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How much does it cost to replace an aircon evaporator?

The cost to replace an air conditioner evaporator can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the size of the unit, the complexity of the installation, and the labor costs in your local area. On average, you can expect to pay between $500 to $1,500 to replace an air conditioner evaporator.


What is an Air Conditioner Evaporator?


The evaporator is a critical component of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for absorbing heat from the indoor air and transferring it to the refrigerant, which then carries the heat outside to be released. The evaporator is located inside the air conditioning unit, typically in the indoor section.


Factors Affecting the Cost of Evaporator Replacement



  • Unit Size: Larger air conditioning units require larger and more expensive evaporators, which can increase the overall replacement cost.

  • Accessibility: If the evaporator is difficult to access or located in a tight space, the labor costs may be higher.

  • Refrigerant Type: Some older air conditioning units use refrigerants that are no longer commonly available, which can drive up the cost of replacement parts.

  • Labor Costs: The hourly rate of the HVAC technician performing the replacement can vary depending on your local market and the complexity of the job.


In addition to the evaporator itself, the replacement process may also require other components, such as refrigerant, filters, and sealants, further increasing the overall cost.


When to Replace an Air Conditioner Evaporator


The evaporator is designed to last the lifetime of the air conditioning unit, which is typically 10-15 years. However, evaporators can sometimes fail prematurely due to factors such as age, wear and tear, or refrigerant leaks. Signs that an evaporator may need to be replaced include:



  • Reduced cooling performance

  • Increased energy consumption

  • Visible damage or corrosion to the evaporator coil

  • Refrigerant leaks


If you suspect your air conditioner's evaporator may need to be replaced, it's best to consult with a qualified HVAC technician who can assess the condition of the unit and provide a cost estimate for the necessary repairs or replacement.

Is it worth fixing a 20 year old AC unit?


Repairing the 20-year-old AC unit with a SEER of 10 would cost $500 upfront, but the annual operating cost would be higher at $1,884 compared to $1,334 for a new unit with a SEER of 14. Over a 10-year period, the total savings from replacing the unit would be $5,500, outweighing the higher upfront cost of replacement.



What is the lifespan of an evaporator?


10-15 years
On average, an evaporator coil in a commercial HVAC unit can last anywhere from 10-15 years. It's important to note that this is a general estimate and that the actual lifespan of an evaporator coil can vary dramatically. However, with regular maintenance and proper usage, the coil can last even longer.



How long should an AC evaporator last?


10 to 15 years
On average, evaporator coils can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, certain factors may cause them to wear out more quickly.



How much does it cost to replace aircon evaporator?


On average, the cost of an AC evaporator replacement can range from $1000 to $3000, with luxury vehicles often costing more.



What is the average price to replace an evaporator?


The average evaporator coil replacement will run between $630 to $3,700 depending on the warranty status, system size, and type.



Should I replace my 12 year old AC unit?


0 to 9 years old: Your HVAC equipment most likely has years of life left. Seriously consider a repair over a replacement. 10 to 13 years old: Some high-use heating and air conditioning systems wear out after about a decade.



Is it worth it to replace an AC evaporator coil?


Whether it's worth replacing an evaporator coil depends on several factors: Age of the HVAC System: If your system is relatively new (less than 10 years old), replacing the evaporator coil is generally worth it. However, if the entire system is older, it might be more cost-effective to replace the whole unit.



Can I replace just the AC evaporator?


Yes definitely. You can replace the evaporator and change out the condenser unit when its time. It will last for another 10-15 years.



Does home insurance cover an AC unit?


A standard homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems if they're damaged by a fire, for example. But if your AC unit stops working due to an accident or normal wear and tear, your insurance company probably won't pay your claim.



How do I know if my AC evaporator is bad?


Signs of Damaged Evaporator Coil Components

  1. Air coming from the vents is warm.
  2. Air conditioner starts and stops frequently but doesn't properly cool your home.
  3. Air conditioner does not turn on.
  4. Refrigerant leak near the indoor cooling system components.
  5. Unusual noises from the cooling system, such as banging or hissing.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.