By Jim Ellia on Jun 11, 2018 in Air Conditioning |

As the temperatures finally start to rise, many of us here in northeast Ohio have already turned our air conditioning units on to keep our homes cool and comfortable. A/C is a luxury we all appreciate on those hot and muggy days! As your home begins to cool down, however, you might notice that your air conditioning is running for a few minutes, shutting off, and then starting back up again. What’s causing this, and should you be concerned? 5 Reasons an Air Conditioning Unit Short Cycles Air conditioning units switch between off and on modes by design in order to maintain the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. It’s a process that’s essential to proper functioning of your unit – the A/C removes heat from the air using refrigerant chemicals such as Freon, and afterwards cools the air by using compression. Then, the excess heat is absorbed and expelled outside. However, when the system goes through those off and on modes too quickly, this is known as “short cycling.” There are a few reasons this occurs, including: A dirty or clogged air filter. If the air filter is dirty, the airflow becomes restricted, making your system work harder to effectively cool the air. The unit won’t be able to absorb the heat sufficiently, and consequently will shut down early. Always make sure to clean or change out the air filter monthly throughout the summer. Your A/C unit is too big for your home. We recently talked about how an improperly sized system can cause a variety of issues. Short cycling is one of those issues. When your air conditioning unit is too big and powerful for your home, it can cool your home too quickly, turning off and on constantly and causing big temperature changes. This can also lead to higher monthly energy bills, too. Issues with your thermostat. Sometimes, air conditioning short cycling is due to issues with the thermostat. For instance, maybe the thermostat is positioned in such a way that it’s in a drafty spot or in direct sunlight, which will make the compressor turn off and on incorrectly. In this case, you may need to consult a professional to move your thermostat to a...

By Jim Ellia on May 28, 2018 in Air Conditioning |

When you’re upgrading the central air conditioning unit in your home, a common notion is that the bigger the unit, the more comfortable your home will be – even on the hottest, most humid summer days. And while installing a unit that’s too small causes an array of problems, such as the unit cycling more frequently to keep your home cool, which means overworking the system and driving up your energy bills, an A/C unit that is too big can also be harmful. 5 Issues that Occur with an Oversized A/C Unit When your air conditioning unit is too big for your home, the following issues can develop: Inconsistent temperatures. When your system is oversized, the air cannot be distributed properly and you’ll notice uneven temperatures throughout your home. Short-cycling is a common problem, and when the unit keeps shutting off too quickly, some of the rooms in your home won’t get enough airflow to truly cool off. Higher humidity. When your air conditioning unit runs, the humidity in the air is simultaneously removed, increasing the comfort levels in your home. However, a unit that is too big may be doing a decent job cooling off the home, but it’s not running long enough to remove the humidity completely. Mold growth. Because the humidity is not being effectively removed from the air, mold can easily start growing in your home. If the humidity levels aren’t being kept below 50 percent, mold can become a real problem. Less energy efficiency. A bigger air conditioning unit is not only more expensive upfront, but it will also increase your energy bills. Because the air will feel more humid, you’ll find yourself cranking down the temperatures in an attempt to keep your home comfortable. A properly sized unit may run for longer cycles, but it will be using less energy and hence, saving you money every month. More frequent repairs. Excessive cycling – when the unit is constantly starting and stopping – is hard on the system and can lead to it breaking down more often. All that wear and tear could even mean the unit will have a much shorter lifespan than it should. The Proper Size Air Conditioning Unit for Your...

By Jim Ellia on May 14, 2018 in Indoor Air Quality |

Asthma and allergies affect a combined 75 million people in the United States. However, these conditions often go untreated and overlooked, even though they are responsible for countless hospital visits, missed days of work or school, and even thousands of deaths.        In an effort to bring more attention to these conditions, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation has declared the month of May National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. May is the peak season for allergy sufferers, with the onset of an abundance of both tree and grass pollen permeating the air. Additionally, allergy symptoms can also trigger what’s known as “allergic asthma,” which is asthma triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, or even heavy perfume. How to Alleviate Asthma and Allergy Symptoms in the Home During the month of May, it’s important to take steps to get asthma and allergy symptoms under control. If you or someone in your family suffers from either condition, you’re already well aware how difficult this time of year can be. Use National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as a reminder to take some steps that will allow you to live a healthy, un-congested life. Here are a few things you can do to help alleviate asthma and allergy symptoms in your home this May and the months ahead: Get tested for allergies. If you or someone in your family seems to be miserable every time spring rolls around, but you’ve never actually gotten tested for allergies, it’s time to find out exactly what could be causing your symptoms. Make an appointment at an allergy center to find out exactly what’s causing your misery so you can get properly treated for them. Close the windows. After the long, cold winter it’s always nice to open the windows and let in some fresh air. However, you’ll want to avoid doing this for extended periods of time if you have allergies or asthma to keep those allergens out of your home. Avoid using fans, too, which can stir up allergens and make things that much worse. Invest in a high-quality air filter. It’s time to swap out that dirty air filter for a fresh one. Choose a higher-quality filter of the electrostatic variety...

By Jim Ellia on Apr 16, 2018 in Air Conditioning |

With the arrival of spring, you’re probably most looking forward to opening the windows and letting in some of that fresh, warmer air. Your HVAC system is finally getting a little break from the nonstop running of the furnace throughout the winter, but don’t forget – summer will be here before you know it. And, summer in northeast Ohio often means heat, humidity, and time to crank the air conditioning to keep your family cool and comfortable. Why Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance before Summer Comes Just like the fall when you should get a maintenance check on your HVAC unit to ensure your furnace is in top shape for the winter ahead, spring is considered the best time to schedule an annual maintenance on your air conditioning unit. Why? Here are five great reasons: Fix issues before they arise. Modern HVAC systems are certainly durable and made to last, however, inevitably certain parts will start to wear out over time. By scheduling a spring maintenance check, the HVAC professional will check all the parts and replace anything looking worn before it breaks completely, which can cause even more issues with your unit. Beat the rush. Unlike those who wait until they turn on their AC unit only to find that it’s not working properly, you’ll have already ensured that your system is good to go. This means you won’t have to make a frantic call on a hot summer day if something goes awry, only to be told it will be several days before a professional can get to your house to fix it. Keep your unit running as efficiently as possible. When all the components are working properly, your air conditioning unit will run as it should. During an annual A/C maintenance check, the technician will not only address any worn out parts, but your system will also get thoroughly cleaned. A clean system endures less daily wear and tear, and also ensures it’s running as efficiently as it should. Improve indoor air quality. All kinds of pollutants can build up in your air conditioning unit. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and more can create air inside your home that’s actually up to five times dirtier than the air...

By Jim Ellia on Apr 2, 2018 in Thermostats |

Both programmable thermostats and smart thermostats allow you to save money on your energy bills and regulate the temperature of your home. Unlike manual thermostats, which hold the temperature where you set it until you adjust it yourself throughout the day, programmable and smart thermostats can be set to increase and decrease the temperature automatically, without ever needing to touch the device after it’s set. So, what’s the real difference between a standard programmable thermostat and those newer smart thermostats? Differences between Programmable and Smart Thermostats and the Benefits of Each If you’re still using a manual thermostat in your home and are considering an upgrade, it’s important to know all your options. Let’s take a look at some of the main differences between programmable thermostats and smart thermostats , as well as the benefits of each, so you can make the right decision for your needs – and start saving money on your energy bills every month. Programmable Thermostats Using a programmable thermostat allows you to pre-determine the temperature of your home for a number of days and times throughout the week. This means it can be just as effective as a smart thermostat at increasing your home’s energy-efficiency. There are a variety of different options for programmable thermostats, from those that allow you to program the temperature for all seven days of the week, to those where you can customize the temperature for the weekdays and the weekends. In other words, if you and your family are away at work and school Monday through Friday, a programmable thermostat can be set to adjust the temperature so your heating and cooling system isn’t running unnecessarily when no one is at home. When used properly, programmable thermostats allow you to save up to 20 percent on your home’s energy bills. Smart Thermostats A smart thermostat goes above and beyond a programmable thermostat and is more intuitive when it comes to heating and cooling your home. They actually learn from your behavior, following the temperature alterations you make and begin making those changes on their own. These Wi-Fi enabled thermostats can also be adjusted and programmed via an app and internet connection, allowing you to control them from your smart phone, tablet...

By Jim Ellia on Mar 19, 2018 in Indoor Air Quality |

Spring arrives this week, and while many of us are looking forward to the warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, for those with seasonal allergies, springtime can present some challenges. It’s estimated that nasal allergies affect around 50 million people in the United States, and spring is one of the worst seasons for those sufferers. The budding trees, sprouting grass and weeds release pollen into the air to fertilize other plants, and when you’re enjoying the fresh air through open windows at long last, you might even notice this pollen coating all the surfaces of your home. 5 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Greener Home Spring cleaning has been going on for hundreds of years, dating as far back as the Middle Ages when the changing of the seasons represented a time to open up the home and sweep out all the dust and ash that collected over the winter. Today, spring cleaning usually involves thoroughly tackling high-traffic areas, getting rid of clutter and organizing, or even home remodeling projects. If you or someone in your family has allergies, however, it’s important to think of spring cleaning as an opportunity to improve the indoor air quality of your home to get some much-needed relief. And, many of the cleaning products available today are full of toxic chemicals and fragrances that may further exacerbate allergies. Make a few simple, green cleaning adjustments to your spring cleaning routine to allow everyone to breathe easier. Here are five green spring cleaning tips to keep in mind before you get started with your projects this year: Schedule air duct cleaning. Over time, the air ducts throughout your home can get contaminated with dust, pollen, dirt, animal dander and other debris that has a negative effect on your health, even if you aren’t an allergy sufferer. This is why it’s important to schedule an air duct cleaning that will improve ventilation in the ductwork, and thus, improve your home’s indoor air quality. Use steam and natural products. Steam and natural cleaning products work just as well as their conventional counterparts when it comes to thoroughly cleansing your home. Consider a vapor steam cleaner, and go the DIY route when it comes to your cleaning products....

By Jim Ellia on Mar 5, 2018 in Cooling, Heating, Indoor Air Quality |

The air filter is an extremely important component of your heating and cooling system. It works hard to clean the air circulating through the system, and consequently, into your home, trapping contaminants like dirt, dust, pollen, animal dander, mold spores and more, all which could be detrimental to you and your family’s health. What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Air Filter Despite its importance, neglecting to replace the air filter regularly is one of the top causes of problems with HVAC systems. The sad thing is that the reason most homeowners don’t change their air filters? Simple forgetfulness! Save yourself costly repairs and stay healthier by setting a reminder, whether in your phone, on your computer, placing a sticky note on the fridge, or whatever method is effective for you, to change it on a monthly basis. Here are the top five reasons to set this reminder to change your dirty air filter: Reduce energy consumption. Simply put, when the air filter is dirty and clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool your home. A unit with a dirty air filter has to run more often to keep the air at the ideal temperature, and this means it will consume more energy to do so. You’ll end up paying more in your monthly utility bills simply because you haven’t changed the air filter when you should. Improve indoor air quality. It’s important to keep the air in your home as clean as possible. This is especially true if anyone in your family suffers from allergies or asthma. A dirty air filter will cause allergens to quickly build up in the ductwork, where they can linger for months. This can in turn even cause mold to grow, getting released into the air when the system runs. Keep your HVAC system running effectively, longer. A new heating and air conditioning system is a major investment, and you can not only protect that investment but also allow the system to work so much better by keeping it properly maintained. Regularly swapping out the dirty air filter is a critical element in keeping the HVAC system working effectively for as long as possible. Increase airflow throughout the...

By Jim Ellia on Feb 19, 2018 in Furnaces |

According to the CDC, carbon monoxide (CO) claims the lives over 400 people in the United States every year. Additionally, over 4,000 individuals are sent to the hospital annually with CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide can build up in the home from gas ranges, furnaces, fireplaces, and it’s also produced any time fuel is burned in cars, generators, lanterns and more. This is why is so essential to arm yourself with as much information as possible about this “silent killer,” so you can ensure you and your family are safe in your home. 5 Carbon Monoxide Facts You Should Know Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, although children and those with chronic conditions like heart disease and breathing problems are more likely to feel the effects. Here are five facts about carbon monoxide to help educate you about this dangerous, poisonous gas: You cannot smell or taste carbon monoxide. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that cannot be noticed without a detector. This makes it especially dangerous, because if you’re sleeping, for instance, you would not notice its effects until it’s too late. If someone says they can smell carbon monoxide, it’s often some other combustible byproducts – and this should also be addressed immediately. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms feel like the flu. If you and your family suddenly feel ill all at the same time, this should not be ignored. When everyone is experiencing simultaneous symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing or blurred vision, these could actually be signs of CO poisoning, not the flu. Your appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Your appliances should always be installed by a trained professional. Why? Well, gas appliances, in general, need to be properly vented to ensure no carbon monoxide is leaking into your home. You can reduce your risk of CO poisoning with a CO detector. Installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home can greatly reduce the risk of CO poisoning in your home. These detectors are designed to set off an alarm before life-threatening levels of carbon monoxide are reached inside, allowing you and your family to safely get outside as quickly as possible. Make sure to change the...

By Jim Ellia on Feb 5, 2018 in Furnaces |

Some days, spring still feels like it’s never going to get here, doesn’t it? We’ve certainly had our fair share of frigid days in Cleveland this winter, and we’re all very thankful for our furnaces, which have been working hard to keep our homes comfortable and cozy this season. That said, as we do, unfortunately, still have another month or so of winter ahead of us, it’s important to ensure your furnace is not only running as efficiently as possible, but that it’s running safely, too. Furnace Safety Tips for Winter Most furnaces have built-in safety features to keep them from situations like overheating or sensing if the flame has gone out, and some even have an air pressure switch, which can detect if carbon monoxide or other contaminants aren’t venting properly from the system. However, there are a few things you can do to ensure your furnace is not only keeping your home warm, but that no one in your family is at risk due to a malfunctioning system. Here are five furnace safety tips to keep in mind the rest of this winter – and next winter, too: Mark your calendar for an annual furnace maintenance check. You should’ve scheduled your annual furnace check earlier in the fall, before the cold weather really hit. If you didn’t, make sure to get one on the calendar for this year. An annual maintenance check is vital to making sure all components of your system are working properly, plus the technician will also check for issues like frayed wiring or a cracked heat exchanger, both of which could lead to safety hazards. Change the air filter regularly. If your filter is dirty, air cannot flow through your system as it should. Plus, dirt could build up on the components and cause all sorts of safety and efficiency issues. Additionally, a dirty air filter could lead to the system overworking, increasing the chances of a carbon monoxide leak. Install or test your carbon monoxide detector. Speaking of carbon monoxide, if you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, there’s no time like the present to pick one up at your local hardware store and get it installed in your home. If you...

By Jim Ellia on Jan 22, 2018 in Indoor Air Quality |

Forgetting to change the air filter in your HVAC system on a regular basis is a common problem among homeowners. It’s an easy task to forget about, quite honestly, because it’s not something you’re looking at on a daily basis. However, not changing the air filter regularly can have serious consequences on your furnace and/or air conditioning unit, not to mention how it can negatively affect the indoor air quality of your home. 5 Reasons You Have a Dirty Air Filter There are a variety of reasons your air filter can get clogged up quickly, making it necessary to replace it at least every three months. These reasons include: Contaminants in the air in your home. Obviously, the air filter’s purpose is to keep your home free of as many contaminants as possible, but sometimes it becomes difficult to keep up. For instance, if you have furry, shedding pets. Fur and dander is constantly floating through the air, and your filter works hard to trap as much of it as it can. Or, perhaps you’ve been putting off giving your home a good dusting and vacuuming, or you’re working on a home remodeling project, so there are extra contaminants in the air. Extreme weather conditions. When your system is running more often than normal, such as during frigid winters or hot, humid summers, your air filter gets clogged up faster. This is because the more your system runs, the more air there is flowing through your home, and the more contaminants, too. Choosing a lower-quality air filter. It can be tempting to purchase a cheap filter for just a few bucks, but if you aren’t swapping it out monthly, you’ll notice it will get dirty much faster than a high quality filter. A standard fiberglass filter definitely needs to be changed every 30 days, unlike a thicker, pleated filter that can last 60-90 days. Dirty or dusty vents and/or ducts. Check around the vents in your home; you might notice there’s more dirt or dust buildup near them than other areas. This is a common occurrence in many homes, but this buildup will go directly into the ducts, and ultimately collect in your air filter. You keep the fan...