What Heating Unit is Right for Your Home?
info • February 12, 2020
With a little over a month left of the winter season, it’s still not too late to talk about your heating system. Do you know what kind of heating system/unit you have? Do you know the difference between a furnace and a heat pump? If not don’t worry, that’s why Brian’s Heating & Cooling is here. The world of heating and air conditioning is confusing and we want our customers to be informed so you can make the best decision for you, your family, and your home. Below we will discuss some of the major differences between heat pumps and furnaces so you can have a better idea on which one is right for you!
Furnaces
A furnace is probably the first thing you think of when you think about a heating unit because that is its sole purpose, to warm and heat your home. A furnace generates heat by burning fuel such as natural gas or oil. They then blow that heat through your ductwork to deliver it throughout your home. Thanks to new technology, furnaces are now energy efficient with efficiency rates as high as 98%. Because a furnace generates heat on its own, it can heat your home no matter what the temperature is outside.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are quite different than furnaces in many ways. First off, heat pumps can heat and cool your home. That means a heat pump acts as a two-in-one heater and air conditioner. Because of this, heat pumps are extremely energy efficient. Instead of generating heat like a furnace does, a heat pump moves heat. It draws heat from outside then delivers it to your home in the winter to provide you with warm comfort.
Which One Is Best?
So now you’re probably wondering which heating unit is best for your Lexington, South Carolina home. Well, that largely depends on you and your unique circumstances. Do you have access to natural gas? Did you just install a brand new air conditioner? If so, a furnace may be the best option for you and your home. If you don’t have access to natural gas and you’re looking for an extremely energy efficient unit, a heat pump may be your best option. If you need help upgrading your heating system, give Brian’s Heating & Cooling a call today. Our HVAC experts are here to help you find out which option is best for you and your home!
As August winds down in Lexington, SC, and the oppressive summer heat finally begins to ease, it’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief. But for your HVAC system, now is a prime time—not to rest, but to get ahead. Late summer tune-ups can help reset your system, head off lingering stress from the hottest months, and prepare you for the seasonal transitions ahead. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we recommend taking advantage of this breather to optimize performance, prevent breakdowns, and safeguard your comfort and energy savings well into the fall. Why an August Tune-Up Makes Sense 1. Beat the Fall Rush Once the cool air hits in mid-September, homeowners begin scheduling maintenance en masse. Booking now means you’ll avoid long waits and get prompt service from our team when you need it most. 2. Repair Summer Wear & Tear From hefty runtime to clogged filters and stressed-out components, summer can wear your system down—even if it’s still running. A late-summer inspection helps us catch minor issues—like loose belts, dirty coils, or failing capacitors—before they lead to costly repairs in the fall. 3. Improve Transition Performance As we shift toward milder days, your system must alternate between cooling and occasional dehumidifying or fan-only modes. A pre-transition tune-up ensures smooth switching, preventing odd noises, short cycling, or inefficiencies. 4. Lock in Efficiency & Lower Bills Optimized systems run more efficiently. We’ll clean coils, check refrigerant, lubricate moving parts, and calibrate airflow—actions that cut strain and energy usage as you move into the next season. 5. Extend Lifespan & Protect Investment Routine care now pays off in system longevity. Taking care of wear and tear reduces stress on major components, helping your AC—and the rest of your HVAC—last longer and stay reliable into the cooler months. What a Late-Summer Tune-Up Includes Safety & Performance Inspection – Identify wear, electrical risks, or airflow issues before they worsen. Deep Cleaning (Coils, Filters, Drain Lines) – Restores airflow, reduces microbial buildup, and prevents system blockages. Refrigerant & System Pressure Check – Ensures optimal cooling power and prevents freezing or inefficiency. Calibration of Thermostat & Controls – Ensures seamless transitions between modes and accurate temperature control. Lubrication & Component Tightening – Keeps moving parts running smoothly and safely. Operational Test Run in Cooling & Fan Modes – Confirms proper functionality before seasonal changes hit. Ready for a Cooler, Smarter Fall? August may still feel sweltering—but it’s the perfect window to give your system the attention it deserves. Contact Brian’s Heating & Cooling today to schedule your late-summer HVAC tune-up in Lexington, SC. We'll make sure your system transitions into fall smoothly, efficiently, and reliably—so you’re never caught off guard when the seasons change. Check out our maintenance service page to learn more about how we can keep your heating and air conditioning equipment running effectively and efficiently all year long.
Summer is in full swing here in Lexington, SC, and that means your air conditioning system is working harder than ever. With the combination of high heat, humidity, and constant usage, HVAC issues are more common this time of year—and we’ve been busy helping homeowners across the area stay cool and comfortable. Here are the top 5 HVAC repairs we’re seeing this summer, and what you can do to avoid them. 1. Refrigerant Leaks Low refrigerant levels are one of the most common summer problems we see. Over time, small leaks can develop in the system, leading to reduced cooling, longer run times, and increased energy bills. Signs to watch for: Warm air blowing from vents AC running nonstop Hissing or bubbling sounds near the outdoor unit Our fix: We locate and seal the leak, recharge your system with the correct amount of refrigerant, and make sure everything is running at peak efficiency. 2. Clogged Condensate Drain Lines Lexington’s humidity causes your AC to remove a lot of moisture from the air. That water drains through a condensate line, which can become clogged with algae or debris, leading to water damage or system shutdowns. Symptoms include: Water pooling around your indoor unit Musty odors Sudden AC shutoff We can clear the blockage and get your system draining properly to prevent future issues. 3. Dirty Air Filters It may seem simple, but dirty or clogged filters are behind many of the service calls we handle in the summer. Poor airflow puts extra strain on your system, reduces cooling performance, and can even cause your evaporator coil to freeze. What to look for: Weak airflow Uneven cooling in rooms Higher energy bills Tip: Check and replace your air filter every 1–2 months—especially during the summer. 4. Electrical Component Failures Summer heat can stress key components like capacitors and contactors, causing them to overheat or fail. When this happens, your AC may not start or may shut off unexpectedly. Common signs: Clicking or buzzing noises AC won’t turn on Short cycling (frequent starting and stopping) We carry replacement parts on our trucks and can usually fix these issues quickly. 5. Frozen Evaporator Coils Yes, it sounds odd in the middle of summer—but frozen coils are more common than you think. Poor airflow or low refrigerant can cause the coil to freeze, stopping your system from cooling your home. Watch for: Ice buildup on the indoor unit Reduced airflow AC runs but doesn’t cool the home We’ll diagnose the cause, safely defrost your unit, and make any necessary repairs. Don’t Sweat It—Call Your Local HVAC Experts in Lexington At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we’re proud to serve homeowners across Lexington and the Midlands with honest, fast, and dependable HVAC service. Whether you’re dealing with a small issue or a full system breakdown, we’re here to help. 📞 Call us today or schedule your service online to stay cool and comfortable all summer long!
When summer hits Lexington, SC, the heat and humidity can be relentless—and the last thing you want is your air conditioner blowing warm air. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we hear this complaint all too often during peak summer months. If your AC isn’t keeping your home cool and comfortable, there could be several common issues at play. Let’s break down the most frequent reasons your AC might be blowing warm air—and what you can do about it. 1. Your Thermostat Is Set Incorrectly It may sound obvious, but we always start here. If your thermostat is accidentally set to “heat” instead of “cool”, your AC will blow warm air. Double-check the settings, and make sure the fan is set to “auto” instead of “on” (which can circulate warm air when the system isn’t actively cooling). 2. Refrigerant Levels Are Low or Leaking Refrigerant is the substance your AC uses to absorb heat and cool your home. If your system is low on refrigerant—or if there’s a leak—your AC won’t be able to cool properly. This is not a DIY fix. Call a licensed HVAC technician in Lexington to inspect and recharge the system if needed. Pro Tip: Refrigerant issues often come with other symptoms like hissing noises, ice buildup on the coils, or reduced airflow. 3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filters A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing your system to work harder and potentially overheat. When this happens, the system may blow warm or room-temperature air. We recommend replacing your air filter every 1–3 months, especially during the summer when your AC runs constantly in Lexington’s high humidity. 4. Electrical Issues or Blown Fuses Sometimes, the indoor unit is working, but the outdoor condenser isn’t. This can happen due to a tripped breaker or a blown fuse. If the outdoor unit isn’t running, the system can't complete the cooling cycle—leaving you with warm air. A quick inspection of your circuit breaker panel may reveal the problem. If a fuse has blown or a breaker continues to trip, it's time to call an HVAC professional. 5. Frozen Evaporator Coils Ironically, frozen coils can cause warm air. When the evaporator coil freezes, it can’t absorb heat properly, which interrupts the cooling process. This can be caused by low refrigerant, dirty filters, or blocked airflow. If you notice ice forming on your AC unit, shut it off and contact our Lexington HVAC team right away. 6. A Faulty Compressor The compressor is the heart of your AC system, pumping refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. If the compressor fails, your system can’t cool at all. This is a serious issue that usually requires professional repair or replacement. 7. Poor Maintenance or Lack of Seasonal Tune-Ups Regular HVAC maintenance is essential in Lexington, SC, where AC systems are under constant stress during hot summers. Neglected systems are more prone to breakdowns, warm airflow, and costly repairs. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we offer affordable maintenance plans to keep your system running at peak performance year-round. Check out our maintenance service page to learn more! What Should You Do if Your AC Is Blowing Warm Air? Check the thermostat settings. Inspect your air filter. Ensure the outdoor unit is running. Call a trusted local HVAC company in Lexington, SC. Trust Brian’s Heating & Cooling for Fast, Reliable AC Repairs in Lexington, SC When your AC is blowing warm air in the middle of a South Carolina summer, don’t wait. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we’ve been serving the Lexington community for years with fast, honest, and affordable HVAC service. Whether it’s a refrigerant leak, a dirty coil, or a faulty thermostat, our certified technicians will diagnose and fix the problem quickly—so you can get back to enjoying a cool, comfortable home. 📞 Call us today at 803-796-1788