A Georgia homeowner's 2022 air-conditioning system seemed to be failing after a leak, four HVAC service visits, and no solution.

Here's what to know

In a post on Reddit, the owner said the 2022 Carrier, controlled by two Ecobee thermostats, could maintain 75 degrees through the day and cut the upstairs bedroom down to 68 in about an hour overnight.

The trouble started after water damage in the living room caused "tons of remediation work." They were put up in a hotel for the week while dehumidifiers and the AC ran almost nonstop. From there, the owner said the cooling performance fell off, and an HVAC contractor dispatched through their home warranty company replaced a leaking line set near the condenser.

The unit seemed to never recover. "I could tell the AC just didn't feel that cold anymore and was struggling to cool the home," the homeowner said, adding that condensation was collecting in the garage. After following instructions to leave the system on fan-only mode for three hours, they said the unit still needed to run "maybe 14 hours a day" just to hold 75 despite outside temperatures dropping into the 70s.

For homeowners dealing with a major problem, upgrading heating and cooling equipment can be one of the most effective ways to lower utility bills and protect against rising energy costs. If you are weighing repair versus replacement, Palmetto can help homeowners understand their HVAC options and slash their energy bills with new, efficient HVACs and heat pumps through its Comfort Plan network of vetted installers.

More background

Commenters warned about home warranties. "Call a real HVAC company. The 'companies' that contract with home warranty are usually not very good," one wrote. Another said, "Hire an actual Carrier HVAC contractor for a second opinion."

Others focused on what may have gone wrong technically after the water damage and repair. One suggested the system could still be low on refrigerant after the leak, while another said a breach in the ductwork during remediation could explain the sudden drop in efficiency.

Someone else raised the possibility that the house itself changed after the leak, writing that a "damaged building envelope" could be forcing the AC to spend more energy pulling moisture from the air instead of lowering the temperature. Another pointed to the complexity of zoning systems, warning that a malfunctioning metering device or poor airflow balance could cause freezing.

What can be done?

The most consistent advice in the thread was to step outside the warranty network and pay for an independent diagnosis. "You're not beholden to a company for warranty unless it is a labor warranty the manufacturer does not provide. Call someone else and get it fixed and don't pay the other company if they can't fix it," one commenter told the homeowner. Another said: "Call a different reputable company. You don't have to use a specific company for the manufacturer warranty on the equipment."

Several users recommended finding a contractor familiar with Carrier equipment and zoned setups rather than continuing with repeated repair visits.

For homeowners who conclude that repair is no longer the best financial move, Palmetto's Comfort Plan includes vetted installer access, 12 years of maintenance, and $0 down options that can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 50%.

Homeowners can also pair solar panels with electric appliances such as an efficient HVAC unit to push utility costs even lower. EnergySage makes it easy to find the best solar system and installer for your home and budget, with savings of up to $10,000 on an installation.

Where can I learn more?

HVAC problems can send homeowners down a rabbit hole.

• In Houston, one homeowner got a $16,000 repair quote and questioned everything.

• Another homeowner was stunned by a $25,000 AC replacement quote for basic work.

• A new homeowner found AC and heat fighting for hours before a hidden leak surfaced.

• One homeowner said cleaning the AC drain helped the system run cooler and cheaper.

• In Florida, HVAC pros urged a hard pass on a viral AC saver.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.