As spring arrives, it’s time to consider essential maintenance tasks for your HVAC system. Springtime HVAC maintenance in Charleston, SC, is crucial for ensuring maximum comfort, preventing breakdowns, and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Let’s look at the importance of HVAC maintenance in the spring.
All of us would love to be proactive at everything in our lives. Unfortunately, life is not always that simple. Most homeowners don’t understand the inner workings of every moving part in their home, such as the dishwasher, the garage door motor, and the plumbing/heating and air conditioning system. If we as homeowners understood every single aspect of mechanical equipment in our homes, then what a world we would be living in! And it would be great if pigs could fly.
In the world that we actually live in, there are parts of our homes that we as homeowners are not supposed to understand and which we have to trust someone else to handle, honestly and competently. We at Carolina Climate Control are your trusted plumbing, heating, and cooling service advisors. We have an approach to educating our clients so they can make informed purchasing decisions. We eat, breathe, and sleep home comfort, and we’re here for you and your family.
Hurricane season 2022 is well underway. The Carolinas are often impacted by tropical storms, and this year looks to be no different with Colin already bringing the rain. Unless you’re new to Charleston and the Lowcountry, you know now is the time to start preparing for the next big storm, and we’re here to help with some advice on a subject that’s near and dear to us… protecting your HVAC system! Here are 3 quick tips that should help your HVAC unit make it through this year’s storms and hurricanes in great shape.
So let’s say the NOAA and local authorities have made the call and it’s time to evacuate. Here are 3 things you should do before you head out:
Before you leave, head over to your breaker box. You’ll want to shut off the breaker that powers your HVAC- and really any other appliances that you won’t need while you’re gone. Cutting the live current to your appliances greatly reduces the risk of them being fried by power surges, shorts, and lightning strikes. This will also protect them from damage when the electrical company is tinkering with downed power lines.
When you return home, be sure that your house isn’t flooded or damaged before flipping your breakers back on.
Be sure to clean up the area around your HVAC unit before heading out. The hurricane winds generated by tropical storms can turn any object bigger than a few pounds into something that can greatly damage your HVAC unit – and the rest of your home. A quick cleanup of things like yard chairs, planters, toys, firewood for the firepit, and tools for the yard can save you a ton of money.
One of the best things you can do for your HVAC unit is cover it with a tight fitting protective cover. Almost every HVAC company out there sells purpose-built weather covers for their HVAC units, and there are generic options as well. We think it’s well worth the investment!
If you already have a tight cover for your unit, be sure to use it, and secure it tightly. If you’re lucky enough to have your system elevated off the ground, that’s even better and should help it avoid any potential flooding. You can also board up your system after you turn it off for even more protection.
Following each of these simple steps each time there’s a big storm can save you a ton of money… but what’s most important is your safety. If your system is broken after a storm, don’t try to fix it yourself – instead, give the pros at Carolina Climate Control a ring.
Stay safe out there, Charleston!
Charleston is one of the best places to live here in America and according to some sources, it’s the actually the best.
Considering all of the beautiful sites, great restaurants and other attractions in the area, it’s not hard to see why we’re one of the fastest growing areas in the US, in terms of people moving into the Lowcountry.
If you happen to be one of those people moving into the greatness that is the Charleston area, most likely HVAC and air conditioning aren’t high on your priority list. However, with our hottest months upon us (as they do every year), you’re going to want to at least put HVAC on your radar for your to-do list.
Even if you’ve been living in Charleston for some time and haven’t really thought about your home comfort and air conditioning, odds are good that the time will come that you’ll definitely need to; often major breakdowns occur during the worst times in the summer.
We know that HVAC might be a bit of a buzz-kill for you as there are so many wonderful things you should be thinking about, so to help you make this process quick, we’ve compiled 5 of the most important questions (and answers) for you to review that will help you get back to the more fun things in life.
What is ductless air conditioning? It’s slowly becoming one of the more popular HVAC options for homeowners here in Charleston, especially those with older homes or those that are adding additions onto their home that are hard to tap into their current ductwork.
Essentially ductless air conditioning is exactly how it sounds — it’s air conditioning/heating areas of your home without the need to use your air ducts. A ductless unit is placed in a room or other living area on the wall that is attached to an outdoor unit (with conduit). This ductless unit then can be set at your desired temperature using a remote control. Since your system isn’t trying to “push” air through your air duct network, they generally run much more efficiently than traditional central air conditioners and give you more granular control over comfort for each area in your home.
As mentioned above, these are incredibly handy for cooling/heating areas of your home that don’t currently have access to your ductwork or if you plan on adding onto your home and your current ductwork is hard to tap into. Also these are excellent for pool houses, garages and in rooms where you need added control over heating/cooling (you might have a particular “warm” room or “cold” room, for example).
They are engineered with a sleek design that come in a few different colors so that you can match it to your current interior design motif. Also they operate quietly, often quieter than older, traditional units (you probably can hear when your older unit “kicks on” when operating.
So is ductless air conditioning right for your home? If you think you can take advantage or would benefit from the features listed above, then we think that ductless is a great match for your Charleston home.
For many people moving from colder climates, coming to South Carolina might be the first time you hear the term “heat pump” used when referring to a home’s HVAC system. So what is a heat pump and how does it differ from a traditional central air conditioner?
One the surface, heat pumps function exactly how traditional air conditioners work: they take the air in your home, condition/cool it, and return it into your home.
Heat pumps however add the extra function of being able to warm your home during the colder months here in the Lowcountry. They’re able to draw the warmth from the air outside and use it to warm your interior. Heat pumps don’t generally work very well when temperatures hit extreme lows, however here in South Carolina since the temperatures don’t dip very far (except for those odd winters that happen once every 30 years), a heat pump is more that suffice to keep you warm in the winter time.
Because of the duality of its operation, a heat pump can save you from needing extra heating components & operation (they simply transfer the heat instead of creating it saving you money also), so they’re one of the most common types of units you’ll see around in Charleston.
If you prefer the traditional setup of an air conditioner/furnace HVAC arrangement, then a heat pump might not be right for you.
Otherwise, if you want to save some money and have a heat pump at your disposal for year-round operation, then getting a heat pump would be perfect for your Lowcountry home.
We’ll be quick with the answer to this question. If you’re looking to save money on your monthly power bills, then a high-efficiency model is the best way to do this.
With the hot, extended summers here in Charleston, operating expenses that your HVAC system will tally will make up a large part of your electricity bills. Thus if you have a high-efficiency system, you’ll generally expect to pay less each month for those bills.
We’ve seen energy bills drop by as much as nearly one-third to one-half after installing high-efficiency systems. They are generally more expensive, however if you’re cutting your monthly power bills down by that much each month, recouping that initial investment goes pretty quickly, especially in the heat of the Lowcountry.
Every HVAC system you’ll encounter has a particular lifespan — just like any mechanical device. And just like any other piece of machinery you own (like your car, for example), regular maintenance is needed to not only extend the lifespan of your system, but also keep it running with the highest efficiency.
Plain and simple, signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan is a smart move, no matter where your HVAC system lies in it’s lifespan. Since maintenance plans generally include bi-annual inspections (winter and summer), finding and resolving problems before they become large problems becomes much easier.
Maintenance plans can also include reduced cost repairs, priority scheduling and more features that will benefit you in case of an emergency breakdown.
As mentioned earlier, the summer months can be brutal here in Charleston, not just on yourself but also on your system. Having a maintenance plan in place is best way to keep your system running in tip-top shape when the temperatures start rising.
There are several things to consider when determining the best HVAC company for your home in the Lowcountry. Here are a few of those factors:
If the company can fulfill all of these requirements, you’ll be on your way to finding the best HVAC company in Charleston.
If you’re new to the area, we hope you find it is as special as we here in the Lowcountry do, and should you need any assistance with your HVAC concerns, review the questions above and you’ll be well on your way to having a comfortable stay in Charleston for years to come.
Maintaining your HVAC system is essential.
Otherwise, you might end up paying out more than you planned to save. But don’t pull out your own power drill to inspect your vent! Instead, contact a professional to diagnose and fix your problem for you.
This isn’t for the sake of keeping HVAC businesses running or lining their pockets. Not hiring a professional can have dire consequences that stunt your ability to cover the damages that a DIY job produces.
So, keep reading to learn more as we cover the benefits of hiring HVAC service experts to go through the hassle of fixing your HVAC system for you.
Air conditioning units may seem safe to navigate as a novice. But in fact, HVAC equipment and systems can result in serious injury and/or death if mishandled. There’s a certain protocol for HVAC maintenance, and part of that protocol includes the safety of the technician involved.
This is especially true if your HVAC system is worse for wear. There’s a lot that can go wrong, especially when it comes to handling equipment. You also won’t be as keyed in as professionals when it comes to preparing your system for maintenance.
Safety is the primary reason why hiring HVAC professionals is essential. They’ll understand how to use all equipment and how to navigate the system as safely as possible.
Though you might believe you’re saving time and money with DIY service, your novice work might create more trouble than it’s worth. If you’ve got a fairly busy schedule, it’s not viable to spend time doing work that you’re not trained to do.
At the very least, you’ll have to service it again. But at worst, you might worsen the problem and cause the problem to be more expensive than necessary.
Misusing equipment can also raise the price tag on HVAC services. All this can eat away at your money and time until you contact a professional HVAC company. Not only will HVAC professionals perform the best service, but they’ll do it quickly too.
Chances are, you don’t have the time and money to deal with the fallout from a beginner’s work. So give your schedule, budget, and heating and cooling system the best shot by hiring an HVAC professional on the get-go.
Once again, novice HVAC work can make matters worse. When it does, there are no financial fail-safes to ensure that you don’t lay out your pockets to finally fix your system. But a professional HVAC service will also come with insurance.
This guarantees that everyone, including you and the technicians, is protected if something happens on the property. But if you delegate HVAC work to someone that’s not operating on behalf of a company, you incur a huge amount of liability.
It’s not a good idea to reserve professional HVAC maintenance to the very last minute. Waiting for damage to worsen before you call a professional might end you up with a costlier bill than if you performed routine professional maintenance.
This way, you can prevent damage from becoming exponentially worse. Professional routine maintenance will also ensure you get the best out of your HVAC system all year round, including the savings you get on your energy bill.
Routine maintenance isn’t as time-intensive as you might think. Technicians may only need to swing by once or twice a year to detect issues with various parts of your system.
If you’re not an expert, then you probably won’t know the full extent of the damage that needs to be fixed. Sure, you might notice that your filters are full of cobwebs. But sometimes, switching them out won’t solve the issue entirely.
There might be internal issues with your HVAC system that only a professional will be able to detect. Otherwise, you may be doing surface-level maintenance work that ignores the core issue at hand.
Residents with respiratory conditions are more sensitive to air pollutants. When they’re in their own home, they should be able to live as comfortably as they can. That means making sure that their HVAC system runs as smoothly as possible to filter out air pollutants.
Humidity is one factor that can lower air quality. While moisture in the air won’t cause sickness in and of itself, it may cause certain building materials to be more prone to mold and mildew. That kind of growth can also appear in your vents if not well-tended.
If you live in an area with a lot of outdoor air pollutants, that also gives you a reason to maintain your HVAC system. A well-run HVAC system will filter out these pollutants so that your home is a safe haven for those with respiratory conditions.
Whether you’re concerned about your commercial or residential building, you need to put your system in the hands of HVAC service experts. Otherwise, you might end up with damage worse than what you started with or liability for a serious injury.
These are just a few out of many consequences of not trusting a professional, which should incentivize you to contact pro service experts!
At Carolina Climate Control, we understand the ins and outs of heating and air systems. That’s why our team of HVAC service experts is dedicated to helping locals in the Charleston area make the best of their HVAC system. So if you’re interested in fixing up your HVAC system the best way possible, contact us today!
Your HVAC system won’t last forever, but you can extend its lifespan so long as you maintain your system. You need to have it inspected and serviced, if you want it to last. This is where an HVAC tune up would come in.
During a tune up, an HVAC technician would thoroughly inspect, clean and service your HVAC system. The procedure is important as it can greatly improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your system. Other benefits of an HVAC tune up include having better indoor air quality, lessens repairs, lowers energy bills and extra comfort at home.
The HVAC tune up will start with an inspection of your system by an HVAC technician. He will inspect all the components of your system and make sure that everything is still in good working condition. If there are problems, he can help you resolve them. It will also involve cleaning your air conditioning system, your furnace and then the filters. The last step is the HVAC service, where the technician corrects any problem in your system.
With the HVAC tune up, problems are identified and resolved on the same day. After the appointment, you will have an improved HVAC system.
While a tune up can help improve the efficiency of your HVAC, how will you know it’s time to replace your system?
How do you know it’s time to get a new HVAC?
HVACs would normally last up to 15 years, depending on the maintenance performed. If you’re not very keen on maintaining your HVAC system, chances are it wouldn’t last long. Over time, the efficiency of your system is reduced. It may not be able to give you the same level of comfort as when you first bought it.
It’s recommended that you replace your HVAC system every 10 years. Otherwise, it will only work harder to give you the same level of comfort, and your energy bills will keep increasing too.
Over time, you may have to deal with HVAC repairs, especially when you don’t maintain your system. This is okay so long as you don’t always call a technician for repairs. The cost will add up and it will be more cost-effective to get a replacement instead of keep paying for repairs.
When your HVAC system is no longer efficient, it will work harder to give you the temperature you want. This will result in higher energy bills. Consider speaking with a technician and ask for advice. He can tell you whether you should or should not get a replacement for your HVAC system.
p>If there are unusual smells coming from your HVAC system, speak with a technician right away so they can thoroughly inspect your system. There might be some problem with the ducts or the electrical wiring.
When your HVAC produces grinding noises, there might be some problems with some of its components. Call a technician right away for an inspection. It may be time to get a new replacement for your HVAC system.
Homeowners are advised to clean or replace their filters every 2 months or as necessary. It’s important to clean the filters especially when you live with family members with allergies or other respiratory illnesses. When you don’t clean the filters, you’ll start to notice more dust in your home and the indoor air quality would be poorer.
If you still see more dust even after cleaning your filters though, your system may no longer be that efficient. You need to call a technician for an inspection. They can determine whether your HVAC system needs repair or you need to get a new replacement.
Over time, the efficiency of your HVAC system is reduced. It may struggle to give you the same comfort with your desired temperature. This may also be due to other problems such as cracked ducts, clogged filters, motor problems, or issues with your thermostat.
When you’re no longer comfortable, consider calling an HVAC technician so they can inspect your inspection. They can advise you whether you should get an HVAC repair or you need to acquire a new replacement for your HVAC system.
When you notice the signs described above, call a professional right away.
Who do you call when you’re having issues with your HVAC? It’s best to have a reliable technician that you can call anytime. There are some trustworthy and reliable HVAC companies in the country, but you should always consider hiring a local technician.
Why?
It would be difficult to contact an HVAC company that’s not based in your area. Unless they have technicians near you, it would be near impossible to send a technician over for repairs or emergencies. If you have concerns about your system, it’s easier to contact a local HVAC company here in Charleston.
Are you looking for an HVAC company in Charleston, SC? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at your most convenient time. We are a heating and air conditioning service company in Charleston, and we are committed to providing only top-notch HVAC services to all of our clients.
We can help you with HVAC repairs, maintenance and installations. We cater both to residential and commercial property owners.
If you need a technician, call us right away and we are more than happy to assist. Also, you can always get a free estimate. Or contact us if you have questions.
It shouldn’t be doing that, so if you find puddles of water around your unit, there’s something wrong with the system. However, before you pick up the phone, you may be able to take care of the issue yourself—even if you aren’t much of a DIYer.
We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out what’s causing your air conditioning leak and what you should do next, so let’s get started!
If you spot any water around your air conditioning unit that shouldn’t be there, don’t leave it alone. A few puddles of water might look harmless, but the damage could lead to some dangerous problems if you don’t fix it right away. Make sure you follow these steps before poking around your HVAC system.
Go turn off your air conditioner. The extra water might be leaking into the electrical components, which could put you at risk of getting shocked, damaged the unit, or even start a fire in your home.
Odds are, nothing like this will happen. However, it’s always better to stay on the safe side when it comes to the safety of yourself, your house, and your family.
Your air conditioner uses Refrigerant (a type of gas) to help make the air cool, but if it leaks out of your unit, it can also be dangerous. As the Refrigerant leaks, it can cause ice to form on the evaporator coils, which can then melt and spill water on the floor.
Because of this, it’s easy to mistake Refrigerant leaks as a different type of leaking problem if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Some of the signs of this type of leak include:
Refrigerant is mostly odorless. However, you may be able to smell a slight sweet or chloroform scent coming from your air conditioning unit.
If you think you have a Refrigerant leak, don’t try to handle it yourself. Breathing in too much of this gas is bad for your health, so you should call a professional HVAC company instead.
Don’t have a lot of time to spend on household projects? Don’t know a lot about HVAC systems or how they work?
You don’t have to try to diagnose and repair the problem yourself. While DIY fixes might be enough to solve plug the leak (in some cases), schedule a maintenance visit with a professional ensures you get your unit working again faster and without any hassle on your part.
Don’t hesitate to call a professional if you know you’ll need the help.
If you want to take a look at your air conditioner yourself, these are the places you should check first. With the right tools and know-how, you may be able to repair the leak yourself. However, there are some repairs you should leave to the professionals for the safety of yourself and your unit.
If it doesn’t make sure the pan is tilted toward the drain. This is a simple fix that can solve the problem (and it’s an especially likely culprit if your window air conditioner is leaking water).
The motor might be damaged if the condensate pump still can’t get rid of the water. In this case, you should call a professional to find the exact problem and repair it.
Another reason water might start leaking from your air conditioning unit is that there’s nowhere else for it to go. Over time, the drain pipe can fill up with things like dirt or mold, forming a clog.
Check both ends of the drain to see if there is a blockage. If you can’t see one, it might be farther down inside the pipe.
Next, all you have to do is use a drain cleaning tool to pull the clog out of the pipe. After this, the leak shouldn’t be an issue anymore.
Your air conditioning unit has several seals. As the unit ages, the seals can become worn out or damaged, which can cause leaking. Depending on the location of the broken seal, you may be able to buy a new one and replace it yourself. However, if the seal is in a hard-to-reach area, it’s a better idea to let a professional take care of it.
Dirty air filters restrict the amount of air that flows through your unit. This means not as much air is hitting the evaporator coils, which can cause them to freeze over with ice. That ice will then start to melt, and the drain pipe might not be able to handle all this extra water.
Make sure you clean or replace your air filter often to prevent this from happening.
Did you try following the tips above but are still stuck asking, “Why is my air conditioner leaking?” It’s time to call a professional HVAC technician.
Don’t hesitate to set up a maintenance appointment with our team at Carolina Climate Control. We will take a look at your unit, find the problem, and make sure all the water stays where it’s supposed to stay!
As the end of October is upon us here in the Lowcountry, it’s about that time of year homeowners start to think about the upcoming winter weather season.
Your HVAC system’s heating function starts to become more and more important and something you’ll need to make sure is working right when temperatures really start to dive.
You’d hate to find out too late that you can’t keep your home warm for you and your family which is why we always recommend signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan for your system.
In saying that, though, not all maintenance plans are created equally so even if you have one currently make sure that it contains these 3 key benefits (if not, contact us today) to help ensure you’ll stay comfortable this winter season in Charleston.
This can be a real money-saver. Most HVAC companies will charge extra (on top of current rates) for nights and weekend service calls — something that can compound what could be an already big expense.
When you sign up for a maintenance plan with certain Lowcountry HVAC companies, however, the extra rates won’t be added on, so you’ll pay the standard rates anytime you need service.
Speaking of service calls, as a client that has signed up for a maintenance contract be sure to ask about priority scheduling.
HVAC companies in Charleston can get super busy — nearly year-round — so getting an early appointment with your chosen heating and air company can be a challenge.
To help ensure you get closer to the front of the line, priority scheduling for having an active maintenance plan should definitely be on your priority list.
Any maintenance plan worthwhile should always include at least two thorough system inspections per year. One inspection being for the spring (to prep for our long, humid summers) and another in the fall to make sure your system is ready for any kind of cold weather we could face here in the Lowcountry.
As that cold weather approaches Charleston in November, we hope you stay warm and comfortable and by making sure your HVAC maintenance plan has the 3 important benefits above we’re sure you will. (Among the many things we here at Carolina Climate Control already offer 🙂 )
With temperatures & humidity rising in the Lowcountry as we push toward peak summertime levels, the demand & stress on your air conditioning system will also be on the rise.
Depending on your system age and how many hours it has under its belt, heavy use during the summer can lead some systems to breakdown. Those breakdowns can be large or small in nature, again depending on the mileage and upkeep of your system.
We already discussed ways you can save money during your next HVAC service call, one of those ways being signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan.
A comprehensive air conditioning maintenance plan is always a good idea, just as it would be with any other mechanical device (like your car), but here three big reasons why you’ll definitely sign up for one this year.
When humidity and temperature levels are at their worst in Charleston, a few minutes without air conditioning can seem like a few hours.
Waiting for your HVAC company to arrive and fix the issue can feel even longer.
Cutting down that wait time is possible when you sign up for an annual maintenance plan, at least for most HVAC companies in Charleston.
A maintenance plan can include priority scheduling — meaning you move into a preferred queue whenever you need repair or service done.
Another great benefit to signing up for an annual maintenance plan is that many companies will offer reduced costs on parts and labor.
Occasionally you’ll also get discounts on overtime rates as well, when repairs need to be done after regular business hours of the heating and air company.
Getting an HVAC maintenance plan typically includes 1-2 annual maintenance checkups — one before the summer heat and one before the winter cold.
During those checkups, small problems can be found that would otherwise not be addressed if you hadn’t had your HVAC team there.
Those small problems or quick fixes can quickly be amplified into large problems with your system; large problems that can compound into total breakdowns. Total breakdowns, of course, will lead to larger expenses like total HVAC system replacement.
As you can see, maintenance plans for your air conditioning system aren’t only smart for extending its lifespan, but could also mean large cost savings when things go awry with your system.
When you sign up for an HVAC maintenance plan (and hopefully you will after reading this post), be sure to do your research, and you’ll be well on your way to putting your mind at ease about your system this summer.
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We’re a little over a week away from Thanksgiving 2017, and with holiday plans already coming into place for many families here in the Lowcountry, one item that often gets overlooked before holiday get-togethers is making sure your HVAC system is in tip-top shape.
The nightmare scenario would be for you to have a house full of guests, ready to start carving that turkey and then the heat and/or air conditioning suddenly goes out — leaving everyone uncomfortable as they enjoy the hardwork of your well-prepared meal.
Another thing that may go unnoticed to you but your guests may notice is the air quality in your home. Since you’re there everyday, you may not be aware if there’s something awry with the air in your home, but guests coming over with their fresh senses may pick up on it as soon as they enter your home.
So how can you avoid such scenarios?
Here are 4 simple tips you can do with your heating and air conditioning system that will make sure your holiday guests stay comfortable this Thanksgiving.
While cleaning is always a must before entertaining guests, be sure to do a thorough cleaning of the dusty areas around your home, even the ones that are out-of-sight to your guests.
The idea is that the more you clean up the dust manually, the less it can get into the air and work its way into your HVAC system. You won’t be able to get 100% of the dust, but really paying attention to those hard-to-reach areas can make a big difference to your home’s overall air quality.
Now that you’ve done a thorough dusting around your home’s main living areas, turn your attention to your air vents. These areas can be some of the least clean spots in your home and the accumulation of dust and other particles can really degrade your home’s air quality.
Be sure to remove the vents completely and wash/wipe both sides thoroughly as dust almost always accumulates on the front and back of them.
With the bulk of your dusting/cleaning out of the way, now you can go ahead and change out your air filter. During the process of cleaning you probably kicked up a lot of dust and particles that most likely made their way into your air filter.
Changing out your air filters can not only help with your home’s air quality, but it also helps your HVAC system work more efficiently. Not having to push your conditioned air through a jammed up filter keeps the strain down on your system that ultimately helps extend the lifetime of your unit.
Last, but certainly not least, getting a quick HVAC tune-up from a local heating and air company can go a long way in keeping your mind at ease from thinking about HVAC disasters this Thanksgiving.
A simple, thorough tune-up of your system includes: a thermostat check, airflow checks, duct inspection, capacitor testing, safety control tests, compressor operation check and many more checks that allow your HVAC company to identify any potential issues and avoid any major breakdowns over the holidays.
Overall, ensuring your guests stay comfortable this Thanksgiving is quite easy; follow the steps laid out above and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is what to do with the leftovers!
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving Lowcountry!
