The holidays are just around the corner, which means parties with extra people in your homes. You will want to make sure your home feels comfortable for all your guests. Here are a few HVAC home tips that can help.

1. Turn down your thermostat. Extra bodies mean more natural heat, to keep your guests comfortable and your bill lower, turn down your heating system by 5 degrees during your holiday gatherings.

2. Inspect your home for drafts. Windows, doors, and other areas where air can escape can not only waste your heat, but also make for a draft that could make your guests uncomfortable. Be sure to caulk or seal these areas.

3. Have an HVAC professional do a maintenance check. It may seem like the last thing you want to do during the holidays, but having a professional check your HVAC system will give you peace of mind that your home is in good shape. 

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season. To learn more about maintenance checks, visit our comfort plan page, or go ahead and schedule your appointment online today!

It's finally getting chilly in Virginia. The leaves are turning, football is in full swing, and pumpkins are on every doorstep. These are some of the many reasons we love autumn in Virginia. While you are decorating your home for fall, have you considered how to save some energy. Here are a few tips to drive down your costs as the chill sets in.

1. Adjust your thermostat. Now that the weather has turned, you don't need your air conditioning pumping at full blast all the time. Change your temperature to a comfortable level.

2. Change your filters. Just like in the summer, it's important to change your filters to prepare for the season.

3. Prepare your fireplace. Keep your flue closed unless you have a fire burning. Air can escape the flue and end up costing you.

4. Use LED lights when decorating. From Halloween to Christmas and everything in between, lights tend to be a big part of decorating. Using LED string lights can drive down your energy costs.

5. Don't forget about a tune-up. There is no better way to save than having a professional come do a routine check-up. Give the experts at Gilman a call! 

There are few things worse than low water pressure for your shower. If your shower is not performing up to your standards, check out these common causes for low water pressure.

1. Clogged fixtures. The most common cause for low pressure is a buildup of sediment in your fixture. Check your showerhead for mineral buildup.

2. Pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is located on your main valve and regulates your water flow. Check to see if this operating correctly, as these can get damaged over time.

3. Clogged pipes. This is deeper than clogged fixtures. Clogged pipes could be anything from tree roots to galvanization. This will require a professional to check this.

If you need professional help, give us a call today. We can handle your plumbing problems!

Usually, your air conditioner hums along in the background and you barely notice it. But, sometimes there are some distinct noises it makes that may cause alarm. We help you figure out what those noises mean and if they indicate there is an issue with your air conditioning unit.

1. Loud Banging. This is not good. Banging usually signals that something is loose or fallen off completely which can cause long term damage to the unit. For this, call an expert ASAP.

2. Clicking. Sometimes clicking is totally normal. You can hear it while the air conditioner is either starting up or stopping. But, if you hear constant clicking while your unit runs, that indicates something could be wrong with the electrical components. 

3. Buzzing. This could be caused by a variety of factors including debris around the unit, loose fan blades, an air filter that needs to be changed, the list goes on. While most of these issues are not dire, you will still want to have a professional diagnose the problem for you.

4. Loud Whistling or Screaming. Turn your air conditioner off stat. When you hear your air conditioner screaming, this is likely caused by a refrigerant leak and could be harmful to you and your family. Call your HVAC company immediately.

5. Rattling. This could be caused by something falling into the unit, like leaves or sticks. It could also indicate something is loose, like a screw or bolt. If you hear a rattle it's best to call and have someone come out to take a look at your system.

Any unusual noise generally indicates there is an issue with your air conditioner. It is always best to play it safe and call a professional HVAC technician to come and check it out. 

Did you know it’s actually more efficient to turn your thermostat up a few degrees when it’s sweltering outside?

This may sound counter-intuitive, but increasing the temperature in your home, even by one degree, has its benefits.

1. It uses less electricity, which therefore saves you money.
2. It extends the life of your unit. By not making your unit work so hard, it will help your unit last longer.
3. It helps your body. When you walk in from extreme heat outside and your home is almost frigid, it can shock your body.

If you gradually increase your thermostat each day you will not even notice this transition.