AC Repair in Myrtle Beach, SC
Certified and Licensed | SC Mechanical Contractor #M111694 | Right-sized, high-efficiency systems | Financing available | Serving the coast since 1947
Call 843-305-5728 to get a free estimate!
Call for a free estimate
843-305-5728
- Short Answer: When your AC runs but the house stays warm, the usual causes are low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty or salt-corroded coil, a failing compressor, or a frozen coil. Near the Myrtle Beach coast, salt air makes coil and electrical problems more common than they are inland.
Most of the time it comes down to a handful of things. Refrigerant does not get used up, so if it is low, there is a leak somewhere that needs to be found and fixed, not just topped off. A coil caked with dirt or eaten by salt cannot move heat the way it should. A tired compressor or a frozen indoor coil will leave you with air moving but no cool. We check the simple, less expensive causes first and show you what we find before we recommend anything bigger. That is part of how we fix it right the first time, instead of guessing. If your unit sits within a mile of the water, see how salt air affects coastal AC systems for why these problems show up sooner here.
Call 843-305-5728
Certified and Licensed | SC Mechanical Contractor #M111694
- Short Answer: Salt air is hard on coastal units. Salt settles on the aluminum fins and copper coil, and our humidity turns it into the kind of moisture that drives corrosion. Near the beach, that can shorten a unit's life from 10 to 15 years into the 5 to 10 year range right on the oceanfront without the right care.
Think of it like your car after a day at the beach. Rinse the salt off and it lasts; leave it on and things start to rust. Your outdoor unit is the same. A gentle fresh-water rinse of the condenser every few weeks helps, with the power off and never a pressure washer. Within a mile of the water we suggest a professional check about every quarter, and coil coatings or coastal-rated equipment when it is time to replace. Keeping that salt knocked back is a simple, reliable way to get more years out of the system. You can fold those visits into our VIP Maintenance Club so they happen on schedule.
Certified and Licensed | SC Mechanical Contractor #M111694
- Short Answer: Yes. In Horry County, replacing an AC system, adding ductwork, or putting in a mini-split needs a mechanical permit, and a licensed mechanical contractor has to pull it. The work is inspected to the International Mechanical Code. We handle the permit and the inspection for you.
A new AC replacement in Horry County needs a mechanical permit (the code), pulled by a licensed mechanical contractor and inspected by Horry County Code Enforcement (the authority), to the International Mechanical Code (the rule). A new system meets the 14.3 SEER2 minimum for our region, and the manufacturer parts warranty stays in force when the unit is registered in the required window. Refrigerant work is done by technicians certified under EPA Section 608. If you are putting in a high-efficiency heat pump, a Santee Cooper rebate is available when a Santee Cooper Trade Ally installs it, which we are.
- Short Answer: Yes. When your AC goes out in the summer heat, we prioritize emergencies and work nights and weekends. During peak season it can take a little longer, and we will be straight with you about timing when you call, so you always know what to expect.
A hot house with kids, older family members, or pets is not something we ask you to sit on. We move emergencies to the front of the line. In the middle of a July heat wave the whole Grand Strand is calling at once, so we will give you an honest window rather than a promise we cannot keep. A simple call starts it. Request service or call (843) 238-3838.
A few things to check before you call
- Make sure the thermostat is set to cool and the batteries are good.
- Check that the breaker for the AC has not tripped.
- Look at the air filter. A clogged filter is a common, easy fix you can do yourself.
If those look fine and you are still warm, that is when to call us. No pressure, and we treat you right whether it is a five minute fix or a bigger repair.
Do I need a permit to replace my AC, and what about the coast?
- Short Answer: Yes. A system replacement needs a mechanical permit, and the authority depends on your address (your city, or the county if unincorporated). Near the water, flood-zone rules may require the new equipment raised above the flood line, and coastal salt means coastal-rated equipment is worth it.
We pull the mechanical permit for your replacement and have the work inspected, through whichever authority covers your address. On the barrier islands and along the marsh, FEMA flood rules can require the condenser raised on a stand above the expected flood line, and the steady salt air rewards corrosion-resistant, coastal-rated equipment that lasts longer near the ocean. Inland, salt is barely a factor and the focus is humidity and efficiency. We size the equipment and the install to where you actually live, which is the same block-by-block read we bring to every Charleston County, Berkeley County, and Dorchester County job.
How much does AC repair cost in Myrtle Beach?
- Short Answer: Most AC repairs in the Myrtle Beach area run about $150 to $600, after a service call to diagnose the problem. Bigger jobs like a refrigerant leak repair, compressor, or evaporator coil cost more. We give you the estimate before we start, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
Here are the typical ranges we see across the Grand Strand. These are common area prices to help you plan, not a quote. Your exact price depends on the part and your system, and we confirm it after we diagnose the unit.
If a repair starts climbing toward the cost of a new system, we will tell you honestly, lay out the pros and cons, and let you decide. Financing is available through our financing options if a larger repair or replacement is the better call.
Typical AC Repair Prices
Why Choose Coastal Air Plus?
- Serving South Carolina Since 1947 – Trusted by homeowners throughout Myrtle Beach and Charleston.
- Certified & Licensed Technicians – SC Mechanical Contractor #M111694.
- Flexible Financing Options – Convenient plans available for new HVAC Installations.
- Home Service Membership Plans – Regular maintenance to keep your system running smoothly.
- Highly Rated by Customers – Committed to quality service and customer satisfaction.
Should I repair or replace my AC?
- Short Answer: If your system is under about 8 to 10 years and the fix is a small electrical part, repair it. If it is past 10 to 15 years, uses old R-22 refrigerant, or the repair runs more than about half the cost of a new system, replacing usually makes more sense. On the coast, that line comes a little sooner.
Two quick rules people ask about: replace if a repair costs more than half a new unit, or multiply the repair cost by the age of the system and replace if it clears about $5,000. We are not better than the next company, just different in that we would rather keep a good system running than sell you one you do not need yet. When replacement is the smart move, our AC installation and replacement team sizes the new system to your home.
