HVAC Repairs
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DEPENDABLE HVAC REPAIR & SERVICE
Since 2012, RESCUE has been helping area residents keep their homes comfortable with expert HVAC repairs. We are licensed, trained and knowledgeable technicians, (NOT SALESMAN) that can perform services on any brand of unit. We stake our reputation on a commitment to superior customer service, expert knowledge, and integrity in everything we do. When you work with RESCUE, you can count on high-quality at honest prices.
IRMO & CHAPINS CHOICE FOR HVAC SERVICE
South Carolina has a long summer season resulting in a long AC season, however, it can get pretty cold too! It is not unusual for your HVAC system to need attention from time to time. When something goes wrong, you need an experienced professional to get things back to normal. By calling the experts at RESCUE, you are making a decision to get your HVAC repair done right the first time, and if its a real mind twister, rest assured that we will figure it out! Once our technicians diagnose the problem, they will give you a clear explanation of the necessary repair and an honest estimate. We stock a large inventory of air conditioning parts so that our technicians can come to your home with everything they need to get your system running again.
The diagnostic fee will be waved when a complete repair or replacement is complete.
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SIGNS THAT YOUR AC NEEDS SERVICE:​
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System blows warm air or no air - Your air conditioner failing to produce cold air is not only extremely frustrating at the height of summer, but also a sign the unit is in trouble. But don’t worry! This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy a new one. Most of the times you will only have to replace one of the parts. If the AC does produce a bit of cold air, but not nearly enough to cool the entire room, the problem could lie with the compressor or your ducts.
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Water pooling around the unit- As heat is removed, water condenses. This condensation collects on the evaporator coil, before dripping into the condensate drain pan. If the pan is corroded or misaligned, or if the condensate drain line should back up due to clogs such as algae growth, the pan can overflow and leak water around the unit.
Another common cause is your filters need to be changed or cleaned. This should be done every few months. Over time, they become blocked by dirt, hair, and other particles. Due to restricted airflow, the evaporator coils produce more ice. As it melts, it may overflow from the drain pan and result in a puddle.
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Smoke or strange smells - There are numerous amounts of foul smells that could come out of your air conditioner, which means you need to pay special attention to it.
For example, if you get a whiff of metal burning over an open flame – a bit burnt, very sharp, and definitely metallic – the wiring inside could be burning. Call RESCUE right away! Then turn the breaker or the disconnect off. Another odd smell that tells you something may be wrong is a very stale or musty one. This is a good indicator that your unit may need to be cleaned.
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Loud operation - High-pitched squealing noise, banging noise, clicking noise, buzzing noise, hissing noise, rattling noise, and other loud sounds coming from your air conditioner all mean there is something within the system that needs to be replaced or repaired. A fan motor, blower fan, condenser fan, fan belt, expansion valve, relay switch, compressor, refrigerant piping, and other parts can make such noises when they malfunction.
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Unexpected increase in utility bills - If you start to notice that you are paying higher energy bills than ever before, you may be able to blame it on a problem with your AC. The simplest way to explain it is that, being broken, the air conditioner uses a lot more energy than it should to keep cooling your house. Another reason could be the fact that you are using an old and out of date air conditioner that needs to be replaced. Modern air conditioners are much more energy efficient and can actually help save you money on electricity bills.
Please take into account that the average lifespan of an air conditioner unit is around 10 to 12 years, provided you maintain it properly. This means calling RESCUE and setting up a PMP, (Preventative Maintenance Plan). It’s the best way of discovering small issues and keeping them from turning into costly problems that could shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner.
SIGNS THAT YOUR HEAT PUMP NEEDS SERVICE:​​
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Unusual noises: Is your heat pump making strange or loud noises? This can be a sign that it needs to be serviced. It could indicate an issue with the compressor or fan motor and should be looked at by a professional.
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High energy bills: A broken or malfunctioning heat pump must work harder to keep your home comfortable, resulting in larger energy bills each month without providing extra warmth. Check for any signs of wear and tear on the unit so you can spot potential problems early on.
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Poor airflow: If your heat pump is not circulating air effectively, there may be a problem with its blower motor or other internal components that are causing the unit not to work correctly.
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Excessive condensation: If you notice excessive condensation or moisture around your heat pump, it may be time to set up an appointment with RESCUE. This could indicate a bigger issue such as a refrigerant leak that needs to be addressed before further damage is done.
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Unusual smells: If you notice any strange odors from your heat pump, this could indicate a potential problem and should be inspected by a qualified technician immediately to address any issues.
Repair or Replace
To repair or replace, THAT IS THE QUESTION!
The $5,000 rule is an industry accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair. If over $5,000, you should replace.
If your air conditioning system needs any of the following repairs and the system is no longer under warranty, consider buying a new AC system:
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Evaporator coil replacement
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Compressor replacement
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Condenser fan motor replacement
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Refrigerant leak repair
Another thing to consider when deciding...
The HVAC System’s Efficiency
The efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system should also play a major role in your decision to repair or replace it. Older units are incredibly inefficient for a couple of reasons. Firstly, aging units become less efficient as they age due to wear and tear. Secondly, units manufactured just 10 years ago are far less efficient to begin with than today’s energy-efficient models. If you’re looking to reduce energy costs, consider HVAC system replacement.
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Air conditioners: An air conditioner’s energy efficiency is measured by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER. Starting in 2023, new air conditioners are required to have a SEER of at least 15 in the Southeast and South. If your older air conditioner has a SEER under 10, consider replacing it instead of repairing it. According to Energy.gov, switching from a SEER 9 AC to a SEER 14 AC can reduce energy consumption by more than 35%. Some of the leading HVAC companies manufacture ACs with SEER ratings as high as 26. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit it is; but you’ll also spend more money up front.
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Furnaces. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) determines how efficient a furnace is. Gas furnaces with 90% or higher in the South are considered Energy Star certified. When determining whether to repair or replace your furnace, 80% is a good threshold. Consider repairing or replacing it if it’s higher or lower than this percentage, respectively.
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Heat pumps: For heat pumps, consider repair if the SEER and HSPF are above 10 and 8, respectively. Consider replacing your heat pump if the ratings are at or below 10 and 8, respectively.
Inflation Reduction Act
Through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, high-income homeowners are eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the cost and installation of a new heat pump system, up to $2,000. A component of the Inflation Reduction Act, the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA), provides significant rebates for heat pumps. If your household income is 80% below your area’s median income, you receive the maximum rebate, covering your new heat pump at 100% up to $8,000. If your household income is 81-150% of your area’s median income, you’ll receive up to 50% off the heat pump’s cost.
