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When an evaporator coil becomes faulty, it can result in various problems within your HVAC system. These problems could include reduced cooling or heating capabilities due to ice formation and obstructed airflow, along with increased energy consumption and higher bills. Additionally, a damaged coil may lead to refrigerant leaks, which are environmentally harmful and decrease overall system efficiency.

Ultimately, if not addressed right away, a bad evaporator coil can even lead to a complete failure of your HVAC system. That’s why timely repair or replacement is crucial to maintaining your family’s comfort and your HVAC’s efficiency.

The DOE is phasing out AC units with SEER ratings that fall below 14 or 15. The exact minimum rating depends on your region. In the northern United States, new ACs must have a minimum SEER rating of 14, though you can still buy and install older systems as long as they were compliant when they were manufactured. In the southern and southwestern United States, you cannot buy or install older air conditioners with lower SEER ratings. The minimum rating is between 14.5 and 15, depending on the power of the unit.

When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, several factors should be considered. It is generally worth repairing the unit if it's less than 10 years old, the warranty is still active, and you're dealing with a one-off issue. Most central AC units last about 15 years, while window units last 8 to 10 years. If your unit is approaching or has surpassed the 10-year mark and requires frequent or costly repairs (e.g., over $5,000), replacement is often the more sensible long-term investment. For older, inefficient, or out-of-warranty units experiencing multiple problems, replacing it is typically the better choice.

While most air conditioners can last between 10 and 20 years, they will only last this long (or longer) if properly taken care of. Routine maintenance and inspections help keep your AC unit running in tip-top shape but understanding what factors will decrease its lifespan will also help keep your unit running cool.

Some things that shorten your AC’s lifespan include:

• Extreme outdoor conditions, like high humidity or extensive salt spray 

• Improper installation

• Extended run times, either by the unit being too small or the thermostat setting too low

• Not performing required maintenance