We understand that the average homeowner is not a professional air conditioning technician—after all, we probably wouldn’t be in business if this were the case. That being said, it is a good idea for homeowners to have some idea of the way in which their air conditioning systems actually work to cool their homes. You should never attempt to service your air conditioner on your own, of course, but it helps to have a basic working knowledge of your system, if only to recognize signs of trouble with its operation. The evaporator coil is one of the most important components in your air conditioner.
What Is the Evaporator Coil, And Is Mine in Trouble?
The evaporator coil is the coil that is actually within your home, with the condenser coil residing outdoors in the condenser unit. The evaporator coil is the component in which refrigerant is, appropriately enough, evaporated in your air conditioning system. This is vital to the cooling process, as this is the point of the refrigerant cycle during which heat is actually removed from the air in your home. As it passes over the coil, heat is drawn out, and the hot refrigerant continues on to the outdoor unit to rid itself of that heat.
Needless to say, your air conditioner in Washington, D.C. is not going to function well if the operation of the evaporator coil is compromised in any way. A very dirty air filter, for instance, could lead to the condensation on the coil freezing up due to reduced air flow. This forms an insulating barrier, and your coil may not absorb heat as effectively as it ought to.
If you notice ice on the coil, or if there is water around your indoor unit (indicating melting ice), contact us right away. You can count on our staff to get your system back on track.
Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. is here for all of your AC service needs.