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Winter is not quite over in Virginia, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't already be thinking about preparing our air conditioners for spring. So far we haven't had massive winter storms, but that doesn't mean your outdoor unit wasn't affected by the weather. We have had lots of rain and other damaging weather, like wind, this winter.

The first step is to visually inspect your unit. Is there debris or other rubbish around it? Be sure to clear the area around your air conditioner.

Next, be sure to replace your filters. Old filters can greatly reduce your air conditioner's productivity. Filters should be changed about every 3 months. (Tip - set an alert in your phone to indicate when you need a new filter.)

Check all your lines. Do another visual inspection of all the pieces of your system, including the lines. Look for any damages that may have happened over the last few months.

And finally, get an inspection. A professional HVAC inspection, like our Comfort Plan maintenance, is the best way to ensure your AC unit is all set for spring and summer. You can learn more about our Comfort Plans here.

Winter is about to touch down in Virginia. One of the biggest plumbing concerns during the cold weather months is frozen pipes. Here are a few tips to help prevent that.

1. Keep your garage door closed. Making sure you close your garage every time you enter or exit will help your pipes stay warmer because water supply lines can be in the garage.

2. Don't turn down your heat a night. While it may help you save a dollar or two, turning down your heat when it is below freezing outside could damage your pipes. Keep your temperature the same during both night and day.

3. Open your cabinet doors. Expose your kitchen and bathroom pipes that are in cabinets to your heat. 

4. Check your basement and attic. For these areas of the house that may not have heat, make sure your pipes are insulated.

If you have a plumbing emergency, Gilman is here for you. You can quickly schedule an appointment here, or learn more about our plumbing services here.

A new year (and decade) is just days away. Maybe you are making New Year's Resolutions. Maybe one of those resolutions is to save money. Including HVAC into your plan is a great way to focus on that goal.

Here are a few tips on how to save some money in the new year:

1. Seal all cracks. If air (either hot or cold) is escaping from your home, that means money is escaping too. Caulk up windows and other openings to ensure as much of the air you are paying for stays inside!

2. Commit to an HVAC maintenance plan. While you may think this is an added expense, it saves you a ton of money in the long run. A standard plan can cost about the same as a new pair of shoes and go much further. With regular maintenance, the health of your heating and air conditioning system will be much better. 

3. Learn how to bundle up. If you can reduce the temperature of your heating by just a few degrees, you can save a lot of money. Encourage your family to reach for a blanket or sweatshirt instead of the thermostat when they are chilly.

By following these tips for your HVAC, we hope that you can fulfill your 2020 resolution of saving a little money. The G-Man and the rest of Gilman hope you have a happy New Year! 

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!