Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

air conditioner leaks

7 Early Signs That Your Air Conditioning Needs Service

by Leave a Comment

One of the toughest parts about being a homeowner is knowing when a problem is severe enough to call in a professional.

Fortunately, a bit of education on the basics of HVAC systems can give you a good idea of which issues need attention. Here are seven early signs that your air conditioning needs service. If you notice any of them in your home, it is time to give us a call.

st. louis man checking air vent

Noises

Have you ever heard your system make a strange noise? Some of the most common of them include squeaking, grinding, and grating. While these issues might not seem like an urgent matter, especially if your AC is still running smoothly, they could be indicative of more significant problems. For this reason, we advise getting your system checked by a professional.

Hot Air

The function of an air conditioning unit is to take in air, cool it, then disperse it around your home. Unfortunately, these systems often fail. The best indicator to watch out for is a lack of adequate cooling. If hot air is coming out of your vents, it is definitely time to explore a repair or replacement.

Spotty Cooling

A less obvious indicator of a dysfunctional air conditioning system is spotty cooling. This issue will present itself in the form of “hot spots.” You should be able to detect these areas, as almost every one of us has a reliable sense of temperature.

Poor Air Flow

If your air isn’t following correctly, you could have up to three problems. They include malfunctioning machinery, a leak in your ductwork, or an issue with your vents. Two easy fixes are vacuuming those vents and changing filters. If those do not work, you may have a broader problem that will require professional help.

Leaking

One of the most apparent indicators of air condition dysfunction is a leaking unit. These machines are built to keep all of their moisture inside, so this development is definitely a problem. If you’re fortunate, you might have a blocked drain tube. If not, your system could be leaking refrigerant.

Odors

A strange or foul odor is an indication that something may be growing in your system. Whether that is bacteria in the AC unit or mold in the duct work, you should resolve this issue immediately.

Rising Electric Bill

One thing that homeowners often notice is that their electric bill starts to rise for seemingly no reason. The cause of this issue is often air conditioning issues, which make the system work harder for the same result.

Give us a call!

If you’re already experiencing one of these issues, then your next move should be hiring an HVAC specialist. If not, you now know what warning signs you can watch out for. The upside of having this knowledge is that you can catch problems before they become more severe. Not only will doing so keep your home cool, but it could save you from a massive repair bill later on.

Give Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning and Heating a call today at
(314) 471-7625

Contact Us

Making a Tough Choice: Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

by 3 Comments

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

Budget SettingSome 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.