Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost | 2024 Guide
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The average evaporator coil replacement cost is $1,300 but can range from $600 to $2,000, including the coil itself and professional installation.* An evaporator coil is critical to your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump. This component cools the refrigerant to remove heat and moisture from your home’s air. The evaporator coil is typically located inside or near your unit’s air handler and close to the blower fan.
If your air conditioning unit starts blowing hot air or you notice strange noises from the air handler, it might be time for replacement. We’ve broken down the major price factors and answered common questions about replacing an evaporator coil.
*Article cost data via Home Advisor.
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Central AC Installation Cost
Central AC unit costs range from $3,800 to $7,700.
Heat Pump Installation
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Split AC
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Should I Replace My Evaporator Coil?
A malfunctioning evaporator coil is difficult to diagnose until a technician can take a proper look. However, there are some telltale signs that your evaporator coil needs replacement. Call a technician if you notice any of the following:
- The fan isn’t turning on: When your AC fan isn’t spinning, it can cause several problems with your air conditioning system. Your AC fan not properly working could be a sign that your evaporator coil froze. The coil usually freezes if the indoor blower fan malfunctions, there’s low refrigerant charge, little airflow, or low outdoor temperatures.
- The fan runs constantly, but your house stays hot: When your cooling cycle can’t complete, the fan will continuously run. This can happen if your evaporator coils freeze or if it’s clogged with dirt and dust.
- The AC never kicks on: If the AC never kicks on when your system runs, it could be due to frozen evaporator coils or refrigerant leaks. When the refrigerant can’t cycle or there’s not enough of it, the system can’t remove heat from the indoor air.
- The AC is making strange noises: A hissing sound could indicate a refrigerant leak in the evaporator coil or refrigerant line. If you hear a rattling noise, it could be an obstruction in the evaporator coil fins. This happens with improper installation or if the fins become bent or damaged.
- Your energy bills are high, but your house is never cool: Rising energy bills are another sign that something isn’t right. If your system struggles to keep your house cool, there could be a problem with your evaporator coils.
- Your AC uses R-22 refrigerant: If your system is at least 10 years old, it could be using environmentally toxic R-22 refrigerant. R-22 is no longer permitted for use in the United States.
Overview of Primary Cost Factors for Evaporator Coil Replacement
Evaporator coil replacement cost depends on several factors, such as the evaporator coil style, brand, unit size, and labor. Consider the below factors to estimate your total price.
Cost by Evaporator Coil Style
There are three main evaporator coil styles to choose from. An HVAC company can help you choose the best style for your AC unit.
- A-coils: This is the most common style and resembles a triangle shape. The average cost is $1,300.
- N- or Z- coils: These coils look like the letter “N” or “Z” and cost $1,550.
- Slab units: Slabs are flat and located in horizontal units. The average cost for this style is $1,200.
Cost by Brand
Cost can differ between evaporator coil brands, such as Amana or Goodman and American Standard. You can find lower-cost options for as little as $200 or premium coils for up to $2,000. Ideally, the coil brand should match the air conditioner brand to ensure it fits and works correctly.
We’ve compiled evaporator coil costs for common brands in the table below.
| Brand Name | Cost of Materials |
|---|---|
| ADP | $200–$1,000 |
| TempStar | $200–$1,100 |
| American Standard/Trane | $200–$1,300 |
| Lennox | $200–$2,000 |
| Bryant/Heil | $250–$1,000 |
| Payne | $250–$1,000 |
| Coleman/York | $250–$1,200 |
| Aspen | $250–$750 |
| Amana/Goodman | $250–$900 |
| Carrier | $300–$1,300 |
| Rheem/Ruud | $300–$1,400 |
Cost by Unit Size
Your HVAC unit is measured in tons, and your evaporator coil must fit your unit’s size. Tonnage doesn’t measure weight, but rather how much heat the AC unit can remove from your home within an hour, measured in British thermal units (BTUs). One ton equals 12,000 BTUs.
Larger homes typically need larger systems. Therefore, your home’s HVAC system size can impact the total cost of your evaporator coil replacement.
| Size (Tons) | Unit Price | Total Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5–2 | $200–$900 | $300–$1,300 |
| 2.5 | $250–$1,100 | $350–$1,500 |
| 3 | $300–$1,350 | $400–$1,750 |
| 3.5 | $350–$1,500 | $450–$1,900 |
| 4 | $400–$1,600 | $500–$2,000 |
| 5 | $450–$1,700 | $550–$2,100 |
Cost of Labor
Labor fees account for around 40% of your total evaporator coil replacement cost. Technicians usually charge $50 to $100 per hour. Most replacements take two to four hours, so a typical evaporator coil replacement is $100 to $400 in labor alone. If your HVAC is in a difficult-to-reach location, replacement could take up to eight hours and cost as much as $800 in labor.
What you pay in labor also depends on your location and the time of year. For example, technicians may charge more during the busy summer season or if you live in an area with a higher cost of living.
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Other Potential Cost Factors to Consider
The following factors may also impact your evaporator coil replacement cost.
- Refrigerant type: There are several refrigerant (freon) types available, ranging from $4 to $10 per pound. The average evaporator coil refill is $150, but replacement typically ranges from $100 to $300. Costs are generally higher if you have an older or outdated AC system.
- Type of HVAC unit: Evaporator coil replacement costs vary across different systems. These include: ductless AC systems, mini-splits, packaged HVAC units, and geothermal heat pumps.
- SEER rating: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures your air conditioning’s efficiency. SEER is an AC’s cooling output divided by its overall power consumption during the cooling season. All residential ACs in the U.S. must have a SEER of at least 14. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. Your evaporator coil must match your unit’s rating. This can affect the cost.
- Other repairs: Other repairs are sometimes associated with replacing an evaporator coil. For example, a faulty coil could damage the AC compressor. This costs $1,800 to replace on a central AC system, but it can range from $800 to $2,380.
Professional vs. DIY Evaporator Coil Replacement
We don’t recommend attempting do-it-yourself (DIY) evaporator coil replacement. Though you can buy an evaporator coil online or at a local home improvement store, hiring an HVAC professional is best.
Professional Evaporator Coil Replacement
- Replacing the coil itself is relatively simple. The hard part is dealing with the system’s refrigerant. A licensed technician may need to drain coolant from your AC system and refill it with new refrigerant. Refrigerant reclamation requires specialized tools and training that’s only available to certified HVAC technicians. The job takes two to four hours. Most technicians charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
DIY Evaporator Coil Replacement
- DIY replacement would theoretically save you money, but we recommend hiring a professional no matter what HVAC system type you have. HVAC and central air systems are very complicated to work with and mistakes can be costly. If you accidentally damage your unit, you could decrease its efficiency. At the very worst, you may need to pay for an entirely new cooling system, defeating the purpose of trying the replacement yourself.
- A certified technician can perform a leak test to determine if your evaporator coil needs a repair rather than a replacement.
AC Evaporator Coil vs. Condenser Coil
The AC evaporator coil and condenser coil have two different functions within your AC system. It costs $300 to $5,000 to replace the condenser coil, but most homeowners will spend around $2,100.
- Evaporator coil: The evaporator coil removes heat and moisture from the air inside your home. The coil contains a refrigerant, which absorbs and releases the heat. When warm air passes over the coil, the refrigerant absorbs the heat and evaporates, becoming a gas. The gas moves through the compressor, increasing its temperature and pressure. From there, the refrigerant is sent to the condenser coil.
- Condenser coil: The condenser coil takes the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator coil and releases it outside. The refrigerant arrives at the condenser coil as a hot, high-pressure gas. As hot refrigerant flows through the coil, the heat transfers to the metal fins, which then release the heat into the outside air.
Repairing vs. Replacing Evaporator Coils
An HVAC tech may be able to repair your evaporator coil instead of replacing it. AC repairs range from $175 to $600, depending on the work needed. For example, a coil leak repair costs $250 to $1,600, which is almost the same as a replacement.
An evaporator coil lasts 10 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Regular maintenance can help cut down on repair and replacement costs. Replace your air filters and schedule annual maintenance checks for your heating and cooling systems. A basic tune-up costs $75 to $200. Cleaning your evaporator coils at least once per year costs $100 to $400.
How to Hire a Professional
Consider these factors when hiring a professional to replace your evaporator coil.
- Research: Look up licensed and insured local technicians. Ensure they service the cooling system you have. Get references from family and friends and check online reviews from websites such as Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
- Get multiple quotes: We recommend getting quotes from at least three technicians. This will help you determine a fair project price. Be wary of pros who charge much more or much less than others.
- Ask questions: Before signing a contract, ask questions about the fees you’ll pay and when payment is due.
Our Recommendation
We recommend hiring a professional to replace your cooling system’s evaporator coil. While this increases your total cost, you’ll know the job was done safely and correctly. Only licensed and insured technicians can handle refrigerant. Spills are environmentally toxic and expensive to clean. Contact reputable technicians for a professional HVAC installation and compare multiple quotes before making a decision.
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Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost FAQ
Is it worth replacing an AC evaporator coil?
A malfunctioning or faulty AC evaporator coil can lead to more system damage if not addressed. A technician may be able to perform a repair, but it’s usually more cost-effective to replace the entire coil. This is especially true for older systems that may have R-22 refrigerant.
How long do AC evaporator coils last?
An AC evaporator coil lasts 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Clean your evaporator coil at least once per year and schedule annual maintenance checks.
Is there a difference between a condenser coil and a fan evaporator coil?
An evaporator coil absorbs heat and moisture inside your home. The coil’s refrigerant removes heat and then moves to the compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure. From there, the refrigerant goes to the condenser coil and releases the hot air outside.
How do you maintain your AC unit?
Replace your system’s air filter every month or two during the warm seasons and schedule regular maintenance checks. Change air filters more frequently if your AC is in constant use, subject to dusty conditions, or if you have furry pets. Make sure your ductwork is clean. Clear the areas around your outdoor unit and trim back foliage at least 2 feet to allow for proper airflow.
Are AC coils covered under warranty?
Manufacturers offer AC evaporator coils with warranties. Most are good for five to 12 years and cover the material costs. Without a warranty, you’re responsible for the entire replacement cost (including parts and labor).
