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
Summer in Lexington, SC can be brutally hot and humid — and the last thing you want is for your air conditioner to fail just when you need it most. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we want to help you stay cool and comfortable all summer long. Here’s a quick checklist to make sure your AC is ready for the South Carolina heat. ✅ 1. Check and Replace Your Air Filter One of the easiest — and most important — things you can do is replace your HVAC filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency, and can put unnecessary strain on your system. We recommend checking your filter every month and replacing it at least every 60–90 days. ✅ 2. Inspect Your Thermostat Make sure your thermostat is working properly and set to “cool.” If you’re still using an older manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to save energy and improve comfort. ✅ 3. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit Your outdoor AC unit needs room to breathe. Clear away leaves, grass clippings, and any other debris within a two-foot radius. Trim back any bushes or shrubs that may be too close to the unit. ✅ 4. Check Air Vents and Registers Walk through your home and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed. Blocked vents can lead to uneven cooling and increased energy bills. ✅ 5. Listen for Strange Noises If your AC is making unusual sounds like banging, grinding, or squealing, that could be a sign something is wrong. Don’t wait — schedule a service call with our team before a small issue turns into a major repair. ✅ 6. Test the System Before Peak Heat Turn your system on before the hottest days arrive to make sure it’s cooling properly. If you notice weak airflow, warm air, or the system isn’t turning on at all, give us a call right away. ✅ 7. Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up An annual maintenance check from Brian’s Heating & Cooling can extend the life of your system, improve efficiency, and catch small problems before they become big headaches. Our AC tune-ups include a full inspection, refrigerant check, coil cleaning, and more. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late — Call Brian’s Heating & Cooling Today! Whether you need a quick repair, routine maintenance, or a full AC replacement, Brian’s Heating & Cooling is here to keep Lexington homes cool and comfortable all summer long. Give us a call at 803-796-1788 or schedule your AC tune-up online today! 📍 Proudly serving Lexington, SC and the surrounding communities with expert HVAC service.
As Lexington temperatures start warming up in mid-spring, it's a great time to take a look at one of the most overlooked parts of your HVAC system—your thermostat. Upgrading to a smart thermostat now can help you save energy, improve comfort, and prepare for the summer heat. At Brian's Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help you get the most out of your home’s climate control. Benefits of Upgrading Your Thermostat in the Spring Lower Energy Bills All Season Long Smart thermostats automatically learn your schedule and adjust your HVAC usage to save energy. By upgrading now, you'll maximize savings through the hottest months of the year. Greater Comfort and Control Whether you're home or away, smart thermostats give you remote access from your phone. You can adjust your home's temperature on the go and make sure it’s always just right when you arrive. Catch Issues Before Summer Arrives If your current thermostat isn’t working as it should—like not maintaining temperature or causing frequent cycling—it can lead to stress on your HVAC system. Upgrading now helps avoid unexpected breakdowns when you need cool air the most. Easy Integration with Smart Home Systems Spring is a great time for home improvement projects, and upgrading your thermostat is a simple step toward a smarter home. Many smart thermostats integrate seamlessly with voice assistants and other smart devices. Trust Brian’s Heating & Cooling for a Seamless Upgrade Our expert team can recommend and install the best thermostat for your home, whether you're looking for simple energy savings or full smart home integration. We’ll walk you through the features and ensure it works perfectly with your current HVAC system. Ready to upgrade your comfort this spring? Call Brian’s Heating & Cooling today to schedule your thermostat installation in Lexington, SC. Let’s get your home ready for a cool, energy-efficient summer! Check out our thermostat product page to learn more about some of the smart thermostats we carry and install here at Brian's Heating & Cooling in Lexington, SC.
As the weather starts to warm up, it’s the perfect time to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming spring season. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we understand how crucial it is to ensure your HVAC system is running smoothly as you transition from chilly winter temperatures to the comfort of warmer spring days. Here are some essential tips to get your HVAC system ready for the season: 1. Replace Your Air Filters Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of HVAC inefficiency. As your system works harder during the changing seasons, it’s vital to replace the air filters to improve airflow and indoor air quality. This simple task can also reduce strain on your system and help avoid costly repairs down the line. 2. Check Your Thermostat Spring means fluctuating temperatures, so make sure your thermostat is working properly. Test it by setting it a few degrees higher than your current temperature to ensure it’s maintaining a comfortable level. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better energy efficiency and easier control of your home’s temperature. 3. Clean and Inspect Vents and Ductwork Dust, debris, and allergens can accumulate in your ducts over time, affecting your system’s performance. Make sure to clean all vents and inspect your ductwork for any leaks or blockages. If necessary, schedule a professional duct cleaning to ensure that air flows freely throughout your home. 4. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Spring is the ideal time to schedule a professional HVAC tune-up. A certified technician can inspect your system for potential issues, clean key components, and perform necessary maintenance to keep your system running efficiently throughout the season. Regular tune-ups can extend the life of your HVAC system and prevent unexpected breakdowns. 5. Test Your AC System Before the hot summer months hit, it’s important to test your air conditioning system. Turn it on to ensure it’s cooling your home effectively. If you notice any strange noises, poor airflow, or insufficient cooling, call a professional to inspect and repair your AC system before the summer heat sets in. 6. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit Your outdoor unit is just as important as the one inside. Ensure that the area around your outdoor condenser unit is free of debris like leaves, dirt, and branches. Proper airflow is essential for the efficiency of the system, and clearing the area helps your system run at its best. 7. Check Insulation and Seal Leaks Proper insulation helps keep your home at a comfortable temperature without overworking your HVAC system. Check areas like windows, doors, and attics for any leaks or gaps. Sealing these cracks helps prevent energy loss and lowers your energy bills while maintaining your home’s comfort. 8. Consider Upgrading Your HVAC System If your HVAC system is aging or you’ve noticed a significant drop in performance, spring may be the perfect time to consider an upgrade. Newer models are more energy-efficient, quieter, and offer better cooling and heating capabilities, which can save you money in the long run. Check out our products page to learn more about our energy-efficient heating and air conditioning equipment we carry and install here at Brian's Heating & Cooling. By taking the time to prepare your HVAC system for spring, you’ll not only improve your home’s comfort but also increase your system’s longevity and efficiency. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we’re committed to helping you get your HVAC system ready for the warmer months. If you need any assistance or professional maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Stay cool, comfortable, and prepared for spring!