Maintenance Benefits

Why Choose Us for Maintenance Services

Regular maintenance is the foundation of a safe, energy-efficient home. At 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC, our services are designed to protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your HVAC and plumbing systems. With flexible scheduling and transparent communication, we make every visit stress-free and effective.

Our technicians and plumbers don’t just complete a checklist. They assess your system thoroughly and provide honest feedback, helping you make smart decisions before small issues become big problems. Whether it’s an annual tune-up or seasonal check-in, our team is committed to excellence.

Comprehensive HVAC and Plumbing Expertise

• AC and Heating Tune-Ups: Charleston’s climate brings both heat and humidity, along with cool winter days. We offer complete HVAC maintenance tailored to our region, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the season.
• Plumbing Inspections and Cleanouts: From hidden leaks to water heater performance, we inspect, flush, and test your plumbing systems for safety and efficiency.
• Indoor Air Quality Checks: Maintenance visits often include recommendations for improving indoor air quality through filters, ventilation, or humidity control.

Consistency and Quality You Can Trust

With our scheduled maintenance visits, you’ll benefit from:

• Lower Utility Bills: Well-maintained systems operate more efficiently and use less energy.
• Extended System Lifespan: Our proactive approach identifies wear and tear early, preventing breakdowns and extending your system’s life.
• Maintain the Warranty: Regular HVAC tune-ups keep your equipment warranty valid.

What Makes Us Different

• Local Expertise: We understand the Charleston climate and how it affects HVAC and plumbing systems. Our services are tailored to the unique needs of homes in this region.
• Upfront Pricing: No surprises, just honest quotes and clear explanations of what your system needs.
• Customer-Focused Service: We respect your time, your home, and your budget. Our maintenance plans are designed for real homeowners with real lives.

Schedule a maintenance appointment today and experience the difference of professional, preventative care.

AC System Maintenance

Charleston summers are long and humid, which puts extra strain on your air conditioning system. Regular maintenance ensures your AC works at peak performance when you need it most. Our technicians clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and test all electrical components to prevent mid-season breakdowns.

During each maintenance visit, we inspect the entire cooling system, including ductwork and thermostats, and make necessary adjustments to maximize airflow and comfort. We also test for energy efficiency to confirm your system meets or exceeds the minimum SEER2 requirements for South Carolina.

Heating System Maintenance

Though winters in Charleston are mild, a reliable heating system is still essential. Our heating maintenance includes furnace cleaning, burner inspection, and system safety checks. Whether you have a heat pump or a gas furnace, we ensure it’s operating safely and efficiently.

Neglecting heating maintenance can lead to reduced efficiency, safety risks, or surprise breakdowns. With annual service from 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC, you’ll have peace of mind that your system is prepared for chilly mornings and cold snaps.

Plumbing System Maintenance

Your home’s plumbing is more than just pipes: it includes water heaters, fixtures, drains, and valves that all require routine care. During plumbing maintenance, we check for signs of corrosion, assess water heater efficiency, test for proper water pressure, and inspect all visible piping for early signs of damage. Catching plumbing issues early can prevent major water damage and costly repairs later.

We recommend scheduling plumbing maintenance at least once a year, or before major seasonal changes. Whether you’re prepping for hurricane season or protecting your home in the off-season, our plumbing service ensures everything flows smoothly.

Prevent costly problems by scheduling your HVAC and plumbing maintenance today with 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC. 

Common Problems Due to Lack of Maintenance

Homeowners in Charleston, SC, often face challenges with their HVAC and plumbing systems due to the region’s unique climate and environmental factors. The high humidity, salt air, and seasonal temperature fluctuations can lead to increased wear and tear on equipment. Without regular maintenance, these conditions can cause systems to operate inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and unexpected breakdowns.

One common issue is the accumulation of salt and debris on HVAC components, which can corrode parts and reduce system lifespan. Additionally, the humid climate can promote mold growth within ductwork, affecting indoor air quality. Plumbing systems are also susceptible to problems such as pipe corrosion and sediment buildup in water heaters, which can compromise water quality and pressure.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to address these issues. Schedule your maintenance service with 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC today.

Our Comprehensive Maintenance Services

Understanding the key components of your home’s HVAC and plumbing systems can help you recognize potential issues early and maintain optimal performance.

AC Systems:

• Evaporator and Condenser Coils: These coils facilitate heat exchange. Dirty or corroded coils can reduce efficiency and cooling capacity.
• Refrigerant Levels: Proper refrigerant charge is essential for effective cooling. Low levels can indicate leaks and lead to system strain.
• Air Filters: Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.
• Thermostat Calibration: An accurately calibrated thermostat ensures the system maintains desired temperatures without overworking.

Heating Systems:

• Heat Exchangers: Cracks or corrosion can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Regular inspections are vital for safety.
• Burners and Ignition Systems: Clean and properly functioning burners ensure efficient fuel combustion and heat production.
• Blower Motors: These circulate air throughout the home. Malfunctions can result in inadequate heating and increased energy use.
• Flue and Vent Systems: Obstructions or leaks can impede exhaust flow, posing health risks and reducing efficiency.

Plumbing Systems:

• Pipes and Fixtures: Corrosion, leaks, and mineral buildup can affect water quality and pressure.
• Water Heaters: Sediment accumulation reduces efficiency and can shorten the unit’s lifespan.
• Drainage Systems: Clogs and slow drains indicate blockages that can lead to backups and water damage.

Regular maintenance isn’t just about preventing breakdowns. It’s about optimizing the performance, safety, and longevity of your home’s most critical systems. Let’s break down what to expect from each service, when to schedule it, and why it matters.

AC System Maintenance

When to Consider:

With Charleston’s extended hot season, your AC works overtime from spring through late fall. If you notice increased humidity, uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, or if your system is over one year old without a tune-up, it’s time to schedule maintenance. 

Why It’s Important:

Air conditioners are precision systems. Dust buildup on coils, clogged drains, or incorrect refrigerant levels can drastically reduce cooling power. Regular maintenance ensures your home comfort throughout the year and helps avoid energy waste and premature equipment failure. 

What’s Included:

• Refrigerant level inspection and pressure testing
• Electrical component testing (capacitors, relays, contactors)
• Drain line flushing to prevent clogs and water leaks
• Thermostat calibration and function testing
• Inspection of the outdoor unit for debris, corrosion, or pest damage
• Filter inspection and replacement recommendations

Heating System Maintenance

When to Consider:

Heating systems in Charleston don’t get the heavy use seen in colder climates, but they still require annual maintenance to ensure safe and dependable operation. If your furnace or heat pump hasn’t been checked in the past year, or if you notice cold spots or unusual noises, now’s the time to act.

Why It’s Important:

Even a mild Charleston winter can expose flaws in your heating system. Cracked heat exchangers, faulty ignition systems, or restricted airflow can create hazards like carbon monoxide exposure. For heat pumps and ductless mini splits, maintenance ensures efficiency remains high through seasonal transitions and year-round usage.

What’s Included:

• Heat exchanger inspection (for furnaces)
• Burner, pilot, or ignition system testing
• Flame sensor cleaning and combustion safety evaluation
• Heat pump refrigerant charge check
• Defrost cycle test for heat pumps and mini splits
• Blower motor, fan belt, and filter inspection
• Thermostat settings and calibration
• Electrical system and safety control testing

Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Schedule your heating system maintenance with 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC now. Whether you use a furnace, heat pump, or ductless system, we’ll make sure it’s ready to perform safely and efficiently.

Plumbing System Maintenance

When to Consider:

Plumbing issues often go unnoticed until they become major problems. That’s why an annual plumbing inspection is critical. Schedule maintenance if you’ve noticed lower water pressure, slow drains, noisy pipes, or inconsistent hot water. 

Why It’s Important:

Water damage is among the most expensive issues a homeowner can face. Routine plumbing maintenance helps you catch hidden leaks, reduce sediment buildup, and extend the lifespan of key components like water heaters, faucets, and toilets. 

Avoid plumbing surprises. Book your plumbing system maintenance with 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC today.

Why Heat Pumps and Mini Splits Require Twice-a-Year Maintenance

Heat pumps and ductless mini splits are some of the most versatile and energy-efficient HVAC solutions for Charleston homes. These systems operate year-round, providing both heating and cooling, which means they endure more cycles and mechanical wear than single-season systems.

Because they work through every season, they require two maintenance visits per year, one in the spring before cooling season and one in the fall before heating season. This schedule helps identify wear patterns early, prevent seasonal efficiency loss, and maintain consistent comfort. Without biannual care, heat pumps may experience:

• Reduced performance
• Improper defrost cycles during winter
• Dirty or restricted coils affecting both modes
• Increased compressor strain and higher energy bills

Mini splits are especially sensitive to dust and airflow restrictions, and their indoor air handlers must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth and reduced output.

At 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC, we specialize in servicing all brands of heat pumps and mini split systems. Our NATE-certified technicians perform detailed diagnostics to ensure every component is clean, calibrated, and ready for the season ahead.

Protect your year-round comfort. Schedule maintenance with 1st Choice A/C, Heating, Plumbing & Gas, LLC today and experience professional care that keeps your system running like new.