What Necessitates the Need for a New HVAC Coil?
For the most part HVAC coils offer trouble-free operation throughout their life cycle. A simple cleaning once or twice a year is all that they will need for the most part. So why would a coil need to be replaced? One reason: Leaks. A leaking coil can be caused by improper maintenance, improper installation, and corrosion. If you find that you have a leaking coil the thought might cross your mind of installing a new coil yourself. Let’s examine why this is a bad idea.
‘Big Box’ Stores do not Stock Coils for a Reason
Quite simply the replacement of an HVAC coils is not a DIY job. It involves a lot of skilled labor, adherence to environmental regulations, technical certifications, and specialized equipment. Lacking any of these, the job should not be attempted.
A Simplified Step-by-Step Guide to Coil Installation
- Locate and close the service valve to the heat pump.
- Pull the refrigerant from the line set and old evaporator coil, to be disposed of properly, and weigh it.
- Cut out the old coil and remove the refrigerant lines.
- Insert the new coil and begin to measure for new lines. Using an acetylene torch, silver solder the new line set into place, being sure to include a new filter dryer.
- Pressurize system with nitrogen and use a soap solution to check for leaks.
- Using a vacuum pump, pull a vacuum down to 500 microns and observe reading over time to be sure it holds.
- Charge the system with the same weight of refrigerant that you pulled earlier.
All of this will take the better part of a day and require proper HVAC equipment and tools such as gauges, silver solder, acetylene torch, nitrogen tank with regulator, vacuum pump, refrigerant recovery cylinder, correct refrigerant and scale. (Not to mention specialized training and certifications to be legal.)
Do You Need an AC Coil Installed?
As you can see this is a job for the professionals like us at Rose Heating & Air Conditioning. If you need your AC coil replaced, or your system serviced, don’t hesitate to give us a call!