Bryant AC Coil Leaks – Why And What To Do?

When you're told that the room isn't cooling because your Bryant AC coil is leaking, many questions probably run through your head. Don't worry—we asked the experts why a Bryant AC coil leaks and what you need to do to make it right. Here's what they have to say. 

Your Bryant AC coil leaks because its copper surface has corroded or disintegrated. This is caused by chemical reactions with VOCs, constant vibrations, and the growth of mold and bacteria.

When this happens, you can have your evaporator coil replaced, or buy a new AC unit instead because the repair cost and price of a brand new unit are almost the same.

Keep on reading to know more about how an AC coil works and what causes it to leak. We'll also tell you what happens when the evaporator coil leaks, how you can stop it from leaking, and what you can do to prevent it from happening. Lastly, we'll share with you the expected lifespan of an AC coil. Let's get down to business!

A bryant HVAC system for a new home under construction, Bryant AC Coil Leaks - Why And What To Do?

What causes an AC coil to leak?

Many of us aren't familiar with the parts of our air conditioning unit. All we know is that the AC keeps our rooms cool, and when a major component goes bad, we're doomed—especially when it happens on a hot summer afternoon!

So, before anything else, let us tell you what an AC coil is, where you can find it, and how it works so that you have a better idea of what we're talking about here.

AC coil cleaned and checking for maintenance

The AC coil or evaporator coil is that part of your AC that is responsible for absorbing the heat in the indoor air so that it can be replaced with cool air. The copper coil tubing can be found inside the indoor air handler or attached to the furnace.

The heat that was drawn from the room would in turn be absorbed by the refrigerant in the coil which then flows to the outdoor part of your AC toward the compressor and condenser coil so that the heat can be released into the outdoor air.

Leaks on the evaporator coil are a common issue among AC units. This is due to condensation that happens inside the frigid copper coil tubing.

As the warm indoor air travels in the tubing, it collides with the cool air and turns into liquid. But normally, the water would be caught in the condensate pan where it is then directed out of the AC system.

However, there are instances when the water does not go directly into the condensate pan, and that's when you know that something is wrong with your AC unit.

Reasons Why Your AC Coil is Leaking

There are three main causes why your evaporator coil is leaking.

Corroded Copper Tubing

Rusty leaking pipe

Corrosion inside the copper coils happens when copper and water often interact with VOCs or volatile organic compounds that are present in your indoor air.

Together, these substances combine to make formic acid which causes corrosion in copper. This can weaken and disintegrate the copper surface causing leaks on your evaporator coil.

Constant Vibrations of the Copper Tubing

The copper tubing is prone to holes due to the constant vibration in your air conditioning system. This creates friction on the surface that can, later on, take a toll on the copper material causing holes on the surface.

Bacteria and Mold Growth

Since the evaporator coil is always moist, it is a conducive breeding ground for mold and bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained. When these organisms settle on the copper surface long enough, they would also cause disintegration of the material.

When there are holes or corrosion in the copper tubing, there are open spots where the water and refrigerant can leak. This poses a problem for your AC unit.

What happens if the evaporator coil leaks?

HVAC technician with leak detector

When the evaporator coil in your AC leaks, it would cause not just water to leak but also the refrigerant. The refrigerant is the heat-absorbing substance inside the coil tubing that moves the warm air to the compressor and condenser coil so that it would be released outdoors.

Without enough refrigerant, your AC unit would have a hard time cooling your home. This means that it would take longer to cool your home, and your AC needs to work harder to be able to transfer indoor heat outside.

It would translate to higher energy costs on your end. As the leaking continues, your air conditioning system would eventually lose its ability to cool your home altogether.

Also, take note that if your air conditioning unit uses R-22 refrigerant, it is hazardous to your health as it can cause respiratory issues. That's why it's best to resolve this matter right away to avoid adverse effects on health and high energy consumption.

How do I stop my AC coil from leaking?

To fix a leaking evaporator coil, you would need to the services of an experienced HVAC technician. The technician would have to inspect the extent of the damage to the copper coil tubing. Temporary fixes include adding more refrigerant and using a sealant to cover the small holes or gaps in the coil.

However, since the copper coil tubing has been damaged, the technician might deem it necessary to have your AC coil replaced with a new one instead. At the same time, the remaining refrigerant gas needs to be recovered. The air filter would also need to be replaced.

All in all, this whole process would entail dismantling your AC unit and soldering a new evaporator coil, which we would like to reiterate is a task best left in the able hands of a professional.

But most of the time, it isn't advisable to have the AC coil replaced. It's best to buy a new air conditioning unit altogether, considering the repair costs would almost be equal to the price of a new AC unit.

The average repair cost for a leaking evaporator coil is between $250 and $1,600 which includes the material and labor expenses.

How to Prevent AC Coil from Leaking

If you aren't dealing with an evaporator leak issue, consider yourself warned of what could happen if you do not take good care of your AC unit. Proper use and maintenance are recommended so that you can enjoy the benefits of your air conditioning unit for a longer period.

Here are some tips on how to avoid having a leaking evaporator coil.

  • Choose household products that emit a low level of VOCs. For example, when you have to use paint or adhesives, choose those with zero or very low VOC content.
  • You can install UV lights in your air handling unit. This is where the evaporator coil is usually located. The UV lights will kill the mold and bacteria that threaten to settle on your AC coil.
  • You can use an energy recovery ventilator. This will not only help you save money because of reduced HVAC costs but also help filter the air so that fewer contaminants can find their way inside your AC unit. This way, there's a lower rate of VOC entering the unit. It also makes your indoor air cleaner and healthier.
  • A whole-house dehumidifier would also be helpful. It would control your indoor humidity so that your AC unit won't have to work harder to provide your desired temperature.

These are just some of the tips from the experts on how you can take care of your evaporator coil. 

How long should the AC coil last?

Air conditioner coil

With the proper operation and maintenance of your AC unit, the evaporator coil should last for about 10 to 15 years. This is almost the same lifespan as the AC unit itself. 

If you practice the tips mentioned above, you can get the most out of your AC coil. It is also recommended that you have your AC unit inspected and cleaned by your trusted HVAC service provider yearly.

This would prevent the buildup of unwanted particles in different internal parts of your air conditioning unit and eliminate mold and bacteria before they cause damage to your evaporator coil.

Final Thoughts

Your Bryant AC coil leaks because of the disintegration of the copper surface due to corrosion, vibrations, bacteria, and mold growth.

When this occurs, it might be time to get a new air conditioning unit rather than spend almost the same amount for the repair and replacement of your evaporator coil. Make sure you conduct regular maintenance of your AC unit to prevent this from happening.

To know more about your Bryant AC, you can read the following posts:

Bryant AC Fan Not Spinning – Why And What To Do?

Bryant Vs Carrier AC: Which To Choose?

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