Making a Tough Choice: Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is leaking, do not panic yet! Some simple tips may fix your problem without busting your budget.

Some homeowners become anxious when they see a leak in their air conditioning system. However, leaks in the system do not automatically mean it’s time to replace the old unit with a new one. In most cases, the unit can simply be repaired. It is important for homeowners to know how to determine whether they need to repair or replace their leaking air conditioner system. The following tips provide homeowners with ideas on what to do when their air conditioning system start to leak.

Air Conditioning Leaks Are a Common Issue

Cold air inside your home is critical to the comfort of everyone in the summer. Whenever issues, such as leaks, emerge in air conditioning systems, homeowners tend to become alarmed. However, leaks are not uncommon and do not immediately indicate a major problem in the system. In reality, over half of air conditioner maintenance issues are associated with leaks.

The age of an air conditioning system is a critical factor in determining the return on investment of the repair of a system. Although replacing an air conditioning system every ten to fifteen years is advisable, systems that are less than ten years old may only require fixing. This is particularly true if the repair bill is much less than the cost of replacement.

Look for the Source of the Leak

Leaks in an air conditioner system emerge for a number of reasons. Look for ways to prevent leaks from developing in the first place. The following issues may normally cause a leak in the system:

Broken overflow pan – Fractures on the overflow pan of the air conditioner prevent it from collecting condensation properly, which causes a leak in the system

Worn-out filter – A dusty air filter can obstruct the flow of air and ultimately result in the formation of ice. When the ice melts it can leak into the evaporator coils of the unit.

Clogged condensation line – Condensation lines can become clogged, which can cause leaks. This is an essential component of the air conditioner unit that supports the overflow pan to reduce residual condensation. Any obstructions can result in leaks in the system.

Deal with the Leak as Soon as Possible

The risk of damage to the air conditioning unit or house is determined by the nature and extent of the problem and how fast it can be resolved. Although replacing a blocked filter or fixing the overflow pan may be easy to do, there are cases when homeowners may not be able to perform the necessary repairs on their own. A professional St. Louis heating and cooling company can provide assistance in checking and fixing the unit. Temporary fixes may lead to bigger problems in the future. This may also result in costly repair bills or the need for a replacement unit.

Homeowners normally postpone repairs on air conditioners due to concerns over expenses. However, whenever issues are not dealt with as soon as possible they may result in additional complications in the future. Regular maintenance allows homeowners to avoid unexpected repair expenses. Call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625. We can assist you with any maintenance or repairs for your air conditioning system.