Frequently Asked Questions

Helping You Make the Right Decisions for Your Home & Family

Home comfort is critically important. You want to be certain that you are getting the right systems and making the right calls to benefit your home and family, and our team can assist you. We have gathered some of the most common questions our Charleston AC installation technicians have received over our 30+ years of service and answered them below.

843-242-7065

Charleston AC & Heating FAQs

When should I replace my system?

It can be tricky to know whether you need to repair your system or to do a complete overhaul. On average, an air conditioning unit can last 12-15 years, while boilers and furnaces have a lifespan of about 15-20 years. It is important to remember, however, that if your unit requires a great deal of repair, or more usage than average, replacing the system may be a good idea.

What brand of equipment should I choose?

When selecting a brand, it is extremely important to be sure that parts and equipment are readily available. The local Heil distributorship maintains millions of dollars in parts and equipment in nearby North Charleston. Many brands, although heavily advertised, may not have parts readily available to you which could result in days or weeks of YOU WAITING for repair.

What is tonnage?

Definition of Tonnage: Tonnage is based on BTU’s. One BTU is equivalent to burning one wooden match stick. One ton of cooling equals 12000 BTU’s. Tonnage is the amount of energy required to heat or cool your space.

Do I need a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

For safety purposes, all homes with a gas appliance should have a carbon monoxide detector.

What does SEER refer to?

SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures how energy efficient your system is. These ratings allow you to compare the operating cost of different heating and AC units.

What does a maintenance agreement do? Do I need one?

We recommend these very highly. Most manufacturer warranties instruct that your unit be serviced at least once a year; these agreements are a simple way to insure your home against sudden system failure. Left unchecked, heating and AC systems tend to break down when you use them most – and when you need them most. Preventative maintenance is the cheapest and easiest way to protect against costly repairs or replacements that could have been avoided. With our agreements, you will get twice yearly maintenance calls, discounted parts, and more.

How long does the average system installation take?

Standard installations or replacements of a new HVAC unit can generally be completed in a day or less, though larger than average systems, such as for commercial customers, may take longer.

Our Team Can Help

If you are have any other questions or need help with your HVAC system, we recommend that you contact Carney & Son 72 Degrees today. We have over 30 years and three generations of the Carney family to back up our extensive experience in the industry.

Request an Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

We’re Here for All Your Charleston Heating and Air Needs

Whether your unit is acting up or you’d like the peace of mind of participating in our heating and air maintenance program, Carney and Son is here when you need them.



3528 Meek’s Farm Rd
Johns Island, SC 29455



843-242-7065

Appointments Scheduled Within 24 Hours

Technician Seal of Safety

0% Financing for 18 Months

2-Year Labor Warranties

Licensed & Insured Technicians

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

BBB-Accredited Business with an A+ Rating

HomeAdvisor Screened & Approved

Over 40 Years of Experience

Schedule Your Charleston HVAC Service Today

Downtown Charleston homes need HVAC work done right the first time. Request an appointment online, and we'll have a technician out to your Charleston home fast. Ask about our Preferred Comfort Club if you want two scheduled tune-ups a year built into an ongoing membership, or check out our financing options if a full system replacement is on the table.

We schedule most appointments within 24 hours, and every job comes backed by our 2-year labor warranty. You'll know exactly what to expect before a technician ever starts the job.

Areas We Serve:

Charleston, SC
Goose Creek, SC
James Island, SC
Johns Island, SC
Kiawah Island, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
North Charleston, SC
Seabrook Island, SC
Sullivan's Island, SC
Summerville, SC

Request Appointment

843-242-7065