Should You Replace the AC Coil or the Entire HVAC System?
Should you cool it on the spending to repair your AC system?
A common dilemma for AC repairs is whether to replace a coil or the entire system. While it’s always tempting to keep repairs as inexpensive as possible, you also don’t want to throw unnecessary cash into a system that might fail before you get your money’s worth. Here’s how to determine whether to repair versus replace a coil or the entire system with the help of an AC repair technician.
Factors to Consider
These are the main things to consider when deciding whether to shop for a new AC system or replace a coil.
Age of the System
Most AC units last 10 to 20 years on average. Central air systems last between 12 to 17 years, depending on usage and level of maintenance. If your evaporator coil is severely damaged and your AC system is more than 8 years old, consider replacing the entire system since it’s more likely to continue breaking down and necessitating additional repairs. If you’re on the fence about replacing your HVAC system, consult a professional AC repair technician near you for an expert opinion.
Extent of Damage
When considering whether to replace the evaporator coil or the entire system, weigh the extent of the damage to this essential part. If the damage caused a severe refrigerant leak, it likely compromised the entire system, making it difficult and expensive to restore to working order. However, if the evaporator is only dirty or has heavy grime build up, a professional can clean it without needing to replace anything.
Energy Efficiency
If your evaporator coil is leaking and it runs on the refrigerant R-22, it’s likely a sign that it’s time to start fresh with a more energy efficient HVAC system. This type of issue is expensive to repair, plus outdated refrigerants can harm the health of household members and contribute to environmental damage.
Selecting and installing a more energy-efficient AC system can help reduce your home’s carbon footprint and save on monthly energy costs. Look for high SEER ratings to find the most energy-efficient AC system for your home.
Size and Capacity
Need to upgrade your HVAC’s capacity to cool your home quickly and efficiently? If your evaporator coil is in need of repair, use it as an opportunity to evaluate whether your current system is fulfilling your household’s needs. If not, consider replacing the entire system.
Choosing the right size AC unit for your home is extremely important for the function and longevity of the system. While it’s tempting to save money and purchase a smaller system, it won’t cool your home properly if it’s too small. It will work overtime to try and keep up with your home’s cooling needs, leading to premature wear and tear.
Type of System
Replacing an AC system is a good time to consider different types of air conditioners and what will work best for your home. If your budget is tight and you’re not sure you can swing the cost for a new system, consider adding window AC units to keep essential rooms cool until you’re ready to invest.
Refrigerant
The type of refrigerant used by AC systems is a hot topic in environmental preservation. The production and import of R-22, also known as freon, the staple refrigerant used in most AC systems until recent years, is banned due to its harmful impact on the Ozone layer. Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, such as R-410A, were meant to replace it, but were soon found to have harmful environmental effects. While HFCs like R-410A don’t deplete the ozone layer like R-22, they have a high global warming potential (GWP), meaning they have a greater capacity to trap heat in the atmosphere and exacerbate global warming.
Recognizing the need to address the environmental impact of HFCs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated regulations to phase out the production and use of high-GWP refrigerants like R-410A in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives. So, if you’re purchasing new AC systems, you should look for low-GWP alternatives such as R-32 to avoid potential issues with repurchasing in the future.
Is it Worth it to Replace an AC Coil?
Deciding whether to replace a coil or the entire AC system can be tough. It’s an expensive part to replace, and prices can equal a significant portion of the cost for a new system. Consider these scenarios to help you decide.
| Replace the AC Coil | Replace the AC System |
|---|---|
| Your AC system is less than 8 years old | Your AC system is 8+ years old |
| Cost of replacing a coil isn’t nearly as expensive as installing a new system | Your AC isn’t running efficiently |
| Coil is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty | Your AC system uses R-22 refrigerant (Freon) |
| It’s an isolated issue | Condenser coil is broken |
| You’ve recently done significant repairs | Your AC system has recurring issues |
When to Replace the Evaporator Coil
These are the main scenarios where you may want to consider replacing an evaporator coil instead of purchasing a new AC system.
1. Your AC System is Less Than 8 Years Old
The average lifespan of an AC system is between 10 and 20 years, so if yours is quickly advancing in age, it may not be worth repairing. A good rule of thumb is to replace any unit that’s over eight years old. If your system is still relatively new, it’s best to bite the bullet and replace the evaporator coil and restore the unit.
2. Coil is Significantly Less Expensive Than a New Unit
The cost to replace an evaporator coil is between $600 and $2,000, depending on the system’s size, type, and brand. If your replacement coil cost is on the lower end, then it may make more sense to replace it rather than consider a completely new system. Compare replacement quotes from at least three local AC technicians to determine the estimated price for this fix.
3. Coil is Covered by the Manufacturer’s Warranty
Before deciding whether to replace a coil or the entire system, double-check your manufacturer’s warranty if it’s still in effect. If the coil failure is due to a manufacturing defect, it’s possible the cost of the replacement could be covered by the manufacturer.
4. It's an Isolated Issue
If your AC system was previously running well before the coil issue, it may be worth it to only replace the coil. However, the evaporator coil malfunction may be a sign of a larger problem. To determine whether it was an isolated issue, schedule a HVAC inspection to check out the other components of your system.
5. You’ve Recently Done Significant Repairs
While it’s not ideal to invest more money into an AC system that’s already had major issues, there are some exceptions. If you recently invested in significant repairs, you may want to purchase a new coil rather than losing what you just spent. Consult an AC technician about whether to continue investing in repairs to your current system.
When to Replace an Air Conditioner
These are the top instances when you should consider replacing the AC system rather than investing in a new AC coil.
Condenser Coil is Broken
Whether you should replace a coil or the entire system between an evaporator coil vs condenser coil. While there are scenarios where you would replace an evaporator coil, a condenser coil is almost never recommended for replacement unless the part is readily available and covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. That’s because it tends to be a very expensive part, if it’s even available. Each AC system needs a specific type of condenser, and manufacturers often won’t have one available, especially if it’s an older system.
Your AC System is 8+ Years Old
If your AC system is over eight years old, it likely only has a few good years left before it begins to break down more frequently. Rather than putting more money into an older system, investing in a new one is a way to ensure your home cools and heats efficiently for years to come.
Your AC Isn’t Running Efficiently or Has Recurring Issues
An inefficient AC system interferes with the comfort of your home and drives up your monthly energy costs. If your energy costs have been higher than normal since before having issues with the evaporator coil, it’s likely best to consider purchasing a new system.
If you’re constantly pumping more money into your AC system, it might be best to cut your losses and purchase a new AC. Again, it’s a very expensive part, and it’s a lot to lose if your AC system fails altogether.
Your AC system uses R-22 refrigerant
While imports and production of R-22 are banned due to its harmful environmental impact, it’s still possible to purchase older or recycled stock with the help of a licensed HVAC technician. However, it’s pricey—the typical cost of R-22 refrigerant is $50 to $80 per pound or $300 to $960 for an amount sufficient to refill a home AC. As supplies continue to deplete, those costs are bound to increase. To save money and potential headaches in the future, it’s best to purchase a new AC system that uses environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-32.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can look for warning signs of a failing evaporator coil, including inadequate cooling, ice buildup, reduced airflow, and hissing noises. A frozen evaporator coil may need cleaning or it may need a full replacement if it’s leaking refrigerant. Be sure to hire an HVAC technician to examine the extent of the damage before going forward with a replacement.
Replacing a coil is less expensive than replacing an AC system, but it’s still a pricey part. When deciding whether to replace the coil or the entire system, it’s important to evaluate the cost of the coil installation versus purchasing a new AC system. Other factors to consider include the age and state of the system, its energy efficiency, and the type of refrigerant it uses.
In many cases, replacing the entire AC system is a better investment than replacing a condenser or evaporator coil, as the labor and part prices can add up to a significant portion of the cost for a new system. Consult a licensed HVAC technician for an accurate diagnosis and recommendation.
No, a licensed local AC repair technician must replace AC coils due to the need to handle hazardous refrigerants. Attempting DIY poses risks to your personal safety, as most refrigerants are flammable and toxic. You also risk voiding your warranty with the HVAC company and causing damage to the unit.