Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Tips for Keeping Heat Inside and Cold Outside

Monday, February 17th, 2025
Technician spraying insulation in attic to improve energy efficiency and support heat pump maintenance.

Did you ever have a parent or grandparent tell you to close the door because they’re not paying to heat or cool outside? It sounds funny, but when you’re the one paying utility costs, it makes a lot more sense. We have some tips that can help you keep heat inside your home while cold air remains outside without sneaking in.

Keep reading to learn our tips for maximizing heat for the second half of the winter season. These steps will help you maintain a consistently comfortable atmosphere, save money on energy costs, and reduce strain on your heating system, reducing the likelihood of needing a heating repair in Wilmington, NC

How often should you schedule heat pump maintenance?

Heat pump maintenance should be scheduled at least once per year, ideally before peak heating or cooling season. In colder climates where the system runs year-round, twice-yearly service is recommended. Regular maintenance keeps the system efficient, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and helps extend the lifespan of the equipment

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Gas Vs. Electric Heating: Which One to Choose

Monday, January 20th, 2025
HVAC heat pump technician checking furnace system with digital gauge and visible gas flames.

If it is time to upgrade to a new furnace, you may be deciding between gas and electric. Both are excellent choices, although they have different pros and cons to consider. The bottom line is that it comes down to your personal preference. However, it is important to make an educated decision – which means understanding the basics of each option.

You can keep reading to learn more about the key differences between gas and electric furnaces. Then when you’re ready, you can give our team a call for your in-home assessment for installation. We can help answer any additional questions you have and help you choose a furnace installation Wilmington, NC that best fits your family’s needs.

What is an HVAC heat pump and how does it compare to gas heating?

An HVAC heat pump uses electricity to transfer heat rather than create it, providing both heating and cooling from one system. Compared to gas furnaces, heat pumps are typically more energy-efficient, safer to operate, and better for mild to moderate climates, while gas heating may perform better in prolonged extreme cold.

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How Can You Winterize Your Home? 

Monday, January 6th, 2025
Child looking out snowy window holding teddy bear, emphasizing need for reliable heat pump maintenance in winter.

If you have not already winterized your home for the season, it’s not too late. Yes, winter is already in full swing, but the coldest temperatures are still ahead of us. Before we experience a surprise cold snap, there are some steps that you can take to prepare your home and reduce the chances of HVAC problems.

You can keep reading to learn our top tips for making sure your home is ready for the winter season. Then give our team a call when you want to schedule any type of professional heating service, from maintenance to repairs and even new heater installation in Wilmington, NC.

What is heat pump maintenance and what does it include?

Heat pump maintenance is the routine inspection and servicing of your system to keep it running efficiently and prevent breakdowns. Proper maintenance typically includes:

  • Replacing or cleaning air filters every 1 to 3 months
  • Clearing debris around the outdoor unit for proper airflow
  • Cleaning indoor and outdoor coils
  • Checking thermostat settings and system controls
  • Inspecting refrigerant levels and electrical components
  • Scheduling professional service at least once per year

Regular maintenance improves efficiency, lowers energy costs, and extends the life of your heat pump.

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Tips to Help You Boost Heating Efficiency

Monday, December 16th, 2024
Woman wrapped in blanket sitting by radiator, highlighting need for heat pump maintenance in winter.

The lower the temperatures drop outside, the more you think about staying warm indoors this winter season. There is only so much your heater can do against the coldest temperatures of the year, but we have some tips to help. Keep reading to learn ways you can boost heating system efficiency without breaking the bank.

Staying warm doesn’t have to mean making sacrifices in other areas of your budget this holiday season. With these tips, you may even have extra room in your budget to spend more on the holidays or put some money away for a rainy day.

What Are the Most Important Heat Pump Maintenance Tips to Improve Efficiency?

Regular heat pump maintenance keeps your system running efficiently, lowers energy costs, and extends its lifespan. To boost heating performance, homeowners should:

  • Replace or clean air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow
  • Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, dirt, and debris
  • Make sure indoor vents and registers are unobstructed
  • Check thermostat settings for accuracy and efficiency
  • Schedule annual professional maintenance to inspect components and refrigerant levels

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Winter Q&A: Answering Your Burning Questions About Heating

Monday, December 2nd, 2024

We get a variety of different questions from our customers when it comes to heating – especially at this time of the year as we head into winter. You can keep reading to get answers to some of the top heating questions our team gets asked. 

If you’re still wondering about aspects of heating your home that aren’t covered here, just give us a call and we are happy to help. HVAC care is in our blood as a team of 3rd generation technicians! Whether you have concerns about how your heating system is operating or are thinking about upgrading, no heating system need is too big or too small for our team to help with. 

This is an image of a HVAC tech, a Heat Pump, and a pilot light. The headline reads; Heating system FAQs: Stay warm and informed this winter.

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Is it Time to Invest in a New Heater?

Monday, November 18th, 2024
Homeowner relaxing by fireplace after heat pump replacement, holding a warm mug indoors.

Once your heating system is 10-15 years old, it’s time to begin considering an upgrade. But keep in mind: this lifespan range only applies to heating systems that receive professional service regularly. If you’re not sure your heating system needs to be replaced, you can always talk to our team about any concerns you have and let us offer our professional opinion.

But there are also a few key signs to pay attention to that can indicate it’s time for a heating system upgrade. Keep reading to learn about some of the reasons you might want to schedule a heating system installation in Wilmington ahead of the coming winter season.

When Should You Replace a Heat Pump?

You should consider heat pump replacement when the system is 10 to 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, or no longer heats or cools your home efficiently. Common warning signs include rising energy bills, uneven temperatures, strange noises, weak airflow, or the system running constantly. Replacing an aging heat pump can improve comfort, reduce operating costs, and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

This image shows a photo of a women on her couch drinking a cup of coffee. The headline reads; Is It Time for a New Heater?

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The Key Impacts Professional Service Can Have

Monday, November 4th, 2024

Heat pumps are a key component of modern heating and cooling systems, and their proper maintenance is essential for both efficiency and longevity. Whether your heater is brand new or 15 years old, it still needs professional maintenance each year. Regular maintenance is crucial not only for optimal system performance and efficient performance, but also because many heat pump warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. Seasonal maintenance, performed in spring and fall, plays a vital role in keeping your HVAC system and cooling systems running efficiently and preventing unexpected issues.

Neglecting maintenance can lead to a 10% to 25% increase in energy consumption compared to a well-maintained system, while regular maintenance can reduce energy costs by up to 30%. Proper heat pump maintenance helps avoid costly breakdowns, extends the lifespan of your heat pump to 15–20 years, and ensures your system operates reliably. Keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and maintaining at least 18-24 inches (2 feet) of clearance around it is recommended to ensure proper airflow and system efficiency. Additionally, keeping air filters clean is crucial for efficient performance, as clogged air filters can strain the system and reduce indoor air quality. Changing filters regularly is a key part of heat pump maintenance and helps maintain both system efficiency and indoor air quality. Cleaning the coils and replacing the air filter are common maintenance tasks that help maintain efficient performance.

Regular professional maintenance, ideally scheduled twice a year in spring and fall, is recommended. Scheduling professional maintenance twice a year—once in spring and once in fall—is advised for heat pumps. A licensed HVAC technician should service your heat pump at least once a year. HVAC companies offer professional tune-ups, and finding a qualified technician is easy with dealer locators. During a professional maintenance visit, the technician will evaluate system performance, check temperature drop and rise, inspect refrigerant charge, calibrate the thermostat, tighten electrical connections, and provide a written summary of the service. Spring maintenance should include cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels to ensure optimal operation. Regular maintenance helps ensure efficient performance, saves money in the long run, and helps avoid unexpected costs and breakdowns.

Give the team at Gideon a call for your professional heating maintenance in Wilmington. Our team is here to help with all of your heating needs, and we also offer a service guarantee to all of our customers. You can keep reading to learn more about professional heating maintenance, and why it is such an important investment to make.

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Check Out Our Blog for Advice on All Things HVAC

Sunday, October 27th, 2024

Be sure to bookmark the Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning blog to start learning the ins and outs of HVAC.

We’ll regularly post energy saving tips, how-to’s on troubleshooting your systems, and breakdowns on even the most complex industry related terms and concepts.

Need help now? Send us a message or get in touch today.

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