The Problem
In November 2023, a homeowner with a 16-year-old HVAC system asked us to visit her home. At the time, she was mainly concerned about her circuit breakers tripping during the winter.
Our team provided replacement system quotes for her Heat Pump and explained that the tripping issue was likely caused by the unit pulling high amps on startup — a common issue with older equipment. While she was considering replacement, she ultimately decided to wait before moving forward.
The Event
Nearly two years later, on September 25, 2025, the homeowner’s HVAC system failed completely.
The evaporator coil froze solid, and when the system shut off, the coil thawed. The water overwhelmed the internal drain pan, causing the water to overflow. The overflow saturated the return air cavity, soaking the insulation on the floor and walls of the return cavity.
Water then spread through the shared wall into the kitchen, where the water seeped under the cabinets, and pooled onto the tile flooring. By the time the homeowner discovered it, significant damage had already occurred.
She had to make a claim with her homeowners insurance company. They dispatched a restoration team, who installed HEPA filters and several loud industrial drying fans to address the damage.
The Impact
The consequences went well beyond just the inconvenience of a broken air conditioner:
- The homeowner faced a $3,500 insurance deductible, covering sheetrock, insulation, and cabinetry repairs.
- The deafening noise of drying fans and HEPA filters ran nonstop for days, disrupting daily life.
- Restoration crews required daily visits to check moisture levels, adding stress and inconvenience.
- Installation of the new HVAC system had to be delayed until the closet cavity and areas under the kitchen cabinets were completely dry.
- The temperatures in San Antonio were in the mid 90s, so stay somewhat comfortable, the family relied on portable AC units loaned by the contractor—a temporary solution to help tolerate the heat.
Instead of managing a planned replacement on her own timeline, the homeowner was forced into an emergency situation that was costly, disruptive, and stressful.
The Lesson
Delaying the replacement of an aging HVAC system doesn’t just risk higher utility bills or occasional repair costs. It can lead to major property damage, expensive restoration bills, and serious lifestyle disruptions.
In this case, waiting to replace the system resulted in:
- A larger financial burden than a planned replacement would have cost.
- Weeks of discomfort and inconvenience in the home.
- Lost control over when and how the replacement took place.
Key Takeaway
Proactive replacement is always less costly than reactive emergencies.
By planning HVAC system replacement before failure, homeowners avoid surprise breakdowns, hidden risks, and unnecessary expenses. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting your home and peace of mind.