Cut Back Your Cooling Costs in the South Carolina Heat
info • September 12, 2019
We may be approaching the official start date of fall, but that doesn’t mean that the heat is going away anytime soon, especially here in Lexington, South Carolina. With the summer heat and humidity still present, it’s not too late to make some changes in your home and your living style to reduce your cooling costs. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we know that every penny counts and we want to provide as many people as we can with HVAC help. Whether that’s in the form of actual heating and air conditioning service or through writing a blog, our goal is to help you find your maximum comfort.
Be Smart With Your Appliances
Most people don’t realize how much large appliances can heat up the inside of your home. Things like your dishwasher, washer, dryer, oven, stove, etc. all can provide unnecessary and unwanted added heat to your home in the summer. We are of course not suggesting that you never use these appliances but rather, be smart about when you use them and how often. When you’re cooking, use your outside grill as often as possible. When it’s time for laundry, make sure you are doing it when it’s later in the day and darker outside so it’s not as hot. The same goes for your dishwasher, oven ad stove. Be conscious about when you are using these large appliances that require a good amount of energy – when you use them when it’s cooler out, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool. When your AC unit gets a break, so does your wallet.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
If you keep your thermostat on the same temperature when you’re at home and when you’re away, you’re missing out on some crucial energy savings. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure you are taking advantage of it. You can set your thermostat to change temperatures at certain times of the day on certain days of the week. So, when you’re away at work, make sure you are giving your AC unit a break and turning up the temperature at least 2-3 degrees. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, no worries. You can just manually change the temperature before you head out to work and change it again when you come back home. Your wallet and your heating and air conditioning system will thank you big time.
Crank Up Your Fans
Your ceiling and floor fans can be a huge help to you in the summer. Not only because of the cooling effect that they have, but because they give your AC unit a big break. When your ceiling fans are turned on and going counter clockwise, this ensures that the fan is circulating the cool heat that your AC unit is already producing for you. Studies have shown that with your fans running, you can turn your thermostat up by 3 degrees and not even feel the temperature change. That provides a great break for your AC unit which cuts back the money you are spending on your energy bill each month. Make sure you are smart about your fan usage and only have them on when you are there to enjoy the coolness they provide.
Open Your Windows When You Can
Opening your windows in the South Carolina summer – seems crazy but we promise it can help. We do get some rare cooler summer nights and when this happens, be sure you are taking advantage of them. Open your windows and let the cooler air inside of your home. Your AC unit will be getting another break it deserves and you will be benefiting from the coolness. We know not every night nor every week will have an opportunity to do so, but take advantage of the nights that are cool. You can thank us later
With November upon us, the weather in Lexington is shifting — daytime highs are cooling off, nighttime temps are dropping, and the heat will soon be running much more often. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we want to help you stay cozy and protected from unexpected HVAC issues as winter approaches. Here are our top recommendations to prepare your home for the season ahead: 1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters As your heating system kicks into gear, a clean filter is more important than ever. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, reduces comfort, and forces your HVAC system to work harder than it should. Change your air filter now to improve both efficiency and indoor air quality. 2. Clear Debris Around Outdoor Units Even though cooling season is behind us, your outdoor equipment still needs attention. Clear away leaves, pine straw, and other yard debris so the system can breathe properly and avoid airflow blockages. 3. Test Your Heating System & Thermostat Don’t wait for the first freezing night to find out there’s a problem. Switch your system to heat mode and run a quick test cycle. Make sure each room warms evenly and check that your thermostat responds correctly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, update the settings for your winter schedule to help conserve energy. 4. Inspect Vents, Ducts & Return Air Paths Warm air needs a clear path to keep your whole home comfortable. Ensure furniture and rugs aren’t blocking vents, and consider having your ducts inspected if you’ve noticed uneven heating or excess dust in the air. 5. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Even with great DIY maintenance habits, your system benefits from a professional inspection. A trained technician will perform a full safety and efficiency check, clean internal components, and identify early warning signs before they turn into costly repairs. A simple tune-up now can prevent unexpected breakdowns during the coldest days of winter. Why This Matters for Lexington Homes While our winters in South Carolina may not be as harsh as those further north, we still rely heavily on our heating systems — especially overnight or during sudden cold snaps. A little preparation now ensures: ✔ Better comfort ✔ Lower energy bills ✔ Longer HVAC system lifespan ✔ Fewer winter surprises If you’d like help getting your home winter-ready, the trusted team at Brian’s Heating & Cooling is just a call away. We’re here to keep your family warm, safe, and comfortable all season long. Check out our maintenance service page to learn more about how we can keep your Lexington, SC home warm and comfortable all fall and winter long.
As those crisp mornings roll into Lexington and the high temps of summer begin to fade, many homeowners breathe easier — but your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is actually entering a phase where it matters even more. Rather than simply switching from “cooling mode” to “heating mode,” this is the time when smart performance, indoor air quality, and system efficiency all become key to comfort (and cost). Here are four important areas where your HVAC system can make a real difference this season — and how Brian’s Heating & Cooling can help make them work for your home. 1. Fine-Tune Temperature Control for Transitional Days Here in the Lexington area, fall can bring unpredictable swings — warm afternoons, cooler evenings, sudden changes. A system that’s designed only for “full blast heat” may struggle with these transitions, leaving parts of your home too warm, too cool, or switching on and off inefficiently. Setting your thermostat in “auto” fan mode instead of “on” means it runs only when needed rather than continuously circulating air. A smart or programmable thermostat can adjust for the changing patterns, ensuring your system isn’t overworking during mild weather. Regular check-ups to ensure sensors, controls and vents are balanced help avoid hot or cool zones and keep your comfort steady. 2. Balance Humidity and Air Quality as the Season Changes Just because the days are cooler doesn’t mean indoor humidity and air-quality issues vanish. With windows being closed more often, fewer “fresh air” exchanges, and your system shifting modes, the indoor environment needs attention. Your HVAC system should be removing excess moisture (which can lead to mold or musty smells) and helping retain comfortable humidity levels. Upgrading air filters and checking ductwork for leaks helps reduce dust, allergens and stale air that can build up when the house is sealed tight. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we can evaluate your indoor-air setup (ventilation, filtration, duct sealing) and recommend targeted improvements that match Lexington’s climate. 3. Efficiency Gains Don’t End with Summer It’s tempting to think the big energy usage is over once the peak summer heat fades, but the truth is: transitional seasons offer some of the best opportunities for efficiency gains — if you catch them. A system in good shape will handle moderate conditions with less energy than one struggling from summer wear. Cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels (even if you’re not actively cooling), verifying duct integrity — these all help your system settle into the cooler period without carrying unnecessary stress. A more efficient system means lower bills, less wear and longer lifespan for your equipment. 4. Maintain Comfort Without the “Blasting Heat” Mentality The cooler weather gives you the chance to focus on long-term comfort and system health instead of emergency fixes. It’s easier and more cost-effective to optimize now than wait until the first cold snap or the next heavy duty cooling cycle. Address small issues now (noises, uneven temps, unexpected fan run) before they escalate. Consider zoning or adjust airflow if some rooms are always colder/warmer — as the outdoor temps moderate, these imbalances become more noticeable. A maintenance check now is not only about “making sure it works,” but about “making sure it works smart.” Why Brian’s Heating & Cooling Is The Local Choice For This Season Local expertise: Serving Lexington, SC since 2005, Brian’s knows how our weather, homes and HVAC systems interact in the Midlands. briansheatingandcooling.com+1 Full-service care: From installation, repair, to preventive maintenance, they’re equipped to optimize every aspect of your HVAC setup — not just “turn on the heat.” Focus on comfort & efficiency: Their approach goes beyond switching modes — it’s about making your system work well for your home in every season. Ready to Make Your Home More Comfortable (and Efficient)? Don’t wait for the first chilly night to realize your system isn’t operating at its best. Contact Brian’s Heating & Cooling at 803-796-1788 or visit our website to schedule a check-in or upgrade discussion . Let them help you move into cooler weather with confidence in your home’s comfort and system performance.
Many homeowners think of HVAC systems as just a way to heat or cool a home. But your HVAC system plays a huge role in indoor air quality, affecting your health, comfort, and even energy bills. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we want Lexington residents to understand how simple maintenance and upgrades can make a big difference indoors. Here are five surprising ways your HVAC system affects the air you breathe. 1. Filters Do More Than Trap Dust While everyone knows filters catch dust, they also help reduce pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. Choosing the right filter and replacing it regularly can dramatically improve indoor air quality. 2. Ductwork Can Harbor Allergens Leaks or buildup in ductwork can circulate dust, allergens, and even bacteria throughout your home. Regular inspections and cleaning keep your air cleaner and your system running efficiently. 3. Humidity Levels Affect Health Your HVAC system influences indoor humidity. Too much humidity can encourage mold growth, while too little can dry out skin and sinuses. Proper system settings and accessories like humidifiers or dehumidifiers can maintain a healthy balance. 4. Vent Placement Matters Furniture, curtains, or blocked vents can reduce airflow and cause stagnant areas where dust and allergens accumulate. A properly designed and maintained system ensures even airflow, which keeps air fresher throughout your home. 5. Smart HVAC Upgrades Make a Difference Upgrading to higher-efficiency filters, air purifiers, or even a smart thermostat can enhance your indoor air quality. Modern HVAC technology monitors air quality and adjusts airflow to optimize comfort and health. Check out some of the smart thermostats we carry and install today! Your HVAC system is more than just heating and cooling—it’s a key part of your home’s air quality. For residents in Lexington, SC, understanding these factors and taking proactive steps can create a healthier, more comfortable living space. If you want Brian’s Heating & Cooling to inspect your system or recommend air quality improvements, call us at 803‑796‑1788 or schedule a service online today.