Category: Blog

Blog, Maintenance Tips

Why You Should Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Before Winter

Check Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Before Winter

As cooler weather moves in, homeowners begin relying more heavily on their heating systems, fireplaces, gas appliances, and water heaters. While these systems keep your home warm and comfortable, they also increase the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during the winter months. Carbon monoxide is one of the most silent and dangerous home hazards. …

Blog, Heating, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Why Your Heat Smells Funny When You Turn It On

heat smells funny when furnace is turned on

When the temperatures start to dip and homeowners switch their HVAC systems from cooling to heating, it’s common to notice unexpected smells coming from the vents. And while some of these odors are nothing to worry about, others can signal maintenance issues or safety hazards that shouldn’t be ignored. Understanding what’s normal — and what …

Blog, Indoor Air Quality, Maintenance Tips

Mold in Air Vents: Causes, Cleaning, and Prevention Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Mold in Air Vents - Causes, Cleaning, and Prevention Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

If you’ve ever noticed a musty odor when your AC kicks on, you’re not imagining it. That damp, earthy scent often points to mold inside the HVAC system—clinging to vent covers, lining ducts, or growing in the condensate pan where moisture collects. Because your system circulates air through the entire home, spores can spread quickly, …

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, Indoor Air Quality

How Heat Affects Airflow, Filtration, and Comfort

The Impact of High Outdoor Temperatures on Indoor Air Quality – How Heat Affects Airflow, Filtration, and Comfort

Introduction During the hot, humid summers typical of the South, soaring outdoor temperatures can have a significant impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). While many homeowners focus on keeping their homes cool, it’s easy to overlook how the intense heat and sticky humidity affect airflow, filtration, and overall indoor comfort. Understanding the connection between Southern …

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 …

Air Conditioning, Blog

Why Is My A/C System So Loud? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Why Is My A/C System So Loud? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

Living in the South, we rely on our air conditioners almost year-round. With high humidity and soaring summer temperatures, your A/C is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. But when your air conditioner starts making loud or unusual noises, it can be disruptive, irritating, and even a sign of a bigger issue. At Howell-Chase Heating …

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

Fix Uneven Cooling in Your Home for a More Comfortable Summer

Fix Uneven Cooling in Your Home for a More Comfortable Summer

Have you ever noticed that some rooms in your home feel like a walk-in freezer while others feel like a sauna? Uneven cooling is a common problem for homeowners—especially during the heat of summer—and it can make your home uncomfortable, inefficient, and frustrating to manage. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to fix …

Blog, Geothermal

Stay Cool the Smart Way this Summer with Geothermal HVAC

Geothermal HVAC

When summer temperatures soar, most homeowners turn to traditional air conditioning systems to keep their homes comfortable. But what if there were a smarter, more efficient, and eco-friendly way to stay cool? Enter geothermal HVAC systems—a technology that harnesses the earth’s stable underground temperature to deliver reliable and sustainable cooling all summer long. How Geothermal …