Connected to an AC condensing unit or heat pump, an evaporator coil is a critical part of any split air conditioning system. Through the refrigeration process, the evaporator coil becomes cold in cooling mode and warm when using a heat pump in heating mode. 

Cased vs. Uncased Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils come pre-installed on all air handlers. To make a gas, propane (LP), or oil fuel furnace compatible with an AC condenser or heat pump, an evaporator coil must be installed. Most DIY customers and technicians prefer cased evaporator coils for their ease of installation on the supply side of the furnace. Choose vertical or horizontal cased coils based on the orientation of your furnace. Uncased evaporator coils mount inside the supply plenum (the beginning of a home’s ductwork).

Coil Size for Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems

Our coils are rated in size from 1.5 to 5 tons. While it seems intuitive to match the coil size to the tonnage of the condenser or heat pump, that method may not yield the best results. In addition to compatibility in terms of tonnage, the efficiency rating of the heat pump or condenser (listed as SEER or SEER2) also affects which coil is appropriate. To easily find the recommended coil size for a specific appliance, check the product page for any air conditioner or heat pump. There, we list the correct coils for that piece of equipment under the "Accessories" tab at the top of the page. Or simply contact us, and we will be glad to assist you. Having the correct evaporator coil can have a significant impact on your system’s performance, so it's always best to select a coil that is certified to work with your AC condensing unit or heat pump.

A Note on Evaporator Coil Drain Pans

Drain pans are an important consideration if you have a high-capacity natural gas, high-capacity propane (LP), or oil fuel furnace. A standard (plastic) evaporator coil drain pan is rated for up to 300° F. Oil furnaces may exceed that temperature. Blueridge evaporator coils have built-in high-temperature drain pans. Goodman evaporator coils, however,  are not recommended for use with oil furnaces unless the coil's plastic drain pan is replaced with a field-fabricated metal one or with a Goodman high-temperature drain pan specifically designed for such.