Skip to main content

Rated: 4.9 / 5 based on 2,000+ reviews. Read our reviews

We're available! Call 518-545-3271 to schedule your service

Demystifying AC Coils: Understanding Their Role in Cooling Systems

Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda August, CEO of Grasshopper Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Published July 31, 2024
Demystifying AC Coils: Understanding Their Role in Cooling Systems

When your AC’s cooling performance declines, there’s a good chance the problems originated with the AC coils. There are two coils: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. They get a lot of wear and tear.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling put together the following information to explain the importance of understanding the role of AC coils. Once you understand what they do, you see that caring for them properly keeps you cool and your AC functioning.

How AC Coils Keep Your Home Cool

The AC coils make the refrigerant cycle possible, so when there’s no AC coil function, there’s no cool air.

How the Evaporator Coil Helps Cool Your Home

There’s no such thing as an AC simply blowing cold air. The cool air comes from the air conditioner removing hot air via heat exchange. 

The blower fan sends hot, moist air to the evaporator coil. The coil contains refrigerant. When muggy air passes over it:

  1. The refrigerant cools the air.
  2. The cool air flows back into the house.
  3. The refrigerant vaporizes.

Next, the vaporized refrigerant floats toward the condenser coil outside.

How the Condenser Coil Helps Cool Your Home

Once the vapor exits the house, it floats over the compressor on its way to the condenser coil. The compressor spikes the vapor’s temperature. Then the outer unit’s fan sends air over the condenser coil.

This process expels heat into the air. The condenser coil liquifies the refrigerant, signifying that it’s cooled. The refrigerant shoots back to the evaporator coil. 

And then it starts all over. When it works, you enjoy fresh air. When something goes wrong, the house fills with hot, stale air quickly.

Air Conditioning Maintenance Elevates HVAC System Efficiency

Understanding the role of AC coils means you can’t put off getting regular maintenance services to keep the coils in prime performance mode. These services keep your energy bills low and optimize the system. 

During maintenance, a professional contractor will look for corrosion on the evaporator coil. They will clear debris clogging the outer unit, getting rid of twigs and leaves. They will also refill the refrigerant if necessary. 

Professionals go through the system step-by-step to ensure your AC blows quality air.

Signs of a Damaged Evaporator Coil 

You may have a malfunctioning evaporator coil if you notice: 

  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Ice on the outside of the unit
  • An inaccurate thermostat reading 

Signs of a Damaged Condensor Coil 

A damaged condenser coil often produces these symptoms:

  • Loud noises coming from the unit
  • The unit cycling on and off
  • Inadequate cooling throughout the house

Maintenance and speedy repairs heighten AC performance and extend longevity. 

Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling for HVAC Maintenance and Coil Repairs

Understanding the role of AC coils makes it easier to understand why timely maintenance and repairs matter.

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling provides HVAC maintenance to ensure your AC coils produce cool air. We also do other HVAC repairs and installations. Call 518-241-5734 to stay cool or get cool soon.


Image of Amanda Triolo - CEO of Grasshopper
Amanda August

Amanda August is the CEO of Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, a rapidly growing HVAC company based in Albany, New York. She leads by focusing on creating opportunities that positively impact both employees and customers.


Should You Invest in a Whole-House Water Filtration System?

Published August 11, 2025
Water flows from every tap in your home, but do you really know what’s in it? For families in Clifton Park, NY, and throughout the region, tap water can contain everything f…

Slow Drains? Here’s How To Tell If You Have a Partial Clog or a Bigger Sewer Issue

Published April 22, 2025
You turn on the faucet and notice water quickly pooling in the sink. Slow drains strike again. This frustrating plumbing issue often signals underlying problems that could worsen…

How To Protect Your Pipes in Freezing Weather

Published February 28, 2025
When temperatures drop, your pipes are at risk of freezing, which can lead to costly water damage and major repairs. Taking the right precautions before winter sets in can help yo…

Most Common Winter Plumbing Problems

Published December 13, 2024
Are you concerned about winter plumbing problems? Grasshopper Heating & Cooling keeps your home safe with reliable plumbing repair, inspections, and maintenance. Keep reading…

Why Is My Garbage Disposal Leaking Underneath?

Published November 12, 2024
Garbage disposals might just be a modern marvel. The appliance eliminates slimy food remnants after you rinse your dishes and place them in the dishwasher. At some point, however…

Why Did My Garbage Disposal Stop Running?

Published November 8, 2024
You run your garbage disposal after rinsing the dishes to pulverize any food waste left in the drain. But the garbage disposal stopped working, much to your dismay. “Why did…
Asset 3@2x 9fde410d

“He installed our new unit a little over a year ago. He is professional, courteous and very knowledgeable – and willing to answer lots of questions from this engineer. Today he came back to trouble shoot an issue we were having, had it resolved in no time, and waived the diagnostic fee. Highly recommend.”

-Sara M.

“I am very impressed with the service I received from Grasshopper. I sent in an inquiry form and within minutes I was on the phone with a representative helping me with my concerns. He explained everything clearly and offered short and long term solutions. I am very grateful for his help!”

-Michelle J.

“Love Grasshopper! They did an awesome job! When we had an issue they came out the same day, did a quick fix and got us back up and running during a heat wave. Courteous and clean service. Everything from our first meeting to installation of mini-splits – all great experiences! 10/10 would recommend.”

-Kathleen C.

“Very informative and great service. They had someone out to our house the same day we called. He walked us through the process of what was going on with our current system and all the options. I would highly recommend Grasshopper Heating and Cooling to anyone who is looking for heating and cooling services.”

-Kim C.

“Tyler and Peter just came to my home. I was having problems with my air conditioner. They appointment was made quickly. They called before they came out. Diagnosed the problem and resolved it. They were professional and explained what the problem was. The pricing was fair and affordable. I definitely recommend Grasshopper”

-Dee B.

Schedule Service

* By clicking “Submit”, I am providing express written consent to receive autodialed and pre-recorded calls, texts, and SMS/MMS with marketing communications from Grasshopper Heating and Cooling regarding home services at the phone number provided above, even if the number is on a corporate, state, or national Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition to purchase services or products.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.