Category: Maintenance Tips

Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating, Maintenance Tips

The Fall Energy Tune‑Up Checklist for Southern Homeowners

Fall Energy Tune‑Up Checklist for Southern Homeowners

Fall in the South brings unique challenges: warm, humid afternoons can still require cooling, while early cold fronts deliver chilly nights. That seasonal swing places extra stress on your HVAC system. A well-planned fall energy tune-up helps your system handle this dance more efficiently, extends equipment life, and lowers energy costs. Here’s your ultimate, region-specific …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating, Maintenance Tips, Technology

When to Switch from AC to Heat: The Southern Homeowner’s Fall Transition Guide

When to Switch from AC to Heat

As leaves begin to hint at fall and the air takes on a crisp edge, Southern homeowners face one of the trickiest HVAC questions: When do I stop running air conditioning and start heating? In South Carolina, fall can bring dramatic temperature swings — warm days followed by chilly nights. Making the wrong switch too …

Blog, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Understanding MERV Ratings: What They Are and Why They Matter

What are MERV ratings and why do they matter - closeup of HVAC filter

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and your air clean, your HVAC system does a lot of work behind the scenes. From heating and cooling to filtering the air you breathe, every part of the system plays an important role. One key factor in how effectively your system filters air is the MERV …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating, Maintenance Tips

September Weather Swings Make HVAC Maintenance a Must in the South

heat pump maintenance in the south

September in the South is a season of transition. While summer’s intense heat may start to ease, lingering humidity and unpredictable weather patterns can keep your HVAC system working overtime. Homeowners across Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina often find themselves switching from cooling to heating in the same week. These temperature swings …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating, Maintenance Tips

The Importance of Regular Air Filter Changes for Your HVAC System

The Importance of Regular Air Filter Changes for Your HVAC System

In South Carolina’s hot, humid climate, having a well-functioning air conditioning system isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. While there are many components that contribute to the performance of your HVAC system, one of the simplest and most impactful maintenance tasks is changing your air filter regularly. Often overlooked, this quick and affordable task plays …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Heating, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Why Keeping Your Vents Open Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

Why Keeping Your Vents Open Matters for Home Comfort and Efficiency

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient, your HVAC system does a lot of heavy lifting. But did you know that something as simple as a blocked or closed vent can undo much of that hard work? Whether you’re trying to lower your energy bills or just want a consistent temperature throughout …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Maintenance Tips

Stay Cool & Keep Your AC Running Strong During the Heat Wave

Stay Cool & Keep Your AC Running Strong During the Heat Wave

The South is no stranger to scorching summers, but when a heat wave hits, it can feel like stepping into an oven every time you walk outside. While you can’t change the weather, you can take steps to stay safe, comfortable, and help your air conditioner work more efficiently through the extreme heat. Whether you’re …

Blog, Maintenance Tips

The Benefits of Howell-Chase’s USA Club for HVAC Maintenance

USA Club - Ultimate Savings Agreement - HVAC maintenance plan

Your heating and cooling system is one of the most important investments you can make in your home. It affects your comfort, your indoor air quality, your energy bills, and even your safety. Yet, far too often, HVAC systems are forgotten until they stop working. One of the smartest ways to prevent unexpected breakdowns and …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Maintenance Tips

Common AC Problems and How to Avoid Them This Summer

avoid problems with your air conditioner by scheduling a maintenance call before the hot summer weather

When the heat of summer rolls in, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important appliances in your home or business. A well-functioning AC keeps your space cool, comfortable, and livable—but when something goes wrong, it can quickly turn into an uncomfortable and expensive situation. At Howell-Chase Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve helped homeowners …

Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Allergy Season in the South: How Your HVAC Can Help

How Your HVAC System Can Help During Allergy Season

Springtime is a season of blooming flowers, longer days, and unfortunately, an abundance of allergens in the air. Pollen, mold spores, and dust mites thrive in the warm, humid conditions, making life miserable for those who suffer from seasonal allergies. While staying indoors might seem like a refuge, allergens can still find their way into …

Articles, Blog, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home Before Summer Hits

controlling humidity levels in your home

As summer approaches in the South, the combination of high temperatures and intense humidity can make indoor spaces feel sticky, uncomfortable, and downright unbearable. Excess humidity doesn’t just affect comfort levels—it can also lead to mold growth, dust mites, and poor indoor air quality. If you want to keep your home cool, comfortable, and free …

Blog, Maintenance Tips

Preparing Your HVAC System for Storms

prepping HVAC before stormy weather

If you live in the Southern U.S., you know that spring and summer bring more than just heat—they bring storms. From sudden downpours and damaging winds to hail and lightning strikes, severe weather is just part of life in our region. While you may already have a storm kit with flashlights and bottled water ready …

Blog, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Spring Cleaning for Your Air Ducts: Breathe New Life Into Your Southeastern South Carolina & Northeastern Georgia Home

dirty furnace vents and ductwork can adversely affect your home's air quality

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time for a little spring cleaning—starting with your air ducts! Indoor air quality is crucial for maintaining a healthy home, and with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warning that indoor air can be even more polluted than outdoor air, it’s no surprise …

Blog, Maintenance Tips

Spring HVAC Maintenance in Bluffton, South Carolina: Keep Your System Running Efficiently All Season

Heat pump outside of home

As the winter chill fades away and the fresh breeze of spring sets in, homeowners often turn their attention to spring cleaning. However, one essential task that should be at the top of your seasonal to-do list is HVAC maintenance. A well-maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ensures that your home stays comfortable, …

Blog, Heating, Maintenance Tips, Plumbing

Cold Weather in South Carolina: Stay Warm and Comfortable This Winter

man wearing a coat sitting on a sofa shivering from cold

While South Carolina winters are relatively mild, the chillier months can still bring cold nights and frosty mornings that make a warm home essential. Whether you’re in the Upstate, the Midlands, or closer to the Lowcountry, having a reliable heating system is the key to keeping your family cozy. At Howell-Chase Heating and Air Conditioning …