As the coastal air cools and the first real “cold snaps” hit in Wilmington, homes along the shore begin relying more on their heating systems than many expect. While winters in the region may not reach extreme temperatures, the change still brings unique HVAC challenges: sudden night-time drops, high humidity even when it’s cooler, and systems shifting from cooling to heating mode. At Fulford Heating & Cooling, we’ve put together the smart checks homeowners should focus on now to keep their homes comfortable, safe, and efficient—without waiting for the first deep chill. 1. Don’t Underestimate the Overnight Drop On the coast, when the sun sets, the temperature often dips quicker than many realize. Your heating system may do fine on a mild afternoon, but the overnight low can reveal hidden issues: unfinished attic spaces, leaky ductwork, or small thermostat settings suddenly showing their inefficiencies. Tip: After sunset, check the temperature in the room that tends to feel the coldest. If it drops significantly below your set point, your system might be cycling inefficiently or heat loss may be happening elsewhere. 2. Heat Pumps (or Dual-Mode Systems) Need Attention Too Many homes in the area rely on heat pumps or dual-mode systems (cooling + heating) rather than traditional furnaces. When temps dip (even into the 40s or 30s), the system switches into heating mode and may face greater load or defrost cycles. Checklist item: Clear around the outdoor unit—ensure there’s at least 24–36 inches of clearance so airflow isn’t restricted. If you have a heat pump, confirm the defrost cycle is operating cleanly and your thermostat is properly switching modes. 3. Humidity Still Matters in “Cooler” Weather Cooler doesn’t always mean dry—especially near the coast. While you might be turning off the AC, humidity can linger, and your heating system still plays a role in managing indoor comfort. Stale air, windows open at night, humidity creeping in—these affect comfort and energy use. Smart homeowners do this: Place a hygrometer in a main living space. Aim for relative humidity around 40-45% during the heating season. If it’s over 50%, consider checking crawlspace or attic vents; if under 30%, consider a whole-house humidifier or a portable unit. 4. Optimize “Off” Hours as Well as “On” Hours Your system may run more now than it did in summer, but there are still times when it should not run—like when you’re away, or when a sunny afternoon warms one area of the home unexpectedly. Tip: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to slightly lower set-points when no one’s home or late at night. Switch your system’s fan mode from “On” to “Auto” so the blower isn’t running unnecessarily. This small Change can lower wear-and-tear and reduce your heating bill. 5. Safety and Comfort: Find the Drafty Spots That cool breeze near a door, a chill at the baseboard, or a room that never quite warms up—these can signal leaks, airflow issues, or insulation gaps. It’s not just comfort—it’s a sign your system is working harder than it needs to. Best move: After your heating system has been running for a while, walk through your home with your phone in “thermal” mode (many cameras support this) or pay attention to cold spots and odd airflow. If one room always lags, ask Fulford Heating & Cooling to inspect ductwork, balancing, and insulation. Why Fulford Heating & Cooling Is Your Cold-Weather Partner Local expertise: Based in Wilmington, we know the coastal micro-climate—including those nights when the wind kicks up off the water. Full-service heating team: From heat pumps and furnaces to annual maintenance and emergency responsiveness. Trusted equipment brands: We install & service top brands to ensure performance, lifetime value, and comfort. Community-first service: We’ve served Wilmington and the surrounding coast for decades, built on reliable service and local trust. Don’t wait until the first major cold snap to find out something’s off. A few proactive steps now—thermostat settings checked, outdoor unit clearance ensured, humidity measured, and drafty spots identified—can prevent discomfort, a surprise energy bill, or an urgent repair call. If you’d like a professional inspection or tune-up, call Fulford Heating & Cooling at (910)-842-6589 , and schedule your home’s heating check before deeper chill sets in. Stay warm, stay ahead, and enjoy the season—one that coastal comfort should deliver, not complicate.

As we wind down September and gear up for fall and winter, many homeowners start thinking long term — and that includes preparing for major home system investments like HVAC replacement. Replacing your system isn’t something most people do often, so planning ahead can ease the shock to your wallet. At Fulford Heating & Cooling, we believe an informed customer is a confident customer. Here’s how to budget and plan for your next HVAC upgrade. 1. Know the Full Scope of Costs When you hear “HVAC replacement,” most people think of just the unit itself—but there are several hidden or supporting costs to consider: Equipment cost: The HVAC unit (furnace, air conditioner, heat pump) itself. Installation labor: This includes hauling the old unit out, installing new ductwork (if needed), connecting gas lines, wiring, etc. Ductwork repairs or replacement: Leaky or poorly insulated ducts may need repair or full replacement. Permits and inspections: Local codes may require permits, inspections, or compliance with energy standards. Accessories or upgrades: Thermostats, zoning systems, air handlers, condensate pumps, insulation, etc. Post-installation adjustments: Ensuring airflows, pressures, and system settings are optimized. 2. Estimate a Budget Range Based on size, efficiency ratings, and installation complexity, HVAC replacements can vary widely. For many residential homes, budgets often fall somewhere between $5,000 and $12,000 or more. Use this as a starting point, then refine your estimate using your home’s square footage, insulation quality, and local labor rates. 3. Start a “HVAC Replacement Fund” Just like you’d budget for a new roof or a car, start putting aside a small monthly amount. For example, over 12–18 months, setting aside $200–$400 per month can make the full replacement far less of a shock. By the time the system begins to underperform or show signs of aging, you may have much of the cost already covered. 4. Monitor Key Indicators of System Aging You don’t have to wait until your system fails to plan replacement. Watch for signs of decline: Rising energy bills, despite no change in usage Frequent breakdowns or service calls Strange noises, odors, or uneven heating or cooling The system is 10–15 years old (typical expected lifespan) Parts becoming obsolete or harder to source Tracking these signals early gives you time to prepare ahead. 5. Get Multiple Written Quotes Early Don’t wait until your system quits entirely. Request written estimates from two or three reputable HVAC contractors (including Fulford), and compare them carefully. Make sure each quote includes: Equipment make and model Labor and installation costs Ductwork or additional repair needs Permits or inspection fees Accessories or upgrades Total project cost Asking for line-item breakdowns helps you understand where cost differences come from and ensures you’re comparing apples to apples. That way, when you’re ready to move forward, you won’t feel rushed into a decision. Replacing your HVAC system is a major decision — one worth planning for, not rushing into. By understanding full costs, creating a replacement fund, monitoring system health, and collecting quotes in advance, you’ll be in control when the time comes. If you’d like help estimating a quote, comparing options, or knowing when your system is nearing replacement, Fulford Heating & Cooling is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning ahead so your home is ready for the colder months. To learn more about some of the energy efficient heating and air conditioning products we carry and install, check out our products page .