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Heating & Air Services

Residential HVAC Services near Lexington & Columbia, SC

You work hard each day and your home is the place you go to relax and unwind in comfort and security. We can be a part of your plan to protect and maintain this quiet place and, if the unforeseen should happen, we’re only a phone call away. We are a full service heating and air conditioning company that offers evening and weekend HVAC services.

Don't wait until comfort becomes a concern—call Carolina Conditions today! Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or emergency HVAC services, we're here for you. Reach out now at 803-233-7172 or click online to schedule your service!

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Heating & Cooling FAQs

What is the difference between a furnace and a regular HVAC unit?

The key difference between a furnace and a regular HVAC unit lies in their functionality and the specific role they play in heating and cooling systems. While both contribute to maintaining indoor comfort, their components, operation, and purpose differ. Here’s a breakdown:

Furnace

A furnace is a specific heating appliance within an HVAC system. Its sole purpose is to generate heat and distribute it throughout your home. Furnaces are commonly powered by:

  • Natural gas
  • Electricity
  • Oil

Furnaces work by heating air and using a blower to circulate warm air through ductwork. Key features of a furnace include:

  • Burner or Heating Element: Generates heat.
  • Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat to the air while keeping combustion gases separate.
  • Blower Motor: Moves heated air into the duct system.

Furnaces are designed exclusively for heating and don’t provide cooling functions.


HVAC Unit

An HVAC unit is a broader term that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the entire system that handles both heating and cooling in your home. An HVAC system includes multiple components, such as:

  • Furnace (for heating)
  • Air Conditioner (for cooling)
  • Ductwork (for air distribution)
  • Thermostat (for temperature control)

Some HVAC units, such as heat pumps, can both heat and cool a home, making them a more versatile solution compared to a standalone furnace. HVAC systems also include ventilation to ensure proper airflow and indoor air quality.


Key Differences

  • Functionality: A furnace is dedicated to heating, while an HVAC unit includes heating, cooling, and ventilation.
  • Components: The furnace is just one part of an HVAC system. The full HVAC setup also includes air conditioning and ventilation components.
  • Heating Method: Furnaces typically rely on combustion (gas or oil) or electricity, whereas HVAC units like heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate it directly.

Understanding the difference helps homeowners choose the right system for their needs, whether it’s upgrading a heating unit or installing a complete HVAC system.

How often should you service your HVAC system?

Proper maintenance is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. To ensure optimal performance, your system should be serviced on a regular schedule. Here’s a detailed breakdown:


Recommended Maintenance Frequency

  • Twice a Year:
    HVAC systems should be serviced at least twice annually, ideally before each major season of use:
    • Spring: Prepare the air conditioning system for summer cooling.
    • Fall: Ready the furnace or heating system for winter warmth.

What Does Regular HVAC Servicing Include?

During a maintenance visit, a professional technician will:

  • Inspect and Clean Components: Clean the coils, blower motor, and other critical parts to improve system efficiency.
  • Replace Air Filters: Dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency, so filters should be checked and replaced every 1 to 3 months (or more frequently in homes with pets or allergies).
  • Check Refrigerant Levels: Ensure the air conditioning unit has the correct amount of refrigerant for optimal cooling.
  • Inspect Electrical Connections: Faulty connections can lead to system malfunctions or even safety hazards.
  • Lubricate Moving Parts: Reduces wear and tear on motors and other components.
  • Test System Performance: Ensure heating and cooling cycles are functioning properly.

Why Regular Servicing Is Important

  • Improves Efficiency: A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
  • Extends Lifespan: Routine care prevents premature wear and costly breakdowns, helping your system last longer.
  • Reduces Repairs: Small issues can be identified and resolved before they turn into expensive problems.
  • Improves Air Quality: Cleaning and filter replacements keep indoor air healthier.

Additional Tips

  • Monthly Tasks for Homeowners: Check and replace air filters as needed. Ensure vents and registers are free from obstructions.
  • Unusual Signs: If you notice strange noises, reduced airflow, or inconsistent temperatures, schedule a service appointment immediately, regardless of the last maintenance date.

By adhering to a consistent maintenance schedule, you can maximize your HVAC system's efficiency, extend its life, and maintain comfort in your home year-round.

How long does an HVAC system last typically?

The lifespan of an HVAC system depends on factors like the type of equipment, maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. On average, here’s how long different HVAC components last, along with tips for maximizing their life:


Average Lifespans of HVAC Components

  • Furnaces:
    • 15 to 20 years for gas furnaces with proper maintenance.
    • 20 to 30 years for high-quality, well-maintained oil furnaces.
    • 10 to 15 years for electric furnaces.
  • Air Conditioners (Central AC Units):
    • 10 to 15 years, depending on the system’s SEER rating, maintenance, and local climate.
    • Systems in hot or humid climates may experience more wear and tear and last closer to 10 years.
  • Heat Pumps:
    • 10 to 15 years for air-source heat pumps.
    • 15 to 20 years for geothermal heat pumps, which are more durable because they are installed underground and less exposed to the elements.
  • Ductwork:
    • 20 to 25 years with proper sealing and insulation.
    • Leaks or lack of cleaning can reduce efficiency and lifespan.
  • Thermostats:
    • 10+ years for standard thermostats, but you may want to upgrade sooner for energy efficiency or convenience (e.g., smart thermostats).

Factors That Affect HVAC System Lifespan

  1. Maintenance:
    • Regular servicing (at least twice a year) is critical for extending system life.
    • Clean or replace air filters every 1–3 months to reduce strain on the system.
    • Schedule professional tune-ups for components like coils, fans, and refrigerant levels.
  2. Usage:
    • Systems that run continuously or are oversized/undersized for the home may wear out faster.
    • Overuse during extreme weather conditions also accelerates aging.
  3. Installation Quality:
    • Improper installation can cause inefficiencies and early failures.
    • Ensure your system is properly sized with a Manual J Load Calculation by a professional contractor.
  4. Climate:
    • Systems in areas with extreme heat, cold, or humidity may experience more wear and tear.
    • Corrosion caused by salty air in coastal regions can shorten the lifespan of outdoor units.
  5. Component Quality and Brand:
    • High-quality systems with ENERGY STAR ratings often last longer.
    • Trusted brands with proven durability may have a longer service life.

Tips to Extend Your HVAC System’s Lifespan

  • Schedule bi-annual maintenance (spring for cooling, fall for heating).
  • Clean the outdoor unit regularly to remove debris, dirt, and leaves.
  • Seal and insulate ducts to prevent air leaks and reduce strain on the system.
  • Invest in a programmable or smart thermostat to avoid overworking the system.
  • Keep vents and registers unblocked to allow proper airflow.
  • Replace aging parts (e.g., blower motors or capacitors) when needed to prevent major failures.

When to Consider Replacement

  • Frequent repairs that cost 50% or more of the price of a new unit.
  • A system older than 15 years that struggles to heat or cool effectively.
  • Higher utility bills due to reduced efficiency.
  • Uneven temperatures throughout your home.

By maintaining your HVAC system and knowing its typical lifespan, you can plan for upgrades or replacements, ensuring consistent comfort and energy efficiency in your home.

What size HVAC system do I need?

Choosing the right size HVAC system for your home is critical for maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and longevity of the system. If your system is too small, it will struggle to heat or cool your home, resulting in higher energy bills and excessive wear and tear. Conversely, an oversized system may cycle on and off frequently, leading to uneven temperatures, higher humidity, and reduced efficiency. Here's what you need to know about determining the proper size for your HVAC system:


Factors That Influence HVAC System Sizing

Several factors must be considered to calculate the appropriate size for your HVAC system:

  1. Square Footage of Your Home:
    • The size of your home is one of the primary factors in determining HVAC size. Larger homes require more heating and cooling capacity.
    • For a rough estimate, 1 ton of cooling capacity is needed for every 400–600 square feet of living space. However, this varies depending on other factors listed below.
  2. Local Climate:
    • Homes in hotter climates require more cooling capacity, while homes in colder climates may need more heating capacity.
    • Regions with extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations may need a system that excels in both heating and cooling.
  3. Insulation and Air Sealing:
    • Well-insulated homes with sealed windows and doors require less heating or cooling capacity. Poorly insulated homes will need a more powerful system to maintain comfort.
  4. Ceiling Height:
    • Homes with high ceilings have more air volume, meaning they require more heating and cooling than homes with standard 8-foot ceilings.
  5. Number of Windows and Doors:
    • Large windows or many windows can let in more heat during the summer or lose more heat in the winter, increasing HVAC load requirements.
    • Windows with Low-E (low emissivity) coatings or double glazing are more energy-efficient and reduce HVAC demand.
  6. Home Orientation and Sun Exposure:
    • Homes that receive direct sunlight for most of the day (especially on south- or west-facing sides) may need more cooling capacity.
    • Shaded homes or homes with energy-efficient landscaping (e.g., trees for shade) may require less cooling.
  7. Occupants and Appliances:
    • Each person generates heat, as do appliances like stoves, ovens, and electronics. The more people and appliances in your home, the more cooling capacity you may need.
  8. Ductwork Condition:
    • Properly sealed and insulated ductwork ensures efficient airflow. Leaky or poorly designed ductwork may require an oversized system to compensate for lost efficiency.

How HVAC Size Is Measured

  1. Cooling Capacity – Tons:
    • HVAC cooling systems are measured in tons, where 1 ton = the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat per hour.
    • For example, a 3-ton air conditioner can remove 36,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
  2. Heating Capacity – BTUs:
    • Furnaces and heat pumps are measured in BTUs per hour. A typical home might need a furnace rated between 40,000 and 100,000 BTUs/hour, depending on size and climate.

The Importance of a Manual J Load Calculation

To determine the exact size of the HVAC system you need, a professional HVAC contractor will perform a Manual J Load Calculation. This calculation considers all the factors mentioned above to calculate the precise heating and cooling load for your home. Here’s what’s involved:

  • Measuring square footage and volume of the home.
  • Evaluating insulation, window types, and air leaks.
  • Accounting for climate and local weather conditions.
  • Considering internal heat gains from appliances, lighting, and occupants.

This detailed analysis ensures that the HVAC system is neither too large nor too small for your home.


Why Proper Sizing Matters

  1. Energy Efficiency:
    • A properly sized system runs at optimal efficiency, saving energy and lowering utility bills.
  2. Comfort:
    • Correct sizing ensures consistent temperatures and balanced airflow throughout your home.
  3. System Longevity:
    • Oversized systems cycle on and off too frequently, causing wear and tear. Undersized systems run constantly, leading to strain and potential early breakdowns.
  4. Humidity Control:
    • An oversized air conditioner may cool your home too quickly without removing excess humidity, leaving the air feeling damp and uncomfortable.

What You Should Avoid

  • Rule of Thumb Estimates:
    While rough estimates like "1 ton per 500 square feet" can give you a ballpark figure, they don’t account for the unique factors of your home. Always rely on a Manual J Load Calculation for accuracy.
  • Oversizing or Undersizing:
    Don’t assume that "bigger is better" or try to cut costs by choosing a smaller system. Both choices can lead to higher energy costs, discomfort, and a shorter system lifespan.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size HVAC system is essential for comfort, efficiency, and cost savings. Work with a qualified HVAC contractor who can perform a Manual J Load Calculation and recommend a system that meets your home’s specific needs. Investing in a properly sized, high-efficiency system ensures long-term comfort, lower energy bills, and fewer maintenance headaches.

Heating & Air Certification Letters

Selling your home? We provide heating and air certification letters for that purpose. When we come to inspect your system, if we find an issue we do not write failure letters. You will instead receive a detailed report on the condition of the HVAC and duct system with recommended repairs if necessary, allowing you to correct any problems before the certification letter is issued.

Our HVAC Services

Air Conditioning

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HVAC Equipment

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Dryer Vent Cleaning

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HVAC Real Estate Inspections

Annual Maintenance Programs

We provide annual preventative maintenance programs. Twice a year we will inspect and service your HVAC equipment, change your filters, check your system operation for safety and efficiency and offer a discount on any necessary repairs. In addition, maintenance plans automatically transfer to the new owner should you sell your home.

Ready To Get Started?

Don’t wait on your Lexington HVAC services and jeopardize your home’s comfort. Connect with our team today at 803-233-7172 or online!

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