Are you having a problem with your Lennox AC system? Depending on the model of your unit, the problem could be the Lennox evaporator coil. Lennox Coil Problems often present early in the 12–15 year lifespan of an AC unit. After two to four years, Lennox AC units tend to:
- Freeze up (coils)
- Stop blowing cold air
- Cause increased utility bills
- Leak from the Evaporator coil (even after repairs) and appear as dark-stained “soil” buildup
- Lower refrigerant levels
- Corrosion
- Repetitive issues of the above
For immediate help with your Lennox HVAC system, visit:
Lennox Coil Problems: A Headache for Homeowners
Homeowners were spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on Lennox air conditioner troubleshooting, plus multiple repairs and replacements of the Lennox coil. The cause of such issues was said to be formicary corrosion as a result of the thin uncoated copper tubing inside the systems rather than using aluminum. The pinhole caused by the corrosion then leads to leaks, damage, and system malfunctions.
What Is The AC Evaporator Coil?
The US Department of Energy describes this as the “cold indoor coil” that works with the compressor or pump to move a “refrigerant between the evaporator and the condenser” or the hot outdoor coil. If one or both of these coils is not operating properly, your home will not properly cool or remove humidity. Plus, your AC unit will either stop working altogether or be working overtime to compensate for the malfunctioning or low functioning coil.
Lennox Class Action Lawsuit & Recall
In 2015, a class-action lawsuit, Thomas v. Lennox Industries Inc., was filed arguing that the Lennox AC coil was manufactured and sold knowing that the copper coils were faulty and failed to address the issue or make its customers aware – even after becoming aware of the problem.
While Lennox admitted no wrongdoing or fault, they did settle on a package for affected homeowners that included:
- Replacement of defective coils (up to three)
- Up to $1,100 in labor reimbursement for original or replacement coils
Learn more about reimbursement eligibility for your HVAC system by visiting the Lennox website.
Which Lennox AC Systems Were Affected?
Lennox air conditioner coils that were affected include the following lines of the Lennox brand and Lennox evaporator coil model numbers:
- Brands
- Aire-Flo
- Armstrong Air
- AirEase
- Concord
- Ducane
- Model Numbers
- Lennox cbx26uh coil
- Lennox c33 coil
- Lennox cx34 coil
- Lennox ch35 coil
Lennox Industries Inc. has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit about its evaporator coils, purchased between October 29, 2007 and July 9, 2015. You can obtain information about the settlement at www.evaporatorcoillawsuit.com.”1
Lennox AC Coil Replacements
Since the Lennox Class Action lawsuit, Lennox has manufactured a new, aluminum-based evaporator coil – the Lennox Quantum Coil to improve the quality and performance of their air conditioning units.
Replacing affected coils is an important and necessary action to keep your air conditioner in the best working condition and to extend its life expectancy to the furthest end of its typical range. Keep in mind that other manufacturers have now rolled out reliable coil replacements, some of which may be preferred by HVAC installation experts and technicians.
The replacement typically takes anywhere from three to five hours. Installation of the new Lennox coil involves:
- Removal and disposal of any remaining refrigerant from the system
- Disconnection, removal, and disposal of the old coil
- Installation of the new coil and any connecting parts rendered useless from the damage of the old one
- Properly charging refrigerant
- Testing the AC unit
Questions to Ask With Your Lennox Coil Replacement
In some cases, depending on the damage, age of the unit, cost for repairs or replacement of the coil, it may be more cost-effective and efficient to replace the entire AC unit. This route of action translates into higher efficiency, lower utility bills, a reliable and improved system, and more control of your comfort. Just be sure that if you replace the indoor and the outdoor unit at the same to ask about:
- Matched system design for optimum efficiency and performance
- Design advances
- Higher cooling and heating efficiency
- Equipment age: Having units of differing ages could set you up for a staggered replacement of each unit as well as decreased efficiency and shorter lifespan of the newer unit
Repair or Replace? Lennox Evaporator Coil Replacement Costs
Lennox evaporator coil replacement cost can range depending on the size of your Lennox AC unit and generally is determined by:
- Coil Capacity
- Cost for Parts
- Installation Labor
Lennox offers a guide for repair vs. replacement:
Multiply the unit’s age by the cost of repairs. If the total exceeds $5,000, you’ll want to replace it. You’ll want to do the same if you’re finding yourself repeatedly repairing the same system. If your system calls for the occasional repair while performing well overall—or if it is less than five years old—it’s likely a replacement won’t be necessary for some time.”
As you consider your options, call a reliable HVAC contractor that is familiar and experienced with Lennox air conditioners to perform needed AC repairs or AC replacement.
FAQ’s About Lennox HVAC Coil Issues
Yes, to get started on your Lennox Coil servicing appointment, visit us here:
Typically and with proper maintenance, the evaporator coil (and the AC unit) will last between 10 and 15 years.
It is not recommended that you test your DIY skills on an evaporator coil replacement, as it will take the experience and expertise of a professional to remove and replace the coil properly – and avoid future issues.
Yes, however, the best option is likely to replace the Lennox evaporator coil altogether.
Just like the rest of your HVAC equipment, this piece of your AC should be cleaned and maintained once a year. Otherwise, you run the risk of a breakdown when you need AC the most.
his will depend on the size or tonnage of your AC. The higher the tonnage, the more heat it removes from your home. So, if you have a 5-ton system, you should have a Lennox 5 ton evaporator coil and a 5-ton condenser coil.
More Helpful Resources from Hoffmann Brothers
- Call Us in Nashville – (615) 515-3015
- Call Us in St Louis – (314) 664-3011
- AC Not Cooling – Troubleshooting Guide
- Furnace Won’t Turn On? – Troubleshooting Guide
- How Often To Clean Air Ducts
- How to Unclog a Sink, Bathtub or Shower
- Carbon Monoxide in Home – Find Solutions
- Electrical Outlets Safety Checklist
- Environmental Impacts of Geothermal Energy and HVAC
- Replace a Stab Lok Breaker in your Federal Pacific Electrical Panel