As a homeowner in the Charleston, South Carolina area, you are well aware of how crucial it is to have a properly operating air conditioning system, especially during those hot summer days. When we say hot, we mean it - summers in South Carolina heat up quickly with high humidity and average high temperatures near 90°F across most of the state. During the hot months of the year, average temperatures range from the upper 60s in the Upstate to the mid-70s in the Lowcountry, but maximum temperatures can reach over 100 degrees.
On the hottest of hot days, having a reliable AC unit to cool you down is non-negotiable. When the weather heats up in The Palmetto State, and your AC is on the fritz, it's best to act quick and contact an HVAC repair company that can help.
At J.W. Long Mechanical, we provide you with quick, effective solutions for:
You don't have to be a graduate from Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology near Goose Creek, SC, to know when something is wrong with your air conditioning. Being aware of common AC unit problems helps prevent breakdowns. Who wants to be stuck inside during a hot summer in Goose Creek, SC without AC? Keep your eyes and ears peeled for these common issues:
Waking up in the morning to find that the air conditioner won't turn on is incredibly frustrating. No matter how low you set the thermostat, the AC still refuses to engage.
At times, this issue arises due to a tripped circuit breaker. Additional causes may include a defective thermostat or loose wiring.
Some AC problems can be fixed without any training. This is not one of those issues. Do not attempt to do any wiring work on your own. Call a respected HVAC company like J.W. Long Mechanical for AC repair in Goose Creek, SC. Our techs have specialized equipment that can help diagnose the issue and advanced training to perform fixes.
This problem is a complete 180 from the entry above. It's completely normal for your air conditioner to work harder during hot weather, but it should still turn off at regular intervals. Addressing an AC that won't shut off is essential for protecting its key components and keeping your energy bills in check.
This problem can stem from a variety of sources and is very common. You might be dealing with a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning compressor, clogged air filters, or even issues with electrical components.
To start, try switching off the thermostat fan to check if that turns off the air conditioner. If it doesn't, reach out to our HVAC company. Our experts are skilled at quickly identifying issues and often handle repairs on the first visit.
Why is your air conditioning unit blowing out warm air instead of cool? The last thing you want is to feel even hotter while you're already sweating inside your home. Unfortunately, this issue can happen even during the peak of summer.
Warm air could indicate a dirty air filter, blockages in the ducts, or debris that is leading to the compressor overheating. It's also possible that your refrigerant levels are low.
Change your air filters every one to two months to avoid clogs, and make sure to have your ducts cleaned at least once a year. Before you top off the refrigerant in your AC units, always have an AC repair specialist check for leaks. At J.W. Long Mechanical, our HVAC techs are very familiar with this task and can actually help save you money in the long run.
Homeowners often find it challenging to detect refrigerant leaks since they typically occur within the coolant lines. However, if you notice brightly colored stains near your AC unit, it could indicate trouble. While some condensation outside the air conditioner is normal, excessive moisture may suggest a water leak.
Over time, the lines and connections in an AC system can deteriorate, which often results in refrigerant leaks. Water leaks are generally caused by blocked drainage pipes and malfunctioning condensate pumps.
If you spot a refrigerant leak, make sure to turn off the unit and reach out to our HVAC company in Goose Creek, SC as soon as possible. Low refrigerant levels can lead to serious damage to the compressor, which is one of the costliest parts to replace. Thankfully, regular maintenance checks can uncover these issues, and our certified technicians can recharge the refrigerant as needed.
This issue is commonly referred to as short cycling. Instead of running through a complete cooling cycle, the air conditioner repeatedly starts and stops. This can be a significant problem that may lead to compressor damage.
Sometimes, the issue can be as straightforward as dirty air filters or a thermostat that needs recalibrating. It's also possible that your air conditioner is simply too powerful for the size of your home.
The first step to solving this problem is to call an AC repair company to come out and look at your HVAC system. At J.W. Long, our team will diagnose your problem and provide cost-effective options for you to consider. If your AC system isn't the right fit for your home, new AC installation may be in store - especially for long-term savings.
At J.W. Long Mechanical, we get questions from homeowners and business owners every day about their HVAC units. One of the most common questions we get revolves around whether it's smarter to keep an older AC system or to have a new AC unit installed. As is the case with most things in life, it depends on your unique situation. To help answer that question, we've come up with a few of the biggest signs that it's time to call our HVAC company for air conditioning installation.
Older air conditioners tend to be less efficient than the latest models on the market. According to Energy Star, if your air conditioner is over 10 years old, it's worth considering an upgrade. If it's more than 15 years old, you should definitely think about replacing it, as this typically marks the average lifespan of most cooling systems.
Even Boone Hall Plantation Gardens in Goose Creek, SC will degrade over time, and the same can be said for air conditioners. If you're a homeowner who has recently bought a new air conditioning unit or faced AC issues in the past, you might wonder, “What's the typical lifespan of an air conditioner?” It's a valid concern, considering the significant investment involved.
While the answer can vary, choosing a reputable company like J.W. Long Mechanical that installs reliable HVAC brands provides peace of mind. These units are rigorously tested for durability. Back to the question: Generally, an air conditioner can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, but there are several factors that affect that time span.
Just like you need to keep your car in good shape with regular tune-ups, your HVAC system also requires consistent maintenance. Some people believe that after the unit stops working for the first time and the warranty has expired, it's time to invest in a new one. Others may choose to pour money into repairs-even when the costs add up-to extend the life of their system by a few more years. The choice you make can greatly impact how long your AC unit will last.
Outside of maintenance, other factors that affect air conditioning lifespan include:
Some experts suggest using the $5,000 rule to help decide if it's time to replace your cooling unit. To apply this rule, simply multiply the age of your air conditioner by the cost of repairs. If the total exceeds $5,000, it's wise to think about getting a new unit. If it's less, repairing the existing one may be your best bet.
For example, if your air conditioner is 8 years old and the repair estimate is around $400, that brings you to a total of $3,200. In that case, you should reach out to J.W. Long for AC repair. On the other hand, if those repairs are estimated at $700, the total jumps to $5,600, which means it's time to consider replacing the air conditioner with one of our expert installation services.
If you're struggling with the repair vs replace debate, try making a checklist of how your HVAC system is performing - especially in the summer when you're using air conditioning. Try checking for the following:
Life tends to move swiftly, and before you know it, your air conditioner might be struggling to keep up. It's essential to take a moment to check in on your unit and see if it's performing as well as it always has or if there might be some issues that need attention.
If you discover that your air conditioner isn't in optimal shape, it's a good idea to have an HVAC professional come by for an inspection. They can identify any simple fixes that could solve the problem or highlight more significant concerns that you should start considering.
Older air conditioners typically rely on R-22 refrigerant, which has been linked to significant environmental harm. If your air conditioner uses this type of refrigerant, it may be time to think about upgrading to an eco-friendly model.
Additionally, the cost of R-22 has skyrocketed due to its decreased availability, as production of this refrigerant has ceased. While you might still find R-22 for repairs on older units, all new air conditioning systems are designed to use the newer R410-A refrigerant, making them a more practical choice in the long run.
Which is best: AC repair or new AC installation? The answer to that question will change depending on your circumstances. Some of the most logical reasons to go with AC repair instead of having a new unit installed are:
Forget about the system breaking down. Even before your old air conditioner quit on you, it was already racking up some shocking electricity bills. For an aging system, there's only so much regular maintenance can accomplish. Eventually, it might be time to consider a new system, especially when you weigh the benefits of energy efficiency.
Even if you're not considering selling your home at the moment, installing a new air conditioner can boost your property's value if you ever decide to sell. It might even be a key factor in securing a buyer rather than losing out on a sale.
It's not just true for repairs-it's equally relevant when considering new air conditioning systems. At J.W. Long Mechanical, we often run specials on new AC installations and even offer financing that can help you stick to a budget. If the cost of repairing your current system is nearing the price of a new unit, don't hesitate to invest in a new air conditioner. You'll likely recoup the price difference through energy savings.
Quick Repairs
The best AC Repair and Installation services offer expertise and service, 24/7 availability for urgent situations.
At J. W. Long Mechanical Company, we've been providing heating and air conditioning services in South Carolina since 1950. Founded by J.W. Long and now led by Shannon Heber, our business is built on integrity, reliability, affordability, and quality work. We treat our customers like family and are passionate about exceptional service
Our experienced team has earned a reputation for excellence, winning the Trane Distinguished Dealer Award 17 times and being recognized as an independent Trane Comfort Specialist™ Dealer. You can trust us for top-notch heating and cooling products installed with expertise that maximizes performance and value for your budget.
For reliable air conditioning service or repair, J.W. Long's skilled technicians quickly restore your system. Looking for a new unit? Our comfort consultants make AC installation easier than Sunday morning at Halls Chophouse Nexton Summerville in Goose Creek, SC. To make your life simpler and stress-free, we can provide a free assessment and design a system tailored to your needs and budget. We also provide indoor air quality products and dehumidification for your comfort on hot days.
If you're looking for an AC repair and installation expert with your best interests at heart, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to exceed your expectations.
A popular bistro is set to expand to Goose Creek this winter, bringing its signature comfort dishes to the area.Sunrise Bistro, owned by Brian Appelt, will open at 216 St. James Ave. in the former Bangkok Restaurant space, which previously housed St. James Place, restaurant broker Mike Santos of The Commonwealth Company told What Now Charleston.The 2,580-square-foot restaurant sold on ListingLedge.com.“It’s a good location–St. James Ave. St. James Place used to be there and t...
A popular bistro is set to expand to Goose Creek this winter, bringing its signature comfort dishes to the area.
Sunrise Bistro, owned by Brian Appelt, will open at 216 St. James Ave. in the former Bangkok Restaurant space, which previously housed St. James Place, restaurant broker Mike Santos of The Commonwealth Company told What Now Charleston.
The 2,580-square-foot restaurant sold on ListingLedge.com.
“It’s a good location–St. James Ave. St. James Place used to be there and that was a breakfast, lunch and dinner spot as well,” Appelt told What Now Charleston. “We don’t have a location in Goose Creek. There’s a lot of growth there, so we thought we could try it out.”
Patrons won’t miss the bistro’s sign, which will showcase a bold black design illuminated with halo lighting.
The menu highlights hearty breakfast staples such as the Hungry Howie plate, Nancy’s French Toast and the French Toast Sandwich. Bigger options include the Country Fried Steak Plate, Enchilada Rancheros and a loaded Breakfast Burrito, while the Grits Bowl and housemade corned beef hash offer classic Southern flavors. Open-faced omelets range from the veggie-forward Garden to the meat-heavy Little Pigs.
Lunch standouts include the Basil Bacon Grilly Cheese, the corned beef Reuben and the Chicken Philly. Seafood options include the Sunrise Po’ Boy, the fish and shrimp platter and the crab cake sandwich, with lighter choices like the Bistro House Salad and Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad.
The restaurant will feature a light, vibrant design highlighted by a mural of Sunrise Bistro along one of the walls.
“I’m excited about bringing our local vibe to different towns. It’s great to see the communities that we build in each of our locations,” Appelt said.
Sunrise Bistro, which opened in 2009, operates locations in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, downtown Charleston and Summerville.
The team has not announced an official opening date for the Goose Creek outpost but is aiming for late December or early January. For updates, visit the Sunrise Bistro website and follow along on Facebook.
Vision Hospitality Group Awarded Management of SpringHill Suites Goose Creek, S.C.Vision Hospitality Group manages the upcoming SpringHill Suites by Marriott Goose Creek, a 109-room hotel set to open in early 2027. The hotel will feature flexible meeting space and spacious suites, aimed at accommodating both business and leisure travelers in the growing Goose Creek/Summerville area. The partnership reflects Vision's focus on quality and operational excellence.CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. &ndas...
Vision Hospitality Group manages the upcoming SpringHill Suites by Marriott Goose Creek, a 109-room hotel set to open in early 2027. The hotel will feature flexible meeting space and spacious suites, aimed at accommodating both business and leisure travelers in the growing Goose Creek/Summerville area. The partnership reflects Vision's focus on quality and operational excellence.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – October 29, 2025 – Vision Hospitality Group, Inc., announced today that it will manage the upcoming SpringHill Suites by Marriott Goose Creek, a 109-room, all-suite hotel located at 205 Corbin Street in Summerville, S.C. Scheduled to open in early 2027, the property represents an exciting new development by Clarendon Properties, LLC, along with Commercial Realty Advisors Development (CRAD), as the project’s developers, and Vision Hospitality Group through a new strategic management partnership.
The new-build SpringHill Suites will offer 1,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a stylish lobby bar and thoughtfully designed suites that provide spacious accommodations with distinct living, working and sleeping areas. Conveniently situated in the rapidly growing Goose Creek/Summerville corridor, the hotel will serve as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers visiting the Charleston region.
Patrick O’Neil, COO of Vision Hospitality Group, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership:
“We are excited to collaborate with Clarendon Properties on this exceptional project, which reflects our shared commitment to quality and innovation. This new SpringHill Suites represents an important step in Vision’s continued growth through strategic management partnerships. We look forward to delivering the award-winning service and operational excellence that define the Vision brand.
“At Vision Hospitality Group, culture is the foundation of everything we do,” O’Neil added. “Guided by values of integrity, respect, teamwork and excellence, Vision fosters an environment where people are inspired to grow, innovate and deliver exceptional results. The company’s culture of care extends beyond its hotels — it’s reflected in how Vision supports its associates, partners and communities to create meaningful and lasting impact.”
The SpringHill Suites Goose Creek will embody this culture of purpose and passion, combining Marriott’s trusted brand experience with Vision’s dedication to innovation, operational distinction and hospitality that makes a difference.
With an anticipated opening in early 2027, the SpringHill Suites Goose Creek will enhance the area’s hospitality landscape and provide guests with a seamless blend of comfort, style and service excellence.