Category: Blog

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 …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Maintenance Tips

5 Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Low on Refrigerant

5 Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner is Low on Refrigerant

As the summer heat intensifies, your air conditioner becomes your home’s primary defense against high temperatures. But what happens when that comfort begins to falter? If your home feels warmer than usual or your energy bills are creeping upward, your system might be low on refrigerant—a critical substance in the cooling process. Running your air …

Air Conditioning, Blog, Technology

Smart Summer Cooling: How to Set Your Thermostat for Comfort and Savings in the South

adjust your thermostat for smart summer cooling

If you’ve ever spent a summer in the south, you know just how essential it is to have a dependable air conditioning system. Even the most efficient HVAC unit can’t shield you from the shock of a sky-high electric bill after a month of nonstop cooling. Thankfully, there are strategies you can adopt to stay …

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 …

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, Technology

Smart Thermostats: Do They Really Save You Money?

smart thermostat - woman using smart phone app to operate her HVAC unit

With rising energy costs and increasing interest in energy-efficient home solutions, many homeowners are considering smart thermostats as a way to cut down on their monthly bills. These high-tech devices promise to optimize heating and cooling, offering convenience and cost savings. But do smart thermostats really save you money? And if so, how? Let’s explore …

Air Conditioning, Blog

When to Replace Your AC Unit: A Guide to Repair vs. Replacement

HVAC service technician checking AC unit using manometer gauge

Your air conditioning system is essential for maintaining a comfortable home, but like all appliances, it won’t last forever. At some point, you’ll face a critical decision: should you repair your unit or replace it entirely? Making the right choice can save you money, improve energy efficiency, and enhance your home’s overall comfort. Below, we’ll …

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 …