How Do I Know If My HVAC Coils Are Dirty?

Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round, especially in a place like College Station, TX. The area’s summer heat and humidity can push your cooling system to the limit. Even the best systems can lose efficiency when certain components get dirty, especially your evaporator and condenser coils.

Summit Air Conditioning & Heating helps homeowners understand the small HVAC issues that can lead to bigger problems. One of the most overlooked are dirty HVAC coils. Our team is here to share when it’s time to call our technicians in to clean these components and how professional air conditioner maintenance can benefit the overall system.

What Do AC Coils Actually Do?

Your HVAC system contains two main types of coils. Evaporator coils, which are located inside the indoor unit, absorb heat from the air inside your home. The outdoor unit contains the condenser coils, which release that heat into the air outside.

When either set of coils gets clogged with dirt or debris, the entire system has to work harder to cool your home. This issue leads to less comfort, greater wear and tear and higher AC electricity consumption.

Symptoms Of A Clogged Evaporator Coil

A dirty evaporator coil isn’t just an inconvenience — it can impact comfort, efficiency and the lifespan of your system. Here are the most common symptoms of a clogged evaporator coil:

• Weak airflow from vents
• Warm air blowing when the system should be cooling
• Unusual musty odors
• Longer run times without reaching the set temperature
• Higher energy bills

If you’ve noticed one or more of these issues, it’s worth taking a closer look at your system’s coils.

What Happens When Your AC Line Is Frozen?

One of the clearest signs of dirty coils is when your AC line is frozen. This often occurs when the evaporator coil is so dirty that it can’t absorb enough heat, causing the refrigerant to get too cold and freeze the moisture on the coil’s surface.

• A frozen air conditioner line can cause:
• Damage to your compressor
• Water leaks around your air handler
• Complete system shutdowns
• Loss of cooling efficiency throughout your home

If you see ice forming on your unit or notice the system isn’t cooling at all, shut it off and call a technician from Summit AC. Letting it run in that condition can cause major damage.

How To Check Coils On AC Units

If you’re comfortable with home maintenance, you can do a quick visual inspection by taking the following steps:

• Turn off power to the unit before inspecting
• Open the access panel on the indoor unit (for evaporator coils)
• Look for dirt, dust or frost buildup on the coil surfaces
• For outdoor condenser coils, check the outer fins for visible debris or grime

If you notice buildup — or aren’t sure what you’re seeing — it’s best to call in one of our HVAC technicians. Cleaning coils requires specific tools and techniques to avoid damaging the fins or components.

Preventing HVAC Coil Problems In College Station Homes

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding dirty coil issues in the first place. Luckily, there are a few DIY AC tune-up tasks you can do to help prevent this problem!

Changing your filters every one to three months helps reduce the amount of dust entering your system. Additionally, keep the area around your outdoor unit free of leaves, grass and overgrown plants — airflow is everything when it comes to cooling efficiency.

Lastly, make sure to schedule professional HVAC tune-ups before each major season. Service from our College Station AC technicians ensures coils are inspected and cleaned if needed.

Keep Your System Clean With Summit Air Conditioning & Heating

Summit Air Conditioning & Heating is proud to serve College Station with expert air conditioner inspections, repairs and maintenance. We work hard to keep HVAC systems in top shape so homeowners can maintain comfort throughout the Brazos Valley.

Don’t wait for a total system breakdown. Contact us today to schedule coil cleaning and a comprehensive air conditioner tune-up.