Is your Evaporator Coil bad and urgently needs a replacement? Are you wondering what Evaporator Coil replacement costs so as to get an estimate of what you will be charged at the auto repair shop?
If yes, then you’re at the right place. We’ll help you understand everything you need to know about Evaporator Coil replacement costs before having it replaced.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Evaporator Coil replacement, how to pick the best mechanic for your Evaporator Coil replacement, is Evaporator Coil replacement is something you can do on your own? If so, how is it done? We also give you tips on how to save on an Evaporator Coil replacement.
Let’s get started!
How Much Does Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost?
A car evaporator coil replacement will cost between $900 and $1200, and this depends on the type of car you have and the hourly rates of the mechanic performing the job. You can always get quotes from other competing mechanics, but most will offer similar numbers.
Apart from the price of an AC evaporator, you will possibly spend on professional labor for the installation. So, except you can DIY, going to the auto body stores for replacement is the best thing to do.
The average price of labor for replacing a vehicle’s AC evaporator is about $340. Depending on the vehicle, labor costs about $550 to $700.
Be informed that the labor price also depends on how complex the AC components are in the car.
Also Read: Car Shakes When AC Is On (Causes & Solutions)
Variations in Evaporator Replacement Cost of Car ACs
Luxurious vehicles like the BMW 328i need more costly components, than a typical vehicle model such as Sedan. Toyota Corolla has remained a trending choice amongst vehicle buyers.
A new AC evaporator will cost $1400 for a Corolla, whereas a similar part will cost more for the BMW 328i.
In addition, heavy-duty or bigger cars like Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Suburban need more costly evaporators.
It is possibly because of the car’s size and the quantity of air conditioner power needed. For instance, the Chevrolet Suburban is a bigger SUV than the Toyota Corolla. Hence, it is more sensible that the AC evaporator will be more expensive.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Coil
In hot summer times, if a vehicle owner experiences a faulty AC, he will be frustrated.
The AC system is built to get rid of heat from the air. The function of the evaporator is to harness cold/cool refrigerant in the liquid state. The heat is collected and made cool when warm air goes through your evaporator coils. Thus, you feel the cold/cool air circulating from the time cabin.
There are two components of an evaporator: the coils and the core. If issues arise, it usually results from leaks created in the center of the components mentioned above. Because the AC evaporator needs frequent pressure sufficiently to get rid of heat, leakage usually leads to malfunction.
Hence, when a serious air conditioner evaporator leak has been noticed, you should replace it.
1. Poor/Bad AC Performance
The main part that gets rid of heat from the air in your vehicle is your AC evaporator. It is easy to decipher failure. However, there are four other signs/symptoms of a failed AC evaporator.
2. The Cool/Cold Air Is Weak, or No Cold/Cool Air Blows at All
If the core or coil of your AC evaporator has a leakage, it will impact your AC system’s efficiency. Thus, the capacity of a cooling system reduces as the leak increases.
Also Read: Why Is No Air Coming From My Car Vents? (Expert Answer)
3. Strange Odor While Making Use of the Air Conditioner System
When the AC evaporator leaks, a small quantity of refrigerant seeps from its seals, coil, or core. Hence, producing a sweet aroma that will heighten if you turn on the AC.
4. The Air Conditioner Compressor Fails to Activate
Refrigerant is circulated through an evaporator, by the compressor. It relies on keeping up with predetermined pressure for its operation. Therefore, if there is leakage, the compressor will fail to activate because pressure has been reduced.
5. The Air Conditioner Temperature Will Vary
When there is a little leak in your AC evaporator, it can keep cooling air. Whereas when there is temperature inconsistency, the AC evaporator may be damaged.
Main Causes of an AC Evaporator Leak?
We do not have too many sources of a leak in the AC evaporator. Most of them are easy to decipher, whereas the rest needs a detailed diagnosis:
1. Failed Outer Seal
Many leaks are from a failed outer seal found on your evaporator core.
Solution: Change outer seals.
2. Corrosion
Corrosion in your evaporator core commonly leads to a leak of seals. This corrosion happens when debris goes into the air intake, like dirt resulting from clogged or damaged air filters.
Solution: Service/Clean your evaporator coil in two to three months.
3. The Connection/Relationship Between Core and Coil
That connection between your core and the air conditioner evaporator coil is a leak source. If you notice a leak, replacing the whole AC evaporator is best.
Some mechanics that stay under shade trees try using sealant to repair a leak. However, you should know that it is a temporary option that will lead to extra problems with your AC system. Do not patronize this kind of option.
Also Read: How Often To Change Cabin Air Filter?
How to Replace the Evaporator in a Car
Step 1 – Locate the Evaporator
An auto AC evaporator is found behind the dashboard and is important to a vehicle’s heating system and air conditioning. It dehumidifies and cools the air in a vehicle’s passenger compartment.
With the service manual, you can find the evaporator. To remove it, follow the instructions.
Step 2 – Remove the Evaporator
Get rid of coolant from your system, and keep the liquid in a required recycling unit. It is harmful to remove components when the refrigerant is in your system. This is why you should discharge refrigerant before removing the evaporator. You are to first discharge or bleed your car’s system.
Get rid of the liquid line connection going to your evaporator, then get rid of its heater hoses from the core. Then, remove the heating and AC unit from beneath your dashboard found beneath your instrument panel. Place it upside down and remove the screws holding it together.
Then get rid of screws and center adapter ducts. To collect half of the up part of its “housing,” flip the unit back over. From your lower housing case, remove the evaporator.
Examine the housing that holds your evaporator to find any wearing or cracking to ensure that none of the housing components are missing. Change any worn or spoilt pieces.
Step 4 – Replace the Evaporator
Finally, the new evaporator system can be installed by taking these guides mentioned above in reverse order and using coolant to fill your system.
These are steps to take:
- Installation is a reverse order for removal.
- Vacuum your system.
- Recharge the refrigerant to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Examine the whole system to see for any leakage (refrigerant leak)
Frequently Asked Questions – Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost
How much is evaporator coil replacement in a car?
A new air conditioner evaporator can cost an estimated $600 – $750. Whereas labor will cost between $300 – $450, this depends on your mechanic.
Is it worth replacing the evaporator coil?
AC will last between Ten to Twelve years. Having established the above, if the AC is about eight years old, changing only your evaporator coil is equivalent to putting a new engine in a dying vehicle- save your money.
How long does it take to replace an AC evaporator in a car?
A professional mechanic will spend between six to eight hours, not minding whether or not the work is complicated. Labor is expensive as numerous shops will cost between $90 to $130 per hour.
Can a car AC evaporator be repaired?
Evaporator fins are susceptible to clog because of hair from a pet or leaves or even road debris. Replacement is the only permanent way of fixing the leaking evaporator core.
What is a vehicle evaporator?
It is found behind a car’s dashboard in HVAC (Heat-Ventilation-Air-Conditioning). An evaporator ensures that the refrigerant evaporates, changing to a liquid state.
Conclusion – Evaporator Coil Replacement Cost
A car evaporator coil replacement will cost between $900 and $1200, and this depends on the type of car you have and the hourly rates of the mechanic performing the job. You can always get quotes from other competing mechanics, but most will offer similar numbers.
Understand that the price depends on the car model, location, and numerous factors. Paying attention to a faulty AC evaporator coil on time can help you avoid extra expenses regarding repairs.