By Jim Ellia on Apr 3, 2019 in Air Conditioning, energy efficiency, Furnaces, Residential |

Saving money is always a plus, especially while being comfortable in your own home.  Be it winter or summer, the potential savings can be phenomenal. Back in August 2013, the government published Energy Saver 101 picturing a Home Energy Audit.  This publication has 101 ways to be protected from high energy costs.   What an energy audit is, and what it can do for you.  A home energy audit is an assessment of how well your home uses energy.  For instance, small cracks in the siding or foundation, can bring as much air into your home, as if you had left a window open for 24 hours.  Imagine leaving your window open overnight during subzero temperatures, how much harder is your furnace running? Or, leaving your window open all day while it is over 90 degrees and humid?  That’s when your air conditioning unit will be choking!  Take that extra pressure off your furnace and air conditioner by calling in a professional auditor.  Steps to take before signing a contract:  Check with your utility companies. They may do the audit themselves or be able to recommend a local company.   References. Get several references from the auditor company and contact them all.  Ask each referenced customer if they were satisfied with the results.  Call the BBB. The Better Business Bureau may have information on any complaints against the company.  Ask questions of the energy auditor.   Does the energy auditor use a calibrated blower door?  How about thermographic inspections?   If not, ask another auditor company.  Preparing for an audit.  Before the energy auditor visits your house   Make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms.   Have copies or a summary of the home’s yearly utility bills (electric and heating if other than electric; such as gas, fuel oil, and coal).  The auditor then will analyze the residents’ behavior:   How many people live here?   Is your home occupied during the day?  What is the average thermostat setting for summer? For winter?  Do you use every room in the home?  What to expect during an audit.   Room-by-Room. The energy auditor will do a room-by-room examination of the residence.  Utility Bills. A thorough examination of your home’s bills for electric and heating. This will give the auditor an idea of what to look...

By Jim Ellia on Apr 2, 2019 in Air Conditioning, Cooling, energy efficiency, Residential |

How would you feel if you came home after a long, hot summer day, only to find the air conditioner has stopped working? And, then, to be on a waiting list, as the repairman made his rounds to all the other people who also are waiting? Guessing it would make you a bit hot under the collar, wouldn’t it? (pun intended) Preventive maintenance in the springtime is a much better option… Plan ahead and Enjoy your summer!     Benefits of Having an Annual Air Conditioning Tune-up  Spring is the perfect time to have your air conditioning unit checked out… That way you can be sure your system is ready when you are! While there are many things you can do yourself, there are still other things it’s best to call in the professionals for. To see what they are, feel free to reference one of our previous articles: https://efficientheatcool.com/time-spring-hvac-tune/   Besides coming home to a cool house when it’s super humid outside, here’s some other benefits to maintaining your air conditioning unit:  Prevention truly is the best medicine for keeping you cool. Scheduling your annual maintenance check is your first step!  You want your air conditioning unit to be in peak condition for the summer season. Plus, ongoing and preventative maintenance help contribute to the longevity of your unit.    Increase efficiency of your system. You not only want your air conditioning unit to work, but you want it to be as efficient as possible. Regular maintenance will ensure your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency as you keep your home cool and comfortable. Plus, it saves you money by helping you avoid some of those mid-summer repairs and it lowers your electric bill.   Improve the performance. Remember last summer when you noticed that the air coming out of the vents wasn’t quite as cool or blowing as strong as you would’ve liked it to? An annual maintenance check in the spring helps your air conditioning system provide a better cooling output throughout the humid summer months.  You can schedule your tune-up here!   So, what can you expect from your technician during an annual air conditioning maintenance check?  Following are three things your technician will do and why:  Clean the coils. Your technician will clean the evaporator and condenser air coils, because dirty coils can decrease the ability of your HVAC system to cool your home. Dirty coils can...

By Jim Ellia on Mar 11, 2019 in Residential |

Are you finally thinking about spring cleaning? Or do you avoid the phrase all together because it is overwhelming? As overwhelming and stressful as spring cleaning can be it is one of the most important cleaning task lists for you as a homeowner to pay attention to. Check the exterior drainage – If you are living in the midwest checking your exterior drainage is very important as the snow begins to melt and the spring showers begin to fall. Standing water can be very harmful for you foundation.    Clean out gutters – Checking your gutters and cleaning out all left over leaves from the fall and any sand or salt that may be left over from your winter snows. Cleaning out your gutters will allow to proper drainage, and will help prolong the life of your gutters.    Inspect the exterior of your home – Has the paint chipped on your house? Was the siding damaged from winter? Are there any holes in your brick? By walking around your house and taking notes of all the minor or major changes you have noticed you will be able to fix these in a timely manner. Get your air conditioning system ready for summer – Living in the midwest you are blessed with a variety of different seasons. Preparing your air conditioning for the changing weather conditions is vital to make sure it is working properly. Call to schedule your tune up today (216) 663-6462 Repair/replace damaged window screens – Repairing damaged window screens will help keep your air in your house as well as keeping the bugs out. Repairing these the right way the first time will save you time and money down the road.    Clear dead plants/shrubs from the house – Plants can grow their way into cracks and holes on the exterior of your home, causing damage to your foundation. Keeping up on clearing dead plants will help keep the foundation of your house intact.    Check trees for interference with electric lines – Trimming trees near your electrical lines will help keep your property safe as the season transition.    Inspect roofing for damage, leaks, etc – Inspecting your roof will allow you to notice if any damage was done...

By Jim Ellia on Mar 11, 2019 in Furnaces |

Before we know it, the warm summer weather will be here and our air conditioning systems will be working hard to keep our homes cool and comfortable. Spring is the perfect time of year to perform some routine maintenance on your HVAC system to make sure it will be running in optimal condition when we need it most – on those muggy, hot, long summer days.    Keep Your HVAC System Healthy this Spring  While some spring maintenance tasks can be handled on your own, others are best left to the professionals. Not only do you want to avoid your HVAC system breaking down during the summer, but you also want to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Let’s discuss all the things you can do this spring to get your system ready for the hot months ahead.  DIY Spring HVAC Tune-Up Tasks   Here’s what you can do on your own to get your HVAC system ready for summer:  Replace the filter. Your furnace filter should be changed often; it’s recommended to swap it out once a month, since a dirty filter will make your system work that much harder to properly heat or cool your home.  Clear away debris. On the outside unit, clear away any leaves, sticks, dirt and other debris that may have collected around it throughout the winter. The compressor in your air conditioning unit requires proper air flow to work as efficiently as possible, so make sure shrubbery or trees are at least three feet away.  Check for wear and tear. After the unit is cleaned off, inspect it for any damage like dents, cracks, leaks, etc. If anything appears to be broken, make a note of it to discuss with a professional heating and cooling company.  Install a programmable thermostat. If you aren’t already using a programmable thermostat, there’s no time like the present to install one and get ready to start reaping the benefits, which include lower utility bills and more overall home comfort.  Professional Spring HVAC Tune-Up   Of course, calling the professionals to do your spring HVAC tune-up is actually an even better idea. An HVAC company knows exactly what to look for, plus will perform routine maintenance to ensure...

By Jim Ellia on Feb 14, 2019 in Uncategorized |

Did you just get the keys to your new home? Feeling overwhelmed by the to do list that seems to be never ending? Take a few minutes to read over our new homeowners checklist; by breaking down your to do list you will most likely save yourself a few headaches.   Before Moving In:  Research local utilities; gas, electric, garbage; internet/tv research their policies, does someone over the age of 18 need to be present for them to install or turn on these utilities. Also check if there are any local tax credits for using energy efficient utilities.   Get you home professionally inspected; this will allow you to know your home is safe to start moving your stuff into, this may feel like a useless step in the moment but you will be thankful you did it just in case they find something wrong with your house.  Sign your homeowners insurance policy; making sure that your homeowners insurance is coming for you the moment you have those keys. This will protect you God forbid in case something happen as you are moving in.   Once you are in your house:  Label all main utility lines; this will help if something is every wrong you know right where to look.   Test heating & cooling units; this is important incase either need to be serviced prior to you moving it, no one wants a hot or cold house as they are moving in.   Test washer & dryer units, as well as stoves and ovens; this is important because these are considered large appliances and if one or both is not in working order it could cause issues with the whole house.   Install your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors; in most homes these are required for your homeowners insurance to be valid as this is a safety concern when they are not in working order.    Check all outlets & light switch covers; this could be a fire starter, so making sure they are up to code and in working order is important for your safety.    Change all of your important addresses to your new address; including USPS, IRS, Banks, Family & Friends.   Update your license and registration; sometimes you might get fined if this...

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...