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10 best air conditioning repair companies in Charleston, South Carolina
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 air conditioning repair companies that operate within 50 miles of Charleston. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Air conditioner (AC) issues in the middle of summer require immediate repairs. A qualified AC technician in Charleston can get your air conditioning system back up and running before the extreme heat sets in.
We recommend hiring a licensed and insured AC repair company rather than attempt to fix the problem on your own.
AC repair pros are trained to safely handle electrical problems and work with refrigerants. Refrigerants are dangerous substances that require a certification to handle.
With average summer temperatures exceeding 89 degrees in Charleston, a broken air conditioning unit is a nightmare. Don't delay repairs until the temperature in your home becomes unbearable to reach out to a professional. Get several quotes from local HVAC repair pros to compare prices and services. This helps you find a repair service within your budget.
Find the best local AC repair company for you in Charleston
Look for AC repair companies in Charleston with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.
M&B Heating and Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Pardee Service Experts
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Holy City Heating & Air, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Carney & Son 72 Degrees
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
AGL Heating & Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
5 Star Charleston Heating and Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Southern Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Passion Heating and Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Dot Heating & Air
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quote
- Prompt service delivery
Brian's Mechanical, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional air conditioning repair companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Olde Towne Heating & Air, LLC
AC Heating and Air Conditioning Services
Reasonable Air, LLC
Carolina Custom Air
What are signs your AC unit needs to be repaired?
Get in touch with an AC repair specialist if you notice the following signs:
- Rising energy bills: Higher or steadily increasing energy bills may mean your AC system is using more electricity than it should. The typical spending on energy is $145 per month in Charleston, based on data from the Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
- Inconsistent temperatures: Your AC system is designed to keep your entire home at a consistent temperature. Major fluctuations in temperature from one room to the next could point to an issue with your HVAC.
- Inaccurate thermostat readings: Your home's internal temperature should correspond to the thermostat. Mismatched readings could point to a problem with your AC system or thermostat.
- Leaks around the AC unit: Call an AC repair company as soon as possible if you see leaks around your AC. This could be a refrigerant leak or water from a broken or obstructed tube.
- Weird noises: Loud or unusual noises, such as clicking, screeching or bubbling, can point to a bigger issue.
- Strange odors: A smell coming from the AC after months of being unused is normal, but an AC system with a persistent or sudden weird odor may need a tune-up.
- Weak airflow: Weak or poor airflow can be a sign that your AC system isn't working efficiently or that there's a blockage in a duct or vent.
- Warm air: If your vents aren't blowing cold air, there could be an issue with your home’s ductwork, or your system's compressor is low on refrigerant.
- Frequent cycles: AC systems go through regular cooling cycles. Your system should turn on more frequently on warmer days, but it shouldn’t cycle on and off constantly.
Facts about Charleston
Average High in July
Average Low in January
Average Daily Sunlight
How do you choose the best AC repair company in Charleston?
The following factors can help you decide on the best AC repair company in the Charleston area.
Make sure the company is licensed in South Carolina
AC repair companies should have proper licensing and insurance. The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission requires HVAC contractors to maintain proper licensing. They also need worker's compensation insurance and a surety or cash bond. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC pros who work with refrigerants to be certified.
Look for national accreditations
While not mandatory, there are national accreditations for AC pros, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Having a certification from one of these professional organizations offers proof of a technician's skill and knowledge in the industry.
Get a free estimate
Take advantage of free estimates, which most AC repair companies offer. This involves a professional coming to your home to diagnose the issue, offer solutions and give you a quote. Take note of how comprehensive the company is during the assessment.
Compare costs
Request itemized estimates from multiple companies. Multiple estimates will give you a better sense of the average price range in your area. Be cautious of pros that have abnormally high or low rates.
Assess experience
Ask how familiar the air conditioning repair provider is with your AC's brand and model. HVAC technicians usually have experience with many AC systems, but some specialize in specific brands.
Read reviews
Ask your friends and family if they have any recommendations for local AC repair companies. Always read a company’s online reviews.
When looking through reviews, watch out for consistently bad ratings. Read primarily recent reviews, as the company's work quality could have changed over the years.
What are popular types of AC units in Charleston?
These types of AC units are the most prevalent in Charleston:
- Central: Standard central AC units are very common in Charleston, as they efficiently cool entire homes, making them well-suited for hot climates.
- Ductless mini-split: The ductless mini-split is a efficient option for homes without ductwork.
- Hybrid: Hybrid systems provide both heating and cooling by combining heat pumps with furnaces.
- Heat pumps: More homeowners in Charleston use heat pumps, which are more economical in warmer climates.
Best air conditioning repair for you
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Our methodology for selecting AC repair companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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