Questions about air conditioning and duct cleaning. (house, buy)

[TheRandomEvent]

Our 5 year old air conditioner's evaporator coil has decided to crap out on us, and I'm curious if this is normal? It seems that the evaporator coil costs just as much as the AC itself, according to quotes I've read online. Can anyone give me a bit of info about this?

Also, we haven't cleaned our air ducts in about 7 years, and it always seems that the air is dirty. Then again, it just might be the cats. Do any of you know how often you should clean your air ducts?

[parks71]

No, your evap should last a lot longer than the outside unit. Can you define "crap out"? The only reason it should need replacing is a leak that can not be found.

[parks71]

By the way, just so you know how some AC companies or MOST AC companies work is they provide commision to the techs for selling new units. It is much easier for these so called techs to come and say the whole thing needs to be replace since it will fix a much smaller problem while putting a couple hundred extra bucks in their pocket. I am not saying this is happening to you but I would double check or atleast post what they are telling you.

[mawipafl]

The lifespan of an inside unit is about 15-18 years generally-speaking. The outside unit a little less. So, for yours to die in 5 years is unusual -- if it really is "dead".

If you want a second opinion I can recommend the company that was just here at my house (and why I know the lifespans). Call Mike at B-Cool 904-591-3955 or 904-783-6145. He's honest as the day is long and won't try to sell you something you don't need, he's affordable - service call is $59, he comes when he says he's coming and makes a courtesy phone call beforehand to say he's on the way.

He didn't mention anything about cleaning the ductwork, just changing out the filter when needed.

[SlickP]

Probably the #1 reason for the evaporator coil to leak/crack is not changing your filter regularly. We live in Florida where your AC is working twice as hard and twice as long so you need to change the filter every month. The coil might still be under warranty but you will have to pay for the labor. Probably $700/$800 range. Also, I wouldn't clean the ductwork. If you are concerned about it down the road, most of the ductwork in your attic is flexduct that you could replace yourself with some panduit straps. You can buy this from Home Depot. Good Luck!

[parks71]

What does not changing your filter have to do with your evap leaking? Just curious.

[SlickP]

Originally Posted by parks71

What does not changing your filter have to do with your evap leaking? Just curious.

A dirty or clogged filter restricts the return airflow across the evaporator coil. This could cause the coil to ice or freeze up, overworking the unit which could cause a leak. There could be many different causes for a leak but not changing your filter is one of them.

[Environmental Air Force]

If your problem is the evaporator coil it could have been punctured by debris shot out of a lawn mower, etc. I suggest you get another opinion. I agree with the previous person responding about Mike B. from B-Cool. He is good. call 591-3955. ----John

[parks71]

Not changing your filter has nothing to do with leaks on you evap coil unless your doing something very strange in your house with some types of acidic foods which I doubt. Your right about the air flow though and will cause your unit to run longer but once again, has nothing to do with a leak. That would only put wear on your compressor.

There are 3 things that cause leaks, acids, like if you had tomatos, pickles ect uncovered in a cooler which the acidic juices would sit on the coil and eventually create pin holes.

Or, vibration. Two pieces of metal touching each other over a long period of time will eventually create a leak.

Then you have human error, someone cleaning ice off an evap with a screwdriver and slips and punctures a hole and yes I have seen people do it.

Lawn mower wont do it either, your evap is usually in the garage :P