A broken air conditioning system can be disastrous during the hot summer months. A leak in the coil of your air conditioner, whether it’s in your home or in your office, could cause you to end up with a hefty repair bill and no air conditioning—not ideal!
Luckily, though, if you can identify where the leak is coming from, it may be possible to get it fixed quickly and save money on a HVAC replacement. Here’s everything you need to know about repairing an AC coil leak as a homeowner or as an HVAC technician.
This information is presented by our AC repair company. We always recommend that local homeowners invest in a regular AC tune up in Sugar Land.
What to do if your air conditioner’s coil leaks
If you’re looking at your air conditioner and notice water dripping from a section of it, there’s a good chance that your coil has sprung a leak. While fixing it yourself is usually out of the question, if you have any concerns about your health or safety, it’s worth calling a professional. But what do you do in the meantime? Here are some things to keep in mind while your system is down: A home warranty might cover your AC repair: If you have a home warranty policy, check with your provider first. Even if they don’t cover AC leaks, they may be able to help find someone who does—which could end up saving you money on labor costs. Or, it could be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Check with your agent before hiring anyone: There are plenty of companies that offer emergency service for when you need AC repairs done ASAP. And though these companies can sometimes provide quality work for reasonable prices, you should always check with your insurer before hiring anyone to make sure they won’t void coverage on something.
How can you avoid coils leak in the first place
In order to avoid having coil leak issues, it is very important to inspect your air conditioning system once a year. If you live in a high humidity area it would be wise to get inspected and cleaned annually by a professional. In addition to that, make sure to only use original equipment manufacturer parts when repairing any type of cooling unit as generic brands are known for damaging units in as little as a few months of installation. Always ask your AC technician if they have OEM parts before allowing them access to your cooling unit.
Your air conditioning unit is a lot like your car in that it has filters and needs to be properly maintained. Filters are crucial because they keep dust, pollen, animal hair and other airborne particles from clogging up your coils and thus decreasing their ability to cool your home. It is highly recommended that you change filters every month during dry months and more often if you live in areas with more moisture in the air.
Common mistakes you should avoid when repairing coils
Fixing a leaky air conditioning coil incorrectly can result in thousands of dollars in property damage and repair costs. While many people attempt to fix their own A/C coils, it is often necessary to call in a professional for major problems.
Using a wrong technique or tool can result in property damage and AC repair costs. These are some of the most common mistakes you should avoid while attempting to fix a leaky air conditioning coil:
When fixing a/c coils be sure not to use sharp objects such as pliers and screwdrivers when repairing A/C coils. Using these tools could result in scratches or punctures on your coil, which could let out more refrigerant.
An experienced professional will know exactly how to fix a leaky A/C coil. If you suspect that your A/C coil is leaking, do not attempt to repair it yourself but rather contact a professional for help. Repairs of major damage are best left to specialists and AC repairmen who have experience and knowledge in such matters.
What are coil replacement costs
Replacing your air conditioning coil is just one of those expenses that can sneak up on you. If your air conditioner is leaking, it’s time to get out a pen and paper and do some math. How much will it cost to replace or repair your coil? Here are some things to consider: Energy efficiency ratings, type of filter in use, size of home or space cooled, orientation and location of unit. The good news is there are many ways to save money while staying cool.
One way is by installing a programmable thermostat, which can reduce energy costs. You might also want to look into replacing your current filter with an energy-efficient version and taking advantage of any rebates offered for replacing coils before they fail completely. All these changes should add up to significant savings over time—and may even be enough for you to wait until next summer before calling in that service technician!
Should you replace, repair or upgrade your air conditioner
When you have a leak in your air conditioner, it can become quite expensive to repair. Thankfully, you have options as to what you can do with your unit if it’s leaking: replace it or fix it. While replacing may seem like a good idea at first, it might not be worth it when you consider how much money you could save by repairing instead. An AC coil replacement costs $1,000 on average where to replace it ranges from $3,800 to $7,500.
When it comes to replacing your unit, you have to consider what will happen if it leaks again. If you’re not willing to go through that same scenario all over again, then your best bet may be to repair your unit instead. If you decide to fix your unit, there are a few things you should know before going forward with AC repairs. The age of your air conditioner. It’s important to understand how old your air conditioner is before deciding whether or not it’s worth repairing. While some units can last for decades with proper maintenance and care, others may only last a few years before needing replacement parts. This means that while you might save money by fixing your leaky unit, it might not make sense financially in the long run. When it comes to repairing or placing your unit, you have to consider what will happen if it leaks again.
