By Jim Ellia on Sep 10, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating |

If you are in the market for a new forced-air furnace, you should take the time to educate yourself about your various options before you make a purchasing decision. It is also a good idea to begin pricing furnaces as far in advance as possible so that you do not end up feeling rushed into making a decision simply to keep your home warm. In other words, it would be wise for any homeowner who has a furnace that is reaching the 15 year mark to begin taking a look at all of the furnaces that are currently available. But how much does a furnace cost? Here are some useful hints to help you budget appropriately. How do I choose a new furnace? Understand the differences in quality When it comes to a new furnace, the saying “you get what you pay for” definitely applies. It is possible to purchase a new furnace that ranges anywhere from $2,000-$14,000 or even more. And each of these models will have pros and cons that help justify the sticker price. The reality is that an extremely inexpensive furnace will most likely do an adequate job of keeping a smaller home warm, but it might be necessary to invest in a high-end furnace if you have a lot of area that needs to remain heated. Of course, it is also possible to find a very nice high-end furnace that is appropriate for a smaller space if you want to get the most efficient results. What features affect the cost of a new furnace? Aside from the style itself, you will also see various price points that are based on efficiency ratings. This means that purchasing the cheapest model available will save you money up front, but it will end up being more expensive to operate than a forced-air furnace that is more efficient. Another factor that can affect the price that you end up paying is the size of your home. Each furnace provides the most reliable performance for a certain amount of square feet, and you need to ensure that the unit you purchase is appropriate for your needs. Installation costs and rebates for new furnaces When you are determining how much...

By Jim Ellia on Aug 25, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces |

Furnaces are a major investment, and this often causes people to try too hard to extend their useful life. The reality is that furnaces are mechanical equipment. This means that they will need service throughout their lives, but they will ultimately need to be replaced. In other words, it is important to understand when the maintenance needs of your furnace become indicative of the need to purchase a new unit. After all, failure to pay attention to the many warning signs of a dying furnace could cause you to spend an exorbitant amount of money for a so-called quick fix – especially if you have not planned for the possibility of a breakdown. How Do I Know if My Furnace Needs to Be Replaced? If you are hoping to get your old furnace through one more winter, it is vital to be aware of the fact that they often breakdown early in the season. Therefore, you should begin planning now for the possibility of a furnace replacement so that you will be financially able to move forward if necessary. There are several signs that a furnace is nearing the end of his life, and paying close attention can help you avoid an unpleasant surprise. 1. Your Furnace Requires Frequent Repairs – Any heating or cooling equipment that requires an increasingly frequent amount of repairs will need to be replaced soon. Fortunately, taking this step will also reduce your energy bills. 2. Your Home Does Not Have a Consistent Temperature – Issues with your equipment, installation or ducts can lead to inconsistent temperatures in the rooms throughout your home. This is a prime indicator that your furnace might need to be replaced. 3. Your Furnace is At Least 15 Years Old – If your furnace has already celebrated its 15th birthday, it is definitely a good idea to look into a replacement. This will provide you with more efficiency, and it will prevent you from dealing with freezing temperatures when your current furnace dies. 4. Your House is Very Dry During the Winter – Humidity problems can leave your home experiencing excessive dryness during the winter. This is caused by inadequate or poorly operating equipment, and it can also be...

By Jim Ellia on Aug 12, 2014 in Cleveland, Furnaces |

Keeping your heating and cooling system in good shape requires more than simply waiting until something breaks to obtain a repair. Instead, it is necessary to follow a preventative maintenance plan that includes an annual inspection. In fact, utilizing this approach will help ensure you DON’T end up with exorbitantly expensive problems in the future. Fortunately, you can turn to our team of professionals to help you design and adhere to the appropriate preventative maintenance schedule for your system. The Seasonal Approach to Furnace Maintenance Now that summertime is in full swing, most homeowners have their attention primarily focused on their air conditioner. However, the proper time to do an annual inspection and perform any necessary preventative maintenance on a cooling system is during the spring. Therefore, it is now time to have your heating system inspected in order to ensure that everything is ready for fall and winter. What Needs to Be Checked? There are several steps that our technicians will take during an annual furnace maintenance inspection and tune-up. For example, we will check the heat exchanger for corrosion and rust, and we will make sure that the vent and drainage systems do not have any leaks or blockage. Our inspection features filter changes, an air pressure check, an examination of your furnace’s wiring and an analysis of the combustion gases. Additionally, the burners will be inspected to ensure that they ignite properly, and we will remove any debris that is trapped inside the blower wheel. The entire process will also be tweaked as needed based on your specific type of furnace. What Will Happen Without Preventative Furnace Maintenance? Many people erroneously believe that a newer furnace can be left alone with the exception of filter changes for several years. Although some models can be tuned up every two years until they reach a certain age, it is definitely a bad idea to skip preventative maintenance altogether. After all, our technicians can find minor issues and get them repaired before they become a serious problem. Keep in mind that the last thing you want is for your furnace or air conditioner to stop working during an extremely cold or hot day. Following a preventative maintenance plan will...

By Jim Ellia on Jul 15, 2014 in Boilers, Cleveland |

In today’s newer homes, boilers are less common than forced air heaters. But in certain parts of Cleveland such as Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights, boiler systems are very common. Many technicians today don’t know the ins and outs of these systems. That makes it even more vital to connect with an experienced company that has the necessary experience and knowledge to help you properly maintain your boiler. The main difference between these two heating options is the fact that a boiler creates heat via hot water and therefore requires hot water piping to be placed throughout your home. A forced air furnace operates by pushing hot air through your home’s ductwork, and these same ducts can also be used by a central cooling system. How Do I Maintain a Boiler? In some ways, a boiler is actually much easier to maintain than a forced air system because you will not need to worry about regularly cleaning your ducts and replacing your filter. On the other hand, there are still many things that you will need to keep an eye on in order to ensure that your boiler will run as efficiently as possible. 1. Heat Exchanger and Boiler Drum Level Controller – There are two absolutely critical components that each boiler relies upon: the heat exchanger and boiler drum level controller. These two components regulate and exchange the transfer of heated steam so that your home stays warm enough. Both of these parts must be working properly for you to experience a comfortable temperature throughout your house. Additionally, any issues with these parts could lead to serious problems such as the system becoming overheated. Therefore, you should work with our experienced team to ensure that your boiler’s heat exchanger and drum level controller always remain properly operational. 2. Monitor the Gauges Regularly – Your boiler’s gauges can help you protect everyone’s safety by allowing you to make any needed adjustments to release pressure from the system. In fact, this is the reason that your boiler has pressure relief valves, and it is likely that you will need to use them occasionally. Many boilers need to be de-scaled annually, and it is imperative to get your gauge system calibrated...

By Jim Ellia on Jun 23, 2014 in Cleveland, Heat Pump, Residential |

Keeping your Cleveland area home at a comfortable temperature without spending an exorbitant amount of money can seem challenging during the winter and summer. However, a heat pump is a viable alternative option that can heat and cool your home more efficiently. What is a Heat Pump? A heat pump is a cost-effective system that transfers heat in or out of your home depending on the season. For example, this device will pull the heat out of your home and release it outside during the summer. In the winter months, a heat pump is able to tap into the heat that is still available in the air and push it into your home to keep you warm. Even on a very cold day, there is still enough heat in the outside air to accomplish this task. As an added bonus, this system is more eco-friendly than a furnace because it does not burn fuel to create heat. A heat pump can also be utilized with a traditional heating and cooling system in order to ensure optimal results during frigid temperatures. Are Heat Pumps a Good Option for Homeowners? It is a good idea to look into a heat pump if you want to reduce your expenses and the strain that your household puts on the environment. Additionally, switching to this system will provide you with a milder form of heat. This can be very beneficial for people who do not like the extreme blast of warm air that is pushed through their house with a traditional heating and cooling unit. Some of the other perks include a more consistent temperature in each room and a long life expectancy that will prevent you from needing to replace your heat pump for many years. What Factors Should I Consider When Installing a Heat Pump? Heat pumps are an effective and budget friendly method for maintaining a consistently comfortable temperature when it is 32° or warmer outside. However, you might need a supplemental source such as a traditional unit to help compensate when the temperature drops below freezing. Fortunately, your heater will only begin working when the heat pump needs assistance, so you do not need to worry about receiving large gas...

By Jim Ellia on Jun 11, 2014 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Residential |

Cleveland can get very hot in the summertime, so it is imperative to keep your air conditioner in good condition. Fortunately there are some warning signs that will help indicate that a replacement is going to be necessary. Efficient Heating & Cooling is available to assist you with any of your air conditioning needs, and we have more than 25 years of industry experience.   What Are the Warning Signs that Indicate You Need to Replace Your Air Conditioner? Most people prefer to obtain repairs instead of a replacement because they erroneously believe that this is always the least expensive option. However, there are certain signs that you should never ignore, and they point to the fact that your air conditioning unit is nearing the end of its useful life. 1. Inconsistent Temperatures – If the temperature throughout your house is extremely inconsistent, this is a warning that you have one of three issues: an air conditioner that no longer functions properly, duct work issues or inferior insulation. We can help you analyze these potential causes to quickly determine whether or not your air conditioner needs to be replaced. 2. Increasing Frequency of Necessary Repairs – It is normal for an air conditioning unit to need occasional maintenance, but it should never need repairs every summer or even multiple times per year. If you find yourself in this position, it will definitely be best for your bank account to replace the unit altogether instead of continuously putting money into it. 3. An Old A/C Unit – The average life expectancy of an air conditioner is approximately 10 to 12 years, and it is not financially worthwhile to spend money on repairs after your unit reaches this point.   What Are the Pros and Cons of Air Conditioner Replacement Versus a Repair? A repair can initially be less expensive, and it might be able to get you through one more summer. However, in the long run, a replacement makes the most sense. After all, sinking money into a dying unit is wasteful, and it is also important to consider the hidden cost of an ineffective air conditioner. For example, choosing a new unit instead of a repair will lower your...