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How to Prepare for a Power Outage

By on Dec 15, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces |

The winters here in Northeast Ohio are anything but predictable. Sometimes we can even experience all four seasons in just one week!  In general though, Cleveland winters are cold, snowy and miserable. No one likes losing their power, but especially during these brutal winter months. However, there are a few ways you can prepare for a power outage at your home.  Storms can happen at any time over the year, and by taking a few quick precautions you’ll be able to live a little more comfortably until your power can be restored. How long should I prepare for? It’s recommended to try to plan for at least two weeks without power.  Preparing for two weeks will allow you to stockpile a wide range of supplies, and you might even realize that you already have many of the things you need.  It just takes some simple organization to put together a two week plan. Start by taking inventory of what you already have, and then make a shopping list of items you need to acquire. What supplies do I need? Basic items you should make sure you have on hand include the following: Flashlight for each family member (with working batteries- check them every so often!), candles or glow sticks, camping lights/lanterns, water-resistant matches Tools like screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, wrenches First aid kit that includes antibiotic ointment, aspirin, bandages, etc. Battery operated radio Paper plates and cups, plastic flatware, napkins, paper towels Manual can opener How much water should I have? A general rule of thumb is to have a gallon of water available per day, per person. You can purchase cases of bottled water or five gallon jugs of filtered water from the grocery store.  If you have pets, don’t forget to stock up on water for them, too. What kind of food should I stockpile? The best types of food to have on hand for a power outage are those that don’t require a lot of cooking.  Non-perishable items like canned beans or veggies are always a good option- look for things you can eat right out of the package.  If you have a gas or charcoal grill, using them is also a great option, too. Just never...

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Using Your Programmable Thermostat

By on Nov 28, 2014 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating, Thermostats |

Using a programmable thermostat is a great, easy way to make your home more energy efficient. It’s estimated that you can save an average of $180 each year through proper use of a programmable thermostat. The average cost of a programmable thermostat is anywhere from $30 to over $200, and the type you choose depends on the features you’re looking for, your budget, and your needs. Learning how to properly program your thermostat is vital to notice a difference in your monthly energy costs. Rules for Proper Use of Your Programmable Thermostat Installing a programmable thermostat is a relatively simple task that you should be able to perform yourself. First, make sure you shut off the power to the circuit before you begin. Then, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions, connecting the new unit to the same wiring as your old one. Of course, if you’re not comfortable with the installation, Efficient Heating and Cooling can help! Keep in mind that your thermostat should be on an inside wall of your home, away from windows, doors, drafts and sunlight. Being exposed to extreme or sudden heat or cooling changes will affect its efficiency. Also, never place furniture in front of your thermostat, as this could block the air movement around it. Once the programmable thermostat is installed properly, there are a few things to keep in mind to keep it working at its most efficient: Consider your schedule. Programmable thermostats are generally available with four different scheduling cycles, depending on the type you chose. You can either schedule a program for each day of the week, or the weekdays and the weekend days, either together or separately. Set the thermostat to 68 degrees in the winter during the hours you are home and awake, and around ten degrees cooler overnight. Turning your thermostat down by 10 to 15 degrees for an 8 hour period will actually save you 5-15% on your heating bill! Avoid overriding the program. The thermostat will allow you to override the current heat or cool setting to make the home temporarily warmer or colder. Try not to use this feature very often; consistently overriding the settings will use more energy, which in turn will cost you...

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The Five Most Common HVAC Service Calls

By on Nov 24, 2014 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Furnaces |

The changing of the seasons usually brings about an influx of calls regarding furnace or air conditioning issues.  While you might not really think about how your system will work until you need to use it, proper maintenance of heating and cooling systems can reduce the amount of problems you may experience. Some of the most common HVAC service calls include problems with the following components: Blown Fuses Found in the evaporator coil, fuses provide protection for the working components of your system. Any good technician will check the circuit breaker upon arrival to make sure there aren’t any blown fuses. Overheating is a common problem with any HVAC system, as the motors and compressors generate a large amount of heat- sometimes so much that they shut down altogether. Leakage Refrigerant leakage or leakage within the ducts, either on the intake side or exhaust side, can cause your system to work inefficiently. A refrigerant leak can be serious and unfixable, depending on where the leakage occurred. Sealing leaks within the ducts help increase comfort and help reduce the amount of air escaping. Thermostats Your thermostat is responsible for telling your system when to turn on. If you’re having problems with your thermostat, check to make sure the battery doesn’t need replacing and that the unit is set correctly. Bad Contactors Contactors are located in the condenser fan motor, the blower motor and the compressor. Contactors are responsible for providing an electrical connection to start the system. When contactors are malfunctioning, the electrical current will not pass through to start the component. Dirty Filters/Systems A dirty filter can restrict air flow and cause the unit to freeze up. The filter can easily get clogged with debris and air particles over time, and a clean filter is key to protecting your system. Regularly change your filter to keep your system working properly. Likewise, a dirty system overall can cause problems. It’s recommended to get your HVAC system inspected once a year to ensure that air is flowing and each component is in good working order. Remember to perform some routine maintenance on your HVAC system to help protect it and extend its life. It’s common to see major problems caused by...

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The Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

By on Oct 23, 2014 in Cleveland, Heating, Residential, Uncategorized |

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home heating and cooling accounts for 48% of your energy bill. The average American household spends over $2,000 on home energy every year, and the 115 million residences in the United States today use around 22.5% of the nation’s energy. Making sure your home is energy efficient is vital. Many homes waste energy on a daily basis due to factors like old appliances or leaky windows and doors, but there are ways you can save energy, as well as the money you spend on your utility bills. 10 Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Home As winter is approaching, furnaces throughout Northeast Ohio will be kicking into high gear very soon. Here are some simple and effective tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency through the entire year: 1) Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature in your home throughout the day. You can lower the temperature when no one is home, and overnight just throw an extra blanket on the bed and you’ll stay cozy. A programmable thermostat can save you up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs. 2) Check your furnace’s air filter. Clean or change the filter monthly. A dirty air filter will block the air flow through the vents, and over time this can even damage your heating and cooling system. 3) Turn things off. This might sound like common sense, but people do have a tendency to walk out of a room and forget to turn off the lights or the television. Make sure you shut off all electronics that aren’t in use, too. You can use a power strip to turn off TVs and DVD players or computers, monitors and printers all at once to make it even simpler. 4) Lower your water temperature. Ideally, your water heater should be set no higher than 130 degrees. You can even wrap the water tank in a special “blanket” to help retain the heat inside. About 15% of the home’s energy bill goes to heating water. 5) Take showers. Speaking of water, try to lessen your shower times and don’t take baths often. You can also install low-flow faucets or showerheads...

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What To Expect During Your Annual Furnace Check

By on Oct 10, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating |

Winter is quickly on its way to Northeast Ohio, and that means you’ll want your home warm and cozy inside while the temperatures continue to drop outside. Of course, many of us have already had our furnaces running this Autumn, since the weather can quickly change from a warm 70 degrees to a chilly 45 over the Fall season. If you haven’t scheduled an annual furnace check yet, now is definitely the time to consider getting one on your calendar. An annual furnace check will ensure that your furnace is functioning properly so it won’t break down on a cold winter day. Maintaining your furnace will also help you avoid any unexpected and unwanted costs. So, what exactly happens during an annual furnace check? A typical furnace inspection should include the following: • Checking all the components. The heat exchanger, burners, fan switch, gas line, flue pipe, belts and pulleys, etc. should all be inspected to make sure everything is functioning properly. The heat exchanger, in particular, can deteriorate over time, so it’s important to make sure there are no cracks in it. Cracks can produce carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless and causes serious health risks. • Thermostat inspection. The thermostat should be checked and calibrated, because improperly calibrated thermostats can cause the furnace to run longer than necessary. The thermostat is also the component that you utilize the most as a homeowner, and is responsible for telling the system when to turn on and off. It’s vital that your thermostat is working properly to save energy and keep your home comfortable. • Tightening of all electrical connections. Loose connections can cause safety hazards and improper operation of the furnace. All the connections will be tightened, and the voltage and current on the motors will be measured as well. If your furnace gets its energy from natural gas, the gas connections will all be checked to make sure they are in good working condition. • Controls checked and observed. Problems can be identified by observing your system shutting on and off. The starting cycle will be checked to make sure it starts properly, operates as it should, and shuts off when it’s supposed to. • Lubricate motors...

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How should I take care of my furnace?

By on Sep 25, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating, Service Agreements |

If you take proper care of your forced-air furnace, it will provide you with an average of 15 years of workable life. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of even the most basic techniques that they can utilize to extend the life of their heating unit. Here are a few essential tips that can help you take care of your furnace and achieve the most out of your investment. How to take care of your furnace: the importance of regular maintenance Even if your furnace appears to be working perfectly, it is still a good idea to get it inspected on an annual basis as a precautionary measure. After all, a professional inspection can pinpoint many small issues before they add up to a major problem, and this will allow you to take the necessary steps to prevent a costly breakdown. Efficient Heating & Cooling offers a furnace service agreement to make it easier for you to receive an annual inspection and tune-up without spending an exorbitant amount of money. What items can I do to take care of my furnace? Annual preventative maintenance is only one aspect of the many minor things that can be done to greatly enhance the efficiency and lifespan of your forced-air furnace. We highly recommend changing the filter on a regular basis, keeping the unit free of dust and any debris. It’s also a good idea to invest in a programmable thermostat and embracing energy-efficient methods such as keeping your thermostat set to the lowest possible temperature without sacrificing your desire to have a comfortable climate throughout your home. What will a contractor do to extend the life of my furnace? When you sign up for a furnace service agreement, your contractor will schedule an annual appointment. During these appointments, a professional contractor will check your heat exchanger, inspect your pilot light and perform an overall inspection of all of the working components of your furnace. All of this is vital if you want to get the most out of your unit, but it is actually critical to have your heat exchanger inspected on a regular basis. In fact, even new heat exchangers can become dangerous and possibly life-threatening if a crack develops. Homeowners...

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