How much does evaporator coil replacement cost?

In-warranty labor-only: $1,000–$1,800. Out-of-warranty coil, drier, evacuation, and refrigerant: $2,400–$4,200. R-22 systems: replace entire system.

How long does a new coil last in Florida?

10–15 years for coated aluminum, sometimes longer for all-copper coils. High-humidity climates like the Treasure Coast run the lower end of that range.

Do I need a matching coil for my outdoor unit?

Yes — AHRI-matched coils are required for warranty and efficiency ratings. Mismatched coils can lose 20–30% of the system's rated capacity and SEER.

Can you replace only the hairpin, not the whole coil?

Rarely — modern coils are one continuous assembly. Hairpin repair is a temporary measure at best.

Is a coated coil worth it?

In coastal Florida, yes. Epoxy or e-coat adds $200–$400 and typically doubles coil life against corrosion.

Will insurance cover coil replacement?

Only if the failure was a sudden covered event (lightning, tree strike). Formicary corrosion is a gradual failure and not insurance-covered.

How can I extend my next coil's life?

Keep filters clean (30-day changes), maintain drainage (annual pan-flush), and avoid off-gassing new furniture/paint near the return.

Should the drain pan be replaced too?

If plastic and cracked, yes. If galvanized and rusted through, yes. We inspect before quoting.

How is the new refrigerant charge measured?

By weight, using a calibrated scale, then verified with superheat/subcooling after startup.

Do I get to see the failed coil?

Always. We photograph and, when practical, physically show the leak sites before disposal.

Is there a Compass Protection 10 option?

Qualifying Maritime Air installations include 10 years of parts, major-component labor, and precision maintenance — coil failures during that window are labor-covered.

How long am I without AC?

Same day for scheduled replacements. In peak Florida summer we bring portable coolers for hardship situations.

Evaporator Coil Replacement — Full Homeowner Guide

HVAC Repairs — Diagnosed with Measurements, Not Guesses

Every HVAC repair Maritime Air Co. performs starts with measurements, not assumptions. This library documents each major repair we do — from a $180 capacitor to a $4,800 compressor — with the actual diagnostic procedure, honest repair-vs-replace guidance, and Florida-specific realities that most contractors won't discuss.

The Treasure Coast is one of the most demanding HVAC environments in North America. Salt, humidity, lightning, and near-year-round runtime make repairs a routine reality — not a rare event. This library exists so homeowners can hold every contractor (including us) accountable to the same standard: measure, diagnose, then repair.

Reviewed by Devon Sears, Maritime Air Co. Lead Technician (EPA Universal, NATE) · Maritime Air Co.

Why professional diagnosis matters

An HVAC system is a set of interlocking loops — refrigerant, electrical, airflow, drainage, and controls. A symptom in one loop almost always shows up in another. Warm air can be a compressor, a coil, a leak, a filter, or a duct — each with a different repair and price. Guessing costs homeowners thousands. Measuring costs an $89 diagnostic that's applied toward any repair.

Repair vs replacement — our philosophy

Maritime Air believes repairs should always be considered before replacement whenever practical. Many systems have years of reliable service left after a properly diagnosed repair. When replacement genuinely is the better math — usually on R-22 systems, coil-plus-compressor failures on 10+ year units, or coastal salt-corrosion cases — we say so and show the math. When repair is right, we repair.

Why we never pay technician commissions

Our technicians are compensated for solving problems, not selling equipment. This is the single most important structural decision a service company makes about honesty. Commissioned technicians recommend what pays them; salaried technicians recommend what your system actually needs. Every recommendation on every one of our service calls is supported by written measurements you can compare, question, and take to another contractor.

Our repair process from arrival through completion

Every visit follows the same disciplined process — the same for a $180 capacitor and a $4,800 compressor. Arrival and floor protection, full measurement pass, findings walkthrough, written estimate, customer approval, repair with OEM parts, post-repair performance verification, cleanup with old parts shown, photo-documented service report, and customer education. Nothing is opened until you approve. Nothing leaves until it's back in spec.

Why documentation matters

Every measurement we take is recorded. Every part we replace is photographed. Every performance verification is emailed as part of your service report. This documentation protects you — you have proof of what was done, why, and what your system's current state is. It also holds us accountable: the numbers are the numbers.

How to use this library

Start with the repair category matching your symptom — refrigeration, electrical, airflow, drainage, or controls. Each article follows the same structure: direct answer, diagnosis, symptoms in homeowner and technician language, causes, confirmation procedure, common misdiagnoses, honest repair-vs-replace guidance, Florida realities, and 12+ frequently asked questions. Read before you approve any repair — from any contractor.

About this cluster

Do you offer same-day repairs?+

Yes — we hold same-day capacity on our schedule for cooling-out situations year-round.

How is your diagnostic fee structured?+

$89 flat rate, applied in full toward any repair you approve that same visit.

Do your technicians earn commission on repairs?+

No. Our technicians are salaried and never earn commission on parts, repairs, or replacements.

Will you provide written measurements?+

Always — the service report emailed to you includes every measurement taken.

Do you offer financing on major repairs?+

Yes, through our finance partner. 0% and low-APR options with decision in minutes.

What is Compass Protection 10™?+

A 10-year parts warranty, 10-year major-component labor warranty, 10 years of precision maintenance, and priority scheduling on qualifying Maritime Air installations.

How long have you been serving the Treasure Coast?+

Maritime Air Co. is a Florida Class-A licensed HVAC contractor serving Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Vero Beach, Hutchinson Island, and the entire Treasure Coast.

What if I disagree with your diagnosis?+

Take our written measurements to any competing contractor for a second opinion. If we're wrong, we want to know — the numbers don't lie.

HVAC Repairs — Diagnosed with Measurements, Not Guesses

Reasons Homeowners & Captains Pick Maritime Air Co.

5-Star Rated

Licensed & Insured

Family Owned & Operated

Residential · Commercial · Marine

Written Estimates

Photo-Documented Work

23 homeowner-first guides

Compressor Replacement

Compressor Hard Start Kit Installation

Refrigerant Leak Repair