Frequently Asked Heating & Air Conditioning Questions

When the summer heat cranks up in the Triad, the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to throw in the towel. At Gwyn Services, we’ve seen it happen time and time again: a tired, overworked AC system finally gives out—usually during the hottest week of the year. Before you're left sweating and scrambling for emergency repairs, here are some clear signs your air conditioner might be nearing the end of its life—and why now might be the right time to replace it. 1. It’s More Than 10–15 Years Old Most air conditioners have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, depending on how well they’ve been maintained. If your unit is creeping up in age—and especially if it uses outdated R-22 refrigerant (which is no longer manufactured)—it’s probably time to consider an upgrade. Newer models are far more energy-efficient, which means lower utility bills and better performance. 2. Frequent Repairs Are Adding Up If you’ve called in more than one repair technician over the past couple of summers, those service costs can start to outweigh the value of keeping your old system running. Constant repairs are a red flag that key components are wearing out—and it’s only a matter of time before something major fails. Tip: If a repair is more than 30–40% the cost of a new unit, replacement is often the smarter investment. 3. Your Home Isn’t Comfortable Anymore Are some rooms too hot while others feel like a freezer? Does your system seem to run constantly without ever quite catching up? These are signs your AC is losing efficiency—or it may not have been sized correctly in the first place. Inconsistent comfort is more than a nuisance—it could signal a system on the verge of failure. 4. Your Energy Bills Keep Rising If your power bill seems to rise every summer without a clear reason, your aging AC system could be the culprit. Older units work harder (and longer) to keep your home cool, which uses more energy and puts strain on your wallet. An ENERGY STAR®-rated system can cut your cooling costs significantly—and perform better while doing it. 5. Strange Noises, Smells, or Leaks Unusual sounds like grinding, rattling, or buzzing can indicate worn-out parts or failing components. Musty smells may mean mold in the ductwork, and any visible leaks could be refrigerant or condensate line issues—both of which can signal serious internal problems. Bottom line: If your AC is acting or smelling “off,” don’t ignore it. Don’t Wait for a Breakdown—Plan Ahead with Gwyn At Gwyn Services, we believe in helping our customers make informed, stress-free decisions. Replacing your AC system is a big investment, but it doesn’t have to be a surprise emergency. If you’re noticing any of the signs above, now is the perfect time to schedule a free consultation with one of our comfort specialists. We'll help you evaluate your current system, explore high-efficiency replacement options, and make sure your home stays cool and comfortable through every North Carolina summer. 📍 Proudly serving Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad 📞 Call us today at 336-774-1818 or Schedule Service Online

Summer is flying by- celebrate with a Back to School Party from Gwyn Services!

When you live in Winston-Salem, you know summer doesn’t hold back. With sweltering days and sticky nights, your air conditioner is your home’s MVP. So when your AC suddenly starts blowing warm air instead of cool relief, it's more than just inconvenient—it can make your home downright unbearable. If you're experiencing this all-too-common issue in the Triad area, don’t sweat it (literally). Here’s a breakdown of why your AC might be blowing warm air—and what you can do to fix it fast. 1. Your Thermostat Settings Might Be to Blame Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think. A thermostat accidentally set to “heat” or “fan” instead of “cool” can cause your AC to blow warm air. This can happen after a power outage or during seasonal switchovers. Check out our thermostat product page today to learn more about some of the smart thermostats we carry and install here at Gwyn Services. What to do: Double-check your thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temp. If it's a smart thermostat, consider resetting it or checking the app settings. 2. Your Air Filter Is Clogged In Salem and surrounding areas like Kernersville and Clemmons, the pollen and dust levels can climb high, especially in spring and summer. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat—and start blowing warm air instead. What to do: Change your filter! Experts recommend replacing it every 30–90 days, especially during peak cooling season in Winston-Salem. Not only will this restore airflow, but it’ll also improve your indoor air quality. 3. Your Outdoor Unit Lost Power or Is Dirty Your AC’s indoor unit depends on the outdoor condenser to release heat. If the outdoor unit loses power or gets clogged with leaves, grass, or dirt (which is common in our tree-lined NC neighborhoods), your system won’t cool your air properly. What to do: Step outside and inspect your outdoor unit. Clear away any visible debris. Check if the fan is spinning—if not, a breaker might have tripped. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself. If in doubt, call a licensed HVAC technician here in Salem, NC. 4. Low Refrigerant Levels Warm air blowing from your vents could also point to low refrigerant. This usually happens due to a leak somewhere in the system—something we see often in older Winston-Salem homes or systems that haven’t been serviced in a few years. What to do: This isn’t a DIY fix. Refrigerant should only be handled by certified professionals. If you hear hissing noises, notice ice on your refrigerant lines, or experience a steady decline in cooling performance, contact a trusted local HVAC company in Salem right away. 5. Compressor or Electrical Issues If your system is well-maintained but still blowing warm air, the problem might be with the compressor or electrical components. Heat, humidity, and high demand during the summer months can take a toll on even newer systems. What to do: Schedule a professional AC diagnostic. Our Salem-based team serves all of Forsyth County and can pinpoint the issue with your compressor or wiring quickly—before the problem gets worse. When to Call in the Pros If you’ve ruled out the basics and your system is still underperforming, it’s time to call a licensed HVAC expert. Don’t wait until the next 90-degree day hits Winston-Salem. A small issue today can turn into a system breakdown tomorrow. At Gwyn Services, based right here in Salem, NC, we’ve been helping homeowners across the Winston-Salem area beat the heat for years. Whether you need emergency AC repair, a refrigerant recharge, or a full system inspection, we’ve got you covered. Stay Cool, Winston-Salem—With Help from Salem’s Trusted AC Experts We know how frustrating it is when your AC won’t cool your home—especially when summer is in full swing. That’s why our locally owned HVAC team offers fast, affordable service throughout Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, and beyond. Need help now? 📞 Call us today or schedule your AC repair online.

As temperatures start to rise here in Morganton, NC, your air conditioner becomes more and more essential. The last thing you want is for your AC to break down during the peak of summer when you need it most. That’s why spring is the perfect time to watch for signs that your system might need a little TLC. At Gwyn Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners avoid major breakdowns by catching problems early. Here are the top signs your AC might need repair before summer hits. 1. Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air If your air conditioner is running but the air coming out of the vents isn’t cold, that’s a red flag. This could point to issues like low refrigerant levels, a failing compressor, or airflow problems. Don’t ignore this—your system should be keeping your home cool and comfortable. 2. Unusual Noises from the Unit A well-functioning AC unit should run quietly. If you hear grinding, squealing, banging, or rattling sounds, something is likely loose or broken inside the system. The sooner it’s checked, the better you can avoid more costly repairs. 3. Poor Airflow Throughout Your Home Weak or uneven airflow is often a sign that your air conditioner is struggling. This could be due to a clogged air filter, ductwork issues, or a malfunctioning blower motor. If some rooms feel warmer than others, give us a call for an inspection. 4. High Energy Bills for No Clear Reason If your utility bills are rising even though your AC usage hasn’t changed, it could be a sign your system is running inefficiently. A struggling unit has to work harder to maintain the set temperature, using more energy in the process. 5. Frequent Cycling On and Off Short-cycling—when your AC turns on and off frequently—can signal a range of problems, from thermostat issues to an oversized system. Not only does this impact comfort, but it also causes unnecessary wear and tear on your unit. 6. Bad Odors When the AC Runs Strange smells coming from your vents could be caused by mold or mildew in the system, burnt wiring, or even a pest problem. Spring is a great time to have your system inspected and cleaned to keep your indoor air fresh and healthy. 7. Excess Moisture or Leaks Around the Unit While some condensation is normal, puddles of water or refrigerant leaks are not. Leaks can damage your system and your home, and refrigerant issues should be addressed by a certified HVAC technician right away. Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Spring AC Inspection Today! Catching AC problems early can save you money, prevent breakdowns, and keep your family cool and comfortable all summer long. At Gwyn Services, we proudly serve the Morganton, NC area with expert air conditioning repairs, maintenance, and replacements. Contact us today to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up or repair service. Your comfort is our priority! To learn more about how we can keep you cool and comfortable this spring and summer, check out our air conditioning service page .

As the chill of winter fades and spring arrives in Morganton, NC, now is the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the warmer months ahead. Seasonal maintenance not only improves efficiency but also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need cool air the most. At Gwyn Services, we’re committed to helping homeowners in Morganton stay comfortable year-round with expert tips and reliable HVAC care. Here are our top spring HVAC maintenance tips every homeowner should know. 1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters One of the simplest yet most important steps you can take is to replace or clean your HVAC system’s air filters. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and reducing overall efficiency. We recommend checking your filters monthly and replacing them at least every 1–3 months, depending on your system and household conditions. 2. Clear Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit Over the fall and winter, leaves, branches, and other debris can accumulate around your outdoor condenser unit. Clearing a two-foot area around the unit helps ensure proper airflow and allows your system to operate efficiently. Be sure to also check for any visible signs of damage or wear. 3. Check Your Thermostat Settings As the seasons change, so do your comfort needs. Take a few moments to update your thermostat settings for spring and summer. If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, upgrading can help you better manage energy use and keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. 4. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Professional maintenance is key to catching small issues before they turn into costly repairs. During a spring tune-up, our experienced technicians at Gwyn Services will inspect your system, clean vital components, check refrigerant levels, test performance, and ensure your HVAC unit is ready for the upcoming season. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also helps reduce energy bills and improve indoor comfort. 5. Inspect Air Vents and Ductwork Walk through your home and check all air vents to ensure they’re open, clean, and unobstructed by furniture or curtains. If you’ve noticed uneven temperatures in different rooms, it may be a sign of leaky or dirty ductwork. Gwyn Services offers duct inspections and cleaning to keep your airflow balanced and your system running smoothly. 6. Pay Attention to Strange Noises or Odors If you notice unusual sounds—like rattling, buzzing, or grinding—or musty odors when your system turns on, don’t ignore them. These could be signs of worn-out parts, electrical issues, or mold buildup. Addressing these early can save you from more expensive problems down the road. Why Spring Maintenance Matters in Morganton Spring in Morganton brings fluctuating temperatures and high pollen counts, both of which can affect your indoor comfort and air quality. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system runs efficiently through seasonal transitions and helps filter out allergens that can impact your health. At Gwyn Services, we’re proud to be Morganton’s trusted HVAC experts, offering honest advice, thorough maintenance, and top-tier service to keep your home comfortable no matter the season. Schedule Your Spring HVAC Tune-Up Today Don’t wait until the summer heat arrives—schedule your spring maintenance with Gwyn Services today and enjoy peace of mind all season long. Let Gwyn Services help you stay cool, comfortable, and confident in your home this spring and beyond. Check out our services page to learn more about how we can keep your Morganton, NC home cool and comfortable all spring and summer long.

SMART Ideas for Your Thermostat

Save Big Over Time with Regular Maint enance

Save Big this Spring with Gwyn Services

Spring is Here- But Summer is Coming!