How Much Does An Evaporator Coil Cost?

Are you wondering how much an evaporator coil costs? If so, this price guide can help.

In it, you will find answers to questions like:

What does an evaporator coil do?
How long do evaporator coils last?
How can you properly care for your AC coil?
How much is an evaporator coil replacement?

If your evaporator coil is not working, your HVAC will not cool your home. A malfunctioning coil can also cause strain on other air conditioner parts. So, keep reading to find out how much this critical repair costs.

What's In This Guide?

What Is An Evaporator Coil?

Your HVAC is a complex system of components that work together to cool or heat your home. The evaporator coil attaches to the heat pump or air handler and contains a refrigerant which it turns into vapor gas.

As your AC system pulls warm air across the evaporator coil, it extracts heat and moisture cooling it. As a result of the process, the evaporator coil turns the refrigerant into vapor.

The vapor gas is then transferred to the outdoor unit where it is compressed, cooled, condensed, and returned back to the evaporator coil. The process causes the coil to expand and contract each time it is cooled, which eventually causes the unit to fail.

If you’re looking for a trusted, industry-leading home warranty company, we recommend American Home Shield. American Home Shield is an industry leader in providing home warranties for HVAC systems, and right now you can take advantage of their current promotions that get you $50 Off and The Service Fee of Your Choice. Get a free online quote or contact a specialist at 866-464-7521 before these deals end.

Your next best option is Choice Home Warranty which offers $50 Off + 1 Free Month and Free 30-Day Cancellation. Get a free quote online or request more information directly at 929-400-6169.

What Is The Difference In An Evaporator Coil And A Condenser Coil?

You need both your condenser coil, often referred to as the outside coil, and your evaporator coil, often called the indoor coil, for your AC to work. If either coil is dirty or damaged, your AC could freeze up and stop running.

So, the evaporator coil removes the heat and moisture from your air and turns the coolant into gas. It then transfers to the compressor.

After the compressor heats and pressurizes the freon, it moves to the condenser coil, which removes the heat as air blows over the condenser coil fins.

For more information about the differences between your condenser coil and evaporator coil, check out this video:

How Long Does A New Evaporator Coils Last?

Evaporator coils last for around the same time as your AC unit. So, you can expect your coil to last between 10 and 15 years.

Coils in higher-quality AC units generally last longer. All new air conditioning units come with a warranty that covers the components for between five and ten years.

If your unit is just a few years old, it is unlikely that you need a coil replacement. Instead, if your evaporator coil is not working efficiently, you may need to clean it.

To extend the life of your coils, you should change your air filters at least every 30 to 60 days. You should also replace any parts in your HVAC system that are malfunctioning.

What Causes Central AC Evaporator Coils To Fail?

There are many things that can damage your evaporator coil, like ice buildup, airflow trouble, a malfunctioning air handler which causes the coil to overheat, a refrigerant leak, using dirty air filters, or an aging HVAC system.

How Much Will It Cost You To Replace Your Evaporator Coil?

Replacing your evaporator coil will depend on the quality of the coil you purchase. It also depends if you need a new indoor air conditioner unit or if you just need to replace the coil.

Your air conditioning repair will also depend on the type of refrigerant your system uses. If you have an older system that still uses R-22 refrigerant, you can expect to pay more to have the system recharged after a coil replacement.

AC Evaporator Coil Replacement

Replacement costs for AC evaporator coils range from $675 to close to $2,000. However, the cost will depend on the size of your AC unit and the quality of the evaporator coil you purchase.

Below is a chart with the average cost homeowners pay for replacing an evaporator coil:

2.5 Ton – $230 to $780 for parts + $445 to $650 for labor = $675 to $1,430 total

3.0 Ton – $265 to $1,000 for parts + $515 to $675 for labor = $780 to $1,675 total

3.5 Ton – $300 to $1,155 for parts + $550 to $725 for labor = $850 to $1,880 total

4.0 Ton – $410 to $1,240 for parts + $595 to $750 for labor = $1,005 to $1,990 total

Cost To Replace The Indoor Air Handler

The evaporator coil is in your air handler. If you need to repair other components of the air handler, you may want to replace it instead.

The replacement cost for your air handler is between $500 and $3,500 and labor costs between $750 and $1,500. So, with parts and labor, you are looking at between $1,250 and $6,000.

Total Cost For HVAC System Replacement

In an average home, you can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on a new central air conditioner. The cost of your system may be more if you have more than one indoor air handler and outdoor unit, the cost could be even higher.

What Does Your Evaporator Coil Warranty Cover?

If your evaporator coil is under warranty, it will cover the part, but it will not cover the labor costs. You may also be responsible for disposal fees for parts or refrigerant and refrigerant recharge fees.

The length of your warranty depends on the manufacturer. When you purchase a new AC unit, it is important to register the warranty as soon as possible.

Some companies reduce the length of the warranty if the owner does not register it within 60 days. If you are unsure whether your AC is under warranty or what your warranty covers, you can contact the manufacturer.

It is essential to note that having your system repaired with parts that are not compatible with your system may void the warranty. Some warranties cover the compressor for a longer period than your air conditioner’s evaporator coil.

If that is the case, you should check to make sure the new evaporator coil does not void your existing warranty on the rest of your HVAC.