The air conditioner has many components, and many of those are either the moving part or contain moving parts in order for it to operate at peak performance. Taking care of these parts with maintenance and tune-ups is crucial to the lifespan and efficiency of your air conditioning unit. But when it comes to repairs, knowing which part does what can help you know what the problem may be. Today, we at Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning would like specifically look at the air conditioner evaporators.

How Does an AC Evaporator Work?

Working opposite the condenser, the evaporator converts the liquid refrigerant into a gas as it absorbs heat from the compartment. Pressure is reduced when the liquid refrigerant reaches the evaporator, which dissipates the heat making it much cooler than the fan circulated air. During this process the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the warmer air and reaches rapidly to low boiling point. Absorbing maximum levels of heat, the refrigerant then vaporizes. The cycle repeats itself after the heat is carried by the refrigerant from the evaporator as a low-pressure gas through the low side of the compressor. In order to cool the area, the evaporator removes the localized heat.

Liquid Refrigerant & Other Problems in Evaporator Coils

Changing the composition of the refrigerant in the evaporator coils is equally important as the air current sweeping over the coils. Liquid refrigerant generating to the coils through the expansion valve absorbs heat from the air and expands to a vapor. In some cases, the liquid refrigerant must travel throughout the length of the evaporator coils for efficiency.
Starved Evaporator Coil: When inadequate volumes of refrigerant have been supplied through the total coil length, it is considered a starved evaporator coil. Resulting in poor coil efficiency and too-low heat exchange, expansion of the refrigerant did not traverse through the whole coil length.
Flooded Evaporator: Unexpanded liquid passing onto the suction line and into the compressor was the result of too much refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator coils.
Additional issues inflicting evaporator coils include:
– Dirt and dust: Any dirt or dust that is in the air accumulates after it is caught on the evaporator coils; preventing them from cooling effectively. Keeping them clean enhances efficiencies and minimizes the need for repairs.
– Moisture: This moisture, or condensation, can attract dirt, dust, bacteria and even sometimes mold if it is not properly drained. Ensuring the excess moisture is adequately drained can spare your coils problems.
– Freezing: Low refrigerant in your system, excess condensation, and debris buildup can cause the coils to freeze. Making sure filters are maintained and coils cleaned are crucial for evaporators to do their job effectively.

Air Conditioner Evaporator Troubleshooting, Repair, Replacement & More in the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada

If your evaporator seems to be performing poorly, contact Air Supply Heating and Air Conditioning and let our experts assess the problem and apply the most optimal solution for your air conditioner. With regular maintenance, tune-ups, inspections, not only can your evaporator be running proficiently, but you can minimize the need for repairs and extend the life of your air conditioning unit. Call us today to learn more.