How Much Does AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $600 - $2,000
Replacing an evaporator coil costs an average of $1,350, and it often ranges from $600 to $2,000 depending on the size, type, and brand.
Evaporator coil replacement costs $1,350 on average, but you could pay anywhere from $550 to $2,250, depending on the unit and brand of the evaporator coil. Whereas you normally feel like you’re walking into the Arctic Circle when you get home, today it felt more like New Orleans in July. If this is you, there’s a chance that your evaporator coil is on the fritz and needs a replacement.
- Average
- $1,350
- Low end
- $550
- high end
- $2,250
Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost Breakdown
Beyond the size of the unit, you also need to consider labor costs, ease of access, and the brand of the evaporator coil to determine the total evaporator coil replacement cost. You should also prepare yourself in case the AC repair company tells you other things need fixing, which will increase the cost.
Evaporator Coil Cost by Unit Size
AC units differ in size from household to household. While you may have a 3-ton unit outside your home, your neighbor may be rocking a window unit. This is why some people pay as little as $550 for their evaporator coil replacement, and others pay closer to $2,000.
| Unit Size | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 ton | $550 |
| 2.5 ton | $700 |
| 3 ton | $850 |
| 3.5 ton | $950 |
| 4 ton | $1,000 |
| 5 ton | $1,100 |
This cost is only for the unit replacement and does not include labor. Labor costs around $700 on average. If your unit doesn’t state how big it is, you should contact your local air conditioning repair company to help you figure it out.
Labor Cost
Labor for an evaporator coil replacement costs anywhere from $400 to $1,000 depending on the job and service area. Labor tends to cost around the same as the evaporator coil itself because you need a license to handle refrigerant. Refrigerant is a serious chemical compound you don’t want on your skin.
Ease of Access
Where the unit resides in your home makes a difference in cost. In most cases, a unit is an accessible place that makes repairs easy. But if the unit is older or doesn’t make it easy to work in, expect to pay more in per hour labor costs, as the AC repair person needs to shimmy into a tight fit and may need to disassemble more of the unit.
Cost by Style
There are three main types of evaporator coils: A-coils, N- or Z-coils, and slab units.
| Coil Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| A-coil | $1,300 |
| N- or Z-coil | $1,550 |
| Slab unit | $1,200 |
| Uncased | $800 |
| Cased | $1,000 |
A-Coils
An A-coil evaporator style is the most common design of evaporator coil in HVAC systems. Shaped like a tent—or the letter “A”—this type of coil is chosen for its space-efficient design, optimizing heat exchange and enabling compact installation. Costing roughly $1,300 on average, A-coils ensure efficient cooling and heating while saving space inside the air conditioning unit.
N- or Z-Coils
An N- or Z-coil evaporator is the most expensive style, and it resembles the letters "N" or "Z." This style is typically chosen for its unique configuration, which enhances heat exchange efficiency and airflow distribution, improving overall system performance. N- or Z-coils are not as common, however, since they are prone to freeze-ups, but they are often used in larger-sized or commercial air conditioners. They usually cost around $1,550.
Slab Units
A flat and compact evaporator coil design, slab units have coils that consist of two slabs pushed together. These units have great space-saving attributes, making them ideal for limited space or where aesthetics are a concern. This design cools or heats air while maintaining a low-profile appearance, but they’re less common since they are limited in terms of cooling capacity compared to other larger coil designs. Slab units usually cost $1,200 on average.
Uncased Coils vs. Cased Coils
In most evaporator coil styles, there are two options: cased and uncased evaporator coils.
Cased coils are more common in HVAC systems and cost around $1,000 on average. They come pre-packaged in a protective casing, simplifying installation and protecting the coil from damage.
Uncased coils are harder to install and need to fit the unit exactly, but they are typically used in specific situations where customization or space constraints require a coil without a casing. Uncased coils cost less than cased coils—usually around $800.
Additional Costs
The complement to the inside evaporator coil is the condenser coil. The condenser coil cools the gas the evaporator creates and turns it back into a liquid. They tend to have the same life span, so if your evaporator is on its last leg, you may want to check out your condenser as well. An AC condenser coil replacement costs around $800.
AC Repairs
If you’re particularly unlucky and run into a host of problems at once, there are other common HVAC replacements you may need to invest in.
Replacing a blower motor costs $475 on average.
Replacing an AC or furnace control board costs $275 on average.
Installing a new relay switch costs $225 on average.
Warranty
If your unit is still pretty new, you may be able to get your repairs covered completely under your warranty. Time to pull that warranty page out of the back of the file box or go searching in your emails. Keep in mind that you may have to work with a specific company if you want your repairs covered under warranty, so read wisely.
SEER Rating
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and measures how efficiently your HVAC unit can cool your home. The higher the number, the more efficient the system (and the more you save on electric bills). However, parts and units with higher SEER ratings also come at a higher upfront cost. Just a one-point jump in SEER could mean a $2,000 difference.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing an evaporator coil is a complex task that requires professional HVAC knowledge and tools. It also involves handling refrigerants and intricate system components. DIY attempts can lead to safety issues, damage to your HVAC system, and voided warranties.
Hiring a local HVAC company to do the job for you is the only option in these scenarios. So, save yourself the high energy bill and sweat and leave this job to the professionals.
When an evaporator coil becomes faulty, it can result in various problems within your HVAC system. These problems could include reduced cooling or heating capabilities due to ice formation and obstructed airflow, along with increased energy consumption and higher bills. Additionally, a damaged coil may lead to refrigerant leaks, which are environmentally harmful and decrease overall system efficiency.
Ultimately, if not addressed right away, a bad evaporator coil can even lead to a complete failure of your HVAC system. That’s why timely repair or replacement is crucial to maintaining your family’s comfort and your HVAC’s efficiency.
Evaporator coils in HVAC systems typically last around 10 to 15 years. However, their life span can be longer or shorter based on factors like the frequency of your HVAC system usage, whether regular maintenance is performed, and environmental conditions. Regular maintenance, such as HVAC system cleaning and coil inspection, can extend the durability and efficiency of your evaporator coil.
Replacing the evaporator coil is often worth it if your HVAC system is relatively new, still under warranty, or if the cost of replacement is significantly lower than investing in a brand-new system. It can restore system efficiency, improve performance, and extend the whole unit's life span. However, for older systems or extensive damage, it may be more cost-effective to consider an AC replacement for improved long-term efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.
The time required to replace an evaporator coil varies depending on factors such as the HVAC system's type, accessibility, and the technician's experience. Typically, the replacement process can take 2 to 3 hours at minimum and up to a full day. It may require additional time if there are complications or if the system requires refrigerant evacuation and recharge.
It’s rare that someone would need a permit to replace an evaporator coil, but it’s not impossible. Though most people don’t need a permit to replace an evaporator coil, you should always double-check local laws. It’s safer to hire a pro to replace your evaporator coil as soon as you notice a problem with it since they’re already licensed in HVAC work and know the local laws like the backs of their hands.