Charleston, SC HVAC Service & Installation

Winter in Charleston may not bring the freezing temperatures of northern states, but staying warm during the colder months can still be a challenge — and it can come with higher energy bills. At Terrace Heating & Air, we understand the importance of keeping your home comfortable without breaking the bank. Here are some practical tips to save money on heating bills this winter while staying cozy in Charleston's unique climate. 1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up Your heating system works hard to keep you comfortable, and regular maintenance ensures it runs efficiently. A professional tune-up can identify and fix potential issues, improve efficiency, and prevent costly breakdowns. At Terrace Heating & Air, we’re here to keep your HVAC system in peak condition. 2. Seal Drafts and Insulate Drafty windows and doors can let warm air escape, forcing your heater to work overtime. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps around windows and doors. Adding insulation to your attic or crawl space can also prevent heat loss and lower your energy bills. 3. Use a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. Lower the temperature while you’re asleep or away from home to save energy. Smart thermostats even let you adjust settings remotely, giving you more control over your heating costs. Check out some of the smart thermostats we carry and install today! 4. Take Advantage of Charleston’s Sunlight Charleston’s sunny winter days can help naturally heat your home. Open your curtains or blinds during the day to let the sunlight in, and close them at night to keep the warmth inside. 5. Replace or Clean Air Filters Dirty air filters reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency, making it work harder to heat your home. Replace or clean your filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and system performance. 6. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely Ceiling fans aren’t just for summer! Switch them to rotate clockwise during the winter at a low speed. This helps push warm air that rises back down into the living space, improving comfort and reducing heating costs. 7. Bundle Up and Use Space Heaters Strategically Instead of heating the entire house, focus on the rooms you use most. A space heater can keep small areas warm and comfortable without raising the thermostat for your whole home. Remember to use space heaters safely and follow manufacturer guidelines. 8. Upgrade Your Heating System If your heating system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Modern systems are significantly more energy-efficient, which can lead to long-term savings. Our team at Terrace Heating & Air can help you find the right energy-efficient system for your home. 9. Take Advantage of Energy Audits An energy audit can identify areas where your home is losing heat and suggest improvements. Our experts can evaluate your home’s heating efficiency and recommend cost-saving solutions tailored to Charleston’s climate. Conclusion Saving money on heating bills this winter doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. By following these tips and relying on Terrace Heating & Air for professional HVAC services, you can keep your home warm and your energy costs under control. If you’re ready to schedule a tune-up or explore energy-efficient heating solutions, contact us today! Let us help you stay cozy and save money this winter in Charleston.

Living in Charleston, SC, means enjoying mild winters compared to other parts of the country. However, when temperatures drop, having a reliable heating system is essential for keeping your home comfortable. At Terrace Heating & Air, we’ve helped countless Charleston homeowners address common heating problems, and we’re here to help you do the same. Below, we’ll explore some of the most frequent heating issues in Charleston homes and how to prevent them. 1. Uneven Heating Charleston’s older homes often struggle with uneven heating, leaving some rooms feeling too warm while others remain chilly. This issue can stem from poor insulation, leaky ducts, or an improperly sized HVAC system. Prevention Tips: Schedule a professional energy audit to identify insulation or ductwork issues. Seal and insulate your ducts. Ensure your HVAC system is properly sized for your home. 2. Short Cycling Short cycling occurs when your heating system turns on and off frequently without completing a full heating cycle. This not only makes your home less comfortable but also increases energy bills and wear on your system. Prevention Tips: Replace dirty or clogged air filters regularly. Schedule annual maintenance to ensure your system runs efficiently. Consult a professional if your system is oversized or undersized for your home. 3. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems Gas furnaces can experience issues with their pilot light or electronic ignition. If these components malfunction, your furnace may struggle to produce heat. Prevention Tips: Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of debris. Schedule regular inspections to identify and resolve ignition issues early. Contact a professional if you notice persistent problems with your pilot light or ignition system. 4. Thermostat Malfunctions A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your heating system to run inefficiently, leading to inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. Prevention Tips: Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat for better control. Replace batteries in your thermostat regularly. Have a technician inspect and calibrate your thermostat during routine maintenance. 5. Dirty or Clogged Filters One of the most common heating issues is dirty or clogged air filters. This can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and strain your system. Prevention Tips: Check and replace your air filters every 1-3 months. Use high-quality filters suited to your system’s requirements. 6. Wear and Tear on Components Over time, components of your heating system can wear down, leading to breakdowns or reduced performance. This is especially common in systems that are not regularly maintained. Prevention Tips: Schedule annual maintenance to identify and address worn components. Address minor issues promptly to avoid larger, costlier repairs. 7. Ductwork Leaks Leaky ducts can cause heated air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, making your system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Prevention Tips: Have your ductwork inspected for leaks or damage. Seal leaks with professional-grade materials. Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces. 8. Heat Pump Problems Heat pumps are popular in Charleston due to their efficiency, but they can experience issues like frozen coils or refrigerant leaks, especially during colder months. Prevention Tips: Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and ice. Schedule regular maintenance to check for refrigerant leaks and clean coils. Ensure proper airflow by maintaining clean filters and clear vents. Trust Terrace Heating & Air for Your Heating Needs No one wants to deal with heating issues during Charleston’s chilly winter nights. By staying proactive and scheduling regular maintenance, you can prevent many common problems and keep your system running smoothly. At Terrace Heating & Air, we’re dedicated to helping Charleston homeowners stay warm and comfortable year-round. If you’re experiencing heating issues or want to schedule preventative maintenance, contact us today!