How Much Does AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?
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An evaporator coil is a crucial component of residential and commercial air-conditioning units and refrigeration systems, but it won’t last forever. The average evaporator coil replacement cost is $1,325, falling within a typical range of $600 to $2,000.
Highlights
- The typical cost to replace an evaporator coil in an AC system falls between $600 and $2,000, with a national average cost of $1,325.
- The exact cost will depend on a number of factors, including the unit size and location, the type and brand of evaporator coil, the type of refrigerant, the unit’s efficiency rating, and the cost of labor.
- Some common signs that an evaporator coil needs to be replaced include warm air coming from the vents, a unit that’s not turning on or that’s frequently stopping and starting, unusual sounds, leaks, dust or soot buildup, and corrosion.
- As with most repairs on an HVAC system, it’s not recommended for a homeowner to replace an evaporator coil themselves; instead, it’s advisable to hire a licensed professional to complete the job.
AC on the fritz?
The evaporator coil may be to blame. Find out with the help of a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated experts near you.
When an air conditioner or refrigeration system begins to malfunction, homeowners may experience a range of inconveniences and frustrations. These can include discomfort from rising indoor temperatures, higher energy bills from increased energy consumption, and the annoyance of frequent breakdowns. Poor indoor air quality, noisy operation, refrigerant leaks, and a shortened system lifespan can make the situation even more frustrating. In many cases, a faulty evaporator coil is to blame, and replacement is the best solution. But how much does an evaporator coil replacement cost?
The answer depends on a variety of factors. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, there is a typical replacement cost range of $600 to $2,000, with several variables that come into play. From AC unit size to local labor costs and the potential for additional unit repairs, homeowners may find themselves paying close to the national average of $1,325 or several hundred dollars more or less.
This guide will help homeowners learn more about estimating evaporator coil replacement costs, saving money on installation, and finding the best professionals for the job.
Factors in Calculating AC Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost
There are several factors that come into play when homeowners are estimating AC evaporator coil replacement cost. Each job presents unique considerations, such as the size of the AC unit, the brand of the evaporator coil, and the type of refrigerant used.
Additionally, local averages can vary from the national average replacement cost of $1,325 due to cost fluctuations in labor and materials. Homeowners will want to focus on the following factors to properly estimate their budget for replacing an evaporator coil.
AC Unit Size and Location
Unit size refers to the cooling capacity of an AC unit, typically measured in tons. Generally speaking, the smaller the unit, the more affordable the evaporator coil replacement cost will be.
For example, an evaporator coil for a 2- or 2.5-ton unit shouldn’t cost more than $675 to replace, while a coil from a 5-ton unit could cost more than $1,000 to replace. The size of the unit influences AC evaporator coil replacement costs because larger units require larger coils, which are generally pricier.
The following chart shows the typical AC evaporator coil replacement cost by unit size, not including labor.
| Unit Size | Cost (Materials Only) |
| 2 tons | $550 |
| 2.5 tons | $675 |
| 3 tons | $925 |
| 4 tons | $1,000 |
| 5 tons | $1,075 |
Location refers to where the AC unit is situated in the home. A coil replacement is typically more affordable if the unit is easily accessible and allows for straightforward repairs. Labor costs and the overall price may be higher if the unit is more challenging to reach and requires the technician to navigate tight spaces and disassemble more components in order to access the evaporator coil.
Evaporator Coil Brand
Homeowners have a wide range of options when choosing an evaporator coil brand, with about a dozen reputable AC brands available on the market. Some brands prioritize affordability, offering bargain options that cater to budget-conscious consumers. On the other hand, certain brands focus on longevity and quality, providing products known for their durability and performance but with a higher price tag.
To shop for brands effectively, homeowners will want to research customer reviews and ratings, comparing the features and warranties offered by different manufacturers. Additionally, they can consult with HVAC professionals who have experience with various brands and can provide valuable insights.
It’s worth noting that pricing can sometimes be negotiable, especially when customers are dealing with authorized dealers or when shopping during promotional periods. Homeowners can inquire about any available discounts, financing options, or package deals that may help them save on both the coil and installation costs.
When shopping for an AC evaporator coil replacement from one of the best air conditioner brands, homeowners can expect to pay the following.
| Brand | Evaporator Coil Cost (Materials Only) |
| ADP | $600 |
| American Standard | $750 |
| Aspen | $475 |
| Bryant | $625 |
| Carrier | $850 |
| Lennox | $1,100 |
| Trane | $750 |
| York | $725 |
Evaporator Coil Type
Evaporator coils come in various types, each with its own characteristics and average replacement costs. These different types include A-coils, N-coils, and Z-coils as well as slab units.
A-coils are the most common type, have a tent-like appearance, and cost around $1,300 on average. N- and Z-coils, costing around $1,550, resemble the respective letters and are less common due to a higher risk of freeze-ups. Slab units, costing approximately $1,200, consist of two slabs pushed together and are also less commonly used.
Additionally, evaporator coils are available in cased and uncased options. Uncased coils, averaging around $800, require precise fitting during installation, while cased coils, with an average cost of $1,000, offer more flexibility in installation. These variations in evaporator coil types contribute to the differences in the overall replacement costs.
Refrigerant Type
When it comes to AC systems, both indoor units and outdoor units rely on a chemical compound called refrigerant to cool the circulating air. Also known as freon, refrigerant carries a price tag ranging from $4 to $10 per pound, depending on the type that a unit requires.
Replacing an AC coil typically requires a refrigerant refill or replacement. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for new refrigerant, with an average AC recharge cost (where refrigerant is added to the unit) of $300.
It’s worth noting that older AC models running on outdated refrigerants may incur higher costs. Ensuring the proper refrigerant type is used during the replacement process is crucial for the efficient operation of the air-conditioning system.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating, also called the SEER rating, is a measurement used to evaluate AC cooling efficiency. It is calculated by dividing the cooling output by the total electric energy input during the typical cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate a unit is more energy efficient, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
The SEER rating of the AC unit can have an impact on the cost of replacing an evaporator coil. AC units with higher SEER ratings often have more advanced and intricate systems. It may cost more to replace components, including evaporator coils, in units with higher SEER ratings than in units with lower SEER ratings.
AC on the fritz?
The evaporator coil may be to blame. Find out with the help of a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated experts near you.
Labor
Labor, in the context of AC evaporator coil replacement costs, refers to the skilled work performed by an HVAC professional to remove the old coil and install a new one. Labor costs are rarely a flat rate. They can vary based on the unit’s location, the accessibility of the coil, and the existence of any specific system requirements that can make the job more difficult or dangerous.
The cost of labor for AC evaporator coil replacement typically ranges from $400 to $1,000, often adding up to the price of the coil itself. This is because handling refrigerant, a potentially hazardous chemical compound, requires a license. By hiring a licensed professional, homeowners ensure proper refrigerant handling and benefit from the expertise necessary for a successful installation.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Some evaporator coil replacements may require additional steps or considerations that can add to the overall cost. While the following scenarios may not apply to every replacement, homeowners are advised to be aware of what to keep in mind when budgeting to avoid costly surprises.
Repair vs. Replacement
When it becomes evident that an AC unit’s evaporator coil is damaged, homeowners may have more options than they realize. While replacement is often the first consideration, there are scenarios where a repair may be the more affordable and beneficial option.
However, it’s important to crunch the numbers before jumping to conclusions. To make an informed decision, homeowners will want to consider the age of the existing coil, the extent of the issue, labor costs, and the availability of replacement parts. If the cost of repairing an existing coil isn’t much less than the cost of replacing it, a new coil may be the more practical and cost-effective investment.
But if a coil is new and a repair is simple, this option can provide a homeowner with an affordable fix that can help them get the most out of their initial AC unit investment.
Evaporator Coil vs. Condenser Coil
The evaporator coil and condenser coil are essential parts of an air-conditioning system that work together to cool a home. While the evaporator coil absorbs heat from the indoor air, the condenser coil releases the absorbed heat into the outdoor air and allows the unit’s refrigerant to return to a liquid state.
The lifespans of evaporator and condenser coils are generally similar. Therefore, if an evaporator coil is nearing the end of its lifespan, homeowners are advised to have the condenser coil checked as well. If both coils require replacement, homeowners can expect to pay approximately $800 for an AC condenser coil replacement.
Additional AC Repairs
In addition to the evaporator coil, there are other components of an AC system that may require repairs or replacements, either due to related issues or general wear and tear. These additional AC repair costs can raise the overall price tag of replacing the evaporator coil. Some common HVAC and AC repairs include the following.
- Motor replacement. The AC motor, responsible for powering the system’s fan and compressor, may need to be replaced for $475 if it’s showing signs of wear and tear.
- Heat pump component replacement. The reversing valve, defrost control board, or compressor may require repairs or replacement in systems with a heat pump.
- Control circuit board replacement. The control circuit board, essential for regulating and coordinating system operations, may cost around $275 to replace.
- Relay switch replacement. The relay switch, responsible for controlling the electrical current flow within the AC system, can fail with time and may need replacement at a cost of $225.
Warranty
In some scenarios, an evaporator coil may be covered under an AC unit’s warranty. Alternatively, a home warranty may cover HVAC repairs such as an evaporator coil replacement. If so, this can significantly reduce a homeowner’s replacement cost. A homeowner can find out the answers to the following questions to see if their coil is covered.
- What coverage does the warranty offer? If a coil is under warranty, the manufacturer will typically cover the cost of parts, leaving the homeowner responsible for labor fees. These fees usually range from $100 to $400.
- Are there coverage limits? Even if a warranty covers a coil, the coverage may be void if the damage is due to improper installation or natural disasters. Reviewing the warranty terms can shed light on this concern.
- Has the unit been maintained? The best home warranties for HVAC coverage, such as American Home Shield and Liberty Home Guard, tend to require regular professional inspections and maintenance to ensure warranty coverage.
A homeowner will be responsible for the full replacement costs if a warranty is expired or doesn’t cover the evaporator coil repair.
Types of AC Evaporator Coil Replacement
A variety of evaporator coil options are available on the market to cater to different AC units. These options include various sizes, shapes, and materials used for the coils. Some of the most common evaporator coils are described below.
| Type of Evaporator Coil | Replacement Cost |
| A-coil | $1,300 |
| N- or Z-coil | $1,550 |
| Slab unit | $1,200 |
| Uncased coil | $800 |
A-Coil
The A-coil evaporator coil is the most common type of evaporator coil used in air-conditioning systems. It’s named after its shape, as it resembles the letter “A.”
Technicians prefer the A-coil design because it’s compact in size and has a more efficient design than other types. It features two coils, with a smaller coil stacked on top of a larger coil. This design creates a greater surface area to speed up the heat exchange, resulting in more efficient cooling.
An A-coil can also remove moisture from the air and reduce humidity levels in a home. Lower humidity levels can help reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and make a home feel cooler and more comfortable. The average cost of an A-coil is $1,300.
N- or Z-Coil
Also named for the letter design they resemble, N- and Z-coils are two additional types of evaporator coils technicians sometimes use. However, they’re not as common as the A-coil design, since they’re more prone to freeze-ups. Both N- and Z-coils cost around $1,550 to replace.
If they’re less efficient and more expensive, what scenarios warrant the use of an N- or Z-coil? Homeowners who own AC units with space constraints may benefit from these coil types. Additionally, some units are compatible only with N- or Z-coils. Homeowners can discuss their options with their HVAC technician based on their budget and unit requirements.
Slab Unit
Slab coils differ from A-, N-, and Z-coils in their orientation and installation method. A slab evaporator coil is designed to be installed horizontally in a slab or ductwork, while other coils are designed to be used vertically.
Slab units are ideal for use in residential units with limited space and have a lower profile than other coil types. They can also improve a unit’s cooling performance, since they have larger surface areas for improved heat transfers. However, they’re not a common coil for technicians to use. Homeowners can expect to pay around $1,200 for a slab coil, making them a budget-friendly option for compatible units.
Uncased Coil
An uncased coil is an evaporator coil without an external protective casing or enclosure. The coils and fins are exposed, making this type of coil harder to install and practical only for units where an enclosure isn’t necessary. They need to fit the unit exactly and require precise alignment for optimal performance and efficiency.
Since these coils have exposed components, regular maintenance and cleaning are important to prevent dust and debris from accumulating. However, uncased coils tend to cost less than cased coils, making them an attractive option for homeowners struggling to come up with the funds for an evaporator coil replacement. They’re the most affordable option, with an average cost of $800.
Do I Need AC Evaporator Coil Replacement?
Evaporator coils break down for a variety of reasons. But there are almost always signs that an evaporator coil is in need of repair. Homeowners will want to be aware of the following symptoms of an evaporator coil in distress so they can act accordingly and prevent more expensive repairs.
AC on the fritz?
The evaporator coil may be to blame. Find out with the help of a pro. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-rated experts near you.