When Your AC Quits in Charleston Heat: Expert AC Repair Solutions That Actually Work

Your AC picked the worst time to break down. We've been fixing that problem since 2004.

It's 95 degrees with 80% humidity - typical July afternoon in Charleston - and your AC just stopped working.

We get it. As a locally owned and operated company, we've been getting those panic calls from Mount Pleasant to Summerville since 2004.

The good news? Most AC repairs aren't as complicated (or expensive) as you think.

Whether you're dealing with a frozen system in your West Ashley ranch or complete failure in your downtown Charleston single house, we've seen it before. The key is knowing which problems you can handle yourself and which need professional AC repair service immediately.

That knowledge alone can save you hundreds of dollars and days of discomfort.

We're about to share what we've learned from thousands of service calls across the Lowcountry, from beachfront condos getting blasted by salt air to historic homes with unique cooling challenges.

"ClimateMakers saved our daughter's wedding reception. AC died at noon, they had us cool by 3pm. Can't thank them enough!" - Jennifer H., Daniel Island

Why Charleston Trusts ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing:

✓ EPA Certified Technicians

✓ 24/7 Emergency Service

✓ Serving Charleston Since 2004

✓ Locally Owned & Operated

✓ Upfront Pricing - No Surprises

✓ Same-Day Service Available

Common AC Problems We Fix Daily in the Lowcountry

Every day brings the same desperate calls. Your AC is running but not cooling. Water's dripping from the ceiling. Strange noises keeping you up at night.

We've tracked every service call for 20 years. Here's what breaks most often in Charleston homes:

• Frozen evaporator coils (especially in humid August)

• Clogged drain lines (those live oaks drop everything)

• Failed capacitors (heat kills them faster here)

• Refrigerant leaks (salt air eats copper lines)

The pattern is clear. Our climate is brutal on AC systems. Salt, humidity, and pollen create a perfect storm of problems.

But here's what most people don't know: 40% of "broken" ACs just need simple maintenance. A $20 filter change prevents a $400 service call. We'd rather teach you that than take your money.

Let's break down each problem and show you exactly what to check before calling for AC repair service.

AC Running But Not Cooling Your Home

This is the #1 call we get from James Island to North Charleston. Your system's running nonstop. Electric meter's spinning like a ceiling fan. But your house feels like you're living in a greenhouse.

What's usually happening:

First, check your air filter. Seriously. Pull it out right now. If it looks like someone vacuumed up Folly Beach, there's your problem. A clogged filter blocks airflow and freezes your coils.

Still not cooling? Here's what we typically find:

• Low refrigerant - Usually means a leak somewhere

• Frozen evaporator coils - Ice where ice shouldn't be

• Dirty condenser coils - That outdoor unit needs cleaning

• Failed blower motor - Air's not moving through your ducts

The thermostat might be lying to you too. Set it to 75 but feels like 85? Your system's trying but failing.

Quick test: Put your hand over a vent. Weak airflow means restriction. No cold air means refrigerant issues.

Water Leaking from Your AC Unit

Nothing ruins hardwood floors faster than AC water damage. We see this constantly in older West Ashley homes and historic downtown properties. Water stains on ceilings. Puddles by the air handler. Mold growing where it shouldn't.

Your AC produces gallons of water daily. That's normal - it's pulling humidity from our swamp air. The problem starts when that water can't drain properly.

The usual suspects:

• Clogged condensate drain line (90% of cases)

• Cracked or rusted drain pan (common in 15+ year systems)

• Frozen coils thawing out (creates waterfalls)

• Improper installation (wrong drain slope)

Here's your DIY fix: Find the PVC drain line near your indoor unit. Take a wet/dry vacuum to the outside drain opening. Suck out the gunk for 30 seconds.

Pour a cup of vinegar down the line monthly. Prevents algae buildup that causes clogs. Still leaking after that? Time to call for professional AC repair - could be a cracked pan.

AC Won't Turn On At All

Dead silence when you need cooling most. No fan noise. No air movement. Nothing. Before you panic about AC replacement costs, check these basics.

We've driven out to Goose Creek just to flip a breaker. Happens more than you'd think. Summer thunderstorms trip breakers constantly.

Check these first:

• Breaker panel - Look for tripped breakers (they'll be in middle position)

• Thermostat batteries - Dead batteries = dead system

• Power switch - There's usually one by your indoor unit

• Float switch - Triggered if drain pan is full

Your outdoor unit has its own breaker too. Check both indoor and outdoor disconnects.

Sometimes landscapers accidentally hit the outdoor shutoff switch while trimming bushes.

Pro tip: After a power outage, wait 5 minutes before restarting your AC. Compressors need time to equalize pressure. Starting too soon can damage them.

Still nothing? Your capacitor probably died. It's the most common summer failure we see from Sullivan's Island to Summerville. Time to call ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing for professional diagnosis.

When you're frantically searching "AC repair near me" at midnight, you need someone who actually knows Charleston. Not a call center in another state. Not a tech who needs GPS to find your neighborhood. You need a locally owned and operated company that's been here since 2004.

When DIY AC Repair Becomes Dangerous

Look, we respect the DIY spirit. Half our techs started by fixing their own systems. But some AC repairs can hurt you or destroy your system.

Your AC unit isn't a lawn mower. It's 240 volts of electricity mixed with high-pressure refrigerant. One wrong move sends you to MUSC's emergency room.

Never attempt these repairs:

• Refrigerant handling - EPA license required, plus it'll burn your skin

• Electrical component replacement - Capacitors store lethal voltage

• Compressor work - One mistake costs $2,500

• Gas furnace issues - Carbon monoxide isn't worth the risk

We find melted wires in Summerville attics hitting 140 degrees. Homeowners trying to save $200 cause $2,000 in damage.

Here's the truth: YouTube University doesn't teach you what 20 years in Charleston attics does. When you see burn marks, smell electrical burning, or hear grinding metal, stop. Call a professional AC repair service immediately.

⚡ Electrical or Refrigerant Issues? Don't Risk It. Call ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing: 843-552-9024 Same-day emergency service available.

Refrigerant Issues

If your AC is low on refrigerant, you've got a leak. Period. Refrigerant doesn't get "used up" like gas in your car. It's a closed system.

Adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak? That's like putting air in a flat tire every morning. Expensive and pointless.

Signs you're losing refrigerant:

• Ice on the copper lines (the skinny pipe to your outdoor unit)

• Hissing sounds (that's refrigerant escaping)

• Higher electric bills (system runs constantly)

• Warm air from vents (can't cool without refrigerant)

Charleston's salt air eats through copper coils. We see pinhole leaks constantly near the beaches. Isle of Palms to Folly Beach - same story everywhere.

EPA requires certification to handle refrigerant. It's not sold at Lowe's for a reason. R-410A costs $100+ per pound, and your system might need 10 pounds. Fix the leak first, or you're throwing money away.

Electrical Problems

Your AC pulls serious amperage. More than your oven, dryer, and water heater combined. When electrical components fail, things get dangerous fast.

We've seen it all. Melted contactors. Fried control boards. Wires turned to charcoal. Last week in Mount Pleasant, we found a disconnect box that nearly started a fire.

Common electrical failures:

• Capacitors (start and run capacitors fail every 5-7 years)

• Contactors (the heavy-duty relay that controls power)

• Control boards (the brain of your system)

• Burnt wires (loose connections create heat)

That burnt electrical smell? Stop everything. Turn off the system at the breaker immediately. We mean it.

Capacitors look like silver cans. Even disconnected, they store enough voltage to knock you flat. We use special tools to discharge them safely. Your multimeter from Harbor Freight won't cut it. This is professional AC repair territory - no exceptions.

Compressor Failure

This is the heart of your system. When it goes, you're looking at major AC repair or full system replacement. We'll be straight with you about what makes financial sense.

A dead compressor sounds like grinding metal. Or it doesn't sound like anything - just clicks and stops. Either way, it's not good news.

Why compressors fail in Charleston:

• Refrigerant leaks (running low destroys them)

• Electrical issues (voltage spikes from storms)

• Age (15+ years is borrowed time)

• Liquid slugging (refrigerant flooding back)

Here's the math: Compressor replacement runs $1,500-$2,500. If your system's over 10 years old, that's throwing good money after bad. New systems are 40% more efficient anyway.

We've replaced compressors in 8-year-old systems that made sense. We've also told customers with 12-year-old units to upgrade. Every situation's different. But we'll never push a repair that doesn't make sense for your wallet.

Real AC Maintenance That Actually Works

We tell every customer from Daniel Island to Folly Beach the same thing: prevention beats repair every time. It's not complicated. It's not expensive. But most people skip it anyway.

Here's what actually prevents breakdowns:

Monthly tasks (5 minutes):

• Change that filter (set a phone reminder)

• Clear debris from outdoor unit

• Check for unusual sounds or smells

• Make sure vents aren't blocked

Quarterly tasks (10 minutes):

• Pour vinegar down the drain line

• Check thermostat batteries

• Look for ice on copper lines

• Test your system in both modes

Annual professional maintenance: Skip this and your 15-year system dies at 10. We see it every summer. One tune-up catches small problems before they become big ones. Clean coils. Checked refrigerant. Tightened connections.

Think of it like changing your car's oil. Skip it to save $200, spend $2,000 on repairs later.

🔧 Ready to Stop AC Problems Before They Start? Schedule your AC tune-up with ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing today. Call 843-552-9024 or book online. Most appointments available within 48 hours.

AC Repair Costs in Charleston: What's Reasonable?

Nobody likes surprises, especially expensive ones. We publish our pricing because honest companies have nothing to hide. Here's what Charleston homeowners typically pay.

Common AC repairs and real costs:

• Capacitor replacement: $150-$300 (20-minute fix)

• Contactor replacement: $200-$400 (prevents bigger damage)

• Refrigerant recharge with leak repair: $400-$800 (includes leak detection) • Evaporator coil replacement: $800-$1,500 (half-day job) • Compressor replacement: $1,500-$2,500 (might not be worth it)

Watch out for the $89 "tune-up special" guys. They'll find $1,000 in "problems" every time. We've fixed plenty of their "repairs."

Getting multiple quotes? Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Cheapest isn't always best when your family's comfort is on the line. Ask about warranties. Check licenses. Verify insurance.

Some companies charge extra for James Island or Kiawah. We don't. Same honest pricing from downtown to Summerville.

What Makes ClimateMakers Different: Unlike other Charleston HVAC companies that send different techs each time, you'll see familiar faces. Our technicians live in the neighborhoods we serve. While big chains hire whoever's available, we invest in long-term employees who know Charleston's unique climate challenges. No commission-based sales. No corporate quotas. Just a locally owned and operated team focused on fixing your AC right the first time.

Why Charleston's Climate Destroys AC Systems Faster

Our salt air and humidity create a perfect storm for AC problems. Systems near the Ashley River or Charleston Harbor work harder and fail faster. It's not your imagination - coastal living is brutal on equipment.

Charleston's AC killers:

• Salt air corrosion (eats through aluminum fins in 5 years)

• 90% humidity days (systems never get a break)

• Pollen season (clogs coils like yellow snow)

• Hurricane season (power surges fry electronics)

Drive down to Folly Beach. Look at those outdoor units. Rusted. Corroded. Fighting for their lives. Same story on Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms.

That's why we recommend:

• Coastal-rated equipment for beach communities

• Coil cleaning twice yearly (not just once)

• Surge protectors on all systems

• Elevated equipment stands near water

Your neighbor's system in Columbia might last 20 years. Yours won't. Accept it, plan for it, maintain accordingly.

"Our beach house on Sullivan's Island eats through AC systems. ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing installed coastal-rated equipment 5 years ago - still running strong. First system to last more than 3 years!" - Mike T., Sullivan's Island

Emergency AC Repair: When You Can't Wait

It's Sunday afternoon, your in-laws are visiting from Ohio, and the AC dies. We've been there. Charleston without AC isn't just uncomfortable - it's unbearable.

Here's what to do right now:

Immediate survival mode:

• Close all blinds and curtains

• Turn off heat-generating appliances

• Run ceiling fans counterclockwise

• Open windows only at night (if it's cooler outside)

Check the obvious problems first. Breaker. Filter. Thermostat batteries. You'd be amazed how often that fixes it.

Still hot? Time for emergency AC repair service. ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency calls because heat doesn't take weekends off. Neither do we.

Warning signs you can't wait:

• Burning smells (call immediately)

• Electrical sparking

• Complete system failure in 90+ heat

• Medical conditions requiring cooling

Set up fans to create cross-ventilation. Stay hydrated. Call us. We'll get there fast.

FAQs About AC Repair in Charleston

Q: How long do AC systems last in the Lowcountry?

A: Honestly? In downtown Charleston or West Ashley, you'll get 12-15 years with good maintenance. Out on Kiawah or Isle of Palms? That salt air cuts it to 10-12 years, even with the best care.

Skip maintenance, and you're looking at 8 years max. We've seen 5-year-old systems completely corroded on Folly Beach. Meanwhile, we service 18-year-old units in Summerville still running strong. Location matters more than brand.

Q: Should I repair or replace my 10-year-old AC?

A: Here's our rule of thumb: multiply the repair cost by the system's age. If that number's over $5,000, replacement makes sense.

So a $600 repair on a 10-year-old system? Fix it. $800 compressor on that same system? Time to upgrade. New systems are 40% more efficient. Your power bill drops $100+ monthly. Plus you get a warranty again.

Q: Why does my AC freeze up during Charleston summers?

A: Two culprits we see daily - dirty filters (especially during pollen season) or low refrigerant from our humidity corroding copper lines.

That yellow pollen in April? It's like pouring sand in your system. Frozen coils mean no cooling, just expensive ice sculptures in your attic. Both problems snowball into bigger issues fast in this heat. Check your filter monthly. See ice? Shut it down and call for AC repair.

Q: What about those beach house AC problems everyone talks about?

A: Beach houses are brutal on AC systems. Salt air corrodes everything twice as fast. We recommend aluminum coils over copper, maintenance every 6 months (not yearly), and keeping that outdoor unit elevated and covered.

Folly Beach to Wild Dunes - same story everywhere. Expect 30% shorter lifespan and 50% more maintenance. It's the price of paradise.

Q: How often should I service my AC in Charleston?

A: Minimum once a year, but here's the real talk - if you're within 5 miles of water, twice yearly. Spring before the heat, fall after hurricane season.

It's $200 in prevention or $2,000 in repairs. We service systems from Edisto to Bulls Bay. The closer to water, the more attention they need. Skip it at your own risk.

Q: What size AC do I need for my Charleston home?

A: Trick question - it's not just size. A 1,500 sq ft home in shady Mount Pleasant needs different cooling than the same size home baking in the sun on James Island.

Oversizing causes humidity problems (hello, mold). Undersizing means it runs constantly. We calculate based on your specific home, not generic charts. Insulation, windows, sun exposure - it all matters.

Q: Can I install a smart thermostat myself?

A: You can try, but here's what happens - half our Saturday calls are from folks who bought a Nest at Lowe's and can't figure out why their heat pump's running backwards.

If you've got a heat pump (most Charleston homes do), you need someone who knows the wiring. Common wire issues. Reversing valve problems. Save yourself the headache and the emergency weekend service call rates.

The Bottom Line on AC Repair

We've been keeping Charleston cool since before some of these neighborhoods existed. From emergency AC repairs in the middle of a Spoleto Festival heatwave to routine maintenance in quiet Johns Island communities, ClimateMakers Heating ● AC ● Plumbing has seen it all.

Your AC will break down - it's mechanical, it happens. But here's what we've learned from 20 years of service calls:

The difference between a minor fix and major repair is usually time. That strange noise becomes a dead compressor. That small leak becomes a frozen system. That dirty filter becomes a burnt motor.

We're not here to scare you into unnecessary repairs. We're here when you need us. Middle of the night. Weekend. Holiday. Doesn't matter. Because we live here too. Our kids play on the same youth sports teams. We sit in the same beach traffic on Saturdays. We sweat through the same August humidity. This is our community.

That's why we treat your home like ours. No unnecessary upsells. No surprise charges. Just honest AC repair from neighbors who understand what it's like when your system quits during a Charleston heatwave. We'll get you cool again - that's a promise.