In most HVAC systems, where is the evaporator coil typically located?

The evaporator coil is typically located after the furnace in most HVAC systems because of how these systems are designed to function efficiently. The evaporator coil is a component of the cooling system, often part of an air conditioning unit, and its primary role is to absorb heat from the indoor air.

When warm air from the house passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs this heat, causing the refrigerant to evaporate and cool the air before it is circulated back into the living space. Placing the evaporator coil after the furnace allows this process to be more effective, as the cooling coil can operate on air that may have been heated by the furnace before it is conditioned again for circulation. This positioning enhances the overall efficiency and performance of the HVAC system, providing cooler air effectively after the heat exchanger (furnace) has done its job in colder months when necessary.

This setup ensures that the system can transition smoothly between heating and cooling modes, adjusting to seasonal demands without compromising on air quality or temperature control.