Summer has just begun and RVA is already feeling the heat. With temperatures well above 90 degrees, are you prepared?

The G-Man has a few tips for surviving the summer in Richmond:

• Use your blinds. Keeping your house shaded is key to keeping those AC costs lower. Don't allow that hot sun to creep in by closing your blinds during the hottest parts of the day.
• Make sure your air conditioner is running at maximum efficiency. We see it over and over, without regular checkups your AC falls behind and doesn't keep you as cool as it could. Call us today and schedule a maintenance check. Your energy bill will thank you.
• Bring water with you wherever you go. Don't get stuck outside without some H2O. Our bodies need more water to stay hydrated when it is hot outside. 
• Find a shady spot to park in. Sure, the shade may be at the back of the parking lot, but it will pay off when you get back in your car a few hours later. If left in the sun, your car can reach up to 172 degrees. Also, never leave children or pets in a car, even if it's only for a minute!

The temperature is rising in RVA and we hope these tips will help you out.

Bonus tip: Enter our 100 degrees contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Enter here.

Our President, Winston Hancock, talks about celebrating 100 years with Gilman.

"Gilman has come a long way over the past 100 years. When we opened in 1917, our plumbers carried homemade wooden toolboxes and rode the trolley to service calls. At that time, two service calls a day was a lot. In 2017, we no longer take the trolley and our number of service calls per day has greatly increased with technology.

We opened our original location on Cary Street and have moved several times before building our current facility in Ashland. No matter where we are in Richmond or the surrounding areas, we remember our humble beginnings. I have been in this business a long time. Plumbing is in my genes; my grandfather was also in the business.

I have been the owner and president of Gilman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for 21 years. It is an honor and pleasure to serve our customers, some of whom have been with us since before I owned the company and others who are brand new homeowners. One thing has not changed in the last century – our commitment to customer service and to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a loyal Gilman customer. We look forward to the next 100 years!"

 -- Winston Hancock

We wait all year for summer. We think fondly of the pool, popsicles and trips to the beach. We tend to forget that summer comes with humidity and high energy costs. From running the air conditioner to driving to vacation, your costs can really add up.

Here are a few ways we can help you save some dough this season (at least on HVAC):

• Get a maintenance check. This may sound like an added expense, but getting one before the heat really kicks in will be a lifesaver down the road. No need to lose your AC on a 100 degree day! Check out our Comfort Plan page to learn more on becoming a member to receive benefits and discounts.
• Have a home energy audit. Our Gilman professionals can come out to your home to assess areas of energy inefficiencies, think cracks in flooring, unsealed windows and more. Our professionals can identify your opportunities. Head over to our energy audit page to learn more.
• Block out the sun at home. Keeping your home cool involves more than running the air conditioner. By pulling your shades, you can cool down your home and help your air conditioner run more efficiently. You can also think long term and plant trees to provide natural shade for your home. 

If you do need purchase a system we have you covered! In celebration of our 100th birthday, we are offering an awesome deal for our customers - 10 year financing, 10 year warranty and 10 year comfort plan. Check out Centennial Sale here.

We hope you have a rockin' summer in RVA! Don't forget to enter our 100 degrees contest - every time it hits 100 degrees in Richmond, you could win $100!

Winter may have held on longer than we wanted in Richmond, VA, but spring is finally here! Spring means sunshine, flowers and a need to turn on your air conditioning. Today the G-Man wants to tell you why it is so important to have a maintenance check for your AC this year.

• Protect your family from allergens. Have your air fliters replaced. Old air filters can get dusty and retain cause allergy flare ups.
• Clean your ducts. Getting your ducts cleaned can also help reduce allergens in the home. It will help your system run smoother and save your energy and money.

If left unchecked, your system can lose 5% efficiency each year. Call the G-Men at Gilman today to schedule your spring maintenance check!

During the month of February we can't help but think of love - love for your pipes that is. With the fluctuation in temperatures in Richmond this winter it is important to pay close attention to your pipes. The G-Man wants to share some quick ways to show your pipes some love:

1. Schedule in preventive maintenance. We tend to only pay attention to pipe clogs after they become a big problem and we never have drain cleaner on hand. Schedule in time every month to show your pipes love. Use two cups of drain cleaner per drain and follow the instructions on the bottle. Once you get in a regular habit of this, not only will your pipes be healthier, but you also won't have such a stressful time when a big clog occurs.

2. Insulate exposed pipes. While we are experiencing a mild winter, that can change at any moment. Take advantage of the warm weather and insulate any exposed pipes around your home. Take a trip to your local hardware store and get some insulation. There are various types you can purchase depending on the pipes you want to cover. Consult with the specialist at the store. Take an hour or so this weekend and cover all your exposed pipes. You will have peace of mind during the next cold snap!

3. Assess the health of your pipes. No matter how much we care for our pipes, they are bound to age. It is important to keep a checklist, mental or documented, of the health of the pipes throughout your home. This is easiest with the pipes you can see. It is more challenging to know the health of those that are in the walls or under the house. Scheduling a plumber to come out to do a check up once a year will save you time and money in the long run.

We hope these tips are helpful. In the event of an emergency with your plumbing the G-Men at Gilman are here for you and your family!