As the holiday season approaches, many Southern homeowners notice an unwelcome surprise: a spike in their heating bills. Even in regions with milder winters, December brings cooler temperatures, longer nights, and increased energy usage, all of which contribute to higher utility costs. Fortunately, understanding the causes of these increases and taking proactive steps can help […]

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. […]

If your AC is running but the house still feels sticky—and the vents blow out air more like a lukewarm porch breeze than a cool bedroom nap—you’re probably dealing with a dirty system. I’ve stood in hallways with a hand over the vent, thinking, “It’s on. Why isn’t it cooling?” Most of the time, clogged […]

Your energy bill jumped again, didn’t it? You’re staring at the number, wondering if it’s the AC’s fault or the heat that’s eating your budget. I’ve had that same conversation with more than a few neighbors. The short answer: heating and cooling costs depend on your home, your equipment, and the weather. Around here, we […]

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 […]

If your room feels muggy in the summer or oddly drafty in the winter, the ceiling fan direction is probably working against you. I can’t count how many times I’ve walked into a living room, heard that soft whir and faint clicking from a loose pull chain, felt a breeze on my forearms in January, […]

So the screen’s frozen, the air’s not kicking on, and you’ve tapped that Honeywell faceplate so many times you’re worried you’ll smudge the gloss. I’ve been there—standing in front of a silent thermostat with the house already feeling sticky and warm, wondering if it’s the unit or just a brain-fogged control. The good news is […]

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 Georgia, fall can bring dramatic temperature swings — warm days followed by chilly nights. Making the wrong switch too early […]

You’re not imagining that earthy, wet-basement smell every time the AC kicks on. When mold takes hold inside or around air vents, it piggybacks on the airflow and announces itself with a musty puff. You might notice speckled black or greenish flecks on the register, a little slimy film by the edges, or a gritty, […]

Your mini split is throwing a blinking light at you. The bedroom still feels stuffy, and the outdoor unit is humming as if it’s thinking about working but not fully committing. You can hear that soft tick-tick of the indoor fan ramping up and down from here. When my unit behaved like that last August, […]

The air feels warmer and heavier even though the thermostat says “Cool.” The vents whisper, but the air coming out is barely cool, and the outdoor unit clicks on with that familiar hum, then seems to give up. A neighbor told you it might be “low on Freon,” and now you’re wondering whether that’s even […]

Your shower keeps fluctuating between lukewarm and scalding hot, and you’re wondering how to safely adjust your water heater without turning bath time into a scalding risk. I’ve been there—standing with a meat thermometer at the bathroom sink, listening for that faint popping from the tank in the garage, trying to decode a tiny dial […]

You’re not imagining the extra dust on the coffee table or the scratch in your throat when the system kicks on. I’ve walked into homes where the blower starts with that soft whoof and a little puff of dust lifts in the sunlight, and folks say, “But I changed the filter!” Not all air filters […]

You’re sweating, the vents are whispering nothing, and the thermostat has that stubborn look, as if it knows better than you. I’ve been there—came home one July afternoon, groceries sweating right along with me, and the AC not working. The house held that heavy, damp air that clings to your shirt. Before you panic or […]

Let me tell you something that might surprise you: the air ducts in your home are working harder than you realize. After 20+ years in the HVAC business here in Covington, I’ve crawled through thousands of duct systems, and I can tell you that most homeowners don’t give their air ducts a second thought until […]

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 […]

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAT HAYES In Georgia’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 […]

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAT HAYES 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 […]

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAT HAYES As CEO of the ACS  Family, I’ve spent years observing what separates exceptional HVAC service from the merely adequate. Our team serves communities across Milledgeville, Covington, and throughout Georgia, where the combination of intense heat and high humidity creates unique challenges for both homeowners and service providers. Today, I […]

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: PAT HAYES As CEO of the ACS Family, I’ve spent countless hours analyzing what makes exceptional AC repair service in Georgia. Our unique climate challenges, from the oppressive humidity that strains systems to those 44+ days of 90-degree heat in the Atlanta area, demand more than just technical competence. They require […]