By Jim Ellia on Jul 13, 2016 in Cooling, Heating, Thermostats |

It’s no secret that heating and cooling costs account for the majority of our energy bills. Everyone wants their homes to be comfortable; cozy and warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Coming home after a long day of work to a house that’s either too cold or too hot can be a real problem, but some people feel that it’s more important to save money on their next energy bill rather than have their HVAC systems running constantly while they’re away. Luckily, there’s a solution to help improve your family’s comfort and keep your energy costs lower – installing a programmable thermostat. Programmable Thermostat Benefits A programmable thermostat will work in a variety of environments, no matter how big or small your home may be, how many levels there are, or the time of the year it is. Wondering if you should consider installing a programmable thermostat? Here are five benefits they provide: Saving money. The number one benefit of a programmable thermostat is the cost savings they provide. Because they allow you to set your system to run only at certain times, you don’t have to leave the air conditioning or the heat on when no one is home. Create the schedule that is right for your family’s daily routine to help decrease the time the system is running. Increasing energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is a hot topic for many families today, and we are always looking for ways to use our resources more effectively. A programmable thermostat allows for less energy wasted throughout the day, which is great for your home and the environment. Improving comfort levels. Programmable thermostats not only allow for a consistent temperature throughout the home, but also provide a way to change the heat or air conditioning settings to work with your schedule. Perhaps you enjoy it cooler overnight for sleeping, for example. Simply set the thermostat to decrease the temperature at bedtime. Easy to install and control. Most programmable thermostats can be installed in about an hour- even by a non-professional! New models also allow for a higher level of control, with systems that can be accessed remotely from a mobile device. Optimizing your HVAC system. Perhaps you have...

By Jim Ellia on Jul 20, 2015 in Cooling, Heating |

It seems hard to imagine today that at one point in our history, places like department stores, factories, and even hospitals did not have central heat and air conditioning. It was just about one hundred years ago that air conditioning was invented as we know it today, although it was not used in many homes at the time. It was considered a luxury item only the wealthy could afford until after World War II. A Brief History of Heating and Cooling Of course, there are still some older homes in the Northeast Ohio area and around the country that do not have central air conditioning. But in new homes, it’s pretty much a standard feature these days. There’s nothing quite like entering that cool air after a long day of working outside, and it also greatly helps relieve most symptoms of allergy sufferers. But how did the heating and cooling industry emerge? Here are just a few home heating and cooling facts we thought were interesting: Air Conditioning Facts The first air conditioner was built in 1902 by Willis Carrier. Carrier designed a spray-driven temperature and humidity controlled system and a system that was later used in offices, apartment buildings, hospitals, etc. The first a/c units were large, expensive, and highly dangerous because they used toxic ammonia as the coolant. In 1917, air conditioning was installed for the first time in a movie theater, the New Empire Theater in Montgomery, Alabama. Between 1928 and 1930 a/c was installed in many government buildings, such as the White House, the Executive Office Building, the Senate, etc. The Great Depression, followed by World War II halted production of air conditioning units for residential purposes. But by 1953, room air conditioning sales were over a million units, with demand for more soaring. Air conditioning changed the architecture of modern buildings and homes. Ceilings were lowered, window size decreased, and large front porches began to be eliminated. Refrigeration technology allowed for advances in space exploration and other modern technology like computers and pharmaceuticals due to their reliance on cooled air during production and storage. Heating System Facts Early central heating was devised of fireplaces and hearths, stoves, and underfloor systems, dating as far back as...

By Jim Ellia 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...

By Jim Ellia 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...

By Jim Ellia 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...

By Jim Ellia 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...