During summer, our air conditioners can keep us cooler and make us comfortable in our homes. But like all appliances, your air conditioner won’t last forever and can sometimes breakdown.

 

At some point, you will have to get it repaired or replaced.

 

So what are the AC repair signs that you need to know?

 

In this article, we’ll talk about the 5 red alert signs that you need AC repair for your Lowcountry home.  We will also give you tips on how to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

 

1. You Get Warm Air

 

One of the biggest signs it’s time to get AC repair is when warm air blows out of your vents. The first thing you need to do when this happens is to check your thermostat. Ensure that it’s actually set to cool and the temperature is lower. If you still get warm air from the vents, there could be a compressor issue or restricted airflow.

 

You shouldn’t attempt to repair your own air conditioner. Instead, when there is an issue with the AC system, call a licensed technician for your Lowcountry home right away for assistance.

 

2. Water Leaks

 

Keep in mind that water leaks can lead to costly home repairs. You need to do something immediately when you think there is a water leak in your conditioner. That is a sure sign that there definitely is something wrong with your cooling system.

 

When calling for AC repair, ensure that you only hire a licensed technician to avoid problems down the road. Working with an experienced technician may be more affordable, but it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get better service.

 

3. Unusual Noises

 

Air conditioners will make noises when they’re running, but these are low-level noises that won’t really disrupt or bother you. Unusual or loud noises can indicate other problems with your air conditioner. There might be a loose part when you see buzzing noises in your AC.

 

Grinding noises could mean another serious problem. Keep in mind that unless you get AC repair, these issues typically will never go away on their own. You need to hire a licensed technician to help you repair your AC at the soonest possible time.

 

4. Your AC Doesn’t Work

 

This one’s pretty obvious, but when your AC no longer works or even turns on, that’s a sure sign that you need to get an AC repair (or full-on replacement). However, you still need to check the electrical connection and if it’s working. If there’s nothing wrong with it, you might want to consider calling a technician for AC repair.

 

To avoid costly AC repairs down the road, make sure that you don’t strain your system. Clean the filters every two to three months so your system doesn’t work hard to give you the temperature that you want. Your system is likely to shut down when you don’t take care of it.

 

5. Bad Odors

 

Before it gets even worse, you need to call a technician immediately when unpleasant smells come from your air conditioner. A technician can thoroughly inspect your AC and help you alleviate the problem.

 

Why You Need to Maintain Your Air Conditioner

 

To extend the lifespan of your system and avoid costly repairs down the road, it’s essential that you maintain your AC. You need to change your air filters every two or three months or as necessary. When the filters are dirty, dirt and other harmful particles will build up on your filters and will put a strain on your system. As a result, it will affect the AC’s efficiency.

 

Apart from the filters, you need to also keep the coils clean as they are an important component of your air conditioner. Inspect the condensate drain and also check the fins. Most importantly, schedule a regular check-up of your AC at least once a year.

 

A technician can inspect your entire system for any possible issues that may come up in the future or issues that may affect the efficiency of your system. With the checkup, the technician can also help you resolve any concerns or issues.

 

How Old Is Your AC?

 

Newer models of air conditioners can last up to 12-15 years, especially when they are really well-maintained. Older models can last between 10-12 years.

 

When you have an old AC, and it’s more than 10 years, you may want to consider replacing it because they will no longer be that efficient compared to when you first got it. You can still get it repaired, but it may be more cost-effective to get a replacement instead.

 

Should you decide to get a new one, make sure that you only hire a licensed technician to help you install your new unit. To avoid problems in the future, never DIY your air conditioner. Instead, contact a professional, whether for repairs or installations.

 

Contact Carolina Climate Control

 

Do you need air conditioning repair or installation in Charleston, SC? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We take pride in providing the best AC services in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. All of our technicians are certified and licensed, and we can guarantee you the best service during the first appointment.

 

At Carolina Climate Control, we only offer the most affordable and reliable service. You can call us at your earliest convenience, and we are more than happy to provide exceptional service every time.

 

Also, we are your trusted resource when it comes to anything about your HVAC or air conditioner. If you have questions about air filters or whether or not you should invest in high-efficient models, we can help. Call us anytime, and we will do everything we can to alleviate any issue or problem you are having about our HVAC. Contact us today for an appointment.

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It’s a Lowcountry version of Murphy’s Law: the AC will go out on the hottest weekend of the summer. A good HVAC system gets about 12-15 good years in our area.

But rising temperatures put extra strain on your AC, which increases the risk that something will break. Regular maintenance and service go a long way to keeping your unit in top shape to handle the heat, but sometimes, parts just give out.

If you don’t already have an HVAC company in the Lowcountry, you need to find one fast. With so many options for AC repair in Charleston, and beyond, how do you choose?

Don’t let the pressure of getting your AC up and running as fast as possible cause you to skimp on doing proper research and homework. You need a contractor you can trust to do the work quickly and correctly.

Here’s what you should be checking on and asking when assessing contractors for HVAC repair in our area.

 

Making a List

You need to first start by compiling a list of AC repair companies that make the grade in terms of service, quality, and cost.

The best place to begin is by asking for referrals and suggestions from others you trust. These might be friends, neighbors, or coworkers, or you might post in your neighborhood Facebook group or on NextDoor. Don’t forget to ask about anyone to avoid as well.

You can gather other names by searching online for “air conditioner repair Charleston SC”, for example. This should give you most of the companies that work in your area. Online directories like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp might add others to your list.

 

Checking It Twice

Once you have a list of contenders, spend some time checking them out to make sure they’re professional. This includes visiting their website and social media and reading reviews of them online. You should see reviews if you look at the BBB, but know that Google reviews are hard to fake and are thus more reliable.

A few questions you’ll want to answer during your initial search include:

• How long have they been in business?
• Do they have a proper license and insurance?
• Can they do weekend and off-hours work?

Even if you got their name from a close friend or relative, take some time to talk to references if you can, especially if you think a big repair job is required. Ask about their service performance and whether work gets done on time.

 

Evaluate and Estimate

If you aren’t needing emergency work done, take some time to check your choices closely. Get the company out for an estimate if possible and get a written, itemized version of the estimate or proposal before you commit to anything. You should sign a written estimate before work starts that specifies cost, model and part numbers, and other details.

Use that estimate to compare against others you receive. With the extra detail in the estimate, you can see whether everyone is selling you the same service and parts. Any large variances should send you back to ask more questions to make sure you’re getting the right solution to the problem.

While you have the contractor there, be sure to quiz them about the specifics of their warranty and guarantees. You want to know what services they cover and whether it includes labor or only parts. Make sure you understand how long they last and what they promise to do to make a situation right.

Also make sure you ask about manufacturer warranties, especially on bigger parts. These are separate from those of the contracting company, so you want to ensure you understand how they work in concert with each other.

 

Avoid Bad Contractors and Scams

If you do your homework, you’ll be at low risk for hiring a sketchy contractor. But it’s good to be aware of the signs that you might be about to be taken for a ride.

A big red flag is if a contractor wants all the money for a job upfront, as they could take off without ever doing the work. You should also be skeptical if they give you a super-low price offer but put a time limit on it.

Speaking of super-low prices, be wary of those as well. It could be that they’re planning to put used parts in your system or haven’t accounted for all the work needed. You could get a big surprise on the back end after the work is completed.

Any contractor that can’t provide you with their license info or hesitates on giving you a written estimate should also trigger warning bells. Putting a lot of pressure on you to commit to doing a big job right away without getting a second opinion is another bad sign.

On the opposite end of that is a contractor whose contract has so much tiny fine print that it looks like a college dissertation. You want a thorough contract, but one with that much content is sure to include a lot of loopholes that aren’t to your benefit.

 

Get the Best AC Repair in Charleston, SC

When the temperature goes up and your air conditioning goes down, you want to get it fixed as quickly as possible. But taking your time in selecting an air conditioner repair service can save you money and headaches in the long run. A reputable and quality company guarantees work done fast and well.

If you’re looking for AC repair in Charleston, SC, you can count on Carolina Climate Control to help get you cool. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians for repair or service.

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Posted in Air Conditioning Repair | Comments Off on What To Look For When Choosing An AC Repair Company In The Lowcountry