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!
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!