Heating & Furnace Installation

We typically reccomend annual service with filter changes every 6 months for optimal function of your HVAC system. Each visit covers cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical components, testing airflow, and confirming the system is running efficiently.

Regular service catches small problems before they become expensive repairs and helps keep your energy bills in check year-round.

Most homes should change standard 1-inch air filters every 1 to 3 months. Thicker filters (4 to 5 inches) can often last 6 to 12 months. A few factors affect how quickly filters clog:

• Pets in the home
• Allergy sensitivers or respiratory conditions
• High dust or construction activity nearby
• How often the system runs

A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your system work harder, and reduces indoor air quality. When in doubt, check the filter monthly and replace it when it looks gray or clogged.

You don’t have to tear down walls or lose your closet space to stay comfortable. Gary’s Plumbing and Heating specializes in retrofitting older homes with high-efficiency solutions that don't require traditional, bulky ducts. Your best options include:

• Ductless Mini-Split Systems: These are the most popular choice for older homes. They consist of a small outdoor unit connected to discreet indoor units mounted on your wall or ceiling. They provide both heating and cooling and allow for "zoning," meaning you only heat or cool the rooms you’re actually using.
• High-Velocity HVAC Systems: These systems use small, flexible tubes (about the diameter of a vacuum hose) that can be snaked through existing walls and floor joists with minimal renovation. The vents are tiny, circular, and blend seamlessly into your decor.
• Modernized Radiator Solutions: If you have an existing boiler system, we can upgrade you to high-efficiency European-style radiators or even install radiant in-floor heating for ultimate comfort.
• How Gary’s Can Help: Installing HVAC in an older home requires a delicate touch and a lot of creativity. Our team will perform a detailed "home load calculation" to determine exactly how much power you need, then design a custom system that preserves your home’s character while providing 21st-century comfort.

Ready to ditch the window units?  Book a consultation with Gary’s Plumbing and Heating and let us find the perfect fit for your vintage 

In Northwest Washington, from the rainy, mild winters in Bellingham to the warmer summers we've been seeing lately, choosing the right HVAC system is all about balancing efficiency with comfort. Here are the most common systems we install and how they benefit you:

Central Air Conditioning & Heating (Ducted):

How it works: Uses a network of ducts to distribute air throughout your entire home. It’s usually paired with a furnace or a heat pump.

The Benefit: It provides consistent, "whole-home" comfort. If you already have ductwork in place, this is often the most cost-effective way to ensure every room stays at the exact same temperature.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems:

How it works: Individual units are mounted on walls in specific rooms, connected to an outdoor compressor without the need for ducts.

The Benefit: Perfect for older Pacific Northwest homes that lack ductwork or for new additions. They are incredibly energy-efficient and allow for zoning, meaning you can cool your bedroom while keeping the living room at a different temperature, saving you money on your utility bills.

Gas Furnaces:

How it works: Burns natural gas or propane to create heat, which is then blown through your ducts.

The Benefit:Reliability. During those rare, freezing "Silver Thaw" events in Whatcom County, a gas furnace provides powerful, rapid heating that can keep a home toasty even when the outside temperature drops well below freezing.

Electric Systems (Heat Pumps & Baseboards):

How it works: Modern electric, Heat Pumps don't just "create" heat; they move it from the outside air into your home (and vice versa for cooling). 

The Benefit: Heat pumps are the "gold standard" for our mild climate. They provide both heating and air conditioning in one unit and are significantly more efficient than traditional electric baseboard heaters, often cutting heating costs by up to 50% or more! Don’t you love saving money?! 

Gary’s Pro Tip: Many homeowners in our area are now opting for Hybrid Systems — combining the power of a gas furnace for the coldest nights with the high efficiency of an electric heat pump for year-round comfort.