An air conditioning system is a good investment for most homeowners that can have a hard decision-making process. Regardless of costs, most air conditioners work at their best beyond ten years of service.

As a homeowner, you should always keep track of all your investments. HVAC systems are not different. If you want to increase the system’s lifespan, conduct regular maintenance to spot and resolve any issues with the system.

For homeowners looking to maximize the systems they already have, this post covers the different types of HVAC units and signs that show you when you need to replace your air conditioner.

Traditional Central Air

Traditional central air conditioners circulate air through a system of supply and return ducts. The supply ducts and registers then carry the cooled air from the system to the house. As the cool air circulates through the house, it becomes warmer then it returns to the central air conditioner through registers and return ducts.

There are two types of traditional central air conditioners. The split-system central air conditioner is made of an indoor cabinet that contains an indoor heat exchanger for a heat pump.

Packaged central air conditioners place heat exchangers, compressors, blower, and fan in one cabinet. The cabinet is usually placed on a concrete slab or the roof and is a great option for small commercial buildings. Return and supply ducts come from the house through its exterior wall to connect with the packaged air conditioner.

Traditional central air conditioners have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. Most manufacturers typically continue to support existing systems by updating parts and making them available.

Mini-split Ductless

Mini-split ductless air conditioners are a relatively new technology in the HVAC sector. They provide a more customizable cooling experience. The system is made of an indoor fan unit that is mounted on a wall or ceiling. The fan is then connected to an outdoor condenser through a conduit and into a room.

Mini-split ductless systems are available as single-zone units for cooling a single room or multi-zone units that allow multiple indoor fans to use a single condenser.

The lifespan of mini-split ductless systems range between 10 to 16 years, with an average of 14 years. 

Heat Pumps & Geothermal

As countries race to reduce their carbon footprint. Geothermal heat pumps are helping homeowners reduce the effects through efficient renewable energy.

Also known as a ground source heat pump, they are gaining acceptance in residential buildings.

The system can be used for water heating, room heating, and cooling through naturally existing heat. During summer the ground is used as a heat sink while during winter it’s used as a heat source.

The pump works by transferring heat from the ground into a building to produce heat and vice versa for a cooling effect.

A series of loops (connected pipes) are buried in the ground close to the building that requires an air conditioning system. The loop then circulates a cooling fluid that absorbs heat or relinquishes heat to the surrounding ground space.

A geothermal heat pump system operates on three key components: Earth connection subsystem, heat pump subsystem, and heat distribution subsystem.

The heat pump subsystem has an average lifespan of more than 20 years while the earth connection subsystem has a lifespan of about 25 to 50 years.

Additionally, geothermal heat pumps move between three and five times the energy consumed between a home’s interior and the ground.

Signs That Indicate Its Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Even with regular servicing, air conditioning systems reach a point where they are not as effective as before. In such instances, it’s highly advisable to replace your air conditioner instead of repairing it. Especially if the system is older than ten years.

HVAC units account for 44% of a household’s utility costs. If you are paying higher bills than that, your air conditioning system could be the source of the spike in prices. Here are a few more signs that indicate it’s time for AC replacement.

Excess Dust and Noise

If your air conditioning system is excessively noisy. It could indicate a problem with the AC indoor coil or the system is not large enough to cover your entire home.

The presence of dust could be a problem involving leaks in the duct system. Leaks reduce the efficiency of the AC system hence increasing operation costs.

Increasing Air Conditioning Expenses

If your utility bill increases without any change in the rate of use, it could be a sign of a failing system. You should also consider the amount spent on repairs and the frequency of the repairs.

Inconsistencies in Humidity and Cooling

An effective HVAC unit should remove humidity from a room by maintaining a consistent temperature. If the cooling effects are mild, the problem could be in the ductwork or the entire system is malfunctioning.

Affordable, Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning Services in Charleston, SC

At Carolina Climate Control we offer affordable, reliable heating and air conditioning services for residents in Charleston and the surrounding areas. From air conditioning installation and replacement to repair service and maintenance.

Our team of highly trained and experienced technicians is ready to help you out. Visit our website to get a free estimate  when you want to replace your air conditioner. Reach out to us for the different services we offer or talk to any of our technicians about HVAC units.

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You’re sitting on your porch enjoying a mild spring day when you hear a humming sound coming around the corner of the house.

After a little investigation, you realize it’s coming from your heating and air conditioning system. If your first reaction is “here we go again”, it might be time to step back and assess whether a repair is worth it.

At some point, an HVAC repair starts to be a case of throwing good money after bad. Having your technician fix the humming sound may be a small job, but over time, those small repair bills add up to a big chunk of change.

If you’ve looked at your spending and realize too much of your budget is going to HVAC repair costs, what should be your next step? You can get a good 12-15 years out of a system here in Charleston with proper care and maintenance. But you can only hold off an air conditioning replacement so long with repairs before replacing parts is less efficient than replacing the system.

Here are a few items to consider if your repair bills have grown and you’re wondering about HVAC replacement instead.

Age of Your HVAC

All your calculations start with how old your system is. If it’s less than five years old, not only will a repair be in your best interest, it should be covered by your warranty. Where things start to get murky is when parts of the system fall out of warranty or when it passes age 10. We say murky because some repairs truly are minor and worth doing. These include easy fixes like a worn fan belt or a clog in the condenser.

But once your unit starts needing repeated or frequent repairs, investing in a new one becomes the smart choice. If you’re calling us out every few months, especially for emergency repairs during the hottest and coldest times, those AC bills add up.

One common repair for older units refrigerant refills, especially if the system develops a leak. Unfortunately, an older system is likely to use Freon or R22 refrigerant, which is no longer in production due to environmental concerns. That means the cost to recharge your coolant is on the way up.

Systems installed before 2010 are most likely to still be using it, while new ones have switched to Puron or R410A refrigerant.

Energy Bills

It’s probably no surprise to anyone that here in South Carolina, we have one of the highest average electric bills in the country. Even though our price per kWh is lower than the average, we make up for it through consumption. This results from a combination of hot summers and electric heating.

While newer systems are more efficient, that efficiency drops over time. This could be the cause if you’ve started to notice your air conditioning bills going up despite keeping up with proper maintenance. The loss rate goes up the older your equipment.

As a result, you should take into consideration how much you’ll save by investing in a new system beyond reducing your repair bills. Replacing a system that’s at least 10 years old can save you 20-40 percent on AC costs every summer.

Repair Cost

Obviously, the cost of a repair has to be weighed against the cost of a new system. But several factors come into play when we talk about the actual repair cost.

How long do you plan to stay in your current house? If you’ll be around to enjoy the benefits of a new system, it makes sense to go that route rather than apply repair band-aids.

Then there is the repair frequency and how much you’re spending in a year. While each repair might only be a couple of hundred dollars, once you’re spending more than $500 annually on repairs, it’s time to do some calculating to see if it’s worth continuing to do those repairs.

A clogged drain line by itself doesn’t justify replacing the system, but it can be a tipping point if you’ve had numerous other repairs.

Doing the Math

Two different calculations give you an objective measure to help you decide whether to make a specific repair or if it’s time to start shopping for a replacement system. These are useful if the single repair is a more expensive one like replacing the condenser coil.

Start with a rule of thumb measure to give you a quick idea. This formula takes the cost of the repair and multiplies it by the age of the system. If you get a number higher than 5,000, the repair is likely not worth doing.

As an example, your air conditioner is 8 years old and needs a $500 repair. That multiplies out to 4,000, so it’s likely worth it. But a 13-year-old system needing the same repair gives you 5,200, so you should be leaning toward replacement.

The second bit of math compares your repair to the cost of replacement. Pick the system you’re most likely to purchase and halve the cost. If the repair comes in at more than that, it’s too expensive.

Is It Worth Doing That HVAC Repair?

When a small part breaks, a repair makes sense when your HVAC system is newer. It’s a no-brainer to shell out $600 for AC repairs rather than $6,000 for AC replacement. But as your system ages, HVAC repair becomes the more expensive option as more and more parts begin to break.

If you think it might be time to consider a heating and air replacement system, contact us to get a free estimate or talk about your HVAC financing options. We install hundreds of units a year around the Lowcountry and can help you make an informed decision.

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As the calendar turns over to June and the summertime temps start peaking here in the Lowcountry, many area homeowners are confronted once again with one big question:

“Will my air conditioner make it through the summer?”

With the levels of heat & humidity we get in Charleston, it’s a question that can cause serious stress and haunt homeowners and property managers throughout the summer.

If you’re worried about how your system will hold up this summer, below are some key indicators that will let you know if you’ll have a cool & comfortable summer — or not.

If Your HVAC System Has Been Recently Replaced…

Generally speaking, if your system has been replaced within the last few years you shouldn’t have any need to worry — as long as it was installed properly by a professional HVAC company.

However one big issue that can occur with newer installations is oversizing or undersizing. If the capacity of your newer system is oversized, it may not run long enough to get all of the humidity out of your home — it reaches its desired temperature too quickly and will immediately turn off. An undersized system will run too often and struggle to keep a desired comfort level.

If your newer system seems to be experiencing any of those oversizing/undersizing symptoms, be sure to contact your local HVAC company and have them check out if you system’s capacity matches the needs of your Lowcountry home.

If Your HVAC System Doesn’t Break Down Often…

If your HVAC system hasn’t been replaced within the last few years and is reaching the mid-to-late stage of its lifespan (see how long HVAC systems last in the Lowcountry here), it doesn’t automatically mean you should be worrying.

If your system hasn’t experienced any major breakdowns or isn’t in need of constant repairs or service calls, there’s a good chance the important components in your HVAC system are in good shape. If that’s the case, then you shouldn’t have much to worry about this summer.

That said, however, components to wear down over time — just like any electrical/mechanical system — so as you’ll see below, making sure you have a professional maintenance plan is key for avoiding major breakdowns.

If Your HVAC System Is Properly Maintained…

A properly maintained HVAC system can help maximize your HVAC system’s useful lifespan, so if you’ve signed up for a maintenance plan with your HVAC company, that should reduce your worry about making it through the summer.

As mentioned above, your system’s components can and will wear down over time. When you have a maintenance plan in place for your system, however, your heating and air company should be able to identify the smaller components that may need replacing — helping you avoid any major repair work. Most maintenance plans also come with reduced pricing for system components and labor, so that gives you an extra layer of comfort should you need anything repaired.

You should be able to enjoy your summer without the cloud of worry hanging around your air conditioning’s performance — but if your system falls into one of the categories listed above, we’re sure you’ll be well on your way to stress-free summer.

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Posted in AC Replacement | Comments Off on Will Your Air Conditioner Last The Summer In Charleston? Here’s How To Know If It Will (Or Won’t)

No matter which make or model of HVAC system you currently have in your Lowcountry home or business, time will always win in the long run.

During last month’s Prehistoric Comfort Contest promotion we saw our fair share of systems defeated by time, with no preference on make or model.

Like any other electrical/mechanical system in our world we use everyday — like our cars and trucks — heating and air conditioning systems can and will wear out over time.

That said then, just how long can you expect your HVAC system to last here in the Lowcountry?

Different system types and aspects determine the expected lifespan while other important factors contribute to both shortening or lengthening that lifespan. Below is a quick rundown of what you can expect out of your HVAC system here in Charleston.

Traditional HVAC Systems

When we say “traditional” HVAC systems we’re referring to the typical central air conditioning or heat pump units that one might see sitting outside most Lowcountry homes.

These systems normally have an outdoor unit (which conditions the air) connected to an indoor unit that pushes the air around a home’s duct system.

While the technology for these systems has improved vastly over the years (like Trane’s XV20i AC unit ), most systems of this type/setup generally will log about 12 – 15 good years for your home here in Charleston.

As you’ll read below, though, there are things that you can do to reach that 15 year mark and beyond with ease.

Mini-split Ductless HVAC Systems

Mini-split ductless air conditioning systems are becoming more and more popular here in the Lowcountry over recent years.

As some homeowners deal with constant flooding under their homes (and the constant duct cleanup and repair), they’ve been opting for mini-split ductless systems, like the M-Series Mitsubishi model to replace their traditional HVAC systems.

That factor, coupled with the flexibility and dual operation (both heating and cooling) make mini-splits a great choice in the Lowcountry, but how long will they last?

Under most normal operating situations, you can expect a lifespan of 15-20 years for most ductless mini-split models.

Geothermal HVAC Systems

Another type of system that’s growing in popularity here in Charleston are geothermal heating and cooling systems.

Using the ground’s naturally steady temperature (about 55-77 degrees Fahrenheit), geothermal heat pumps can both cool your home in the summer (pumping heat in your home underground) and heat it in the winter (pumping heat up into your home from the ground).

These systems are highly efficient, with monthly energy bills being drastically reduced (up to 70% in some cases).

On top of that, when you install a geothermal HVAC system you’ll be getting more than your money’s worth as far as life expectancy, with the above ground components lasting up to 25 years and the below ground components lasting up to 100 years.

System Operation & Maintenance

As mentioned earlier, HVAC systems aren’t any different than any other mechanical system in our world — they have a definitive lifespan of good use.

However, having your system properly maintained and serviced throughout that lifespan can and will ultimately extend that particular lifespan.

If you’re not sure how old your Lowcountry HVAC system might be or want to talk about a possible replacement – be sure to give a local, experienced heating and air company a call. They’ll be able to estimate how much time you’ve got left on your system and give you the best options for updating your system this year.

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With the holiday season almost upon us, we’re sure your thoughts this time of year are focused on family, gifts, get-togethers and other holiday activities that happen this time of year in Charleston.

While you’re putting together your list of things to do this winter it may be a great time for you to add “replace air conditioning” to that list.

This may not seem like the typical thing to put on your holiday agenda, but here are three reasons why it could – and should – be high on your list in 2019 or early in the New Year.

A Chance To Reassess Your Whole HVAC System (And Potentially Save Money)

Depending on what kind of HVAC system setup you have, whether that be a heat pump system, a traditional central air conditioning system and standalone furnace, mini-split A/C or heat pumps, or something different entirely, winter is a great time to do a complete system assessment.

This assessment could lead to new opportunities for your home in Charleston and potentially save you money on your electric bills for years to come.

Special A/C Replacement Offers & Promotions

After you’ve done your HVAC assessment (or have an HVAC company near you do it), there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take advantage of special deals, offers or other HVAC promotions that often come around this time of year.

Holiday deals and specials are very often made available by local HVAC companies to help encourage homeowners to upgrade older, out-of-date systems that may not last much longer. The deals and promotions are a great way for them to see how a new, more efficient system can lower their electricity spending and reap other benefits as well.

Cooler Days Mean Lower Replacement Time Stress (And Sweat)

Finally, replacing your system this time of year means you won’t be sweating while your HVAC team replaces your system.

During the brutal summers in the Lowcountry, HVAC contractors are very often booked solid. This means you may have a some long, hot days while your replacement day comes up on their schedule.

Instead of bearing with those hot days, have your system replaced when temperatures are more reasonable and don’t require your air conditioning to stay comfortable.

We hope that your holiday season plans go well this year in the Lowcountry, and if you add a quick HVAC system replacement to those plans we know you’ll be more than happy throughout the process.

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Posted in AC Replacement | Comments Off on Why Winter Is The Best Time To Replace Your Air Conditioner In Charleston

With temperatures still quite high here in the Lowcountry, many Charleston homeowners are going through the process of replacing their air conditioning in their homes and/or businesses.

Extra long use at maximum operation this time of year puts extra stress and strain on your HVAC system and if your system is underperforming or outright stops working, moving forward with a replacement will most likely be high on your list.

Before moving forward with that new system installation, however, below are some common mistakes to avoid that can save you both time and money and possibly provide new ways of getting the most out of your new HVAC system.

1. Waiting Too Long To Replace Your HVAC

If you’re one of the lucky ones that moved forward with a replacement before your system completely breaks down, you’re already ahead of the curve and can move on to mistake number two below.

On the other side of that, if you’ve waited too long to move forward with a replacement, then you’re probably going to face some warm days/nights until you can get a Lowcountry HVAC company to come out and assess your replacement.

2. Not Doing Your HVAC Company Homework

Now if you’ve already made mistake number one above, then there’s a good chance in your rush to get a replacement that you might make mistake number two: not doing your HVAC company research.

Not all HVAC companies are the same — choosing one without doing research can lead to you getting a poor replacement or possibly even overpaying for one.

Read online reviews, ask your friends on Facebook, check out their Yelp listing and even their BBB rating.

Also make sure they’re N.A.T.E. certified and insured and licensed in the state of South Carolina.

Not doing this research can lead to more time and money wasted in the long run so be sure to not make this mistake during your replacement process.

3. Not Researching Different/New Types of HVAC Systems

Many homeowners like simplicity — they simply get the latest model of whatever system they had previously and move forward.

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that (especially if you had good performance before the replacement) you could be missing out an opportunity to get even better results with newer types of systems.

Two types of systems that are growing in popularity here in Charleston are the ductless mini-split systems and geothermal heating and cooling systems.

The popularity around ductless systems involves eliminating the ductwork needs that plague many Lowcountry homeowners. Cleaning & replacing ductwork can be a pain, so installing a ductless system is a very desirable choice for a growing number of Charleston residents and property managers.

Geothermal heating and cooling on the other hand has the appeal of huge monthly energy savings and extra long equipment lifespans.

Using the naturally steady temperature of the ground beneath your home, a geothermal system can both cool and heat your home throughout the year, using a fraction of the electricity versus a traditional unit.

These systems also can last almost 10-15 years longer than traditional units so replacement cost and frequency goes down dramatically, saving additional thousands of dollars in the long run.

4. Not Signing Up For A Maintenance Plan

Once you’ve settled on a company and have them install your new system, it’s all about getting your money’s worth out of it — and that starts and ends with maintenance.

Signing up for a maintenance plan right away after replacement ensures that your system not only consistently performs at peak operation, but also helps ensure the full potential of your system’s lifespan.

Longer peak performance lifespans mean fewer replacements over time, saving you from having to repeat this process (and potentially making these same mistakes) more times than necessary.

We hope your HVAC replacement goes well this summer and if you avoid these mistakes above, we know you will.

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