HOW TO MINIMIZE THE COST OF RUNNING YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

Hotter days are here and as much as you enjoy fresh air coming in through your home windows, it is also time to get your yearly service. Have you ever thought about what is required to run your air conditioning unit?

When you compare running your central air conditioning to an electric fan, the distinction is remarkable. In today’s financial situation, we are all searching for means to conserve a couple of bucks.

What makes your air conditioning unit run?

There are several factors that affect the cost of running your air conditioning unit, such as the location of your residence, the amount of shade around your residence and the amount of cooling your air conditioner needs to cool the entire home.

In North Myrtle Beach, summers are expected to be hotter every year, thus the need for your air conditioning unit to work extra hard to maintain a certain level of convenience.

If you are considering a new home, you may want to get a copy of the energy bill or expenses of the house you are considering. Try to ask for copies of the bill from the last three years as well, because the climate condition from year to year can make a huge distinction on the expense of running the ac system.

An additional factor that influences the expense of running your air conditioning unit is the efficiency rating of the device. Most home appliances have been rated and your ac system will have a tag that indicates the quantity of power that it will use.

When buying a new air conditioning unit, be sure to get one that uses the lowest electrical power to save on energy costs. If you have an old unit that is more than ten years and is not sure of its efficiency rating, seek help from heating and cooling professionals to get an estimate on a brand new unit.

The dimension of the cooling system versus the house-cooling capacity is an additional aspect to think about. All central air conditioning units are available in various dimensions.

Each dimension specifies the quantity of space it is specified to take care of. When you are buying a new unit, make sure that the capacity of the unit to cool the size of your room is proportional.

Where do you set your thermostat? This step could make a big distinction in your energy expense. It is obvious that your North Myrtle Beach air conditioning unit will not run as often when you have a higher thermostat setting. By maintaining your thermostat over the 78-degree level, you could conserve as much as 20% in cooling costs.

In North Myrtle Beach, locals are mostly from the north where houses do not utilize heat pumps. Most people in other parts of the country are used to lowering the thermostat when away from home for a long period; then turning on the air conditioning unit once they get back.

But using a heat pump does not really help you save on energy costs. This is because heat pump coils work harder to keep the temperature level down, thus needing more electric power. One way to minimize cost is to set a suitable temperature level and leave it at that setting.

How To Minimize Electrical Costs

• Clean or replace the air conditioning filter
• Reduce the temperature level of your hot water heater to 120 degrees
• Wash only full loads and utilize the power cycle on the clothes dryer or just hang your clothing on an old-fashioned clothesline.
• Change older incandescent light bulbs with brand-new fluorescent lights— you can conserve approximately 75% of your light costs.
• Caulk home windows, doors as well as pipe openings where air could leak from your house.
• Have your air ducts cleaned and checked for leaks. A leakage in a duct could create as much as a 25% decrease in the performance of your a/c unit.

If you have any more questions about minimizing air conditioning costs, contact North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air. They can clean your ducts and/or change your filters, as well as provide a total check for your air conditioning system.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE EVERY HOMEOWNER SHOULD KNOW

Regular air conditioning maintenance is extremely important and necessary during summer when you will be using your cooling unit for longer hours. Aside from properly cleaning your indoor and outdoor units as well as changing or cleaning your filters, there are other important aspects of maintaining your air conditioner. Read below to find what these are.

Basic Air Conditioner Maintenance Guide

There are some things you will need to do before starting your air conditioner for the first time. It is highly recommended that you do these days before summer heat sets in to ensure your air conditioner is ready to serve you in the coming warm days. Plus, should you find your unit has problems, it will be easier for you to seek professional assistance.

1. Make sure the outdoor unit – the condensing unit – is not covered with dust and debris like leaves and branches. The unit needs to be able to draw in the air freely without any hindrances to effectively function and operate.
2. Ensure you have clean filters. If your unit uses disposable filters, purchase additional filters as you will most likely be replacing them more often during summer as you continue to use your air cooling unit for longer hours. If it uses washable filters, make sure you wash them at least once a week. Keep in mind that air that is blown throughout your houses passes thru these filters. They need to be clean and free of clog to ensure smooth airflow.
3. Check your thermostat Most homeowners panic when their air conditioner does not function properly when the only problem is they have not properly adjusted the thermostat settings. Make sure that your thermostat is in the right setting so as not to cause damage to your air conditioning unit.
4. Inspect all access panels of your air conditioner. Screws may become lose even if you are not using your unit. Either way, you still need to check them to ensure they are secure and tight.
5. Regularly remove debris that has accumulated around or near your condensing unit. Keep in mind that leaves, dust, papers and other debris are blown by the wind on a daily basis. So even if you cleaned and removed debris from your condensing unit before you use it for the summer, this debris can come back in a week or a couple of days. To ensure, your condensing unit is free of debris, clean it at least once a week.
6. Hire a air conditioner maintenance professional to clean your unit before the summer season begins. This will ensure that your unit is properly and efficiently cleaned before and after you use it during summer.
7. Avoid cleaning your air conditioner by using your garden hose to spray water over it. There is a proper way of cleaning your heat pump. Cleaning it with water is dangerous considering it is an electrically powered machine. You might be doing more harm to your unit than cleaning it if you used water. Keep in mind that water and electricity when combined may result in electrical shock or a short. Thus, it is highly recommended that you hire professionals to clean your air conditioning unit.

Regular checkups by professionals

heating and cooling

These checkups are an important aspect of maintaining an air conditioning North Myrtle Beach as these help you discover if there are problems with your air conditioner before we are in the hot summer temperatures. They are especially helpful in identifying small potential problems so you can resolve them earlier before they lead to large, more damaging and costly problems.

According to experts, you should have your air conditioner checked by trained and skilled professionals like North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air at least once a year, particularly every spring. This is the best time for a checkup as it will give you sufficient time to repair and resolve any problems before the summer season when you will need your air conditioner the most.

A basic air conditioner checkup includes:

• Inspecting thermostat to ensure proper operation
• Checking of all electrical components, wirings, and connections
• Oiling motors and other components as necessary
• Checking for smooth and unhindered airflow
• Checking for the proper level of Freon and looking for signs of Freon leakage
• Properly cleaning of coils to ensure smooth and filtered airflow

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now to inquire about their air conditioner maintenance services.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

IMPACTS OF HIGH HUMIDITY ON YOUR AC SYSTEM

Humidity makes the heat even more unbearable for almost anyone. That’s just one of the ways humidity affects people. In a nutshell, high humidity is the least bit comfortable for use outdoors and indoors. The same goes for your AC system.

Have you ever thought about how humidity impacts your air conditioning unit? Your North Myrtle Beach AC system will be bound to have problems if humidity remains at a consistent high.

In extreme cases, air conditioner repair may be needed for units that have been damaged by humidity. Read on to understand more about how high humidity impacts your air conditioning unit and how you can prevent damage.

Indoor Humidity And What It Does To Your AC System

For homes, the ideal humidity level is around 30-60%. Any more than this could signal problems later on. You can check the humidity level in your home by doing a few steps. The first thing you could try out is to use a hygrometer.

This device is easy to use and can be bought at your local home improvement store. The other thing that you could do is to check your windows and walls for condensation. You may also check for any signs of mold. Usually, mold grows when there is excess moisture, a sign that humidity levels are constantly high within your home.

Is my AC capable of controlling humidity?

Basically, your air conditioning unit is not designed to control the humidity levels in your home. Your AC unit is controlled by a thermostat which senses the temperature in a given area but not the humidity level. However, during the cooling process, some of the humidity in the air is drawn out and condensed onto the fins.

Although some of the humidity is taken out, your AC is not designed to control humidity. The partial removal of humidity is only a byproduct of the cooling process. You may contact your HVAC contractor for more information regarding the matter.

How will too much humidity impact my AC?

Aside from promoting mold growth, high humidity can have adverse effects on your air conditioning unit. High humidity can force your air conditioner to work harder. As it becomes uncomfortable, it is likely that the user would turn down the thermostat even more to rid of the effects of humidity. When this happens, your air conditioning unit will work harder, resulting in increased power consumption and frequent maintenance. In case your AC requires maintenance, call your HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach right away. Don’t wait until you have a problem before you get your AC checked out.

What should I do to keep humidity levels down?

The easiest thing to do is to get yourself a dehumidifier. They could either be stand-alone or can be built into your HVAC system. Your local HVAC contractor like North Myrtle Beach HVAC Experts would know what you need in your home and what the most suitable solution is. Also, it is necessary that you schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning unit. There’s nothing better than scheduled maintenance to prevent any damage to your AC unit.

Need help with your HVAC system? Give North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air a call today.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

KEEP YOUR AIR CONDITIONING COOL EVEN WITH THE SUMMER HEAT

The humid summer season in North Myrtle Beach and other parts of South Carolina is back; which means having to keep your house cool, and devoid of excessive moisture as it could have a harmful impact on your house. It is also important not to run your air conditioning system to the ground to attain its maximum cooling power.

Below are a few tips to help you and your air conditioning unit survive the heat this summer and save up on energy costs.

Tips to Lessen Stress on Your Air Conditioning Unit

Everyone knows how hot it can get in South Carolina. But not everyone knows how to keep cool and use your air conditioning less. Here are a few steps you can adapt.

Keep your home as dark as you can throughout the day, when the sun is high up.

Close all blinds, drapes and other home windows. The South Carolina sun is at its hottest between the hours of 11 AM to 3 PM. The heat soaks up right into the roofing system, wall surfaces, as well as home windows of your home, so make sure to keep them closed throughout these times particularly.

Another way to keep your home cool and lessen the use of air conditioners even in the summer is to have shady landscaping such as trees and bushes.

An additional simple means to keep cool this summer is making sure you set your thermostat to an ideal temperature level at various times of the day. This suggestion will ensure that you are using your air conditioning unit’s maximum power but using less energy, thus reducing the cost of electricity.

You can also reduce heat in the summer by using your stove less. Opt to eat salads and do outdoor grilling instead.

Washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers and hot water heaters could also bring a large amount of heat and humidity into the house. It is also advised to minimize the use of these home appliances as long as possible.

Use ceiling fans and keep them running throughout the night to distribute cool air around the room.

Make sure all attic room insulation and caulking are safeguarded to ensure that any type of cool air that your Air Conditioner is generating is not escaping.

Contact your air conditioning professionals to ensure your AC is working properly. Air conditioners are based according to your room’s size. Thus, consult professionals to ensure you have the right air conditioning power and size depending on the size of your room.

To know more about how you can maximize your Air conditioning system’s potential, call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today!

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS AND THEIR UNIQUE REPAIR NEEDS

Each type of air conditioning system has its own repair requirements. There are many things to consider when choosing an air conditioner for your home. It is important that you understand the unique needs of each system, regardless of what type you select. This information can save you time and money by detecting problems early and maintaining your system.

Types Of Air Conditioning Systems

The most common systems are central air conditioners, portable units, ductless mini splits, split unit ACs, portable units and window-mounted units.

Central Air Conditioners

North Myrtle Beach residents prefer central air conditioners (also known as ducted units) to cool their homes. To cool your home, these systems use an outdoor unit and an interior evaporator coil. The compressor, located in the condenser, works by cycling the refrigerant throughout the system. This cools the air before it enters the home.

Air conditioners with ducts are very efficient and can be used to regulate the temperature in a whole house or office. Installing and operating them can be cheaper than multiple mini-split units and window units.

Split Unit ACs

Split-unit ACs work similarly to central air conditioners, but they have an extra component called a multi-split inverter. Multiple indoor units can be connected to a single outdoor condenser/compressor using this component. These systems are great if you need to cool multiple rooms or do not want to deal with ductwork.

Split systems are more expensive initially, but they’re also more efficient over the long run than window or portable units. The installation of a wall-mounted unit requires only minor home modifications, like creating holes to accommodate the piping.

Portable Units

Portable units can be used to cool specific rooms or as a backup emergency system. They are portable because they come with their own compressor, evaporator and other components. Portable ACs can be moved to different rooms easily and can be plugged into any outlet.

There are two types of systems: single and double hose. These systems work by drawing warm air into the system, cooling it and then releasing it back into the room. Although portable air conditioners are inexpensive to buy, their low-efficiency rating can make them more expensive to operate.

Window-Mounted Units

Another popular choice for cooling certain rooms is window-mounted units. The air conditioning systems are mounted through an opened window, and they usually come with a fan to help push the cooled-down air into the room. These systems are not as efficient as others, but they still offer some relief during the hot months.

Window air conditioners are inexpensive initially, but they can be inefficient if used to cool multiple rooms. Renters love them because they’re easy to move.

Mini-Splits with Ductless Technology

Mini-splits without ductwork are an excellent option for homes with limited space or no ductwork. These systems utilize an outdoor condenser, and multiple indoor air handling units that can be placed in different rooms of the house. The outdoor condenser cools the air, which is then circulated by the indoor units to provide cooling in the most needed areas.

Split systems may be expensive, but they are usually cheaper to run than portable or window ACs. These systems are highly efficient, and they can cool multiple rooms simultaneously.

It is important that you understand the specific needs of each system when it comes time to repair it. Understanding how each system functions can help you identify any problems early and avoid costly repair bills.

Air Conditioning Systems Have Different Repair Needs

Since they contain a greater number of moving components, central air conditioners require regular maintenance. To ensure the system is working efficiently, it’s important to inspect both the condenser coils and evaporator. For these systems to run smoothly, regular filter changes are essential. Split systems require less maintenance because the components are outside the home.

To keep window-mounted units running smoothly, they require regular cleaning and maintenance. Condenser fins should be checked for damage or obstructions that may hinder airflow. Regularly cleaning filters is also important to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and clogging the system. Portable air conditioners require maintenance and cleaning as the fan can collect dirt and dust.

Mini-split ductless systems require relatively minimal maintenance. However, it is still important to inspect the condenser and air handler for any problems. Regularly check the filters and replace them if needed. It may be necessary for a professional air conditioning contractor to repair or replace the unit if there are any damages to it or its components.

Understanding the types of air conditioners and their repair requirements will help you maximize the efficiency of your system. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent expensive repairs and keep you comfortable in your home.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air is the best company to call when you need help repairing your AC. Our technicians are qualified to diagnose any problems and offer effective solutions to keep your system operating smoothly for many years. Our knowledge and expertise will allow us to identify any issues with your air conditioner, and ensure that it operates at its maximum efficiency.

North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air can help you with all your air conditioning needs. We will help you keep your home cool and comfortable by ensuring that your AC system is running smoothly. We can help you make the most of your AC system and get it ready for summer.

Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now and let our team help you.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

HVAC CONTRACTORS ON REPAIRING STORM RELATED DAMAGE TO YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

It is not unusual for South Carolina to experience thunderstorms all summer, even on hot and humid days. Often they can be serious, with strong winds that can severely damage power lines. When that occurs, you can unexpectedly discover yourself in total darkness, even worse, without an air conditioner!

So when the power has been restored, you simply want to switch your air conditioner back on, particularly on a hot summer day. But, you might be puzzled to discover that your air conditioning system is not working.

Can electrical damage cause it?

Before jumping to conclusions, HVAC contractors suggest you try to reboot your air conditioning system after a power failure.

HVAC Contractor’s Guide on Air Conditioner Reboot

Even a simple thunderstorm can cause lighting to strike, triggering a power surge that can trip the breaker. If it was simply a random blackout and not brought on by a storm, there could still be a surge when the power comes back. That’s simply the breaker doing its task of securing your devices. All you need to do is understand how to reset the breaker and turn the system back on.

1. Turn off your air conditioning system at the thermostat.
2. Then proceed to your electrical panel and look for the air conditioner’s circuit breaker to switch it OFF. Wait about half an hour to turn it back ON to reset the internal breaker of the air conditioning unit.
3. When the time is up, turn the thermostat back to COOL. At this point, your air conditioner will most probably turn back ON. If not, then there is probably electrical damage.

Signs of Electrical Damage on the Air Conditioner

The breaker will not reset

If you notice that most of your external circuits do not turn back on, you will likely have electrical damage exceeding your air conditioning system. It may be caused by a power surge brought about by lightning. When this happens, you need to call an electrician immediately.

Air conditioning breaker keeps tripping

An essential piece of advice: DO NOT turn your breaker back on if it keeps tripping since it might cause more damage to your air conditioning unit and your whole electrical system.

The breaker’s task is to safeguard your structure, circuitry, and devices by turning off the circulation of electrical power when the present circulation is increased. If it keeps tripping, you might risk a fire if you turn it back on.

Electrical Damage Due to Disregarding Maintenance

If you overlooked your air conditioning repair and maintenance in the spring, then your system might have reduced air circulation due to impurities in your unit. When the air filter and the coils get blocked with dust, gunk, and particles, your ac system must work harder and run longer to cool your area. First, you might discover that the system appears to run continuously. Ultimately, the evaporator coil will freeze, which utilizes excessive power and trigger the circuit to trip.

Electrical damage within the air conditioning system

When you’re experiencing signs of electrical damage, the issue might likewise be an easy electrical problem within the air conditioning system itself. It might be caused by:

• Bad capacitor
• Short in the unit’s wiring
• Loose electrical connection

Note: Never try to do this alone, even if it seems too easy for you. Call an HVAC contractor in North Myrtle Beach to do it.

Have your air conditioner maintained in the spring by HVAC professionals to avoid this type of situation. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air today!

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove

HIRING THE BEST AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR

If your air conditioner is not working properly, you must hire a technician you can trust to fix it. You could end up paying for substandard work or overpaying for a simple task if you don’t do any research about your technician. These 12 things you should consider when choosing an air conditioning contractor.

Hiring An Air Conditioning Contractor

1. Find out more

Do some research first. You should familiarize yourself with the air conditioner you have so that it is known to you what type, brand, and model it is. Also, be sure to know its maintenance history. You can get a good idea of how bad the problem is by determining which rooms are the most uncomfortable. It will guide you in your search.

Other benefits come from becoming familiar with your air conditioner. You will be more confident in diagnosing potential problems if you spend more time learning about your unit. You could save money in the future if you can fix your unit yourself and no longer need a technician.

It is best to leave the more difficult tasks to a professional air conditioner contractor in North Myrtle Beach. You may spend more upfront, but in the long run, you’ll save money because the job will be done right the first time.

2. Take Care

How can you locate a repair service? Ask around. Ask around to see if anyone in your family or friends has worked with contractors and can recommend them. Try an online search, or review sites if that fails to produce results. These sites can be helpful because they give you information on the experiences of previous clients who hired the technician. You know the information provided is accurate. It’s important to be concerned if there are no or poor reviews.

Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints against the technician that you’re considering. You should find three or more technicians to consider so you have various options. You can then decide based on credentials, cost, or availability.

3. Experience is the Best Teacher

You can find out the experience of your contractor by checking their website or contacting them. Consider asking them the following questions about their experience:

• How long has the company been in business for?
• Are they part-time or full-time contractors
• What is their experience with your particular system?
• Are there any special areas of expertise?

How did they stay updated with the latest technology through continuing education and training?

It’s important to hire a contractor who is a full-time professional and has experience working with your particular air conditioning system. Find a contractor with experience in similar systems if yours has special features.

4. Legal Compliance: What You Need to Know

Your contractor must have a license. You can check the license status in most places by looking up their business licenses. You may be able find information about past work in some areas.

Check to see that the company is insured, especially for liability and workers’ compensation. You could be held liable for any accidents that occur on your property if they do not have insurance. You should be able to verify the insurance certificate.

Ask the contractor whether they adhere to all safety and health regulations.

5. Search for References

Contacting past clients is the best way to learn about the quality of service. You can ask the HVAC contractor to provide a list with customer references. Asking the contractor for only customers whose first names begin with your chosen letter is a great way to ensure you get a representative sample and not just their most satisfied customers.

Ask three to five former customers if you have the contact information. You can ask them about the speed of the work, whether the project was completed on budget, or how the customer’s work has held over time.

6. Be Specific

You can ask the contractor specific questions about your job. Doing your research will pay off here. You’ll learn what options are available to you and if the contractor can handle them. Is the job urgent? There are multiple ways to fix your system. What equipment are they planning to use?

7. Ask about Brands

Ask the technician which brands and manufacturers they sell if you are looking to replace or buy a new air conditioner. You may have your heart set upon a particular model or make, so be sure to check that the company you select carries it. If you only need to make a few repairs on your vehicle, check that the parts are compatible with what you currently have.

8. Go Green

Ask the company if they are environmentally friendly. Ask the company how it promotes water and energy conservation and if they sell Energy Star-qualified products. An air conditioning technician who is knowledgeable should be able to provide information on your system’s efficiency and its impact on the environment.

9. Calculate the cost

Ask for a detailed estimate from every contractor you are considering. Include factors like labor and material costs, energy savings, warranties and tax rebates.

Remember the difference between upfront costs and costs over the long term. You may not be able to afford the lowest-priced technician if your energy bills increase after the installation. Take into consideration any special offers that the company may offer.

10. Learn More About Financing

Find out the schedule of payments. A large job may require a deposit, and then incremental payments. This can be a financial burden. Ensure you understand the contract and know exactly what you are responsible for. Also, double-check if you can afford the monthly payments.

11. Work Together

Any contractor should provide you with an assessment of your house. The technician will spend much time on your house and system to determine your air conditioning requirements. The size of your home, the square footage and how it is laid out are all factors to consider. You should also check if you have any leaks in the ductwork. It’s a big red flag if a technician won’t work with you to assess the situation and make recommendations before the project starts.

12. Write It Down

After you have chosen a technician, you should get a written quote before making a final decision. The contract will protect you, as it specifies the project schedule, job costs, models and, in some cases, warranty information. Be sure to include all conditions, terms and verbal promises. Paying in advance is not a good idea. Neither signing an incomplete agreement nor a contract that you haven’t thoroughly read. Keep a copy of any written documents.

Finding the right person to fix your air conditioner can be difficult, but you don’t need to. These tips will help you find a qualified technician to protect your home investment. Call North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air now.

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North Myrtle Beach Heating & Air
1001 2nd Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-399-3237
https://www.northmyrtlebeachheatingandair.com/

Serving: North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing, Little River, Longs, Cherry Grove