Charleston, SC HVAC Service & Installation

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.

If your air conditioner is running but your home still feels hot and muggy, you’re not alone. Charleston’s high heat and coastal humidity can put a major strain on your cooling system—and one issue we see time and time again is the #1 reason your AC isn’t cooling properly: a dirty or clogged air filter. Why Your Air Filter Matters More Than You Think Your AC system relies on proper airflow to function efficiently. When your air filter gets clogged with dust, pollen, pet hair, or other debris, it blocks that airflow—making your system work harder while cooling less effectively. In Charleston, this problem is even more common during the summer months when: Pollen levels are high Pet shedding increases indoors Humidity causes filters to trap more moisture and debris AC systems are running almost nonstop A dirty filter doesn’t just reduce cooling—it can also cause your coils to freeze, reduce energy efficiency, and even shorten the life of your system. Signs Your Filter Is the Problem Not sure if your filter is the culprit? Here are a few red flags to watch for: Warm air blowing from vents Weak airflow in certain rooms Higher-than-usual energy bills AC running constantly but not reaching set temperature Increased indoor humidity How Often Should You Change It? In Charleston’s climate, we recommend checking your filter once a month during the peak cooling season (May through September). You may need to change it more frequently if: You have pets You live near construction or marsh areas You suffer from allergies Your AC runs constantly Don’t Let a Simple Fix Turn Into a Costly Repair At Terrace Heating & Air, we see it all the time—a customer calls us for what seems like a serious AC problem, and it turns out the solution is as easy as replacing the air filter. That’s why routine maintenance is key to keeping your system running efficiently all summer long. Need Help With Your Cooling System in Charleston? If your AC still isn’t cooling after changing the filter, there could be a more complex issue—like low refrigerant, dirty coils, or a failing compressor. The experts at Terrace Heating & Air are here to help with fast, friendly service across the Charleston area. Contact us today to schedule a service visit or sign up for a preventive maintenance plan—and keep your cool all summer long.