
Can Air Conditioning Replace Central Heating in a UK Home?
Thinking of ditching your boiler? This guide reveals whether modern AC can heat your home year round and what to watch out for before you switch.
RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
An evaporator coil removes heat and moisture from indoor air using refrigerant. This heat exchange allows your air conditioning system to blow out cool air. The coil sits inside the indoor unit of a split or ducted air conditioning system. It is one of the most important parts for regulating indoor temperature. Without it, the cooling cycle cannot function.
A reasonable indoor temperature matters for people at work. If the temperature drops too low, it can affect how well staff concentrate, how productive they are, and how comfortable they feel throughout the day. Employers in the UK are expected to keep their offices and workspaces within acceptable limits, even though there is not a strict legal number for every situation. This guide explains what those limits are, how to stay compliant, and what steps both employers and employees can take to make sure everyone is working in a safe and healthy environment.
Pro Tip: Always replace your air filters after building work, renovations or deep cleans. Fine dust and debris can clog the coil faster than normal usage.
An evaporator coil contains copper or aluminium tubing shaped into panels, usually in an A-frame. These tubes carry refrigerant that absorbs heat as indoor air passes over them. A blower fan pushes this cooler air back into the room. This happens continuously until the desired temperature is reached.
Air conditioning units in the UK operate using a closed refrigerant cycle. Here’s what happens step by step:
Refrigerant flows into the evaporator coil through an expansion valve which lowers its pressure and temperature.
Indoor air is pulled in and directed across the coil.
The coil absorbs heat from the air which causes the refrigerant to evaporate into gas.
This warm refrigerant gas is carried to the outdoor condenser unit.
Cooled air is circulated back indoors while the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat outside and returns as liquid to begin the cycle again.
This cycle continues until your room temperature matches the setting on your thermostat.
Pro Tip: If your system starts short cycling or blowing warm air, turn it off and book an inspection right away. Running it longer could cause further damage to the compressor.
When warm air contacts the cold coil surface, moisture condenses and collects in a drip tray. This lowers the humidity inside your home which makes it feel more comfortable. In UK homes where damp and humidity are common, this feature is especially helpful.
In most UK properties, you can find the evaporator coil:
Inside the air handler of a split system
Inside or just above the furnace in a ducted system
In a ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted fan coil unit for compact flats and office spaces
Correct placement ensures airflow moves efficiently across the coil.
Although both are part of the same cooling system, they perform opposite roles.
The evaporator coil absorbs heat from indoor air.
The condenser coil releases that heat outside.
The refrigerant carries heat between these two coils. Together, they keep your environment cool and balanced. More details on condenser coil servicing can be found on our air conditioning repair page.
If your air conditioning is not cooling as it should, our engineers can help. Fast diagnostics and reliable coil repairs across London.
Several issues can reduce your coil’s performance over time:
When airflow is restricted or refrigerant is low, the coil can freeze. This stops it from absorbing heat and can lead to breakdown.
Many UK homes contain airborne chemicals from cleaning products, paint, or air fresheners. When these react with condensation, they can cause corrosion and pinhole leaks in the coil.
Over time, dust collects on the coil’s fins. This creates insulation that stops heat transfer. If left for too long, this buildup reduces efficiency and increases energy use.
Pay attention to these symptoms:
Reduced cooling performance or weak airflow
Warm air blowing from vents
System turning off and on more often than usual
Strange noises like hissing, bubbling, or knocking
Damp smells or high indoor humidity
These signs often point to issues with the coil or related components.
Preventative maintenance helps extend the life of your coil:
Replace or clean filters every one to three months
Keep vents and air returns clear
Make sure the outdoor unit is free from obstructions like leaves or rubbish
Schedule professional servicing twice a year
Our air conditioning maintenance service includes coil inspections, refrigerant checks and system cleaning.
If your evaporator coil is not serviced regularly, it will:
Struggle to remove heat and humidity efficiently
Consume more electricity
Wear out faster, requiring early replacement
This not only increases energy bills but also leads to a higher carbon footprint. Keeping your system in good shape is better for your wallet and the environment.
Here are typical price ranges:
Small repairs such as minor leaks or cleaning: £150 to £400
Full replacement of the coil: £600 to £1,500 depending on the make and model
We provide upfront quotes with no hidden charges. You can also request a callout using our booking page.
This depends on the condition of the coil:
Cleaning is usually enough if the coil is simply dusty or blocked
Replacement is necessary if there is corrosion, damage or repeated leaks
We assess each case individually and recommend the most cost-effective option.
We are fully certified with REFCOM and F-Gas qualifications
We have a strong local reputation across Greater London
We service residential and commercial systems
Our team delivers friendly, honest advice
For more about our qualifications and coverage, see our about us page.
If your air conditioner is not cooling, making noises, or giving off smells, the sooner you act the better. Fixing a small issue now prevents costly repairs later. We work across London and can attend quickly when you need help.
The evaporator coil is one of the most important parts of your air conditioning system. Without it, your unit cannot cool or dehumidify properly. With regular care and early intervention, it can last for many years. At RightAir Solutions, we help homes and businesses across London stay cool, efficient and comfortable.
To speak with an engineer or book an inspection, visit rightairsolutions.co.uk.
We recommend servicing twice yearly, usually in spring and autumn, to stay ahead of seasonal use.
You can vacuum around the access panel or gently wipe visible dust. However, internal cleaning should be done by a qualified engineer.
Household chemicals, pet dander and airborne moisture interact and slowly damage the coil’s metal surface.
Aluminium coils are lighter and resist corrosion. Copper coils offer better thermal conductivity and are easier to repair.
Yes, we service air conditioning systems in shops, offices, gyms, care homes and more across London.
For any questions or to schedule a visit, contact our team at RightAir Solutions.

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RightAir Solutions
At RightAir Solutions, we provide air conditioning services to domestic and business customers for heating and cooling units. We also supply and fit commercial AC and HVAC services with our insured, qualified and experienced London team of air con engineers.