We fill our homes with comfort. From couches and carpets to beds and blankets, we put time and effort into making our houses feel like home each time we step through the front door. Although your favorite recliner may act as your “happy place,” there’s an unsung hero in the background preserving your comfort around the clock: your HVAC unit.
An HVAC unit is an essential system that transforms your house into a comfortable home. Your furnace keeps you cozy during the cold winter nights, and your air conditioner surrounds you with refreshing cool air on those sweltering summer afternoons. Many of us don’t realize how important our HVAC unit is until it malfunctions. On those inconvenient days when your comfort gets taken away, you’ll want a reliable HVAC servicer who’s ready to restore your home to its perfect temperature.
The South Carolina Climate Affects Comfort
Hilton Head Island is a town like no other. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived in the Lowcountry your entire life, it’s easy to see why Hilton Head is an amazing place to call home. Our beautiful climate offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. As wonderful as our weather may be, there are moments throughout the year where our climate is less than ideal.
After nearly four decades of being one of the leading heating and air conditioning companies in Hilton Head, EAC Heating & Air knows our seasonal variations in humidity, temperature, precipitation and wind speed can create uncomfortable conditions. From muggy spring afternoons to chilly autumn nights, our residents face a range of temperatures. Having a relationship with a trusted HVAC company in Hilton Head will ensure your home stays comfortable throughout every season.
Why Finding the Perfect Local HVAC Company Is Important
Selecting a reliable HVAC servicer is equally as important as the quality of the machine. In many cases, the maintenance a professional HVAC company performs can extend the lifecycle of your machine and save you from future costs. There’s no substitute for having a good contractor on call, but the welfare of your unit is too important to trust to just anyone. Sometimes hiring a bad contractor, or repairing the machine yourself, can turn a minor problem into a major expense.
EAC Heating & Air wants to help you take the hassle out of choosing a heating and air conditioning company in Hilton Head. With so many options, it may be difficult identifying which service provider will deliver the highest-quality solution for your home. Although we understand you may have some hesitation when hiring a contractor, you must be aware of the dangers of trying to save money by repairing your HVAC unit on your own.
The Dangers of DIY HVAC Repair
We’re not sure which is worse: waking up to a broken air conditioner on a steamy August morning, or coming home to a malfunctioning furnace on a frigid December night. Both are frustrating experiences no one wants to endure. Many homeowners want to rid themselves of this inconvenience as soon as possible, leading them to believe they can fix the problem themselves.
“HVAC hacks” on do-it-yourself websites or advice from a neighbor may seem like an attractive option, especially when it comes to your budget. When every penny counts, we understand why taking a hands-on approach may appear like the most affordable solution. Unfortunately, trying to repair an HVAC unit on your own can quickly become a pricey mistake.
The State of South Carolina requires all HVAC contractors to be licensed. In fact, the state believes this licensure is so vital even those with out-of-state HVAC licenses need to become state-certified to practice in South Carolina. With such an emphasis on ensuring all contractors are knowledgeable, safe and certified, it should come as no surprise HVAC maintenance is not a simple task. In fact, working on HVAC units can be dangerous.
HVAC systems use high-voltage electricity and deadly refrigerant chemicals. You wouldn’t try to repair a downed power line or a broken gas pipe — why would you risk your safety attempting to fix your AC unit? Accidentally causing a refrigerant or gas leak can contaminate the air and put your family’s health at risk.
Aside from physical risks, trying to repair the unit on your own can injure your wallet. Each machine is unique, requiring specific tools and parts to function properly. A lack of professional knowledge, combined with unreliable information, can cause you to further damage your machine. What may have been a simple motor issue could instantly create the need for an entire unit replacement after you make one irreversible mistake.
Instead of taking on additional expenses and inconvenience, let an experienced contractor diagnose and resolve all of your issues quickly and affordably. EAC Heating & Air is here to help you find the perfect HVAC company that will keep your home comfortable, your family safe and your wallet full.
Hallmarks of a Great HVAC Contractor
Before you determine which heating and cooling company in Hilton Head is the best choice for your home, you should know what qualities make a contractor stand out from the rest. As with any service, thorough research can save you time, money and hassle. Here are 10 points we believe you should consider as you search for the perfect HVAC company.
1. Confirm they are licensed.
First and foremost, your contractor must be licensed. Unlicensed HVAC technicians can create nightmares for your home. A reliable company will continually meet all state licensing requirements and operating standards. EAC Heating & Air complies with all state requirements and proudly employs contractors who have certifications from the North American Technician Excellence program.
2. Make sure their service costs are reasonably priced.
The phrase “you get what you pay for” is accurate. Though many air conditioning companies in Hilton Head offer services at affordable rates, you should steer clear of “cheap” alternatives. It’s not worth it to save a few dollars on one problem, only to have to pay twice as much for a second contractor to fix another problem. Instead, compare the costs associated with new products, repairs, installation, maintenance and service calls.
3. Ask about warranties and financing options.
Along with price, you should consider warranties as part of the overall value a company includes in their cost estimate. A warranty on parts and labor could save you thousands of dollars in additional expenses if the machine were to malfunction again. Most manufacturers will issue warranties on their products, and the best HVAC companies in Hilton Head will stand behind their parts and service with their own separate warranties. Be sure to understand the specifics of each warranty and how they can become void.
Some HVAC expenses are unavoidable. A trustworthy company will understand it’s beneficial for many homeowners to finance their service costs. For instance, EAC Heating & Air offers our customers financing on new Carrier AC installations so you can confidently invest in your home’s comfort without straining your budget.
4. Research their reputation.
While many companies may claim to be the best, you’ll discover the best HVAC companies in Hilton Head have exceptional client approval ratings. By reading customer reviews and testimonials, you will receive honest feedback on the services they’ve performed, the products they’ve installed and their overall customer satisfaction rate. Trust the firsthand experience of your Lowcountry neighbors when making your decision.
5. Make sure they provide quality HVAC equipment.
No matter how skilled a technician is, they are only as good as the machines they work on. A reliable HVAC company will provide their customers with high-quality machines and parts that will last for years. If they offer low-quality equipment at low prices just to make a sale, chances are you’ll end up paying for more expensive replacements in the near future.
6. Ask if they offer local 24/7 emergency service.
A malfunctioning HVAC unit is never convenient. When your comfort is compromised, you need an expert technician that’s available to resolve your issue as soon as possible. Great HVAC companies will offer their customers around-the-clock emergency service. EAC Heating & Air understands how critical an HVAC unit is to your home and is ready to provide expert heating and AC repairs 24/7, including on weekends and holidays.
7. They should understand how Hilton Head weather affects HVAC units.
There are many benefits when using a locally owned and operated company over a larger franchise. Aside from the positive community impact, a local business will have a specialized knowledge of the area. Hilton Head’s geography features climate changes that can significantly harm your HVAC units. The best local contractors will be aware of these potential weather hazards.
High humidity can force your air conditioner to work harder, wearing it down over time. Precipitation from heavy storms and flooding can corrode and damage an outdoor unit. Though snow is rare in the Lowcountry, it can also corrode the coils of your HVAC unit. A local servicer can take proactive measures to protect your furnace whenever Hilton Head’s temperatures dip below freezing. While snowflakes may not be a constant threat, coastal homeowners need to be aware of another corrosive element: sea salt.
Sea salt can decrease the lifespan of your outdoor HVAC unit. The sea salt in our air can damage the metal fins and coils within the machine. Even though the machine may have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, sea salt can cause significant corrosion within five to seven years. The perfect HVAC company will inform you about these risks and perform maintenance that will help minimize damage.
8. They can suggest whether a gas or electric unit is best for your home.
In the debate of gas versus electric, several factors may sway you to either side. Cost may be a determining factor for some homeowners, while efficiency may be the major appeal to others. A great heating company in Hilton Head will listen to your questions, understand your needs and help you select the gas or electric furnace that will cater to your ideal comfort.
9. They’re knowledgeable about energy-saving technologies.
Conserving energy is a priority for most homeowners. Minimizing output from furnaces and air conditioners can significantly lower your energy bills. Not only should they provide you with tips on how to increase your heating and cooling efficiency, your HVAC technician should also carry high-efficiency HVAC equipment.
EAC Heating & Air is a proud supplier of Carrier air quality solutions. Many of these efficient heating and cooling units are ENERGY STAR® qualified, featuring higher seasonal energy-efficiency ratio and energy-efficient ratio ratings than other standard models. Visit our website, where you can browse our full selection and find great money-saving coupons.
10. Above all, they believe honesty is more important than making the sale.
Trust is the most important part of your relationship with a business. You should feel confident your HVAC service provider is always acting in your best interest. Outstanding HVAC companies will always provide you with accurate information and honest opinions. They’ll advise you on the best equipment and repair options and commit to solving your problems responsibly and affordably.
Why Developing a Long-Term Relationship With Your HVAC Company is Important
A reliable HVAC unit is a vital resource for Hilton Head homeowners. Uncontrollable temperature, humidity and air quality can greatly diminish your comfort and make your house feel less like home. At any moment, harsh weather or mechanical failures could prevent your unit from performing at its full potential. You need a trusted HVAC company that’s available to provide maintenance, expert advice and emergency assistance throughout the year.
A highly trained service technician can quickly turn an unbearable inconvenience into a minor setback. We suggest developing a long-term relationship with your HVAC provider. A consistent contractor will have a thorough understanding of your machine and your service history and will work to prevent future mechanical or environmental issues from damaging the unit. They’ll be appreciative of your continued business and repay that loyalty in their commitment to your total comfort.
EAC Heating & Air: Your Dependable HVAC Provider
Finding the perfect HVAC company for your home is important, but not impossible. As you look for the right contractor, remember to perform thorough research. The top licensed companies will share their knowledge, carry high-performance products and make your comfort their priority. They’ll understand the specific needs of your home and budget. Most importantly, they’ll provide you with exceptional service when you need it most.
EAC Heating & Air is the perfect HVAC company to serve your home. Our fully licensed, insured and certified technicians know Hilton Head’s climate and have a comprehensive understanding of how variations in our weather will affect your heating, cooling and ventilation unit. We choose to provide high-quality equipment, recognizing the slight increase in price is worth ensuring your HVAC unit will outperform and outlast cheaper models.
For more than 36 years, we’ve helped homeowners around Hilton Head feel comfortable in their homes throughout every season. Let our award-winning services help you control your comfort. We are one of the few Carrier Factory-Authorized Dealers in the nation, and our performance lives up to their high standards every day.
We offer the best HVAC installation, maintenance, repairs and customer service in all of Beaufort County. If your home needs a reliable HVAC company that will remain dedicated to your complete satisfaction, look no further than Hilton Head’s most trusted HVAC contractor. Contact EAC Heating & Air today. Your comfort is our top priority.