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Should I Repair or Replace a Leaking AC? Expert Tips & Advice
A refrigerant leak is a major problem and can leave you wondering whether to repair or replace your leaking AC. You’ll need an AC repair professional to help you decide. Refrigerant is a fluid that enables your air conditioner to cool down your home. Any AC unit can develop a leak, regardless of its age, due to corrosion, temperature extremes, and damage to coils. A leak should be considered an emergency; AC refrigerant is toxic and a loss of coolant can damage the system.
At Southport Heating and Air, we understand the frustration of dealing with a leaking air conditioner, especially during the sweltering summer months. When your AC starts leaking, it’s crucial to determine whether a repair or replacement is the best course of action. Our expert tips and advice will guide you through this decision-making process to ensure your home remains comfortable and your AC operates efficiently.
We’ll look at the following factors to help decide if a refrigerant leak warrants an AC repair or replacement:
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Read More » Leaking AC units can stem from several common issues. One frequent cause is a clogged drain line, which occurs when debris, algae, or mold obstructs the flow of water. This blockage forces the water to back up and eventually leak from the unit. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the drain line, can prevent such problems and ensure smooth operation. Another common issue is frozen evaporator coils. When these coils freeze, they can cause water to overflow from the drain pan once they start to thaw. This typically results from restricted airflow, often due to dirty air filters or low refrigerant levels, both of which require timely attention.
Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
Additionally, a damaged or rusted drain pan can lead to leaks. The drain pan collects condensation from the evaporator coils, and if it has holes or cracks, water can escape and cause leaks. Inspecting and replacing the drain pan, if necessary, is a simple fix that can prevent further issues. Refrigerant leaks are another concern, as they not only reduce the efficiency of your AC but also lead to freezing and thawing of the evaporator coils. This cycle can result in water leaks. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it’s essential to contact a professional technician to address the problem promptly.
Age of the System
Refrigerant leaks are more common in air conditioners that are five years old or more. Repair the issue if the system is relatively young. It probably has a fair amount of life left, especially if it’s less than 10 years old, so repairing a leak should be worthwhile. However, if you have an older AC, finding replacement parts may be prohibitively costly. Older units are less efficient and more prone to breakdowns, making a new unit a better long-term investment.
Cost of the Repair
A refrigerant leak can cause a considerable amount of damage. If it’s been occurring for a while, a lack of refrigerant has probably strained the system to the point major components like the compressor can fail. A compressor can be replaced. However, if your system is old and no longer under warranty, this approach is expensive. Repairing a refrigerant leak can cost under $200 if the fix is simple. More complex jobs can cost $1,000 or more. If the job is complex and labor-intensive enough, it can cost nearly as much as replacing the entire system. As a general rule, choose a replacement if a repair estimate exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit. Or, multiply the repair cost by the unit’s age; if the result is $5,000+, replacement is more cost-effective.
Your Old AC Still Uses R-22
If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, it may use R-22 refrigerant. This product can no longer be produced legally in the U.S. Finding R-22 is extremely costly and most technicians won’t consider doing so. A more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-410A, is readily available but can only be used in new ACs. You’re better off replacing an old AC that’s leaking.
The Cost of Your Energy Bills
How much do you spend on energy each month? Older ACs are generally less efficient than new units and even less so if there’s a leak. A technician can evaluate your system’s general efficiency rating and whether it’s properly sized for your home. If not, and several parts are worn out, and your energy bills keep going up, investing in a new AC can save you over time. Efficiency ratings have changed over the years. Older units have lower SEER ratings, but modern ones must be rated at least 14 SEER in the North and 15 SEER in the South (as of 2023). High-efficiency models are rated at 20 SEER or higher.
Are You Planning on Moving?
If an AC repair to fix a leak isn’t prohibitively expensive, and you plan on moving within the next few years, you may not want to invest in a replacement. However, think of the condition of the system. If it’s been poorly maintained and in disrepair, not replacing it can reduce the sale price of your home. Even if you’re not planning on leaving, replacing it can provide peace of mind and avoid dealing with the hassle later.
Do the Indoor and Outdoor Units Match?
Indoor and outdoor AC units should be the same brand and model, but this isn’t always the case. If one component was replaced after the other, they may be incompatible, causing the system to run less smoothly and efficiently. And, if there’s a refrigerant leak, paying for a costly repair isn’t worth it. Installing a new, high-efficiency, perfectly matched system will save you energy and maintenance costs for many years.
Is It Still Under Warranty?
If the system is still under warranty, most repairs are worth it. But if the warranty has expired or is invalid, repairing a leak can be very expensive. Plus, if it’s out-of-warranty, chances are the unit has either been neglected or is too old to consider repairing. However, if you have an extended warranty and have properly maintained the system, that can delay your decision to replace it.
At Southport Heating and Air, we are here to help you make the best decision for your specific situation. Contact us at (916) 606-3076 for expert advice on whether to repair or replace your leaking AC unit. Our professional HVAC technicians will ensure that your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient.