Emergency AC Repair in Charleston, SC

My Three Sons HVAC handles urgent AC breakdowns for homes across Charleston, SC and the Lowcountry, with same-day service Monday through Friday when the schedule allows and evening and weekend visits at an after-hours rate. We do not run a 24/7 line: calls after hours go to voicemail and get a callback the next morning. While you wait, check the thermostat, the breaker, the air filter and the condensate drain, and turn the system off if you see ice or smell burning. Call (843) 353-3135. SC License CLM.117596.

Written by Michael · Reviewed for accuracy by Travis · Updated November 9, 2026

Urgent AC problems

What We Offer for Urgent AC Problems

Every urgent call gets an honest diagnosis and a price before any work starts. We serve Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan and the rest of the tri-county area.

Same-day when we can

Monday through Friday, we get to urgent no-cool calls the same day whenever the schedule allows. Call early in the day for the best chance.

Evenings and weekends

Visits after 5pm and on weekends are available at an after-hours rate. Calls after hours go to voicemail, and we call you back the next morning.

Priority for members

Family Maintenance Program members get priority scheduling, which matters most on the hottest days.

Before you call

What to Check Before You Call

A few of the most common no-cool calls turn out to be simple. These checks are safe for any homeowner, and they work the same way if you have a heat pump.

Thermostat

Make sure it's set to Cool, the set temperature is below the room temperature, and the batteries aren't dead.

Breaker

Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker for the AC or air handler. Reset it once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.

Air filter

A clogged filter can choke airflow and freeze the coil. Replace it if it's dirty.

Condensate drain

Many systems have a safety switch that shuts the AC off when the drain backs up. Standing water in the drain pan is a sign.

Outdoor unit

Make sure it's running and nothing is blocking it.

Safety first

When to Turn Your AC Off and Wait

Turn the system off at the thermostat and call us at (843) 353-3135 if you see any of these:

Ice on the lines or coil

Ice on the refrigerant lines or indoor coil means something is wrong. Running it frozen can damage the compressor.

A burning smell or smoke

Shut it off right away and leave it off until a technician has looked at it.

The breaker trips again

One reset is fine. If the breaker trips a second time, there is an electrical problem that needs a technician.

Grinding, banging or screeching

Loud mechanical noises usually mean a failing motor or fan. Running it longer can turn a small repair into a big one.

While you wait

Staying Cool Until We Get There

A few simple steps keep the house bearable until a technician arrives.

Close blindsOn the sunny side of the house
Run ceiling fansCounterclockwise to push air down
Open interior doorsSo the air keeps moving
Stay low and hydrateLowest floor, plenty of water
Check on familyOlder relatives, young children and pets feel heat faster
Honest, upfront pricing

What Does Emergency AC Repair Cost?

Our diagnostic fee is $85 to $150 per system, depending on the appointment date and time, the type of system and the property. Visits after 5pm and on weekends are after-hours calls and cost more. We'll tell you the fee before we schedule, and you'll get the full repair price before any work begins.

Diagnostic fee
$85 to $150 per system

After-hours and weekend visits cost more. You get the full repair price before any work begins, and there is no pressure to fix anything that can safely wait.

Price before workNo pressureMilitary, first responder & educator discounts

Avoiding the Next Emergency

Most summer breakdowns we see come from worn capacitors, clogged drains and dirty coils that AC maintenance would have caught. The Family Maintenance Program includes two visits a year, 15% off repairs and priority scheduling.

See the Family Maintenance Program

Not an emergency? See AC repair in Charleston or heat pump repair. We also handle AC repair in Mount Pleasant and AC repair in Summerville.

We stand behind our work

Our Guarantee & What to Expect

When you book HVAC with My Three Sons HVAC, you get a clear, upfront price before any work begins. No surprises and no pressure.

Service work
1 year workmanship warranty

Service work is covered by a one-year workmanship warranty from the date of service: if anything related to our workmanship needs attention, we take care of it at no cost to you (it doesn't cover misuse, lack of maintenance or outside causes).

New installations
MTS Installation Advantage

New system installations are backed by the MTS Installation Advantage, which includes an extended labor warranty. We stand behind our work.

Rated 5.0 on Google

What Your Neighbors Say

"Our technician, Dale, was prompt, friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and highly professional. He took the time to thoroughly troubleshoot our air conditioning system, clearly explained what was causing the problem, made the necessary repairs, and then carefully verified that everything was working properly before he left."

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Florence S.Google review

"We needed a complete replacement of our duct work, and My Three Sons were outstanding. The crew was organized and courteous and tried to leave a minimal footprint around the house. The job was done well and priced very fairly."

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Robert M.Google review

"3 Sons is my go to for my home and our rental properties. This team is the best I've used in the Charleston area and I wouldn't go anywhere else."

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Michael G.Google review

Why Charleston families trust My Three Sons HVAC

Locally ownedFamily-operated Lowcountry neighbors, not a national call center
Licensed and insuredSC License CLM.117596
Voted Best HVAC in CharlestonCharleston City Paper, Best of Charleston 2026
Rated 5.0 on GoogleNearly 20 years of combined Lowcountry HVAC experience
Community discountsMilitary, First Responder & Educator · BBB accredited · Lowcountry Local First member
Get Relief

Ready for relief? Let's get your home comfortable again.

Honest, upfront AC repair for Charleston area homes, from a local, family-owned team.

Questions, answered

Emergency AC Repair FAQ

Do you offer 24/7 emergency AC repair?

No. My Three Sons HVAC does not run a 24/7 line. We offer same-day service Monday through Friday when the schedule allows, and evening and weekend visits at an after-hours rate. Calls after hours go to voicemail and we call you back the next morning. Family Maintenance Program members get priority scheduling.

What should I do if my AC stops working?

Check that the thermostat is set to Cool, look for a tripped breaker and reset it once, replace a dirty air filter, and check for a backed-up condensate drain. If you see ice, smell burning, or the breaker trips again, turn the system off and call a technician.

Should I turn off my AC if it's frozen?

Yes. Turn the system off at the thermostat and let the ice melt. Running an AC with a frozen coil can damage the compressor. A technician should find out why it froze.

How can I stay cool while I wait for AC repair?

Close blinds on the sunny side of the house, run ceiling fans, keep interior doors open, stay on the lowest floor and drink water. Check on older family members, children and pets.

How much does emergency AC repair cost in Charleston?

Our diagnostic fee is $85 to $150 per system, depending on the appointment date and time, the type of system and the property. Visits after 5pm and on weekends carry an after-hours fee. You'll get the full repair price before any work begins.

My Three Sons HVAC Around The Lowcountry

We love working in the Lowcountry and keeping Charleston area families cool & comfortable year round.

Why Hire My Three Sons Heating And Air?

HVAC installations, repairs, replacements and most maintenance aren't something the average homeowner in the Charleston area should perform themselves.

Built upon our core values of honesty, integrity and kindness, we aim to be your trusted, local heating and air company for all of your residential heating and air conditioning needs.

We’d love to help you with your home's AC in the Charleston area.

Contact us today and we’ll help get you living more comfortably again in the Lowcountry.