5 Signs of AC Evaporator Coil Leak and How to Fix It

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Evaporator coils are essential parts of your air conditioning system that are responsible for cooling the air as refrigerant passes through these coils. 

Leaking evaporator coils can prevent your aircon from maintaining a cool room temperature. This can be a nightmare if you’re living in Singapore. With the city's high level of heat and humidity, cooling from air conditioners is a daily need. Thus, a problem with the evaporator coil can be especially inconvenient!

There are a couple of obvious signs of evaporator coil leaks, but some symptoms may have different causes, so it is always best to seek the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician to find out the underlying problem of your air conditioner.

What Causes An Evaporator Coil to Leak?

Evaporator coil leaks are a common issue in air conditioning systems, including those in Singapore’s humid climate. The primary cause is corrosion due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and moisture in the air. 

When VOCs from household items like cleaning products, paints, or air fresheners interact with condensation on the coil, they can form acids that corrode the metal over time. Not only VOCs at home, but other factors including poor maintenance, restricted airflow, and age-related wear and tear can also cause an evaporator coil to leak.

Signs of an Evaporator Coil Leak

Sign #1: Air Conditioner Short Cycling

An air conditioner that is short-cycling is not a surefire indicator of evaporator coil leaks, but it is one of the common symptoms of a refrigerant leak. As the coolant escapes through the evaporator coil, the air conditioner overworks its components to cool your home and reach the desired temperature on the thermostat.

In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, air conditioners are essential for comfort, and short cycling can make cooling inefficient while increasing energy costs. Your air conditioner may short cycle, shut down, and blow warm air instead of cool air as the leaking evaporator coil has an inadequate refrigerant flow. Short cycling will damage the rest of your cooling system, so it is best to address this issue with our Luce Aircon technicians immediately to find the cause.

Sign #2: Frozen Evaporator Coils

Frozen coils can be caused by a number of factors that can cause damage to your coils in the long run. Frozen evaporator coils can be caused by dirt, dust, or refrigerant leaks as the excess moisture from the condensation around the coils freezes up as a result of the refrigerant supercooling the moisture.

Frozen coils tend to make air conditioners blow warm air as they can no longer cool the air passing through the unit. As the air cannot get to the coils, it does not get cooled, and therefore the AC unit blows warm or room temperature air instead.

Sign #3: Overflowing Air Conditioner Drip Pan

When your evaporator coils are frozen, then the ice melts and overflows the drip pan. Your AC unit may start dripping water indoors, or may emit a foul, foot-like odor as the water remains stagnant in the collection tray. An evaporator coil leak creates a domino effect that leads to a dripping AC.

Sign #4: High Electricity Bills

High electricity bills may indicate your air conditioner is overworking, requiring more energy to provide cold air. Your air conditioner may even trip a circuit breaker as it attempts to pull more energy from the source to keep your house effectively cooled. If you suspect your aircon is responsible for higher energy consumption, you can use a digital energy meter to confirm.

Sign #5: Visual Coil Corrosion

Take a good look at your evaporator coil by unplugging your air conditioner, and checking behind the air filter for any signs of corrosion or rust in your evaporator coil. A corroded spot or spots in the coil are most likely where the evaporator coil leaks out the refrigerant. If the coils are not leaking yet, they soon will be without a proper replacement.

Corroded parts should be immediately visible, with rusted or worn areas looking different from the rest of the coil. A technician would use a brightly-colored dye to trace the leaking areas.

How to Fix an Evaporator Coil Leak?

Unfortunately, once an evaporator coil starts leaking, repairs are usually not a long-term solution. While some temporary fixes, such as sealing small leaks, may provide short-term relief, the best way to address the issue is through replacement. Most of our clients—homeowners and businesses in Singapore opt for full replacement rather than patching up leaks, as this ensures efficiency and prevents further issues with the air conditioning system.

How to Prevent Evaporator Coil Leak?

While leaks can’t always be avoided, proper maintenance and proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk!

Tip #1: Clean Your Evaporator Coils

Besides the air filter, you can clean your evaporator coils with some compressed air and a vacuum cleaner - and you should! A clean evaporator coil is less likely to succumb to wear and tear, and would overall last longer in your unit, avoiding those high repair and replacement costs!

Tip #2: Reduce VOCs in the Home

As explained before, VOCs are a major contributor to evaporator coil corrosion. To minimize their impact it is best to choose low-VOC or VOC-free cleaning products, paints, and adhesives. If you have to use chemical-based products, don’t forget to ensure proper ventilation for the room.

Tip #3: Schedule Cleaning and Maintenance

Schedule a cleaning and maintenance routine with our trusted HVAC technician team, and we'll get your air conditioning unit up and running in no time! Our services offer only the best in aircon upkeep, and we make sure your appliance lasts you for years to come. Cleaning and maintenance are the best ways to prevent evaporator coil leaks.

Tip #4: Use a Digital Energy or Watt Monitor

Using a digital energy meter may help pinpoint the problem with your air conditioning system instead of making guesswork of your appliances. Monitor how much energy consumption your aircon requires to spot any changes in electricity charge.

Tip #5: Invest in UV Lights

Installing UV lights inside your air conditioning system helps eliminate bacteria, mold, and other organic buildup on the evaporator coil. This reduces the risk of corrosion and enhances indoor air quality. Given Singapore’s warm and humid climate, UV lights are a popular upgrade to extend the lifespan of air conditioning systems in homes and offices.

Important! These preventive measures can ensure the AC system remains efficient and leak-free for years to come.

Aircon Upkeep Services

As with any repairs on air conditioner parts, the evaporator coil cannot be handled by just anyone. Trust our technicians at Luce Aircon to provide you with top-quality aircon upkeep services at a moderate price! 

We are Singapore’s preferred choice for cleaning, repairs, and long-term maintenance services for any type and brand of air conditioner!

Contact us today for more information about our cleaning, maintenance, and repair services! 

Check out our article on how to fix aircon leaking water
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