Financing for Heating and Plumbing?

Plumbing problems are never planned. Who wants to pay the repair costs when all that's planned for summer is the dream vacation? But what if you don't have the money saved to pay for the plumbing repairs, and you have an emergency?

Gundlach Plumbing offers a different solution to all your plumbing and heating costs. Gundlach Plumbing got the finance options to make your life easier, they offer 3 or 6 months payment plan, same as cash!

Now whenever you have a plumbing or heating and cooling related problem, want the best service in Richmond, but don't want to pay right away - you know who to call. Fast service, best trained professionals, and financing options for up to six months is what makes Gundlach Plumbing & Heating Company the best in the ares.

Call Gundlach Plumbing & Heating Company office in Richmond to get the fastest response. Get a free service estimate so that you can make an informed decision. Do not let the unplanned plumbing and heating costs ruin your dream vacation!

Call (804) 288-1951, or visit their website for the online service request today!

Before You Call Your HVAC Repairman

Let's say you're enjoying a cozy evening at home. Maybe it's winter, and you have the heat on - or else you're trying to keep the house cool during a heat wave. Suddenly in the middle of your favorite show, as you're unwinding from a long day at work, your HVAC system goes on the blink. The air is stifling in your living room now, and you're agitated. What now?

Your first instinct is to check the air conditioner or heating system to see where the problem lies. If you know next to nothing about how your HVAC system works, though, you could end up just staring at the setup and wondering what to do next. Tinkering with the AC or heater could solve the problem, or make it worse. If you rely on gas to heat your home, it could be a matter of relighting the pilot, but do you feel comfortable doing that?

The problem with your heating and air system, however, may only be minor, yet you might feel more comfortable having a licensed HVAC contractor have a look. Before you make that call however, here are a few things you may wish to consider before you pick up the phone.

1) Is this a persistent problem? If you have experienced a breakdown of your AC or heating more than once through the week, it definitely warrants a call to a reputable repairman. Some homeowners may be content to wait out the problem if they believe they can rough it for a night. This may largely depend upon the age of the unit and the weather situation. Be intuitive when looking at your HVAC as you think about whether or not to call.

2) How old is your unit? Age and wear play important roles in the health of your HVAC system. If you can remember when your unit was installed, it could portend that you need a replacement instead of a simple repair. Did the unit come with the house? Knowing how long you've lived there will tell you whether or not to make the call.

3) Has the outside weather affected your system? If you use gas, a severe wind might blow out a pilot if it reaches it. Your heating problem could only be a matter of relighting it. If you feel comfortable doing it yourself, use good judgment. Otherwise, let a professional take care of it for you.

Of course, there are other considerations to take when looking into an HVAC repair. If you find the problem doesn't resolve itself, or you do not know how to fix it, call your local repairman.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Hampton HVAC services and Hampton HVAC repair.

How Often Should You Change Air Conditioning Filters?

If somebody were to ask you when is the best time to replace the filters in your air conditioner, you would probably answer "When they are dirty". A simple answer to what may seem a silly question, but as you go about your business at home you aren't likely to think about things like AC filters. You know that when there's something in the air that shouldn't be there, perhaps you should check your system to make sure it's working. Unless you are vigilant enough to keep track of such things, how can you really know?

The question of when to replace an air filter in an air conditioning system is going to vary among households. To answer this for yourself, you will need to look at a number of factors concerning your household and lifestyle, and the style of air conditioning system you use. Let's take a look at some of these factors as they relate to you.

The Air Filter

When you purchase a standard AC filter, you may note on the packaging that you are advised to change them out every one to two months. This is probably a good guidelines to adhere to if you consider yours a "normal" home with no variance on quality of life issues. These may include the following.

• Number of people in the home - do you live alone, or with your family? The population of your household can determine the air quality and usage of filters by virtue of daily activity. If you are single and keep a clean home, for example, you may check your filter after a month and discover it may hold out a while longer.
• Pets - Dogs or cats in the house? If so, you have pet dander. This could to put a bit of wear and tear on your AC filters. You may find with pets in the house you are changing the filters more often, perhaps every thirty days.
• Allergies - If anyone in your family has severe allergies, you no doubt are doing everything possible to keep your home clean. Regular checking of the filters may result in changing every thirty days.
• Overall environment - Where do you live? Urban condos and apartments are likely to be more subject to pollution that gets sucked into the filters as opposed to rural living. Of course, a home in the country is not without the opportunity for dust, dander, and other allergens. Consider where you live and get a good gauge on checking every thirty to sixty days.

When you change your AC filter will depend on a number of factors - your home, the people living there, and other elements. Once you have a good feel of when the filters have taken everything they can handle, you'll know when to change them.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Williamsburg HVAC services.

Choosing the Best Air Conditioning System For Your New Home

When you are home, your comfort is probably one of your primary concerns. Nobody wants to feel forced to leave their house because they are unable to find peace. Every day after work, you should be able to come home to enjoy your family, kick back and watch television, or do anything you wish. Clean air is an important element to your home comfort, so if you are in the market for a new air conditioning system you want to make sure you have the best.

A quality air conditioning system is an important investment in your home. Whether you plan to stay for years to come, or end up selling after a short time, your AC should perform at optimal levels when you need it. More than likely, the thought of air conditioning will not cross your mind until you need it the most - say, an extremely hot day that leaves you setting up electric fans in every room. If you're feeling the heat, you don't want to rush out and buy the first thing you see thinking you'll get instant relief. You may, but in the long run your purchase may not turn out to be a good one.

As you browse for air conditioning systems, you need to decide first if a central system is best for you, or if you wish to maintain individual units. For apartment living, window units may be your only choice if central AC is not an option. If that's the case, make sure you properly measure the window receiving the unit and look for an energy efficient model. Also consider the size of the room you plan to keep cool. With a smaller room, for example, you probably will not need a huge unit. Consult home improvement sites and magazines for tips if you're unsure.

For a central system that requires a more advanced installation, you may wish to consult with an HVAC contractor for recommendations. A reputable HVAC specialist can assist you not only in getting a quality unit that cools your house, but comes with controls that let you regulate where the air goes. You risk wasting energy and money cooling rooms that are not used often, so you want to be sure your unit offers the flexibility and functionality you need.

Depending on the unit and time you buy it, you may also be eligible for a tax rebate. Speak with your local residential HVAC company for more information.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services or Hampton HVAC services.

Can I Install Underfloor Heating?

If you are looking for an economical method of heating your home, you may have considered having underfloor heating installed. This method of radiant heating is preferred by homeowners interested in cost efficient home improvements, and one advantage to this system is that it better distributes heat than the standard HVAC equipment. If you are having a new home constructed, you may wish to look into have underfloor heating installed; however, if you are looking for a change from your traditional heater you will have to research if it's possible to have a newer system in place.

Why choose underfloor heating for your home? There are many reasons which prove advantageous to the home owner. For one, the system can free up space in your home. The radiant coils that bring heat to your rooms are place, naturally, under your floor. There are no space heaters to deal with, and you have room. Also, underfloor heating can help decrease air moisture and therefore reduce allergens. Add the likelihood of lower energy bills due to the efficient method of heating, and underfloor systems prove a winner for any homeowner.

That said, can you have underfloor heating installed in your current home? This will largely depend upon a number of factors. Do you have the budget to handle costs of equipment and labor, for one? Also, is anybody in your area specializing in underfloor heat installation?

Another factor to consider, too, is if your floors are able to accommodate such a system. Having an HVAC professional inspect your home for possible options is a good way to determine the next step, and if you have a suitable foundation you will find that the investment is well worth the money you spend now, for you will surely save some in the long run.

Once you decide to have a contractor install everything for you, you may need to make arrangements while your floor is put under construction. If you wish to set everything up yourself, make sure you know how to remove your floor and handle all the aspects of construction. If you live in a condo complex, you may require permission from the condo board to do this type of construction. This may also hold true if you live in a similar type of residential community where homeowners must adhere a covenant.

However you decide to get your underfloor heating installed, make sure you know everything about your home in relation to the construction involved, and that you are able to see it through. You will definitely enjoy the end result.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Norfolk commercial HVAC services.

Pros and Cons of Geothermal Heating

Perhaps you have an older home you wish to modernize, or maybe you have had so many problems with your current HVAC system that you are ready to try something different. Geothermal heating is an option that provides heat to your home through pipes and a heat pump. Since the heat is sourced from the ground, hence the name, your HVAC contractor will lay the pipes in trenches dug into your property to create the closed circuit needed to keep your house warm. The heat pump takes the water in this circuit and produces the warmth which is circulated throughout your house.

Geothermal systems can work with under floor heating systems or immersion systems. Question is, is this type of HVAC right for you? As with other types of heat management systems, geothermal has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of them.

Pros

If you are eco-minded, you will be pleased to know that geothermal heating is a good way to go green. Heat is derived from a source that doesn't require mining, and you are less likely to create a hazard through this natural method of keeping your house warm. You could discover a good reduction in energy bills as a result.

Geothermal heating also does not require a lot of maintenance to run. You are not responsible for cleaning a chimney or refilling an oil tank, and you will rarely need to call a repairman. This heating method provides an energy efficient method of keeping your house comfortable in any season.

Cons

While the source of the heat is energy efficient and environmentally friendly, bear in mind that not all equipment works the same way. More than likely you'll use the same source for cooling your home, which means using refrigerants to power your pump. You will need to look hard for eco-friendly equipment.

Depending on where you live, you may need permission to have the pipes laid. For geothermal heating to work properly, you will need quite a bit of space, and if you live in an attached home or condo this might not be possible.

Also, the initial cost of digging the trenches could set you back. Granted, geothermal heating could save you in the long run, but note you may need to make a sizable investment up front.

Is geothermal heating for you? Weigh the pros and cons of the system to determine if it will work for your home.


Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk commercial HVAC services and Newport News HVAC services.

The Benefits of Under - Floor Heating

It makes sense for homeowners to look into new and different ways to save money on heating and cooling bills. As energy costs fluctuate according to consumption and homeowner needs, the necessity to keep costs low reflects our willingness to conserve in questionable economies. While you may be inclined to stock up on more blankets as opposed to turning up the thermostat in winter, however, you may wish to look into alternative methods of keeping your house warm, such as underfloor heating.

Underfloor heating provides homes and other buildings with a manner of radiant heating, for radiation allows for the primary source of thermal comfort. Radiation typically accounts for more than half of the heat given off in this system, which is often comprised of radiant tubes laid out underneath a floor during construction.

Are there benefits to having such a system in place in your home? Absolutely! Anything that gets layers of winter coats left on the hooks is certain to please homeowners, though the idea of a major construction project may leave people reluctant to move forward. Hiring a reputable HVAC professional contractor, however, makes for a quick turnaround in service so you can feel warm and comfortable in any part of your house. Also, consider these points:

1) Underfloor heating can free up home space. One disadvantage to other types of radiant heat is having an unsightly coil radiator in your room. You can't really cover it up, and you lose real estate, even though your radiator is likely to be tucked in a corner. Moving the heating system under the floor leaves you free to decorate as you wish.

2) Under the floor heating allows for better distribution. Perhaps with your current heat system there is one spot in the house that remains warmer than others. With everything set in your floors, the heat has the opportunity to radiate throughout the area, leaving every spot comfortable.

3) This heating system provides a more cost efficient, greener method. Homeowners with such heating in place will find it reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and the addition of solar panels to create heat can further lower energy bills.

4) Moisture content in the home decreases. With the heating equipment under the floor, there's less of a chance of dust and other allergens. The home will seem cleaner and safer.

If you are building a new construction, consider the installation of underfloor heating to keep your house and family warm in the winter. It is a great, green alternative that lasts.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Williamsburg HVAC services and Virginia commercial HVAC services.

Is Your Air Conditioning System Meeting Your Needs?

Where you live, what you do for a living, and what you do at home are but a few factors that determine the usefulness of your current heating and air conditioning system. If you're at home trying to unwind after a long day of work, you want to feel content and comfortable in your surroundings. If you suspect the heat or air isn't working to your satisfaction, you will know immediately just from the temperature in the room. However, the occasional mishap doesn't necessarily mean a replacement is in order. It's important to know which kind of HVAC equipment works best for you.

To better determine whether or not your current setup is working right for you, take into consideration your lifestyle:

Where You Live:

If you live in a relatively warm climate, you naturally depend more on your air conditioning through longer stretches in the year. By comparison, homeowners in northern areas may use heating and air for equal amounts of time, or cut back on A/C if the weather is temperate enough not to require it. Your home's location plays a major role in determining the type of HVAC system you'll require. Consider the year-round temperature and buy accordingly.

Where You Work:

How does where you work affect your home HVAC system? For one, your work determines how long you are away from home on a daily basis. You may work anywhere from eight to ten hours a day, leaving your home unattended. Do you leave the air conditioning on to come home to an Arctic blast? If you are the type to converse energy (and consequently your bills), you may tend to keep your system off for long periods when you're not around. If that's the case, you'll want a system that isn't affect by long periods of inactivity.

What You Do at Home:

When you are at home, are you active? Do you tend to relax on your deck as opposed to your living room, or spend time in the garden more than in front of the TV? If your home is basically the place where you come to sleep until it's time to tackle the next day, you probably don't require a heavy-duty system - rather one that keeps you cool or warm when you most need it. You'll need to decide if an energy-efficient HVAC is right for you. Price accordingly what is available for your budget and be comfortable when you need it.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Williamsburg HVAC services.

The Benefits of a New Heating and Air Conditioning System

First thing any homeowner should know: regular knocking and pinging within your walls is definitely not a sign of good tidings. If you're freezing at home during the winter and broiling in the summer, this is more than enough evidence that a new HVAC system is in your future. Even if you feel your current heating and cooling set-up has not aged to the point of replacement, you'll find that the benefits of a new installation outweigh your current deal.

What are the benefits of a new heating and air conditioning system for your home? Aside from many days of comfort regardless of the weather, your home and your bank account will gain considerably.

1) Depending on when you make the purchase, and what kind of model you buy, you may set yourself up for a nice tax rebate on your next return. Making greener improvements to your home through the installation of energy efficient appliances and fixtures may qualify you for these benefits. You may wish to speak to a provider for the details.

2) Consequently, eco-friendly products are known to help lower energy bills. If you're interested in paying out less per month in heating and cooling, this is something you should consider.

3) Improvements to your home help increase your property's overall value. If ever you decide to sell, your home may be appraised accordingly because you took the time to upgrade your HVAC system.

4) Newer systems may be simpler to use than the model you have right now. You can upgrade to a digital thermostat where applicable, and manage which rooms in your house get more heat and air so you're not wasting energy.

5) Lastly, a newer system can help rejuvenate you and your family. Even though you may change filters on a regular basis, there is something about a new HVAC system that brings peace of mind to your home. You may breathe in cleaner air and feel more active, and it's a good way to prepare for especially extreme weather seasons.

Consult with your local HVAC installation service to determine what is involved for you as far as getting a new system bought and placed in your home. The sooner you have the updated model in place, the sooner you can breathe easy knowing you are saving money, keeping your home clean, and improving the way you work and live. A new HVAC system works for you.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Newport News HVAC services and Yorktown HVAC services.

Hire a HVAC Professional to Keep You Cool (And Warm)

When extreme weather conditions threaten the comfort of your home, it's important to make sure your heating and air conditioning systems are working property. If your house HVAC is in need of repairs or replacement, you'll do good to contact a professional home heating and cooling service to handle the job. Your local HVAC professional does more than make sure the air blows from the vents at the right temperature. If you're concerned about energy efficiency, for one, you'll benefit from the experience of people who know the equipment you need to keep you home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Why hire an HVAC mechanic to maintain your home's air circulation? Heating and air conditioning systems require the care of somebody who is trained specifically to deal with the workings of such sophisticated equipment. If you are not sure how an A/C unit works and decide to "tinker" a bit to get it to work, you could not only damage the unit but set back repairs and installation to cost even more than what you might have paid if you made the service call first. Take the time to consult with the proper mechanic for the following needs:

HVAC System Installation - When you're ready for a new furnace or boiler, or want to change out those window A/C units for central air, let an HVAC serviceman install your new system quickly and efficiently. Be sure to ask about potential energy-saving appliances and tax credit eligibility.

Indoor Air Quality Inspections - Is the air in your home clean? You may be surprised to know how easily pollution creeps indoors. Get an HVAC specialist to inspect your ventilation and air filters to determine if your air ducts need cleaning or replacement.

To keep your home free of airborne pollutants and other heating and cooling mishaps, it's best to call a professional with the know-how to keep you comfortable.

K. Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia Beach handyman services, Newport News HVAC repair services and Virginia HVAC repair.