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An evaporator coil is the chilled indoor coil that pulls heat out of your home’s air. As warm air passes over it, the refrigerant inside absorbs the heat and sends it outdoors, leaving cooler air behind. When the coil wears out or leaks, you’ll notice weaker cooling, higher bills, or even small puddles of refrigerant around the unit.

You’ll know an evaporator coil is on its last legs when airflow turns weak, the air feels lukewarm, or your energy bill suddenly spikes. Short cycling, hissing sounds, and visible refrigerant leaks are other red flags. Acting quickly keeps the repair bill smaller and prevents a full system breakdown, so call an HVAC pro as soon as you spot these issues.

With routine filter changes and a yearly tune-up, most evaporator coils last 10 to 20 years. Heavy summer use, skipped maintenance, or corrosive indoor air can shave years off that span, while a lightly used, well-kept system can reach the upper end. Staying on top of simple upkeep is the best way to protect the coil’s lifespan.