Will your furnace make it through the winter?

By Jim Ellia on Oct 4, 2019 in Furnaces, Heating, Residential |

With talks of a harsh, frigid winter already underway, now is the time to consider whether your furnace will be able to operate reliably and efficiently for the duration of winter. If your furnace or and part of your heating system requires repair or replacement, it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible. An expert should perform routine maintenance on your furnace at least once every year to ensure that the unit is performing well and lasts its lifespan. As a homeowner, there are certain things to consider when assessing whether your furnace is in top shape. How old is your furnace? If you have no idea, or if you believe the furnace to be more than 15 years old; chances are that it’s in its last days. The average heating appliance lasts about 10 to 14 years. So, it’s not uncommon for an older furnace to have performance problems. A qualified, experienced technician may be able to get your old furnace up and running at least for one more cold season. Performance Issues A furnace that is in good condition will perform most efficiently. As time goes on, the furnace will deteriorate, and efficiency will decline. Pay close attention to your utility bills. If your heating costs are rising, your furnace may need attention. Also, pay close attention on variations in temperature from room to room. While uneven heating can be due to issues with windows, doors, or insulation; it is often a sign of reduced furnace efficiency. Sound and Appearance Some signs of a failing furnace can be very subtle and go unnoticed until it is too late. Others are obvious, but you must pay close attention. It’s a good idea to take the time to go listen to your furnace while it is running. Pay attention to excessive noise, as it is likely an indication that your furnace requires maintenance. Rust and corrosion may also indicate that your furnace needs to be inspected by a professional. Lastly, if your furnace is emitting an unusual odor, contact a professional right away. When to Purchase a New Furnace Near the end of its lifespan, your furnace may break down often and require frequent repairs and maintenance....

Should You Repair or Replace your Furnace?

By Jim Ellia on Aug 6, 2019 in Furnaces, Heating, Residential |

Summer will be over before we you know it, and you may be thinking about getting a head start on preparing your home for fall and winter. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for the cooler seasons is inspecting your furnace for signs of wear and considering the repair or replacement of a broken system. It can be difficult to know when you should have your furnace surfaced by a professional and repaired or whether you should have your system replaced in its entirety. As a homeowner in the Midwest, you probably understand the importance of having an operational furnace for the winter. A faulty heating system can turn even a mildly frigid day into an uncomfortable situation. You can ensure your family’s comfort throughout the cold months by addressing your furnaces needs in the summer or early fall before the chilly weather sets in. Identifying issues early on allows time for you to have the necessary repairs done, or have the unit replaced by professionals. By planning ahead, you can research options and budget for the expense. While situations vary, these tips will help you learn about the best time to service your furnace, problems you may encounter and whether to repair or replace your system in each scenario. Scenario 1: Your furnace is emitting carbon monoxide- Any system that could expose you and your family to carbon monoxide needs to be replaced as soon as possible. A furnace with a cracked combustion chamber allows carbon monoxide to leak into your home and should always be replaced immediately. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, which is why it can be a silent killer. Households with gas furnaces should always be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. Between 2010 and 2015, 2000 people died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. The highest number of deaths occurred in the winter during the months of frequent furnace use. Scenario 2: Your furnace is over 15 years old- Even the highest quality heating systems aren’t built to last forever. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a furnace should last 15-30 years before you’ll need a replacement. This varies by brand, quality, and other factors. But a heater will generally start to...

By Jim Ellia on Nov 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Heating, Residential |

The holidays are just about here! Although many of us will immediately think about delicious food, family gatherings and gift giving for the little ones, it’s smart to take a step back and make sure your home is a safe place to celebrate. While many of these tips are common sense, they can be easy to forget because life is so busy or we are in a rush. Spend a few hours this month making sure your home is ready to welcome guests. Furnace and Heating Equipment Tips   1. Get your furnace serviced and/or repaired by a professional. Don’t attempt to make repairs yourself. 2. If you are using space heaters, plug them directly into the wall. Don’t use extension cords with them. Now is a good time to inspect the cord for any damage. 3. Never hang fabric or decorations near your space heaters, radiators or other heat sources. Make sure you leave plenty of space around the heat source. 4. In case of a power outage, never use your oven to heat your home. Holiday Decorating Tips   1. Keep open flames from candles at least three feet from anything flammable. 2. If you plan to use your wood burning fireplace for the ambiance, make sure your chimney has been serviced and you’re given the “okay” to use it. Make sure you use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. 3. If you display a live tree, make sure to keep it watered regularly. 4. Do not overload your electrical circuits or extension cords. Typically, three strings of lights is the maximum amount you can string together. Inspect the wires before you decorate as well. 5. Use caution when decorating elevated sections of your home. Always use a sturdy ladder and have a spotter on the ground.   General Safety Tips   1. Make sure that vents for your dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow, paying extra attention during and after a heavy snow. 2. Gas and charcoal grills should only be used outside. They can produce carbon monoxide, so don’t use them in your garage. As you can see, some of these tips are very easy to implement...

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 Sep 18, 2017 in Cooling, Heating |

As homeowners, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, and the thought of our HVAC system working properly never really crosses our minds – until there’s a problem, that is. Sometimes, we simply put things off or try to cut corners to save some money every month, but in the long run you’ll only end up paying more. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of the common HVAC mistakes people make that affect how well your system works, your family’s comfort and your home’s energy efficiency, too. 5 Common Heating and Cooling Mistakes These HVAC mistakes include: Not scheduling annual HVAC maintenance. Annual maintenance on your HVAC system is crucial to ensuring its efficiency and longevity. A professional will check all the components and controls, lubricate the motors and bearings, tighten all electrical connections and inspect the thermostat. Properly maintaining your system helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and extra costs. Hiding the outdoor unit because it’s an eyesore. We get it; that bulky outdoor unit looks awkward in your nicely landscaped yard. This is why some people choose to try to cover it up or conceal it behind thick shrubbery or other objects. However, blocking the system can cause issues with the ventilation and clog it, so it’s best to leave some open space around it. Installing your thermostat in the wrong place. Your programmable thermostat is a key component in improving your home’s energy efficiency, but if it’s installed in the wrong spot it may actually cost you more. The thermostat should be placed on an interior wall, out of sunlight, and away from appliances, hot lamps and furniture. Ignoring those weird thumps, bumps or smells from your system. If your HVAC system consistently makes sounds it shouldn’t, or there’s a weird odor emanating from the vents, don’t ignore them! This is especially true if the noises or smells get worse as time goes on. Strange sounds and smells are a good indicator that something isn’t working properly, like a loose blower wheel, bad motor bearings, or maybe even an animal got stuck in your unit! Forgetting to swap out your filter regularly. With every change of season, or every three months, it’s recommended...

By Jim Ellia on Nov 21, 2016 in Furnaces, Heating, Indoor Air Quality |

Throughout a long, bitter winter, everyone looks forward to coming home to a cozy house, cuddling up on the couch with a snuggly blanket and some hot tea. We want our homes to be comfortable and warm, especially since we’ll be spending so much time inside during these colder months. However, sometimes, we need to take a few extra steps to ensure our home comfort levels are as we expect them to be. Home Comfort Tips to Keep You Cozy Don’t let a chilly home get you down this winter! Instead of layering on extra sweaters and blankets, here are a few things you can do to provide optimal comfort inside: Schedule a furnace maintenance check. If you haven’t scheduled an annual furnace maintenance check, now is the perfect time to do so. Having a professional come over to check all the components and controls, repair any damaged parts, and make sure everything is running as efficiently as it should will help decrease the chances of your furnace breaking during the next big blizzard. Install a programmable thermostat. One of the main benefits of a programmable thermostat is the fact that it can improve home comfort levels. How? Well, a programmable thermostat allows for a consistent temperature throughout the house, plus it can work with your family’s schedule. Set it to warm up the home at least an hour before you’re returning from work or school so the house is as cozy as can be when you arrive. As an added bonus, since your furnace will only be running when you need it to, you’ll save money on your utility bills, too! Check your insulation. Head up into the attic and inspect your insulation. Homes tend to lose the most heat through the ceiling of the top floor, so if your insulation is old and thin, it’s definitely time to replace it. Keep in mind that insulation should be at least six to seven inches thick. Seek out drafty areas. Take note of cold air seeping through your doors or windows. If necessary, add new or replace the current weather stripping to help keep the cool air outside and the warm air inside. Check for drafty or leaky ductwork,...