Should You Update Your Thermostat?
info • November 1, 2019
Not many people realize how beneficial an upgrade to their thermostat can be for their comfort, wallet and heating and air conditioning system. If you have been using a manual thermostat for your whole life, it’s time to upgrade to a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat. These handy gadgets are an important and valuable investment for any homeowner here in Lexington, South Carolina. Perhaps you don’t know what a programmable or smart thermostat is? No worries, that’s where the Brian’s Heating and Cooling team can come in to help:
Programmable Thermostat:
A programmable thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature at any hour of any day. It is literally “programmable” meaning you can have it set to change temperatures at a certain time of day on a specific day. These types of thermostats are great for those who have a pretty typical schedule and don’t want to constantly manually manipulate their thermostat to save money and improve comfort. They can create the optimal environment when you’re at home and need to benefit from your HVAC’s system the most. A programmable thermostat is great for those who are looking to save some energy, optimize their home’s comfort level and worry less about constantly changing your thermostat to fit your schedule.
Smart Thermostat:
A smart thermostat is very similar to a programmable thermostat. You still have the ability to “program” your thermostat to be a specific temperature at a specific time of day. You also have to ability to access and manipulate your thermostat through your mobile phone, desktop and/or tablet. Your smart thermostat connects to your home Wi-Fi, hence the name “smart”. Additionally, your smart thermostat has learning capabilities meaning it will literally learn your schedule and your heating and cooling patterns and will change temperatures to improve your comfort and your efficiency. Some thermostats even send you statistics on how your HVAC system is working as a whole and information on how you can save even more money and run your HVAC system even more efficiently.
Benefits:
-Energy Savings
The energy savings comes more into play during the severe seasons like summer and winter. Why would you want your heat or air to be running full blast when you aren’t even home to enjoy the comfort. Programming your HVAC system to run on full blast when you are there is so important when it comes to energy savings. Save energy and money by switching to a programmable or smart thermostat.
-Improved Comfort
Your improved comfort plays off of the energy savings benefit. When you are able to program your system to turn on and off when you are home, you will notice an increase in your comfort. You no longer have to turn off your heating unit before you leave for the day, come back and it be cold while you wait for your home to heat up. A programmable and smart thermostat changes this for you.
-Convenience
Last but not least, convenience. A programmable and smart thermostat are the most convenient thermostats you can choose. You don’t have to touch them every day, even every week. If you have a smart thermostat and you are 1500 miles away from home but what to change the thermostat, you have the power to do so. If you are interested in purchasing and installing a brand new thermostat in your home today, give the Brian's Heating and Cooling team a call today! We are happy to help the people of the greater Lexington, South Carolina area.
If you’ve lived in Lexington, SC for long, you know spring doesn’t stay mild for very long. One day feels cool and breezy — the next feels hot, humid, and sticky. And while most homeowners think about their HVAC system mainly in terms of temperature, your system also plays a major role in controlling humidity inside your home. At Brian's Heating & Cooling, we often hear homeowners say things like: “My house feels damp even when the AC is running.” “The temperature says 72°, but it still feels uncomfortable.” “Why does my home feel sticky this time of year?” The answer is usually humidity — and spring in South Carolina is the perfect time for these issues to show up. Why Spring Humidity Matters in Lexington, SC As outdoor temperatures rise, moisture levels in the air increase too. Your air conditioner naturally removes some humidity during the cooling process, but if your system isn’t operating efficiently, excess moisture can linger inside your home. Too much indoor humidity can lead to: Sticky or clammy indoor air Musty odors Increased allergy symptoms Poor sleep and comfort Mold or mildew growth Higher energy bills Even worse, high humidity can make your home feel warmer than it actually is — causing you to lower the thermostat and put extra strain on your HVAC system. Signs Your HVAC System May Not Be Managing Humidity Properly Not sure if humidity is becoming a problem in your home? Here are a few common warning signs: 1. Your Home Feels Muggy If the air feels heavy or damp, your system may not be removing enough moisture during cooling cycles. 2. Condensation Around Windows Foggy windows or moisture buildup can indicate excess humidity indoors. 3. Musty Smells A damp smell near vents, closets, or certain rooms could mean moisture is lingering too long. 4. Uneven Comfort Some rooms may feel cooler while others still feel sticky or warm. 5. Your AC Runs Constantly An oversized or struggling system may cool quickly without properly dehumidifying the air. How To Improve Indoor Comfort This Spring The good news is there are several ways to improve humidity control and overall comfort in your Lexington home. Replace Your Air Filter Regularly Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder. A clean filter helps maintain proper airflow and system efficiency. Keep Vents Open & Unblocked Blocked vents can reduce circulation and create uneven humidity throughout the home. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat Modern thermostats can help manage temperature and humidity more efficiently, especially during unpredictable spring weather. Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance A professional tune-up allows technicians to inspect airflow, coils, refrigerant levels, and drainage systems — all of which impact humidity control. Consider a Whole-Home Dehumidifier For homes that constantly struggle with excess moisture, a dedicated dehumidifier can dramatically improve comfort and indoor air quality. Don’t Wait Until Summer Heat Arrives Spring is one of the best times to address comfort issues before the intense South Carolina summer arrives. If your home already feels sticky now, those problems will likely become worse once temperatures climb into the 90s. At Brian's Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners throughout Lexington and the Midlands stay comfortable with expert HVAC maintenance, repairs, and indoor air quality solutions designed for South Carolina’s climate. If your home feels humid, uncomfortable, or your AC system isn’t keeping up, now is the perfect time to schedule a professional inspection before summer arrives. Call Brian’s Heating & Cooling today at 803-796-1788 to keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable all season long.
If you’ve recently turned on your air conditioner and noticed a strange smell, you’re not alone. Every spring, homeowners in Lexington, SC start up their AC systems for the first time in months—and quickly realize something doesn’t smell right. At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we get frequent calls this time of year about AC odors, and while some are harmless, others can point to bigger HVAC issues. Here’s what those smells mean—and when it’s time to call for AC repair in Lexington, SC. Why Does My AC Smell When I Turn It On? When your air conditioner sits unused during the winter, dust, moisture, and even bacteria can build up inside the system. Once you turn it back on in the spring, those odors get pushed through your vents and into your home. In Lexington’s humid climate, this buildup can happen quickly, making spring the most common time for air conditioner smell issues. Common AC Smells and What They Mean Musty Smell from AC Vents If your AC smells musty, it’s usually caused by moisture buildup in your system. This can lead to mold or mildew growth in areas like your evaporator coil or drain line. Burning Smell When AC Turns On A slight burning smell when you first turn on your AC can be normal—it’s often just dust burning off internal components. However, if the smell continues, it could signal an electrical issue and may require HVAC repair in Lexington, SC. Dirty Sock Smell from Air Conditioner This unpleasant smell is often caused by bacteria buildup on your evaporator coil—a common issue in humid areas like the Midlands. If your AC smells like dirty socks, it’s time for a professional cleaning. Chemical Smell from AC Unit A strong chemical or sweet smell could indicate a refrigerant leak. This is not something to ignore and should be addressed by a licensed technician right away. Burning Plastic or Electrical Smell If you notice a sharp, electrical odor, turn off your system immediately. This could be a wiring issue and requires immediate attention. How to Get Rid of AC Smells If you’re dealing with a smelly AC unit, here are a few steps you can take: Replace your air filter to improve airflow and reduce odors Check your thermostat settings to ensure proper system operation Clear debris from your outdoor unit Schedule a professional HVAC tune-up Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent AC odor problems and improve your system’s performance. When to Call for AC Repair in Lexington, SC While some smells are temporary, others shouldn’t be ignored. You should contact a professional if: The smell doesn’t go away after a few hours Your home feels humid or uncomfortable You notice reduced airflow or cooling performance The odor is strong, chemical, or electrical Catching these issues early can help prevent costly repairs later—especially before the peak summer heat hits Lexington. Trusted AC Service in Lexington, SC At Brian’s Heating & Cooling, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing air conditioner odor issues quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more complex repair, our team is here to help keep your home comfortable and your air clean. If your AC smells off this spring, don’t wait— schedule your service today and get ahead of the summer rush.
As February winds down here in Lexington, SC, we’re in that familiar South Carolina transition period—cool mornings, mild afternoons, and just enough chilly nights to keep the heat running. Before you know it, spring pollen will arrive and air conditioners will start working overtime. This “in-between” season is actually one of the most important times of year for your HVAC system. A little attention now can help prevent breakdowns when temperatures (and humidity) climb. Here’s what Lexington homeowners should be thinking about as we head toward spring. Don’t Wait for the First Hot Day to Test Your AC Many homeowners don’t realize their air conditioner has an issue until the first warm day hits—and by then, HVAC companies across Lexington are already busy. Now is the perfect time to: Turn your AC on briefly to ensure it’s running smoothly Listen for unusual sounds Check that cool air is coming from vents Make sure your thermostat switches properly between heating and cooling If something seems off, addressing it early is almost always faster and less stressful than waiting for a 85° afternoon in April. Replace Your Air Filter Before Pollen Season Hits If you’ve lived in the Midlands for even one spring, you know what’s coming: pollen everywhere. That yellow-green dust doesn’t just coat your car—it also impacts your indoor air quality. Replacing your HVAC air filter now helps: Improve airflow and system efficiency Reduce dust and allergens inside your home Protect your system from strain Keep indoor air cleaner during peak pollen weeks For most homes, changing filters every 1–3 months is ideal. If you have pets, allergies, or a larger household, you may benefit from more frequent changes. Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Matters in South Carolina South Carolina’s humidity and long cooling season put a lot of stress on air conditioning systems. A spring tune-up helps ensure your system is ready for months of steady use. Professional maintenance typically includes: Cleaning coils and components Checking refrigerant levels Inspecting electrical connections Testing thermostat operation Ensuring proper airflow and efficiency Catching small issues now can prevent larger repairs—or even system failures—once temperatures rise. Heat Pump Owners: Pay Attention to the Transition If your home uses a heat pump, this time of year is especially important. Your system will soon switch from heating mode to cooling mode for the long haul. A seasonal check can confirm: The reversing valve is working properly Defrost and cooling functions are operating correctly Airflow is balanced throughout your home Ensuring everything transitions smoothly now helps avoid performance issues later in spring and summer. Think Ahead Before the Busy Season Once warmer weather arrives in Lexington, HVAC service schedules fill up quickly. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility and peace of mind. Whether your system needs a quick check, seasonal maintenance , or you’ve noticed it struggling during temperature swings, late winter is one of the best times to take care of it. Brian’s Heating & Cooling is proud to serve homeowners throughout Lexington and the surrounding Midlands with reliable, honest HVAC service. If you want to head into spring confident your system is ready, our team is here to help keep your home comfortable all season long.