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We recommend the best products through an independent review process, and advertisers do not influence our picks. We may receive compensation if you visit partners we recommend. Read our advertiser disclosure for more info.

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How Much Does an AC Coil Cost?

Average National Cost
? All cost data throughout this article are collected using the RS Means construction materials database.
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$500–$1,500

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Updated On

November 8, 2023

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Knowing the cost of repairing or replacing major AC components can help you plan and save. Many air conditioner parts are costly, and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by an unexpected repair bill. Having a reliable HVAC home warranty in place to cover your AC repair costs is essential.

We developed this guide to help you understand how much AC coils cost so you can budget accordingly.

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What Is An AC Coil?

AC coils are an essential component of your air conditioner. Your HVAC system uses a few coils during the air conditioning process. Indoors, your central air conditioner has an evaporator coil inside the air handler, and outside there is a condenser coil. 

Both coils need to be in working condition for your system to run efficiently. However, if you are looking for information on how much an AC coil costs, you likely need pricing for the evaporator coil. 

The evaporator coil contains a refrigerant that cools the air. As air is sucked into the unit by the air handler brushes across the coils’ surface and through its fins, the evaporator cools the refrigerant. As the freon cools, the gas turns into a liquid vapor, then transfers to the compressor where it is heated and pressurized. 

The compressor then transfers the hot gas to the condensing unit where air blowing over the condenser coils cools the gas, returning it to its liquid state. 

When Do You Need To Replace Central AC Coils? 

Central air conditioners last between 10 to 15 years. The older your system is, the more likely you are to start experiencing system breakdowns. 

The evaporator and condenser coils are pressured as the coils expand and contract over and over again for years. So, they are one of the more common AC components to break.

AC Evaporator Coil Life Expectancy

The length of time your evaporator coil will last depends on its quality and how well you maintain it. High-end devices last longer and typically have more extended warranties.

Even the best coils will only last for 15 to 20 years before they begin affecting your system’s efficiency.

Condenser Coil Life Expectancy

Condenser coils last between 10 to 20 years. However, like evaporator coils, the length of time your condenser coil will last depends on how well you care for it.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace Your AC System Coil? 

The cost of replacing your AC coils will depend on the type of air conditioner you have and if it has bottom or top-of-the-line components. As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for,” entry-level products are less costly to purchase, but they do not last as long. 

So, you can expect to replace them more often, and the warranties on lower-end components are typically only half as long. If your warranty has already expired, you need to start planning for a coil replacement.

Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost

Evaporator coils are not all made the same. So, the prices range pretty significantly. A high-end evaporator coil costs around $1,500, while a basic model can start at as low as $200. 

Condenser Coil Replacement Cost

If your condenser coil needs to be replaced, you will want to replace the entire outside unit. The pricing for replacing your condenser coil is very similar to that of the evaporator coil. For a new condenser, the average cost is between $400 and $1,200. 

Coil Installation Costs

HVAC technicians usually charge between $50 and $150 per hour, and the installation of a condenser or evaporator coil can be time-consuming and most jobs take all day. So, you can expect between $500 and $1,500 for labor costs on top of the coil

Total Central AC Replacement Cost

When either of your coils is not functioning properly, it puts strain on the other. So, HVAC repair specialists suggest you change both. 

Otherwise, you will have mismatched units which can cause your HVAC not to run as efficiently and put strain on the entire system. Replacing both will cost you between $1,700 and $11,000.

To learn more about AC coil replacement, check out this video:

How Do You Know When You Need To Replace A Coil? 

Knowing when you need to replace an AC coil is challenging. However, you will start to see signs that one or more of your air conditioning system parts is not functioning as efficiently when you start receiving higher energy bills. 

Which Are The Top AC Coil Manufacturers?

When you are investing in something as important as your home’s heating and cooling system, you want to buy from a trusted brand. If you are not in the air conditioning business, you probably do not know which manufacturers make the best coils. 

So, here is a list of some of the best AC brands trusted by homeowners across the country: 

  • Lennox
  • Ruud
  • Rheem
  • Trane
  • Amana
  • American Standard
  • Carrier
  • Goodman
  • York

We suggest using one of these top brands because they stand behind their work and have a track record of producing high-quality parts. Interested in these brands? Get free quotes from four of our top picks:

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When Should You Schedule a Service Call For Your AC Unit?

If you have not had a system tune-up in more than six months, you should schedule an appointment with an HVAC professional. While they are there, they can check your coolant levels, blower, condensate drain line, thermostat, outdoor unit, and indoor coils.

The technician will tell you what maintenance they need to perform to keep your air conditioning units running well. When you schedule a maintenance call with an HVAC contractor the AC repair professional will: 

  • Check voltage levels, airflow, and key system temperatures. 
  • Change the air filters and if necessary remove buildup from coils. 
  • Test the heat pump
  • Check coolant levels. 
  • Repair refrigerant leaks and properly dispose of R-22 refrigerants
  • Check over all of your system’s pipes, valves, and motors. 
  • Clean buildup from the coils. 
  • Replace worn parts. 
  • Give you an overall system grade and estimated life expectancy. 

Having an AC service company maintain your unit will increase the energy efficiency of your older HVAC system, and if you need a new coil, the technician will tell you. They can also give you an estimate of the total cost for a new AC.

How Can You Extend The Life Of Your New Coil?

Maintaining your coils is essential if you want to get the longest life out of them. However, it will also have an impact on your electricity bills. 

Caring for your coils is not difficult if you have some DIY home repair experience and basic tools. This is what you need to do. 

Change Your Air Filters

Air filters not only help to keep the air in your home safe, but they also keep dust particles and contaminants out of your AC unit. Without an air filter, your air conditioner would wear faster. 

So, the single most beneficial thing you can do to keep your HVAC system running is to change your filters. For most homes, once every 30 to 60 days is appropriate. 

There are times when you might need to change them more often though like if you have pets, if you smoke, or if there are a lot of people living in your home. 

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Stay On Top Of Maintenance

Maintaining your HVAC is vital. Each of the parts depends on the others. If the evaporator coil is not working properly, it can put a strain on the condenser, compressor, blower, and other parts.

Low refrigerant levels can also damage the system, causing overheating which can damage the fragile coil fins and connections. 

Keep Your Coils Clean

It is so important that both your indoor and outdoor air conditioner coils are clean and that they have the proper airflow. Outside leaves and debris that collect around the outside of your condenser are a concern as they restrict air. 

Inside, dust and particles from the air in your home will quickly build up on the evaporator coil if you have a filthy or missing filter. So, if you often forget to change your filters, you probably need to check your evaporator coil. 

Staying on top of minor repairs will also help to prevent damage and extend the life of your coils. 

Final Advice On AC Coil Replacement Costs

If your AC coils are due for replacement, a total system replacement will probably be necessary soon. With HVAC replacement costs ranging from $1,700 to more than $11,000, many homeowners invest in a home warranty plan. 

A home warranty helps to cover the cost of repairs and system replacements for covered items up to the limit of your plan. That way, you don’t have to worry about how much it costs to replace an AC coil.  

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Editorial Contributors
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Alexis Bennett

Contributor

Alexis is a freelance writer with nearly a decade of experience covering the home services industry. She’s built considerable expertise in roofing, plumbing, and HVAC, as well as general construction and real estate matters. In her free time, Alexis enjoys coaching women’s golf. She lives in the Triad area of North Carolina.

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Andrew Dunn

Senior Editor

Andrew Dunn is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing for local and national publications, including The Charlotte Observer and Business North Carolina magazine. His work has been recognized numerous times by the N.C. Press Association and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is also a former general contractor with experience with cabinetry, finish carpentry and general home improvement and repair. Andrew earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in business journalism. He lives in Charlotte, N.C.

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