Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule maintenance twice yearly—spring for cooling and fall for heating. Regular tune-ups prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend equipment lifespan in South Carolina's demanding climate.

Warm air typically indicates refrigerant leaks, faulty compressors, or clogged filters. These issues require professional diagnosis since refrigerant handling demands specialized equipment and licensing.

Rising bills often signal aging equipment, dirty filters, or ductwork leaks forcing systems to work harder. Professional evaluation identifies efficiency problems before they become costly repairs.

Consider replacement for units over 15 years old with frequent repairs or poor efficiency. Modern systems offer significant energy savings and improved reliability for Summerville homes.

Basic thermostat replacement is possible for handy homeowners, but programmable or smart models often require rewiring. Incorrect installation can damage expensive HVAC equipment permanently.

Set thermostats to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter for optimal efficiency. Each degree adjustment can change energy costs by 6-8% in South Carolina's climate.

Regular filter changes, duct cleaning, and humidity control significantly improve air quality. Professional solutions include UV lights and advanced filtration systems for allergen removal.

Grinding or squealing indicates mechanical problems like worn belts or failing motors. Immediate professional attention prevents minor issues from becoming major expensive repairs.

Proper sizing requires professional load calculations considering home square footage, insulation, windows, and orientation. Oversized or undersized systems waste energy and reduce comfort significantly.

Complete system replacement typically requires 1-2 days depending on complexity and ductwork modifications. Simple unit swaps finish faster while custom installations need additional time.