What is an AC Evaporator Coil?
April 07, 2025
AC evaporator coils help cool air before it is circulated throughout your home. Without working evaporator coils, your AC unit may not cool your space effectively.
This guide covers the basics of this part in HVAC units, including:
- What are AC evaporator coils?
- How do AC evaporator coils work?
- Where to find the AC evaporator coil
- Types of evaporator coils
- Keeping your AC evaporator coil functioning properly
Keep reading to learn what, exactly, evaporator coils do and how you can help keep them functioning well.
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What Are AC Evaporator Coils?
Air conditioner evaporator coils are parts inside your HVAC unit that help heat transfer from the air in the unit to the exterior of your home. This helps ensure cool air can be pushed through ducts into the rooms in your home.
These coils are made of different materials, including aluminum and copper, and they come in different designs depending on your HVAC unit brand and model. You may have coiled, slant, or horizontal coils. Various designs have their own pros and cons, and an HVAC professional can help you understand what might work best for you. However, the overall purpose of the coils is the same regardless of shape or material.
How Do AC Evaporator Coils Work?
AC evaporator coils absorb heat from air moving through the unit, passing that heat into refrigerant that circulates through the coils. When the refrigerant is warmed via this process, it converts to a gas form, carrying heat from interior air with it outside of your home through the exterior parts of your HVAC system.
The result is that air processed through the coils is cooler than it was when it entered the unit. The heat leaves your home, and your AC unit can circulate the cool air to reduce the ambient temperature inside.
As you can see, the evaporator coils have a specific job to do. However, coils are only effective when combined with other components, including refrigerant. Regular professional AC services help ensure all these parts work together to cool your home.
Where to Find the AC Evaporator Coil
The location of evaporator coils varies depending on what type of HVAC system you have. They are often located inside the air handler, which is the part of the air conditioner inside your home. In Southwest Florida, this part of the system is often located in the attic or in a crawlspace under the roof.
The Difference Between the Evaporator Coil and the Condenser Coil
Condenser coils are related to evaporator coils. However, they are located in the exterior portion of the HVAC unit, which is called the condenser.
In a system that functions properly, the refrigerant evaporates into the condenser coils, bringing heat from the interior air with it. As the heat is released outside your home, the refrigerant in the condenser coils converts back into a liquid and flows into the evaporator coils again to continue its job.
Keeping Your AC Evaporator Coil Functioning Properly
Clogged filters, debris in the unit, and other issues can cause evaporator coils to fail. Some things homeowners can do to keep coils functioning properly include:
- Cleaning around the exterior unit. Keep debris, leaves, and dirt from the unit to reduce the risks that dirt may enter your AC systems.
- Change air filters regularly. In Southwest Florida, where AC units constantly work to keep homes cool, you may need to change your air filter once a month to support the optimal operation of your system.
- Get regular maintenance. Schedule professional air conditioner maintenance that includes checking and cleaning coils to ensure small issues don't become larger — and potentially much more expensive — problems.
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- Posted in:
- Air Conditioner