaminants can corrode an air conditioner’s evaporator coil. In addition to decreased refrigerant function, corrosion pitting can create holes that allow pressurized refrigerant to leak. 

Because they are structurally weakened, corroded coils typically require professional replacement. Regular professional HVAC maintenance is the best preventative against environmental corrosion that can lead to expensive repairs and a shortened system lifespan. 

Contact Premier Systems To Help With Bad AC Coils in Manhattan, MT

Now that we’ve discussed how the proper functions of your cooling system’s coils are primary factors affecting AC efficiency, call the experts at Premier Systems if you need any HVAC assistance. 

From prompt and efficient repairs and system installations, we are your partners for full indoor comfort service in Manhattan, MT, and throughout the region. Our regular HVAC maintenance services include a multipoint system inspection and tune-up, along with professional cleaning of the unit’s coils and other major components.

Don’t wait for HVAC problems to get worse — contact Premier Systems for expert HVAC services today!