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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - Furnace & HVAC Repair St. Louis

air conditioner leaks

5 Possible Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Leaking Water

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Here are the five most common causes of water leaking from your indoor air conditioning unit.

Any malfunction of your air conditioning unit can be very annoying, especially if it means you have to interrupt its use and call an HVAC technician to fix it. If you notice water leakage from your indoor unit, unfortunately, it means just that: turn it off until you are able to identify and solve the problem that causes the leak. Otherwise, you are likely in for more expensive repairs very soon. 

Here are the five most common causes of water leaking from your indoor air conditioning unit. Some of the problems can be solved easily at home, but if you eliminated those options, it is best to call in the HVAC professionals and prevent further damage.

leaking air conditioner

The Drain Line Is Clogged

The drain line is the pipe (usually white) that connects your indoor unit to the outside, leading the water resulted from condensation to drain safely. If this pipe is clogged, the water will have nowhere else to go, and it will come out through your indoor unit openings. Algae, dust, mold, and other debris can clog your pipe, which can be prevented by cleaning the pipe with white vinegar every six months or so. You may consider using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to unclog a drain pipe or call an HVAC company.

The Drain Pan Has Holes or Cracks

The drain pan is a pan (or, better said, a pair of pans – one fixed and one removable) that collects the condensed water droplets from the evaporator coils. If one of the pans is cracked, has a hole, or is missing completely, the water will not be redirected through the drain line. Check that the pans are in good shape and not misplaced or broken. 

The Pump Does Not Work Anymore

If the AC indoor unit is in your basement, then one possible problem could be a malfunctioning water pump. This is a pump that pushes the water through the drainpipe safely toward the outside to allow it to be discarded properly. Check if the pump is working at all before you investigate other causes.

Poor Maintenance of the Unit (Old Air Filters)

The water leak may simply be caused by poor maintenance of the unit. If you forgot or neglected to replace or clean the air filters, the air will not flow correctly, leading to issues like frozen evaporator coils. When this happens, the drain pan will overflow and leak water indoors. Replace the air filter and check if the unit works properly afterward.

Refrigerant Leakage

Another possible cause of the evaporator coils freezing over is a low level of refrigerant (most often, air conditioners use freon.) Refrigerant in your HVAC system is not a substance that you need to add to from time to time. Its level should be the same all the time, so a refrigerant leak is an important issue that should not be overlooked. Some units have self-diagnosing functions, but if yours doesn’t, it’s best to call a professional to check. 

If you are still not sure what is causing your water leak and routine maintenance did not solve it, it is time to get in touch with an HVAC professional for assistance.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

3 Common Signs of Air Leaks in Your St. Louis Home

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Air leaks can compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system, leading to discomfort and higher electricity bills.

With summer here, you want your HVAC system to be in top shape so that it can keep your home cool and comfortable. In addition to replacing or cleaning the filters and doing a test run of the whole installation, you should also check if there are any air leaks that could compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system and affect the indoor air during the summer. 

lower electric bill st louis

What Are the Signs of Air Leaks?

There are some signs that will warn you that you have air leaks in the air duct system. Observe how your air conditioning unit is behaving and how well it cools down the air. If the unit has been out of use during winter, turn it on for a day and see how it performs.

You Pay More than Usual for Electricity

Your HVAC system should consume as little energy as possible. It does that by keeping the temperature at a constant, ideal level. That way, the walls keep cool and it doesn’t have to make an extra effort to bring the air to the desired temperature. If your HVAC system is the cause of your high utility bills, then you can suspect an air leak, amongst other causes.

Cool and Hot Spots

If you have cool spots or hot spots around the house, it means that the air is not circulating well. It’s either a clog in the duct system or an air leak, causing the air to go in the attic or to stay mostly in one part of the house. Install thermometers in all your rooms and check if there are significant differences that cannot be explained by exterior walls, drapes, or other external factors. 

You Dust More Often Than Usual

Sure, any housekeeping involves a little bit of dusting, but when you notice that your home seems invaded by dust particles, they might come from your attic through a leaky duct system. 

What Can You Do to Locate the Leaks Precisely?

If you observe one or more of these signs above and you suspect an air leak, it’s time to investigate further. Get in touch with an experienced HVAC professional who can check your ductwork and make any needed repairs to ensure your system is running at peak performance.

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

What Should I Do If My Air Conditioner Is Running but Not Cooling?

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If you notice that your air conditioner is running, but has stopped cooling the air, you should start investigating the possible causes.

Having an HVAC malfunction during the summer can be really uncomfortable. If you notice that your air conditioner is running, but has stopped cooling the air, you should start investigating the possible causes. This symptom can be attributed to a list of issues that may or may not require professional attention. 

Here is what to start looking for and what to do when your unit stops cooling. 

Create the Proper Conditions for a Diagnosis

Before you can identify the possible causes of your HVAC malfunction, make sure you create good conditions for testing it. 

  • First of all, close all your windows to prevent hot air from coming inside. 
  • Check the current room temperature and set your thermostat to a cooler value, it may simply not be set correctly.
  • If you are using other air processing appliances like humidifiers or air purifiers, turn them off.
  • Check the vents and make sure they are not obstructed.

Once you have created these conditions, it’s time to find the culprit through elimination. It’s possible that after taking these steps, you may notice that your system is actually working correctly. If not, here is a list of the most common causes for an HVAC unit that is running, but not cooling. Get in touch with an HVAC technician who can help identify and resolve any issues with your air conditioner.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is the substance used in air conditioning units and refrigerators to cool the air or fluid that circulates through them. If there are any refrigerant leaks in your HVAC system, it will simply not be able to cool the air, but it will still circulate it. Some units are capable to self-diagnose low refrigerant, but without such a feature, only an HVAC professional will be able to measure the level of the refrigerant. 

Clogged HVAC Interior

Air not cooling can be a sign of improper maintenance of the HVAC unit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for routine maintenance and clean the air filters, coil, condenser, evaporator, etc. Clear any debris or vegetation around the outdoor unit and make sure the unit is not flooded with water. 

Insufficient Airflow

Another cause for the HVAC not cooling down your house is that the cool air never gets to the interior. Fortunately, this means that the unit itself works perfectly, but you need to investigate the airflow before the problem worsens. Check the cold air returns to see if there is any suction (try using a paper tissue to check the movement of the air). All the vents in your house should let the air flow properly.

Thermostat Malfunction

Your HVAC unit may be working perfectly, but the thermostat is having some sort of issue. Make sure it works properly by checking the display if it’s blank you might want to try replacing the batteries or calling an HVAC expert to check the wiring. 

Electrical Malfunction

Most issues that HVAC repair teams deal with are caused by electrical malfunctions. If you notice that your HVAC unit has stopped cooling the air, check the electric panel to see if any of the breakers were tripped. They should be labeled for easy identification. Try flipping them in the off position and see if that solves your problem.

If you notice that your air conditioner is running but not cooling your home, give our team a call today and we’ll get to the bottom of your issue!

24/7 SERVICE. FIVE STAR REVIEWS. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.

CALL (314) 471-7625

7 Early Signs That Your Air Conditioning Needs Service

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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

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Making a Tough Choice: Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner

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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.