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 St Christopher Camp and Conference Center near Seabrook Island, 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 Seabrook Island, 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 Seabrook Island, 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 Seabrook Island, 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 McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Seabrook Island, 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 The Ocean Room in Seabrook Island, 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.
While there remains considerable uncertainty about the forecast for early next week, the trends over the last 24 hours or so have not been favorable for the Palmetto State. Tropical Storm Humberto formed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, as expected. We continue to monitor the progress of the tropical wave we're calling Invest Area AL94.This loop of visible satellite imagery shows the features of interest across the Atlantic Basin around midday Thursday, including Humberto, Invest Area AL94, and Hurricane Gabrielle approaching the Azores....
While there remains considerable uncertainty about the forecast for early next week, the trends over the last 24 hours or so have not been favorable for the Palmetto State. Tropical Storm Humberto formed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, as expected. We continue to monitor the progress of the tropical wave we're calling Invest Area AL94.
This loop of visible satellite imagery shows the features of interest across the Atlantic Basin around midday Thursday, including Humberto, Invest Area AL94, and Hurricane Gabrielle approaching the Azores.
Image Source: University of Wisconsin RealEarth
You can also see Hurricane Gabrielle over the eastern Atlantic marching at double time toward the Azores, but it's not a threat to South Carolina.
Humberto is also unlikely to threaten South Carolina directly. However, the National Hurricane Center's (NHC) forecast calls for Humberto to become a Category 3 Hurricane over the western Atlantic before it gradually weakens and splits the Bermuda and Hatteras uprights around the middle of next week.
Humberto won't have any direct effect on South Carolina. However, the swells it will generate will bring rough surf and rip currents to our beaches in the coming days, along with potentially hazardous marine conditions on our coastal waters. Humberto's behavior going forward is one of the several variables that bring uncertainty into the forecast for how AL94 might affect us early next week. Its track and intensity will influence AL94's future track and intensity.
AL94, the feature that could impact South Carolina early next week, remains a disorganized tropical wave that's moving through the Dominican Republic and Haiti today. A circulation is trying to form just north of Haiti this afternoon, but the thunderstorms are hanging back over the Dominican Republic. NHC's current forecast calls for a low-pressure area to form over the southern Bahamas or just north of Cuba by Saturday morning, which will quickly develop into a tropical cyclone. Their outlook from this afternoon indicates an 80 percent chance for it to be a tropical cyclone by Saturday afternoon.
Most computer model guidance has come in line with a tropical cyclone forming in this area by Saturday night, so we have at least moderate confidence in that part of the forecast. Confidence is somewhat lacking right now because AL94 remains disorganized. Models tell us to trust the process, but that will be hard for me until I see thunderstorms erupting near the developing circulation center. The longer it takes for this to happen, the greater the chances are that AL94 will slip farther west than expected and end up over Cuba or Florida.
Assuming that AL94 consolidates and becomes a tropical cyclone over Bermuda ... the next name on this year's list is Imelda when ("if?" seems less of a question now) it reaches tropical storm intensity ... there appear to be two scenarios for where it goes. Which scenario comes to pass will depend on how quickly a storm develops, the behavior of Humberto, and the behavior of a storm system moving into the Southeast this afternoon from the Mississippi Valley.
The first scenario, and the one we hope will work out, is that AL94 becomes Imelda over the Bahamas, but Humberto to its east is strong and close enough that it can pull Imelda to the east out to sea on Sunday into Monday. In this scenario, Humberto's outflow aloft cases shear over Imelda, which limits Imelda's strength.
The other scenario, the one we hope doesn't happen, is that AL94 becomes Imelda, but Humberto is too far away or too weak to have a significant influence on Imelda. That would allow Imelda to move northward toward us instead of getting pulled out to sea. It would then become caught in a developing upper-level low over the Southeast (the storm now located over the Mississippi Valley) that would pull it ashore on Monday or Monday night. Additionally, the usual effects of having an upper-level low nearby to the west would apply, as seen with Helene: the upper low would provide the storm with a more favorable environment to strengthen and maintain itself after landfall. Therefore, it could be a hurricane when it reaches us if this scenario unfolds, and the stronger winds could affect areas well inland. It might also be a slow-moving storm that causes widespread heavy rainfall. However, even in this scenario, there is uncertainty about the storm's track; it's possible that the worst impacts could occur in North Carolina instead of South Carolina.
A hybrid of the two scenarios is also possible: Imelda moves close enough to our coast that our coastal areas see damaging wind, a storm surge, and extreme rainfall. The wind and rain could persist for an extended period as the storm may move slowly for a time. Then it eventually feels the influence of Humberto and gets pulled out to sea.
The worst-case scenario at this point is for us to be dealing with a hurricane hitting us on Monday or Monday night, with impacts lingering into Tuesday. Rain impacts may even linger beyond Tuesday if the storm becomes stuck over us after landfall. It's hard to put odds on that right now; I estimate that there is a 20-30 percent chance of that happening. That's high enough that you need to prepare this weekend if you're in one of our coastal counties, unless the forecast changes and we become confident in a low-impact or no-impact forecast. If you're in one of our inland counties, you should closely monitor the situation. This is not going to be a Helene or Hugo, but the worst-case scenario includes locally damaging wind gusts over inland areas.
As always, SCEMD has the hurricane.sc website to provide you with hurricane prep advice and evacuation zone info. Plan on preparing for the worst this weekend, and let's hope and pray that a low-impact or no-impact scenario is what we face early next week.
While I have your attention, the storm system moving our way from the west brings us some potential hazards through Friday. Thunderstorms affecting the state through this evening have a hot and juicy, summery air mass to feed upon, so there is a low-end risk for severe storms.
There is a low-end risk of damaging winds associated with the more intense storms in the level 1 of 5 risk area shown on the Storm Prediction Center's outlook map. The damaging hail and tornado risks are near zero, but 'never say never' applies.
There is also a risk for isolated minor flooding from repeated downpours. Yes, it's barely rained across South Carolina over the last 30+ days, but the rain could come hard and fast through Saturday.
Keep this in mind if you're traveling across the Upstate and vicinity through tonight or anywhere in the state Friday. If you live in a flood-prone area, you might need to move to higher ground and motorists may have to avoid a flooded road (turn around, don't drown).
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.Although home prices have infl...
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers.
The typical home value in the United States was $363,946 in August, 0.0% lower than the year before.
High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments more expensive; as of September 18, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate sits at 6.26%.
Although home prices have inflated all across the U.S., there are some cities that command a higher price tag than others. Location, size, age, and condition are all contributing factors to home value.
Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in South Carolina using data from Zillow. Cities are ranked by the Zillow Home Values Index for all homes as of August 2025. The charts in this story were created automatically using Matplotlib.
Metros with the most cities in the top 30 in South Carolina
#1. Charleston-North Charleston, SC: 16
#2. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC: 5
#3. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: 3
#4. Greenville-Anderson, SC: 2
#5. Georgetown, SC: 1
#5. Columbia, SC: 1
#5. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC: 1
#5. Seneca, SC: 1
- Typical home value: $413,384
- 1-year price change: -0.9%
- 5-year price change: +50.2%
- Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Typical home value: $413,647
- 1-year price change: -3.6%
- 5-year price change: +53.2%
- Metro area: Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC
- Typical home value: $422,691
- 1-year price change: +3.2%
- 5-year price change: +58.5%
- Metro area: Greenville-Anderson, SC
- Typical home value: $427,409
- 1-year price change: -3.6%
- 5-year price change: +59.3%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $435,328
- 1-year price change: +1.5%
- 5-year price change: +51.7%
- Metro area: Columbia, SC
- Typical home value: $447,626
- 1-year price change: -2.7%
- 5-year price change: +72.3%
- Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC
- Typical home value: $465,805
- 1-year price change: +2.1%
- 5-year price change: +73.1%
- Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC
- Typical home value: $484,626
- 1-year price change: +6.9%
- 5-year price change: +56.5%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $488,292
- 1-year price change: -1.0%
- 5-year price change: +43.7%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $491,667
- 1-year price change: -0.7%
- 5-year price change: +60.1%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $498,987
- 1-year price change: -1.6%
- 5-year price change: +56.0%
- Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC
- Typical home value: $516,671
- 1-year price change: -0.2%
- 5-year price change: +55.3%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $530,204
- 1-year price change: -1.0%
- 5-year price change: +72.5%
- Metro area: Seneca, SC
- Typical home value: $533,587
- 1-year price change: +0.6%
- 5-year price change: +55.3%
- Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Typical home value: $534,500
- 1-year price change: +0.7%
- 5-year price change: +61.8%
- Metro area: Georgetown, SC
- Typical home value: $580,993
- 1-year price change: +0.2%
- 5-year price change: +65.5%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $605,299
- 1-year price change: +1.4%
- 5-year price change: +59.1%
- Metro area: Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC
- Typical home value: $646,229
- 1-year price change: -1.0%
- 5-year price change: +72.7%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $738,905
- 1-year price change: +1.4%
- 5-year price change: +70.0%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $744,060
- 1-year price change: +3.1%
- 5-year price change: +88.4%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $759,982
- 1-year price change: +0.8%
- 5-year price change: +74.9%
- Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC
- Typical home value: $779,840
- 1-year price change: +1.6%
- 5-year price change: +64.8%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $858,188
- 1-year price change: +0.8%
- 5-year price change: +77.3%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $986,423
- 1-year price change: -1.2%
- 5-year price change: +106.4%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $1,052,995
- 1-year price change: -7.2%
- 5-year price change: +78.8%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $1,255,336
- 1-year price change: +10.1%
- 5-year price change: +109.9%
- Metro area: Greenville-Anderson, SC
- Typical home value: $1,570,747
- 1-year price change: -1.3%
- 5-year price change: +103.1%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $1,993,672
- 1-year price change: -0.1%
- 5-year price change: +109.9%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Typical home value: $2,146,987
- 1-year price change: +1.3%
- 5-year price change: +53.8%
- Metro area: Hilton Head Island-Bluffton, SC
- Typical home value: $4,115,124
- 1-year price change: +3.1%
- 5-year price change: +123.3%
- Metro area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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