How to Tell When Your HVAC System Needs to have the Coils Replaced

Don’t let them fail! Here’s your HVAC coil replacement guide

The coils in an HVAC system are some of the most important parts of your air handling system, which is why a proper HVAC coil replacement is essential to keeping that system running. The HVAC coil is an essential component that your system just can’t run without. If you suffer from an HVAC coil failure and your coil springs a leak—or worse, it ruptures—you have a huge problem on your hands. Damaged coils can cause massive losses of product, degrade air quality, and lead to extensive water damage.

So don’t let your coil break, and make sure to stay as up-to-date as possible on your repairs. A good inspection and repair schedule can extend the life of your HVAC coils by many years. But the truth of the matter is that HVAC coils have a life expectancy and even with the best care eventually require replacement.

So how can you tell when you need to repair vs replace? Look for the signs listed below for a rough idea of when you should have your HVAC coils replaced.

Signs That Show Your System Needs HVAC Coil Replacement

If you take good care of your HVAC coils, they will last a long time. But eventually, everyone will need an HVAC coil replacement. Here are a few signs that you should replace HVAC coils instead of spending your money on the HVAC coil leak repair cost.

• Is there oil residue in the condensate drain pan tray? If there is a leak in your system, the fluid or refrigerant may be leaking out, which causes a drop in performance. The refrigerant looks like a dark oil, and if you see it in the tray, then there’s probably a leak. A leaking HVAC coil should be replaced before it causes further damage.

• Do you need to replace fluids or refrigerant often? If you feel like your system is always low on fluid or refrigerant and you find yourself replacing it often, it might mean that you have a leak. A perfect system has no leaks and should rarely need replacement. Most systems aren’t perfect, but you still shouldn’t need to add fluids or refrigerants every few weeks. If you find yourself performing maintenance more than you should have to, you may have a leak. Check for a leak or call a professional to do it for you.

• Can you spot an actual leak? Sometimes a leak in the coil will be obvious (like a freeze-induced rupture), but sometimes it will not be. Just like a bicycle tire, you can find a leak in an HVAC coil by smearing soap on a suspicious spot and watching for tiny bubbles. If you do find a leak, don’t let the air conditioner coil replacement cost prevent you from replacing the coil before it gets out of hand.

If you find a leak in your system, call a professional. Not every leaky coil needs to be replaced: some of them can be repaired with a leak seal treatment or by brazing the hole. A professional can help you make the best decision for your air handling system and your building as a whole. Give Cooney Coil a call or get in touch today to find out how we can help.