What Are Evaporator Coils And What Do They Do? - Carrier

What Do Evaporator Coils Do?

Refrigerant enters the evaporator coil through copper tubing that is connected to your outdoor unit. Once inside, it then absorbs heat from the air blowing over it. Moisture in that air is condensed into water on the coils, which then flows into the drain pan. This is an important step in the process because by removing this moisture, it lowers the temperature of the air that is blown into your home, creating a more comfortable environment.

The now-warm refrigerant flows to the outdoor unit, and the heat is expelled to the outdoor air. The refrigerant then travels back inside to the evaporator coil to repeat the process.

Overall, evaporator coils are a key component in the refrigeration process of air conditioning systems, responsible for cooling and dehumidifying indoor air before it is distributed throughout the home.

Where Is The Evaporator Coil Located?

The evaporator coil in an air conditioning system is typically located indoors, often within the air handler unit or attached directly to the furnace. Here are common locations where you might find the evaporator coil, or evap coil:

• Fan Coil Unit: In systems where the fan coil is a standalone unit, the evaporator coil is housed inside the fan coil cabinet. This unit is usually located in a utility closet, basement, attic, or sometimes within a dedicated mechanical room.
• Furnace: In systems where the air conditioner shares the same air handler as the furnace (common in central HVAC systems ), the evaporator coil is installed inside the furnace cabinet, above or below the furnace heat exchanger.
• Ductwork: The evaporator coil is positioned within the main ductwork immediately downstream of the air handler or furnace, where it can effectively cool the air flowing through the ducts before it reaches the living spaces.

The exact location can vary based on the type of HVAC system and the layout of your home. It's typically positioned where it can efficiently exchange heat with the indoor air circulating through the system, facilitating the cooling process.  

Maintenance and Care for Evaporator Coils

Regular maintenance of evaporator coils is crucial to ensure your HVAC system operates efficiently and maintains good indoor air quality. Signs of a dirty or malfunctioning coil include reduced airflow, uneven cooling, higher heating and cooling bills, and unusual noises. While homeowners can perform basic DIY cleaning using a soft brush or no-rinse coil cleaner, it’s important to call an HVAC professional for deep cleaning, inspection, or any repairs to avoid damaging the coils or compromising system performance. Learn more about how to clean evaporator coils.

Evaporator Coil Replacement Costs

Evaporator coil replacement costs vary depending on factors such as the type and size of the coil, labor complexity, and whether additional components need repair or replacement. On average, evaporator coils last 10–15 years, though proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. You should consider replacing your evaporator coil if it shows signs of corrosion, leaks, reduced cooling efficiency, or repeated breakdowns despite regular HVAC maintenance.

Distinguishing Between Evaporator Coils and Condenser Coils

Evaporator coils and condenser coils serve distinct roles within an HVAC system: evaporator coils, located inside the air handler or furnace, absorb heat from indoor air to provide cooling, while condenser coils, found in the outdoor unit, release that heat outside. Together, they work in tandem to transfer heat and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures efficiently. Common issues vary by coil type—evaporator coils can suffer from dirt buildup, freezing, or leaks, whereas condenser coils are prone to debris accumulation, corrosion, and reduced heat dissipation. Learn more about evaporator coils vs condenser coils.   

Connect With A Carrier Dealer On The Best AC Evaporator Coil For Your Home

At Carrier, we recognize the importance of reliable and efficient cooling for your home. Our range of high-quality evaporator coils are designed to integrate seamlessly with our HVAC systems, ensuring optimal performance and comfort. Schedule a consultation with your local Carrier dealer today to learn more about our evaporator coils and HVAC systems.