Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Blog

Mini-split AC units are one of the most popular alternatives to traditional ducted HVAC systems, and for good reason. If you aren’t familiar with mini-split AC units, check out our blog post for an in-depth explanation. In short, these units are designed to deliver heated or cooled air into living spaces that your home’s main system can’t reach. Here are a few common benefits of installing a mini-split AC unit in your home:

1. Easier installation. Since these units are small, quiet and don’t require any ductwork, our technicians can install them in a day or less. That means you’ll save more money on labor costs compared to a traditional unit.
2. Higher energy efficiency. The HVAC industry uses SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) to rate the energy efficiency of HVAC systems. A higher SEER rating equates to higher energy efficiency. Traditional units, for example, are often rated around 14 SEER. Ductless mini-splits, since they can operate on less electricity, can range between 17-25 SEER. This can result in major energy cost savings.
3. Affordability. Aside from the savings on labor and energy costs, mini-split AC units are, by nature, less expensive than ducted units. It can be costly to extend your main HVAC system to certain areas of your home, like garages, sunrooms or sheds. You can potentially save thousands by switching to a mini-split AC unit.

If you’re considering installing a mini-split AC unit in your home, click here to learn more or give us a call at (804)-329-1800! Our technicians are trained to install Daikin mini-split units in traditional homes, river homes and more!

When was the last time you had your air conditioning unit inspected? If you’re having a hard time remembering, then it’s time to consider signing up for a preventative maintenance plan. Included in our Comfort Plan, preventative maintenance can help identify major problems and prolong the life of your system. So, what’s involved during a maintenance appointment?

It's best to schedule an appointment twice a year - once in the spring and fall. This will ensure that your unit will run efficiently when you need it most in summer and winter. During your inspection, our technicians will determine if any parts need to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also look for any leaks, and clean your air filter, which will help improve your indoor air quality. Regular maintenance can help prevent future system breakdowns and give you peace of mind. It can also save you hundreds or thousands of dollars that you would otherwise spend on repairs or a new system entirely. Most importantly, our Comfort Plan includes extra benefits like discounts and priority service.

For a full list of what our technicians will examine during your inspection, visit our Comfort Plan page. If you’re ready to schedule a maintenance appointment, give us a call at (804) 329-1800 or use our online scheduling tool!

Do you have a room or area of your home that is typically hard to heat or cool? It might be time to consider installing a mini-split AC unit. These units are smaller than traditional AC units and are designed to deliver heated or cooled air directly into the living space. They also don’t require any ductwork and can be controlled independently of the home’s main system.

A mini-split has three components: an outdoor unit; an indoor unit that is connected to the outdoor unit through tubing and electrical wiring; and a remote control that doubles as a thermostat. Since these units are ductless, they usually take less than a day to install, making them more affordable than other AC units. Check out the video in this blog post to see a mini-split AC unit in action!

We’re a proud partner of Daikin, one of the industry’s leading mini-split suppliers. Want to learn more about our mini-split AC unit services? Click here to learn more or give us a call today at (804) 329-1800!

If you own a river home and notice that your indoor temperature tends to fluctuate more than normal, you aren’t alone. River homes typically have more window and glass than traditional homes. While they might give you great views of the outdoors, windows are also a major source of heat loss and gain in your home. This means that during the summer and winter months, certain rooms in river homes can become very uncomfortable. That’s where mini-split AC units come in.

Mini-split AC units are smaller, ductless units that are designed to work in areas of your river home that are harder to heat or cool. Here are just a few benefits of mini-split units to consider:

1. Independently controlled: Mini-split units are independent of your home’s main AC system. That means heated or cooled air generated by the unit is concentrated in a smaller space, and you don’t have to raise or lower the temperature across your entire home in order to be comfortable.
2. More affordable: One of the main benefits of mini-split units is affordability. These units cost substantially less than a traditional ducted unit because there aren’t any labor costs associated with installing duct work.
3. Small and easy to install: Mini-split units are also easier to install because they are smaller than regular AC units. You can place the unit on your ceiling, against a wall or in a back corner, out of sight. This allows you to stay comfortable without compromising the aesthetic of your river home.

Our service technicians are trained to install Daikin mini-split AC units in river homes, vacation homes and more! If you’re ready to install a unit in your home, give us a call today at (804) 329-1800 or visit https://www.gilmanheatingandcooling.com/contact/schedule-an-appointment.

During the summer, your sprinklers are running constantly to keep your lawn looking pristine. But what happens when something goes wrong? Believe it or not, sprinkler problems are incredibly common this time of year. Here are a few typical issues you might encounter:

1. Clogged sprinkler head: When you mow your lawn or perform other yard maintenance, grass, dirt and debris can clog your sprinkler head, resulting in lower water pressure and decreased efficiency. Depending on what sprinkler system you use, you should be able to easily remove the filter and flush it with water until the debris has cleared.
2. Damaged sprinkler head: A cracked or broken sprinkler head will leave water pooling around the sprinkler and run up your water bill. Replace the sprinkler head as soon as possible to avoid downtime.
3. Inconsistent water pressure: Your sprinkler system is connected to your main water line, and the main line dictates your sprinkler’s water pressure. If the water pressure is too high or low, it won’t cover your entire lawn. The optimal water pressure for sprinkler systems is 30-50 PSI.
4. Ineffective sprinkler height: Like water pressure, the height of your sprinkler heads can affect your lawn’s water coverage. If your sprinkler heads are too high, areas of your lawn won’t get the water they need. Likewise, low sprinkler heads will cause certain areas to be overwatered.

Gilman is here for all of your plumbing needs! Give us a call at (804)-329-1800 or use our online scheduling tool!