Charleston, SC HVAC Service & Installation

When winter arrives in Charleston, SC, the chilly air might prompt you to consider the best way to heat your home. With Charleston’s relatively mild winter climate, you don’t need the same level of heating as folks up north, but you still want a reliable and efficient system to stay comfortable. Two popular heating options are heat pumps and furnaces—but which one is the best choice for Charleston’s mild winters? At Terrace Heating & Air, we’re here to help you compare these options to find what’s right for your home. Understanding Heat Pumps Heat pumps work by transferring heat instead of generating it. In winter, they pull heat from the outdoor air and bring it inside. Because Charleston rarely experiences extreme cold, heat pumps can often find enough warmth in the air to keep your home cozy. They’re highly efficient, especially in mild climates, making them a popular choice in the Southeast. Benefits of a Heat Pump in Charleston: Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps can be three to four times more efficient than traditional electric heating, as they use electricity mainly to move heat, not create it. Dual Functionality: A heat pump can also cool your home in the summer, making it a year-round solution. Environmentally Friendly: Heat pumps produce fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuel-burning systems, making them a more eco-friendly choice. The Pros and Cons of Furnaces Furnaces are a more traditional heating solution, typically using natural gas, oil, or electricity to generate heat. For colder climates, furnaces are often preferred because they can produce higher levels of warmth more quickly. In Charleston, however, the intense heat output of a furnace might be overkill on milder winter days. Benefits of a Furnace in Charleston: Fast Heat Output: When temperatures drop quickly, a furnace can heat your home faster than a heat pump. Warmer Indoor Air: Furnaces deliver higher temperatures at the vent, creating a “warmer” feel compared to heat pumps. Longevity: With proper maintenance, gas furnaces typically have a longer lifespan than most heat pumps, often lasting 20+ years. Challenges of a Furnace in Charleston: Higher Energy Use: Furnaces, particularly electric ones, can be less efficient than heat pumps, leading to higher energy costs. No Cooling Capability: A furnace is only for heating, so you would still need an air conditioning unit to stay cool in the summer. Choosing the Right Option for Your Home Given Charleston’s mild winters, a heat pump might be the better choice for energy efficiency, cost savings, and year-round functionality. Heat pumps can handle Charleston’s winter lows and can be a more economical and eco-friendly solution. However, if you prefer faster heating or already have a furnace that’s in good working order, you may decide to stick with it. If you’re unsure about which system would best meet your needs, our experienced team at Terrace Heating & Air can help. We offer personalized consultations to recommend the ideal heating system for Charleston’s unique climate, your budget, and your comfort preferences. Whether you choose a heat pump or a furnace, we’ll make sure your home stays warm, efficient, and ready for whatever winter brings. Ready to Upgrade or Install a New Heating System? Contact Terrace Heating & Air! Our team at Terrace Heating & Air is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the best heating solution for your Charleston home. Check out our products page to learn more about some of the energy efficient heat pumps and furnaces we carry and install here at Terrace Heating & Air in Charleston, SC!

As the summer heat starts to fade and the cooler breezes of fall make their way to Charleston, now is the perfect time to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the change in seasons. At Terrace Heating & Air, we know how important it is for Charleston homeowners to transition smoothly from cooling to heating without any interruptions. With some simple maintenance steps, you can make sure your system performs efficiently all season long, keeping your home comfortable while also saving on energy costs. 1. Change Your Air Filters The transition to fall is an ideal time to replace your HVAC filters. After working overtime during the hot summer months, filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, and debris. Dirty filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder than it needs to. Swapping out your filters ensures better air quality and allows your HVAC system to function efficiently. 2. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Regular HVAC maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of your system, especially after a busy summer cooling season. A professional tune-up from Terrace Heating & Air will include inspecting the system for potential issues, lubricating moving parts, tightening electrical connections, and testing overall performance. This preventive measure will help avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your system is prepared for the colder weather ahead. 3. Check Your Thermostat Settings With cooler temperatures approaching, it’s time to adjust your thermostat settings for fall. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat. These devices allow you to set temperature schedules that align with your daily routine, helping to reduce energy usage and save on your utility bills. 4. Inspect Your Outdoor Unit Charleston’s humid and coastal climate can cause wear and tear on your HVAC’s outdoor unit. Take a moment to check the outdoor condenser for any signs of damage, debris, or overgrown vegetation. Clear away any leaves, dirt, or branches that may have gathered around the unit, as this can block airflow and reduce efficiency. 5. Seal Air Leaks Fall is also a great time to check your home for drafts or leaks around doors, windows, and vents. Sealing these gaps with weather stripping or caulking will prevent warm air from escaping and keep your HVAC system from working harder to maintain a consistent temperature. 6. Test Your Heating System Before the first cold snap hits Charleston, it’s wise to test your heating system. Turn on your furnace or heat pump and let it run for a bit to ensure it’s operating properly. If you notice any unusual noises, smells, or lack of warmth, give Terrace Heating & Air a call to address the issue before the cooler temperatures arrive. 7. Check Your Ductwork Over the summer, your ducts may accumulate dust, debris, or even mold due to Charleston’s humid climate. Clean ducts improve airflow and indoor air quality while helping your HVAC system run more efficiently. If you suspect your ductwork needs cleaning or repairs, contact our team to perform a thorough inspection. By taking a few simple steps to prepare your HVAC system for Charleston’s fall weather, you can ensure your home remains cozy and efficient throughout the season. At Terrace Heating & Air, we’re here to help with all your HVAC maintenance needs. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, a new thermostat, or repairs, our experienced team is just a call away. Don’t wait until the cold sets in—schedule your fall maintenance with us today! Visit our contact page to schedule your next heating and air conditioning maintenance service.