By Jim Ellia on Feb 1, 2019 in Radiant Heating |

Radiant floor heat is one of the oldest forms of heating a structure, dating all the way back the Roman Empire.  Radiant flooring provides numerous benefits including increased comfort, evenly distributed temperatures, cleaner air, no cold drafts, no unsightly ductwork and no floor vents.  Best of all, this type of heating is quieter and more energy-efficient compared to forced-air heat.    How does radiant heating work?  In a radiant floor heating system, warm water flows through tubes located underneath the floors. That warmth radiates up from the floors and warms everything it comes in contact with — including people. Radiant floor heating is compatible under any type of floor covering — carpet, wood, slate, tile, linoleum, and even concrete.     Benefits Of Radiant Floor Heating     Energy Efficient Heating- provide heating in a room from the floor up for consistent, efficient warmth. Radiant heat provides an average saving of 15% on heating bills thanks to the efficient way it warms a home.  Effortless to Run- Once installed, underfloor heating needs virtually no maintenance. You have the ability to set it and forget it with a programmable thermostat.   More Space & Design Freedom- With radiant floor heating, you’re able to enjoy your whole room without radiators on the walls.  Even the newest radiators take up a decent amount of space in homes; and with the new minimalist trends radiant floor heating is the new go to.   Works with all floor coverings- Underfloor heating gives you the freedom to design your home as you wish, making the most of all the wall and floor space.   Underfloor heating allows you to pick from a variety of different floor styles.  Safety and Comfort- When you have underfloor heating, you no longer need to worry about sharp edges or hot surfaces of radiators when younger family members are in the house. The heating system is safely tucked out of the way and won’t get too hot to the touch.  Safety and Comfort- Radiant heat is also much better for the air quality in a room since it keeps the air fresh and oxygen-rich. This also helps keep the circulation of dust to a minimum.   Ease of Installation- Underfloor heating is easy to install, especially...

By Jim Ellia on Jan 25, 2019 in Residential |

Thinking about buying a new home? Not sure what time of year you should start looking? Most people think about buying houses in the spring or summer because the weather is nice. But surprisingly winter can also be a great time to buy a house if you keep these four tips in mind. Check out our tips below to find out how to find your dream home.   Fewer Buyers to Compete With; with colder temperatures not as many people are willing to brave the weather to look at houses let alone move in winter.  With less people looking at the houses on the market you are more likely to find the house you want and get it for your ideal price. Fewer buyers essentially means less overpriced bids, or cash offers to compete with. So putting up with the chilly temperatures may be worth it in the long run; especially if you are looking to make your budget go a long way.   Sellers are Motivated; typically if a seller is selling their house in the winter months they are considered a motivated seller; this means that they are looking to close on their house quickly and may be more willing to budge on some of those changes or tweaks you would like made on the home.  They might be willing to take less than what the house is listed for, leaving funds in your budget to make the changes yourself. This also typically means a quicker close date or less waiting time to get into your new house since everyone is pushing to keep the process moving.   Your Real Estate Agent Will Work Harder For You; most of the time less activity during the winter months means you will have the undivided attention of your realtor. Fewer clients looking for houses means you can take your time and make sure you are truly getting the property that you want. Houses also typically close faster when real estate agents and brokers don’t have a full workload, which is common in the winter months.   You truly see the condition of the house during the winter months; winter tends to be one of the hardest seasons on a house; you tend to notice more...

By Jim Ellia on Jan 11, 2019 in energy efficiency |

Cold Weather Tips To Help You Save Money The weather is now colder, and you feel like you are constantly looking at the thermostat trying to keep the house warm without draining your bank account for the colder months. Know that you are not alone, most households have this same issue throughout the winter months. Check out our list of 8 tips to help keep you warm this winter without going broke. 1. Open your curtains. If you live in a place where the sun is shining during the winter months use that to your advantage. Sunlight brightens and warms up a room. 2. Lower your thermostat at night and when you are not home. Bumping your thermostat down 2 to 8 degrees when you are sleeping or out of the house. No need to heat a house when no one is home, and we tend to sleep better in a cooler room. If you are a cold sleeper add blankets or warmer sheets. 3. Wear layers. While this isn’t ideal for everyone, a saying in our house growing up was “you can’t tell me you are cold unless you’re wearing long pants, socks, and a sweatshirt.” Layers of clothes are more or less free since they are already in your closet where turning the heat up will cost you money. 4. Keep your furnace clean. Keeping your furnace and vents properly maintained will reduce energy consumption and help you save. Check your furnace filter monthly, and replace it when needed. 5. Check your housing insulation. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy costs are lost each year due to escaping heat in homes due to lack of proper insulation. Insulation does not have to be expensive; check out your local hardware stores and stock up on what your house needs most. 6.Ceiling Fans! Use Them! Ceiling fans can be used strategically to achieve better airflow. Turning your fan on clockwise will trap heat inside to keep your rooms warmer. Keeping your ceiling fan on low will help keep the room warm. 7. Only heat the rooms that you are using, there is no need to heat guest rooms, or warmer rooms in your house, your bank account will...

By Jim Ellia on Dec 20, 2018 in Indoor Air Quality |

10 Plants that Clean Indoor Air Winter in northeast Ohio means we’re all stuck inside, and likely suffering from sneezing, coughing and other airborne illnesses. To make matters worse, we’re likely inhale stale and polluted indoor air.  Toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene are present in indoor air from materials such as tissues, paper towels, garbage bags and floor coverings.  Fear not! There are certain plants that can help remove toxins, and give you and your family safe and fresh air. NASA has confirmed the air cleaning power of plants. Not only do plants clean the air, but they also serve as a great way to improve your home décor. We’ve compiled a list of the 10 best indoor plants for cleaning the air in your home, along with suggestions on where in your home to place the plant. Best Plants for Cleaner Indoor Air 1. Spider plant. Spider plants are great indoor air cleaners. They take in and metabolize atmosphere pollutants and use them as food, thus reducing or eliminating some toxins. They are good at removing benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. 15 spider plants would purify the air of an average size house.   2. Snake plant. Also known as mother-in-laws tongue. This plant is tough to kill and can go for a month without water. Removes indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and carbon dioxide and give oxygen in return. Put it in your bedroom for a good night’s sleep.  3. Golden Pothos. Want a plant for your bathroom? Photos is a good choice. It’s very easy to propagate too. One caveat: pothos is poisonous. So keep away from pets and children.  4.Peace lily. The peace lily has lush leaves, a slender flower and can grow up to 3 feet tall. This plant is great at removing benzene, formaldehyde, and other harmful Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs so it’s a great plant to place anywhere in your home.   5.Rubber Tree. This plant is sturdy and can grow up to 8 feet tall. The rubber plant is exceptional at removing formaldehyde and an assortment of airborne toxins. This is one of those hard to...

By Jim Ellia on Nov 19, 2018 in Cleveland |

We’ve already experienced some winter weather here in Cleveland, and there’s sure to be more on the way. As November comes to an end, this is probably your last chance to make sure your home is winter-ready. Use our handy checklist to ensure everything is complete so you’re not surprised by any damage or repairs when spring rolls around. Prep your heating system. Forced-air furnaces and boiler systems need periodic maintenance. Make sure your system is ready for the heavy lifting it will do this winter by scheduling a check-up with a reputable heating professional. Protect your air conditioning unit. Snow and ice can cause damage to your outdoor unit. Tidy-up around the unit by removing and debris, and protect the unit with a sheet of plywood held in place with a few bricks. Prep your humidifier. Make sure the drain line for your whole-house humidifier is clean. Clean your fireplace and chimney. This is another task best left to a professional, but if you are planning to delight your holiday guests with a crackling fire, it’s a must! Remember that a sturdy screen will keep sparks from flying into your living room. Disconnect outdoor hoses. You don’t want to be tripping over broken hoses come spring! Disconnect and store your hoses, and turn-off the water to any outdoor faucets. Check for air leaks. Caulk and weather-stripping ages over time, and will eventually need some attention. If you’re looking to save money on heating costs this winter, check for air leaks around windows and doors. Clean gutters and check your roof. While it’s still warm outside, clean out leaves and other debris from your gutters – be careful if you have a two-story home! While you’re up there, give the roof a quick inspection as well. If it’s starting to age, it’s smart to keep tabs on how quickly you might need to replace it. Swap your summer tools for winter tools. It’s time to put away the lawn mower, rake and other summer tools. Store everything according to the manufactures specifications. Get your snow shovels and snow blower ready for worst that Mother Nature can throw at us. Prep for a snowstorm. Now is a good time to...