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Home of the $0 FREE Service Call Club | 0% Interest for 24 Months

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Summers in Charleston come with long days, high humidity, and plenty of heat. When temperatures soar, the last thing any homeowner wants is for the AC to stop working. A working air conditioner isn’t just about staying cool. It plays a big role in removing moisture from the air and helps keep your home feeling comfortable throughout the season. That’s why catching early signs of trouble is so important.

When an AC system starts failing, it doesn’t just affect comfort. Small problems can turn into costly repairs if they’re not handled quickly. Whether it’s weak airflow, strange noises, or warm spots in the house, knowing what to look out for can save time, money, and a lot of frustration. Here’s a breakdown of what Charleston homeowners should watch for during the warmer months.

Common Summer AC Problems in Charleston Homes

Charleston’s summer climate is hot, humid, and tough on even well-maintained AC systems. That kind of constant strain increases the chance of something going wrong. Here are some of the most common issues we see during peak summer:

– Refrigerant Leaks: If the air blowing out doesn’t feel as cool as it should, the refrigerant could be low. Leaks not only drop performance but can also harm the compressor when ignored.

– Dirty or Clogged Filters: Filters packed with dust and dirt choke airflow and force the system to work harder. That can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, or even shutdown.

– Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, it’s not the AC itself causing problems. If your thermostat is off or has sensor problems, temperatures can fluctuate or never reach what’s set.

– Drain Line Problems: With Charleston’s moisture-heavy air, clogged drainage lines are a common issue. Water puddling near the AC unit or damp smells may be a sign.

– Frozen Evaporator Coils: It might sound helpful to have something frozen in the heat, but frozen coils mean something’s not right. Low airflow often from a blocked filter or refrigerant problem, causes this.

These problems may seem minor at first, but they can build up quickly, especially when the AC is running every day. We’ve had customers mention a faint hissing noise that turned out to be a major refrigerant leak. That delay ended up making the problem worse and left parts of their home without cooling during some of the hottest days of the year.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

You don’t need to wait for something to break before giving your AC some attention. Regular maintenance can extend its lifespan and keep it running more smoothly when you need it most. Here are a few ways to stay ahead of problems:

1. Change or Clean Filters Regularly: One of the simplest yet most helpful steps. Clean filters allow air to flow freely and lower the odds of breakdowns.

2. Check Thermostat Settings: Double-check the settings to make sure they’re accurate. If you haven’t already, think about switching to a programmable or smart thermostat to help with energy savings.

3. Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit: Take a walk around the outdoor unit. Remove any leaves, branches, or dirt that may have collected near the condenser coils.

4. Look Over the Drain Line: Make sure that the drain line isn’t clogged. If water isn’t draining properly, it can back up and cause water damage or mold.

5. Inspect Refrigerant Line Insulation: If the insulation is cracked or missing, the system might struggle to cool efficiently, making it work harder than it has to.

These steps help keep your system in good shape, but sometimes, small issues can go unnoticed without a deeper inspection. That’s why we always recommend booking a professional tune-up before summer kicks into full gear. It’s a smart move that can save you from major headaches down the road.

When to Consider AC Replacement

No one wants to replace an AC unit before it’s time, but if your system is no longer doing its job, it might be the best long-term decision. Here are some key signs it’s time to consider a full AC replacement in Charleston:

– Age of the System: If your unit is more than 15 years old, it might be using more energy than newer models. These older systems have a harder time when demand is high.

– Constant Breakdowns: If repairs are becoming part of your monthly routine, it may be more cost-effective to start fresh with a unit that works like it should.

– High Energy Bills: A spike in your power bill with no real cause may mean your system’s efficiency has dropped off. Replacing it with a newer, energy-saving model could trim those bills over time.

– Uneven Temperatures: If one room feels like a sauna and another one’s freezing, your AC might not be able to keep up with your home’s needs.

– Strange Sounds or Smells: Grinding, banging, or musty odors from your AC are all signs something serious might be wrong. A replacement could fix the issue and give you better peace of mind.

Choosing to upgrade isn’t always about fixing something broken. It’s often about making your everyday comfort more reliable and efficient. A newer model may come with better technology, quieter operation, and lower running costs over time.

Benefits of Professional AC Services in Charleston

Hiring a professional is more than just about fixing what’s broken. When you work with trained technicians, you’re also protecting your investment. Here’s how professional AC services help Charleston homeowners:

– Accurate Diagnosis: A trained eye can spot problems quickly and recommend the right solutions, which helps avoid trial-and-error fixes.

– Energy Efficiency: A technician can fine-tune your system to make it run smoother than it has in years, which can help you use less energy.

– Better Long-Term Performance: Regular service keeps the system healthy, so it lasts longer and performs better even during the hottest months.

– Local Knowledge: Professionals familiar with Charleston’s climate know the specific challenges AC systems face in this area. They can recommend changes that suit your home and our local environment.

At Coastal Carolina Comfort, we treat every home like it’s our own. Our trained team knows how much a working AC matters here in Charleston. We’ve helped homeowners all over the area with services including full AC replacement, and we understand how to tailor each solution to the unique needs of a Lowcountry home.

Stay Cool This Summer with Reliable AC Solutions

When the AC quits in the middle of summer, nobody’s comfortable. Paying attention to warning signs now and handling them early can keep your home stress-free and cool, even through Charleston’s hottest weeks. Maintenance goes a long way, and so does knowing when it’s time to consider a replacement instead of another repair.

Making these choices on your own can feel overwhelming. That’s where experienced professionals come in with trusted advice and services that match Charleston’s demands. A cool home isn’t a luxury in the summer. It’s something every homeowner should be able to count on.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your cooling system for a more efficient and comfortable home this summer, it may be time to explore an AC replacement in Charleston. Coastal Carolina Comfort delivers reliable service backed by local expertise to ensure your new unit works seamlessly with your home’s needs. Discover how a professionally installed system can make a difference in your everyday comfort.

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Hvac Repair In Summerville
HVAC

The Summerville HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The Summerville HVAC Maintenance Checklist That Prevents 90% of Repairs Regular HVAC maintenance prevents up to 90% of common repairs and extends system lifespan by 5-7 years. Summerville homeowners should perform monthly tasks (filter checks, vent clearing, thermostat monitoring), seasonal tasks (condensate drain treatment, outdoor unit cleaning, refrigerant line inspection), and schedule professional tune-ups twice yearly—in spring before cooling season and fall before heating season. The Lowcountry’s extreme humidity, extended cooling season, and airborne particulates demand more frequent maintenance than national guidelines suggest. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, breaks down less often, and keeps your home comfortable year-round. Introduction: The Cheapest Repair Is the One You Never Need Here’s a number that should get your attention: 90%. That’s the percentage of HVAC repairs that could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Nine out of ten service calls we make in Summerville are for problems that didn’t have to happen. Clogged filters that caused compressors to overheat. Condensate drains that backed up and flooded ceilings. Capacitors that failed because coils were too dirty to dissipate heat. Refrigerant leaks that started as minor corrosion nobody caught. Every one of these repairs cost the homeowner hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars. And every one of them was preventable. At Coastal Carolina Comfort, we’ve maintained HVAC systems across the Lowcountry for over a decade. We’ve seen what neglect does to equipment in our climate. We’ve also seen homeowners who follow a simple maintenance routine go 10+ years without a single major repair. This guide gives you that routine. It’s specifically designed for Summerville’s climate—not generic advice written for somewhere with mild summers and low humidity. Follow this checklist, and you’ll dramatically reduce your repair bills, extend your system’s life, and stay comfortable no matter what the Lowcountry weather throws at you. Why Summerville Systems Need More Maintenance Before we dive into the checklist, let’s talk about why maintenance matters more here than almost anywhere else. The Extended Cooling Season In Minneapolis, an AC might run 4 months per year. In Summerville, we’re cooling 8-9 months—sometimes longer. That’s twice the operating hours, twice the wear, and twice the opportunity for problems to develop. A system that runs from April through November accumulates wear equivalent to nearly two years of operation in a milder climate. Maintenance intervals need to reflect that reality. The Humidity Factor Summerville’s average humidity hovers around 70-80% year-round. During summer mornings, it regularly exceeds 90%. This humidity: Forces your system to work harder (dehumidification uses significant energy) Creates ideal conditions for biological growth in drain lines and on coils Accelerates corrosion on electrical components and refrigerant lines Causes condensate drain clogs—one of the most common service calls we see Related: Learn how Summerville’s humidity damages HVAC systems Airborne Particulates Between pollen season (which feels like it lasts 8 months here), coastal salt air, and general Lowcountry dust, your system filters more particulates than systems in cleaner environments. Filters clog faster, coils get dirtier, and airflow restrictions develop more quickly. The Bottom Line National maintenance guidelines assume average conditions. Summerville doesn’t have average conditions—we have extreme conditions. Your maintenance routine needs to account for that. Monthly Maintenance Tasks These quick tasks take 10-15 minutes and should become habit. Do them on the same day each month—the first Saturday, the day you pay your mortgage, whatever helps you remember. 1. Check and Replace Your Air Filter This is the single most important thing you can do for your HVAC system. A clogged filter: Restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder Causes evaporator coils to freeze Leads to compressor overheating and failure Increases energy consumption by 5-15% Reduces indoor air quality How to check: Locate your filter (return air grille, air handler, or dedicated filter slot) Remove the filter and hold it up to light If you can’t see light through it clearly, replace it If it’s visibly gray or caked with debris, replace it immediately Summerville-specific guidance: During peak cooling season (May-September), check weekly and replace every 30-45 days During shoulder seasons, check monthly and replace every 45-60 days During pollen season (spring), you may need to replace every 2-3 weeks After storms or high-wind events, check immediately Filter recommendations: Use pleated filters rated MERV 8-11 for best balance of filtration and airflow Avoid fiberglass filters (minimal filtration) and ultra-high MERV ratings (can restrict airflow) Buy filters in bulk—you’ll use 8-12 per year in Summerville 2. Clear Supply and Return Vents Blocked vents disrupt airflow balance and force your system to work harder. Monthly walkthrough: Check all supply vents (where air blows out) for obstructions Check all return vents (where air is pulled in) for blockages Move furniture, curtains, rugs, or stored items that block airflow Vacuum vent covers to remove dust buildup Ensure all vents are open (closing vents doesn’t save energy—it creates pressure imbalances) 3. Monitor Thermostat Performance Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. Small issues here cause big problems. Monthly checks: Verify the display is clear and responsive Confirm the temperature reading seems accurate (compare to a separate thermometer) Check that the system responds when you adjust settings Replace batteries annually (or when the low battery indicator appears) For smart thermostats, ensure WiFi connection is stable Warning signs: Temperature swings greater than 2-3 degrees from setpoint System not responding to setting changes Blank or flickering display “Auxiliary heat” running frequently (for heat pump systems) 4. Listen and Observe Your system tells you when something’s wrong—if you’re paying attention. Monthly awareness check: Listen for unusual noises (grinding, squealing, banging, clicking) Notice any unusual odors from vents Feel for weak airflow or temperature inconsistencies Watch for water around the indoor unit Check for ice on refrigerant lines (visible at the outdoor unit) Related: Know the 5 warning signs your AC is about to break down Seasonal Maintenance Tasks These tasks should be performed quarterly or at the start of each season. They’re more involved than monthly tasks but still manageable for most homeowners. Spring: Prepare for Cooling Season Complete these tasks in

Derrick Hall January 28, 2026
Hvac Repair Vs Replacement
Air Conditioning

HVAC Repair vs. Replacement

HVAC Repair vs. Replacement: A Summerville Homeowner’s Decision Guide Deciding between HVAC repair and replacement comes down to four key factors: the cost of repair relative to replacement (use the 50% rule—if repairs exceed half the cost of a new system, replace), the age of your equipment (systems over 15 years old are usually better replaced), refrigerant type (R-22 systems should be replaced due to phase-out costs), and repair frequency (multiple repairs per year signal it’s time). Summerville homeowners should also factor in energy efficiency gains, available rebates, and the demanding Lowcountry climate that shortens system lifespans compared to national averages. The Question Every Homeowner Dreads Your HVAC technician just delivered the news: your system needs a major repair. Maybe it’s a compressor. Maybe it’s a coil leak. Whatever it is, the number has four digits, and now you’re facing the question every Summerville homeowner eventually confronts. Do I fix it, or do I replace the whole thing? It’s not an easy decision. Repair feels like the cheaper option—until you’re repairing again six months later. Replacement feels like the responsible choice—until you see the price tag. And everyone from your neighbor to your brother-in-law has an opinion. At Coastal Carolina Comfort, we’ve guided thousands of Lowcountry homeowners through this exact decision. We’ve seen people waste money repairing systems that should have been replaced years ago. We’ve also seen people replace perfectly good equipment because someone talked them into it. This guide will give you the framework to make the right decision for your situation—not based on sales pressure, but on facts, math, and what actually makes sense for your home and budget. The 50% Rule: Your Starting Point The most reliable rule of thumb in the HVAC industry is simple: If the repair costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, replace instead of repair. Here’s why this works: The Math Behind the Rule Let’s say a new HVAC system for your Summerville home costs $8,000 installed. Using the 50% rule: Repair cost under $4,000: Repair is likely the better value Repair cost over $4,000: Replacement makes more financial sense But this isn’t just about today’s repair. It’s about what comes next. A system that needs a $3,500 repair today is likely to need another significant repair within 1-2 years. That’s the nature of aging equipment—when major components fail, others are usually close behind. So that $3,500 repair might actually cost you $3,500 + $1,200 + $800 over the next two years. Suddenly you’ve spent $5,500 and still have an old, inefficient system. When to Adjust the Rule The 50% rule is a starting point, not an absolute. Adjust based on: System age: For systems under 8 years old, you might stretch to 60-70% before replacing—they likely have more good years ahead. For systems over 12 years old, consider replacing at 30-40% of replacement cost. Repair history: If this is the first major repair on a well-maintained system, lean toward repair. If it’s the third repair this year, lean toward replacement regardless of cost. Component involved: Some repairs (capacitor, contactor, fan motor) are normal wear items that don’t indicate broader system failure. Others (compressor, evaporator coil) often signal the beginning of the end. The Age Factor: How Old Is Too Old? System age is the second most important factor in your decision. Average HVAC Lifespan National average: 15-20 years with proper maintenance Summerville reality: 12-16 years is more typical Why the difference? Our systems work harder. A Summerville AC runs 8-9 months per year, often 12+ hours per day during summer. Compare that to a system in Minneapolis that might run 4 months per year. More operating hours means faster wear. Age-Based Decision Framework Under 8 years old: Almost always repair unless the cost exceeds 50% of replacement. These systems have significant life remaining. 8-12 years old: Evaluate carefully. Major repairs may be worthwhile, but start planning for eventual replacement. This is a good time to begin saving. 12-15 years old: Lean toward replacement for major repairs. The system is in its final years, and repair money is often better invested in new equipment. Over 15 years old: Replace for any significant repair. Even if the repair is relatively affordable, you’re likely facing additional failures soon. The efficiency gains alone often justify replacement. The Warranty Consideration Most HVAC systems come with: 5-10 year compressor warranty 5-10 year parts warranty 1 year labor warranty (sometimes extended by the installer) If your system is still under warranty, repair almost always makes sense—your out-of-pocket cost is limited to labor and any non-covered parts. Check your paperwork or call your installer to verify warranty status before making any decisions. The R-22 Refrigerant Problem If your system uses R-22 refrigerant (also called Freon or HCFC-22), this single factor may make your decision for you. What Happened to R-22 R-22 was the standard air conditioning refrigerant for decades. However, due to its ozone-depleting properties, the EPA phased it out: 2010: No new R-22 systems could be manufactured 2020: Production and import of R-22 banned entirely This means all R-22 available today is either recycled or reclaimed from decommissioned systems. Supply is limited and shrinking every year. The Cost Impact R-22 prices have skyrocketed: 2010: Approximately $10-15 per pound 2020: Approximately $50-75 per pound 2026: $100-200+ per pound depending on availability A typical residential AC system holds 6-12 pounds of refrigerant. If your R-22 system develops a leak, you’re looking at: Leak repair: $200-$1,000+ depending on location Refrigerant recharge: $600-$2,400+ for a full charge Total cost: Often $1,000-$3,000+ for a single repair And here’s the kicker—if it leaks once, it will likely leak again. You could face these costs repeatedly. How to Know If You Have R-22 Check the data plate on your outdoor unit. Look for: “R-22” or “HCFC-22” = R-22 system (consider replacement) “R-410A” or “Puron” = Modern refrigerant (repair may make sense) If your system was installed before 2010, it almost certainly uses R-22. Systems installed 2010-2015 could be either. Systems installed after 2015 are virtually all R-410A. Our Recommendation If you have an R-22 system that needs any refrigerant-related repair, replace

Derrick Hall January 28, 2026

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