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 Thales Academy Holly Springs PreK9 near Holly Hill, 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 Holly Hill, 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 Holly Hill, 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 Holly Hill, 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 Holly Hill History Museum in Holly Hill, 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 Spazio Vino Cucina in Holly Hill, 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.
The Holly Hill Town Council voted on Monday, Sept. 8, to invite bids for demolishing three downtown store buildings that have deteriorated for a decade.Mayor Billy Chavis said the vote culminated a five-year effort by town officials to address the buildings, which are adjacent to each other at 8635 Old State Road. They share a roof and common interior walls.The vote followed a presentation by Joshua Thomas, a code enforcement officer and residential inspector with SafeBuilt, a company that has a contract with the Town of Holly ...
The Holly Hill Town Council voted on Monday, Sept. 8, to invite bids for demolishing three downtown store buildings that have deteriorated for a decade.
Mayor Billy Chavis said the vote culminated a five-year effort by town officials to address the buildings, which are adjacent to each other at 8635 Old State Road. They share a roof and common interior walls.
The vote followed a presentation by Joshua Thomas, a code enforcement officer and residential inspector with SafeBuilt, a company that has a contract with the Town of Holly Hill.
He said he’s working on 24 condemnation cases in Holly Hill. This one just happened to be the first that he was ready to take to the council for their action.
Thomas said he told the owner in writing earlier this year to hire a structural engineer to determine the condition of the buildings.
A structural engineer found severe problems with the roof, electrical system and foundation, but “the walls were structurally sound and were not in immediate danger of collapse,” Thomas said.
But the inspection was not completed, Thomas said, nor were necessary follow-up steps taken, including hiring an appraiser to determine the actual value of the property.
If the repairs cost less than half the value of the property, the owner could hire a general contractor to bring the structures into compliance with the building code. Otherwise, state law would require the demolition of the buildings, he said.
Thomas asked the council to “move forward with an abatement at the property on the grounds of failure to comply with my condemnation letter. I sent the letter of violation to the owner’s attorney.”
He said the word “condemnation” has different meanings, including a government forcing an owner to sell a property under eminent domain laws.
However, in this situation, the word “condemnation” is being used in a “building code sense,” he said.
When a structure is determined to be “unsafe for human habitation and dangerous to the community at large,” a government pays a contractor to raze it and abate other code violations on the property, such as abandoned vehicles.
The owner can keep the real estate and might even be able to construct a new building on the site. In fact, Thomas said he hopes that happens. “I’d hate to see a dead zone in the middle of your town,” he said.
The town places a lien on the deed so it can recoup its demolition-related costs when the property is conveyed to another party through a sale, inheritance, delinquent tax sale, etc.
During the public comments time, Michael O’Shea introduced himself as the owner of the three buildings in question for the past 18 years.
He disputed the claim that the foundation is severely damaged. He said the glass in the front windows is the only possible hazard to the community that he sees.
Also, during the meeting, council heard from Brian Heape, South Carolina Department of Transportation District 7’s engineering administrator.
He said a gasoline tax increase, along with special state appropriations, allowed for $6.7 billion in active construction projects statewide.
In the near future, DOT intends to resurface S.C. Highway 210 between Branchville and the Providence community; S.C. 310 between U.S. 176 and S.C. 6; U.S. 176 between U.S. 301 and Antioch Road; Coach Road between S.C. 453 and U.S. 176; and U.S. 178 between Bowman and the Dorchester County line, he said.
In response to a question from Mayor Chavis, Heape said the state is responsible for maintaining ditches that are in its right-of-way, while counties are responsible for maintaining ditches that are in their rights-of-way, and adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining all other ditches.
In other business:
• Dianne Bergen, chair of the town election committee, advised that the former Holly Hill-Roberts Middle School will be the polling place for both of the Holly Hill precincts for the Nov. 4 election.
• Council approved the minutes of its Aug. 13 and Aug. 26 special called meetings.
• The Holly Hill Town Council’s next monthly meeting is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, in the governmental complex, 8423 Old State Road, and live on the town’s Facebook page. Contact the town hall at 803-496-3330 for information.