Charleston, SC HVAC Service & Installation

When summer hits Charleston, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. But what if it’s working harder than it needs to—costing you extra money every month? An inefficient AC doesn’t just drain your wallet; it can also shorten the lifespan of your system and leave you sweating on the hottest days. At Terrace Heating & Air, we want to help you spot the warning signs before small issues turn into big expenses. Here are some clear indicators your AC might be costing you more than it should. 1. Your Energy Bills Keep Rising If your monthly energy bills are creeping up without a change in usage, your AC could be to blame. Dirty filters, worn-out parts, or poor airflow can force your system to run longer and use more electricity to achieve the same results. Pro Tip: Compare this year’s summer bills to last year’s. If there’s a big jump, it’s worth getting your system checked. 2. Uneven Cooling Throughout Your Home Are some rooms freezing while others feel like a sauna? This could be a sign of duct leaks, inadequate insulation, or an AC unit that’s struggling to keep up. Uneven cooling often means wasted energy and an overworked system. 3. The AC Runs Constantly While your AC will naturally run more during Charleston’s heat waves, it shouldn’t be running non-stop. Constant operation often points to an undersized unit, refrigerant leaks, or mechanical issues that make it harder for your system to reach your set temperature. 4. Weak Airflow If you notice reduced airflow from your vents, your system could be dealing with clogged filters, duct blockages, or a failing blower motor. Weak airflow forces your AC to work overtime, driving up costs. 5. Strange Noises or Smells Banging, grinding, or squealing noises signal possible mechanical problems, while musty or burning odors could indicate mold growth or electrical issues. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to costly breakdowns—and higher energy bills in the meantime. 6. Your AC is Over 10–15 Years Old Older systems naturally lose efficiency over time. Even with regular maintenance, an older AC may require more energy to cool your home compared to a newer, high-efficiency model. How to Lower Costs and Improve Efficiency Schedule Regular Maintenance: Annual tune-ups keep your system running at peak performance. Change Filters Monthly: Clean filters improve airflow and reduce strain on your AC. Seal Duct Leaks: Prevent cooled air from escaping before it reaches your rooms. Consider an Upgrade: Newer systems can dramatically cut energy usage and costs. Don’t Let Inefficiency Drain Your Wallet If your AC is showing any of these signs, it’s time to call the experts. Terrace Heating & Air proudly serves Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry with professional maintenance, repairs, and energy-efficient upgrades. 📞 Call us today at 843-762-3639 or schedule your service online to make sure your AC is cooling efficiently—without costing you more than it should.

When summer hits hard in Charleston, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But with the extreme heat, heavy humidity, and salt air, your AC system is working overtime—and that can lead to problems. At Terrace Heating & Air, we’ve helped hundreds of Lowcountry homeowners stay cool, and we’ve noticed some common issues that tend to pop up every summer. If your AC is struggling, here’s what might be going on—and how we can help. 1. Refrigerant Leaks Refrigerant is what cools the air inside your home, and when it leaks, your system can’t do its job properly. Charleston’s salty coastal air can cause corrosion in copper lines, making leaks more likely. Signs of a refrigerant issue: Warm air blowing from vents Longer run times Hissing or bubbling sounds Good news: Our techs can find and fix the leak, recharge your system, and help prevent future issues. 2. Frozen Evaporator Coils It might sound strange, but frozen coils are a common summer problem. Dirty air filters, restricted airflow, or low refrigerant can cause ice to build up, especially in Charleston’s high-humidity environment. What you’ll notice: Weak airflow AC running but not cooling Water pooling near the indoor unit Tip: Changing your air filter regularly and scheduling routine maintenance can help prevent this. 3. Clogged Drain Lines With our humidity levels, your AC pulls a lot of moisture out of the air—and that moisture drains through a condensate line. Over time, algae and gunk can build up and block the line, leading to water leaks and even system shutdowns. Watch for: Water around your unit Musty smells AC not turning on We can quickly clear the line and keep your system draining like it should. 4. Capacitor or Contactor Failure Your AC has electrical components that help it turn on and stay running. The extreme heat can cause these parts—especially capacitors and contactors—to overheat and fail. Signs something’s wrong: AC won’t start Clicking noises Unit turning on and off repeatedly Don’t try to fix electrical components yourself. Give us a call and we’ll get you back up and running safely. 5. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Units Your outdoor unit needs proper airflow to release heat from your home. When it gets clogged with dirt, grass clippings, or coastal debris, your system has to work harder—and may eventually shut down. Pro tip: Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear and schedule a summer cleaning to keep it efficient. Stay Cool with Fast, Local Service At Terrace Heating & Air, we’re proud to be Charleston’s go-to AC repair team. We know how brutal Lowcountry summers can be—and how important it is to have a system you can count on. Whether your AC is acting up or you just want to avoid a breakdown, we’re here to help with fast, honest, and professional service.  📞 Call us today at 843-762-3639 or Book Online to schedule your AC repair or maintenance.