How to Keep Your Home Comfortable & Efficient During the Holiday Season in Lexington, SC
Rachel Eppley • December 18, 2025
The holidays are here in Lexington — and that means cozy gatherings, delicious meals, and (often) a full house! While your HVAC system has likely already transitioned to heating mode, this time of year comes with its own challenges: fluctuating indoor temperatures, extra foot traffic, and the heavy use of kitchens and ovens that can throw off your home’s comfort balance.
At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we want you to enjoy a comfortable home without draining energy or stressing your system. Here’s how to make the most of your heating system this holiday season — whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just trying to stay cozy all winter long.
1. Balance Comfort With Efficiency
When guests arrive, everyone has their own comfort preference — which can lead to thermostat wars! Instead of constantly adjusting the thermostat, try this:
- Set your thermostat at a comfortable base temperature (around 68–70°F is usually ideal for winter in South Carolina).
- Use zoned heating and programmable thermostats to keep main gathering areas comfortable while reducing output in unused rooms.
- If you have a smart thermostat, program temporary schedules for anticipated guest times.
This helps reduce energy waste while keeping your home cozy when it matters most.
2. Understand How Kitchen Use Affects Heating
Holiday meals mean ovens running for hours — and that extra heat can actually confuse your thermostat. When the oven is on:
- Warm air from the kitchen can signal your thermostat that the whole house is warm, causing the heat to kick off prematurely.
- To prevent this, make sure the thermostat isn’t placed directly near the kitchen or stove area.
- If you notice the heat cycling off and on more than usual, consider placing a small fan or moving the thermostat’s signal path slightly to avoid false readings.
3. Close Off Unused Spaces
With guests spread across rooms, it’s easy to overlook bedrooms or spaces no one uses during a gathering. Closing vents and doors in those areas can:
- Improve airflow where it’s needed most
- Reduce heating zones that no one is using
- Lower your overall energy usage
Just be sure not to close more than 20–30% of your vents — too many closed vents can create pressure imbalances and restrict airflow.
4. Keep Airflow Clear
Holiday décor and extra seating can sometimes block vents or registers. Before company arrives:
- Make sure all vents are visible and unobstructed
- Keep furniture and holiday decorations at least a few inches away from vents
- Let warm air circulate freely to avoid cold spots
This helps your HVAC system heat evenly and efficiently throughout your home.
5. When to Call Brian’s Heating & Cooling
If your heating system struggles to keep up during gatherings — or if you notice odd noises, uneven temperatures, or higher-than-usual energy costs — it may be time for professional help. Our technicians can:
- Check airflow & duct performance
- Ensure your system is properly sized for your home
- Tune and optimize your heating ahead of the coldest months
That way, you can focus on turkey, family, and holiday cheer — not thermostat stress!
Make Your Home Holiday-Ready
The holidays are about comfort, warmth, and time with loved ones. With strategic thermostat use, clear airflow, and a well-maintained heating system, your home can stay comfortable and efficient all season long. If you’d like professional advice or a winter system checkup, call Brian’s Heating & Cooling at 803-796-1788. We’re here to keep your Lexington home warm, welcoming, and ready for any celebration! To learn more about how we can keep your Lexington, SC home warm and comfortable all winter long, check out our heating services today.
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.