Air Conditioner Condensing Coil FAQs

Condenser Unit Coil Replacement FAQs

Cost to replace an A/C condensing coil

My condenser coil has failed and all Freon has leaked out. Any idea of what the cost will be to replace the coil and Freon? - - Chuck

Reply:

Chuck, in a companion article on refrigerant leaks at REFRIGERANT LEAK REPAIR and in the FAQs section at the bottom of that article -

we comment on coil repair options.

The actual repair cost range is quite large, ranging from a DIY epoxy kit to a service call to a coil replacement to a complete HVAC system replacement, depending on the cause of the leak, the refrigerant type or age of the system, and thus the repair options.

To replace an AC condensing coil you could be looking at $1300 - $1500. U.S.D. vs. $2000 to $3000 to replace the whole unit.

A/C Condenser Coil Corrosion Problem FAQs

Salt in ocean air can cause early failure of aluminum condenser coil fins

If you live near the beach the salty air from the ocean can cause premature disintigration of the aluminum condenser coil fins. - On 2012-07-10 by SamS

Reply by (mod) -

Good point, Sam, thanks. Also we see cooling coil corrosion from indoor pool chemicals and of course other corrosives in industrial settings. And from Chinese drywall outgassing.

Pet urine can damage an A/C coil

Can pet urine corrode condensor coil and as a result cause damage to the evaporator coil On 2012-06-08 by Desha M. Smithm

Reply by (mod) -

Desha, urine is corrosive to aluminum - a common metal used on condenser coil fins.

The condenser coil and its fins are in the outdoor compressor/condenser unit - something a pet could certainly pee on.

The evaporator coil is the cooling coil that is inside the air handler or ductwork inside the building. Unless the pet got into the air handler or ductwork to urinate on the evaporator coil, that's a different section of your cooling system.

Condensing coil fins are flaking and falling off

do residencial condenser coils need teflon coating, what would cause coils to flake and fall off just by touching them. - Jack<

Reply by (mod) -

A/C condenser coil fins that flake and disintegrate on being touched must be very badly corroded - perhaps by exposure to a nearby corrosive gas.

We have seen this problem in units installed at indoor swimming pool installations.

Sorry but it sounds as if you need a new condenser coil AND I'd want to look for the corrosion cause; did someone spray the condenser with an inappropriate and caustic cleaner??