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. …
Category: Maintenance Tips
Why Your Heat Smells Funny When You Turn It 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 …
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, …
The 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 …
When to Switch from AC to Heat: The Southern Homeowner’s Fall Transition Guide
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 …
Understanding MERV Ratings: What They Are and Why They Matter
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 …
September Weather Swings Make HVAC Maintenance a Must 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Benefits of Howell-Chase’s USA Club for HVAC Maintenance
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 …
Common AC Problems and How to Avoid Them This Summer
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 …
Allergy Season in the South: How Your HVAC Can Help
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 …
How to Reduce Humidity in Your Home Before Summer Hits
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 …
Preparing Your HVAC System for Storms
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 …

