Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Blog
7 Winter Home Tips for 2017
Richmond has notoriously crazy weather. We can go from snow to 60 degrees in one day. That fluctuation can make it difficult to plan. Regardless of the temperature outside right now, we know cold weather can be right around the corner.
Here are 7 tips to keep you ready for winter weather:
Holiday Safety Tips
This holiday we want you be safe and have fun with your family. Here are a few safety tips to have the best possible holiday from the G-Man:
Signs it's Time to Replace your Plumbing
Plumbing problems are some of the most annoying issues a homeowner can have. At Gilman, we are committed to high-quality plumbing repair and service.
Here a few signs it may be time to upgrade or replace your plumbing:
Common Plumbing Problems
To avoid large plumbing issues, often it just takes a little work on your end to keep your systems in tip-top shape. Read on for some common plumbing issues and how you can fix them at home.
Transitioning your Heat Pump from Summer to Fall
As the season starts to turn, it’s the perfect time to give your HVAC system a little extra care to be sure it’s running efficiently before the cold weather strikes. Here are some tips from the G-Man:
Change your Air Filters
Your air filter collects dust, dirt and allergens. If the filter is dirty, it will reduce the system's airflow. This can cause the unit to cool inefficiently. When dirt gets on the coils, it allows frost to build up, making it more difficult for the unit to cool your house and could even cause water damage in your home. Pet hair, smoke and home renovations can mean you may need to change your filter more frequently.
Update your Thermostat Settings
Central Air Conditioning versus Window Units
Did you know that cooling your home accounts for 15% of all home energy usage? While that may seem like a lot, think about the work it has to do cooling your home top to bottom! No other appliance has to work that hard (well, besides your heating system, but that's for another season).
So what is the most effective use of that 15%? A couple of window units throughout the home, or a central air system?
There are pluses and minuses to both:
Helpful tips to make sure your Air Conditioning is 100%
It gets hot in Richmond during the summer. Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure your air conditioning is running at full capacity:
- Check to see if there is any visible water around your unit. This may be a sign it needs to be serviced.
- Make sure to clear all debris from around your outdoor unit. Sticks, leaves, etc. can decrease your unit's efficiency.
- Check your air conditioning filters monthly. If they look dusty and dirty it is time to replace them.
- After a storm, be sure to check your breakers to make sure everything is still on and functioning.
Tips It's Time to Call the Plumber
We've all been there, hair clogs the tub drain, too much TP in the toilet, etc. These are all normal plumbing issues that most homeowners can manage on their own. From a simple leaky faucet, to a clogged drain, you, as a homeowner, are certainly equipped to handle those plumbing issues. However, sometimes those problems escalate:
How to Clean your Air Conditioning Filters
By now, many of us have given in and turned on our air conditioning (if only to turn it off the past few days because of this cold front). Did you think to check or clean your filter? If not, your air conditioning may not be running as efficiently as possible. Here are a few tips on how to clean your filter:
It's Earth Day!
Happy Earth Day RVA! Earth day started in 1970 as a way to get a few more trees in the world, now it represents so much more, recycling, renewable energy and more! At Gilman, we are all about energy conservation and awareness. Did you know we have technology that can heat and cool your home using energy from the earth's core? It's called Geothermal Technology! The geothermal heat pump unit is connected to the earth through a series of durable polyethylene pipes. The most common configurations are either open-loop or closed-loop design.
April is Lawn and Garden Month
While most of our services benefit the interior of your home, we still think the exterior landscape is very important! In honor of Lawn and Garden Month, we have pulled together five tips on how to have an easy, but nice looking yard this spring:
No joke plumbing tips
"What did one toilet say to the other?" "You look flushed!" Happy April Fool's Day! All joking aside, a clogged toilet, leaky faucet and other plumbing issues are no joke. This week we want to help you with a few simple plumbing tips:
Spring Cleaning
Spring is finally here in Richmond! Make sure you are ready with a few simple spring cleaning tips:
The Heat is Almost Here: Make Sure Your Air Conditioning Is As Efficient As Possible
Wondering how to make your air conditioner run colder? Let’s make one important distinction first. An air conditioner cools your home by taking the heat out, not by adding coldness. Once the heat energy has been extracted from interior air and conveyed outdoors, cool comfort is simply the state that’s left behind. The effectiveness of an air conditioner is assessed by its capacity to handle your home’s cooling load: the amount of BTUs of heat energy the unit must transfer outdoors every hour to keep temperatures at a comfortable level. While it’s not possible to make an A/C perform beyond its manufactured specifications, making sure it doesn’t fall below its rated capacity is very possible. The answer to how to make your air conditioner run colder comes down to a few simple DIY steps.
How to Avoid Frozen Pipes this Winter
Frozen pipes can cause all sorts of problems. Be sure to pay attention to when the temperature drops into the teens or lower. Frozen water lines often result in broken pipes and water leaks that damage walls, flooring, and personal property. Plumbing repairs and cleanup work can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent frozen pipes from causing you headaches this winter.