Your air conditioner has two sets of coils and while each side operates similarly, there are also differences in what they do to help your air conditioner cycle the way it should for cooling. We’re reviewing the differences between evaporator coils and condenser coils. You can keep reading to learn more about the two different sets of coils inside of your air conditioner and what each one does.
You can also learn about signs that something is wrong with your AC coils that need to be addressed by scheduling air conditioning repair in Winnetka, IL. Anytime you have concerns about either your condenser coils or your evaporator coils, give us a call to ask whether or not services are needed based on what you are seeing or hearing.
Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils are located in the indoor portion of your air conditioning unit. When refrigerant comes inside, it is in its liquid form. As it absorbs heat from the air to cool it down, the refrigerant expands into a gas. Refrigerant continues its journey back to the outdoor unit and continues to cycle over and over all day long.
Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are located in the outdoor portion of your air conditioning unit. When refrigerant channels to the outside from the indoor evaporator coils, it is in its gas form. The outdoor unit releases the heat and compresses the refrigerant back down into its liquid form so that can return to the inside unit and repeat the cycle of absorbing heat to lower your indoor air temperature.
Signs of Coil Problems
Both sets of coils have to work together to provide your home with adequate cooling. If your air conditioner cannot keep up with lowering the temperature of your home, there’s a good chance that something is wrong with one or both sets of coils.
Central air conditioners and heat pumps both use refrigerant. Heat pumps also use refrigerant for heating, which means that the coils can also work in the opposite direction. The outdoor coils can also absorb heat and transfer it inside your home to increase the temperature in the winter and vice versa.
These units can experience frozen coils due to refrigerant leaks. Coils can ice over when they get too cold and actually block the system from being able to absorb heat and cool down the air. With central air conditioners that only operate in the summertime, ice is less likely to develop on the outdoor unit.
But heat pumps have a higher likelihood of ice developing on the outdoor unit since they also operate in the wintertime when temperatures outside are already lower. If you notice that the coils are particularly dirty, or suspect a refrigerant leak, you should call our team right away for service. Dirt buildup, the development of ice, and leaks can all have a negative impact on how well the coils can work for conditioning your home.
Contact Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule your air conditioning appointment as soon as possible.