By Jim Ellia on May 8, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Residential |

A broken air conditioner is not only unpleasant, it can be dangerous for individuals with health issues.  As summer gets started in northeast Ohio, a/c units will be pumping out cold air.  Units that are approaching the end of their life are subject to breakdowns, leaving you and your family to swelter in the summer heat. The last thing you want to do is coordinate with various heating and cooling companies over the phone.  You want to hire a reputable company that can provide service quickly and affordably.  If you know your air conditioner is getting older, it helps to have the contact info of a company on-hand.  If you don’t, here are steps you can take to ensure you hire the right contractor. Step One: Ask if they are licensed, bonded and insured. This is an important question to ask to ensure the company you hire is honest, trustworthy and has financial backup in case anything goes wrong. Step Two: Ask how long they’ve been in business here in Cleveland.  If you want your furnace repaired properly, it’s best to hire a professional.  Look for companies that have been in business for at least 10 years.  Remember that there a lot of fly-by-night contractors out there who are looking to make a quick buck.  Make sure they’ve built a solid reputation here in Cleveland. Step Three: Ask what professional affiliations they have.  Organizations like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) demonstrate commitment to the industry and the profession. Remember, air conditioning unit should last up to 15 years with proper maintenance.  If your unit is approaching 10 years, be prepared!  If your air conditioner does break down, give us a call at 216-663-6462 to schedule a...

By Jim Ellia on Apr 25, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Boilers, Cleveland, Cooling, Heating, Residential |

Older homes that can be found in Cleveland neighborhoods like Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights are both unique and architecturally beautiful.  These homes often have either steam or hot water systems, so installing a new heating and cooling system presents many challenges.  These installations can be so challenging that most heating and cooling companies in Cleveland won’t do it. However, there are systems available that don’t require you to compromise design or architectural integrity.  We use what’s called a Unico System which has a number of features and benefits that set it apart from other central heating and air conditioning solutions. The Unico System works by creating a high velocity stream of air.  Flexible tubing is run through the structure’s existing crevices and nooks, eliminating the need for remodeling or extensive construction.  The air is delivered quietly and seamlessly into the room using outlets or slotted diffusers.  Because of this size, the system fits where other conventional cooling and heating systems can’t.  The system can be easily installed into attics, ceilings, crawlspaces and closets, and installation often requires no remodeling. The Unico System is very popular with our customers because of the quality comfort it provides in nearly all applications.  Unlike traditional HVAC systems, it eliminates drafts and removes 30% more relative humidity.  Another nice feature is the huge selection in outlet choices designed to fit any decor or home architecture without compromise. Because this is a high-tech process, it takes a heating and cooling company with expertise and creativity – something we’ve done numerous times.  If you have and home with steam or hot water heating and are considering installing a new system, give us a call at 216-663-6462 to discuss if the Unico System will work for...

By Jim Ellia on Apr 12, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Residential |

The average homeowner spends close to $400 per year running an air conditioning system.  That cost can increase steadily if the unit isn’t properly maintained.  If that number doesn’t get your attention, then consider this: –  Air conditioners account for 8 percent of all electricity produced in the U.S. –  Homeowners spend more than $15 billion per year to use air conditioning systems –  195 million tons of carbon dioxide is produced from air conditioners each year The good news is that we’ve got some quick ways to make sure your unit it running efficiently – and they’ll be easy on your wallet too. 1. Change your filter – Want to know the easiest way to prevent an unexpected air conditioning break down?  Change your system’s filter!  When your filter becomes clogged with dust, dirty and pet dander, air flow within the system is reduced.  With a lower volume of air available, you’re putting addition strain on the system.  When you air conditioner is forced to work harder, the cost of running it increases. 2. Schedule regular maintenance – Your heating and cooling system is a piece of mechanical equipment just like your car.  And we’re willing to bet you get that serviced regularly!  A qualified HVAC technician can ensure the equipment is functioning properly.  It’s also wise to get this done before the height of cooling season.  This way, the service tech can eliminate or fix any minor problems that could escalate as the cooling season drags on – or at least we hope the summer season lasts for a while in Cleveland! 3. Improve air circulation – Ceiling fans use less energy than an air conditioning system and can be useful in attaining an optimal temperature level in your home.  Ceiling fans work by creating a ‘wind chill’ throughout a room, and can help individuals to feel more comfortable.  The next time you’re watching TV, turn on the ceiling fan before adjusting the thermostat. 4. Pre-set your thermostat – By now, most homeowner’s have programmable thermostats.  But in order to realize the cost savings, you’ve got to set yours!  You can conserve energy by operating the unit according to when you’re home, when you’re working and when you’re sleeping. ...

By Jim Ellia on Mar 18, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Residential |

Winter may be dragging along here in Cleveland, but summer will be here before you know it.  It’s nice to think about backyard BBQ’s and cold summer beverages, but if your air conditioning breaks this July, summer won’t seem so friendly.  You’ll be stuck sweltering in the heat, hoping your HVAC tech will arrives soon.  For many homeowners, repairing their air conditioning unit won’t be an option – they’ll have to replace it.  If you’re in the same situation, here are some items to evaluate and consider. Hire the right air conditioning contractor Installing a new central air conditioner is one of the most expensive appliances you’ll replace.  Because this is a serious investment, it’s important to work with a reputable contractor.  Check out our blog post about hiring the right HVAC contractor. Buy the right size air conditioner It’s important that your contractor installs the correct size unit for your home.  A unit that is too large won’t provide proper humidity control.  A unit that is too small won’t properly cool your home.  Any reputable contractor will conduct a load calculation on your home using their manufacturer’s software and tools.  The contractor should consider items like windows, doors, insulation and outdoor landscaping that may provide shade. Understand air conditioning efficiency Everything today is getting more and more efficient, and that goes for central air conditioning systems too.  Air conditioning efficiency is measured in seasonal energy efficiency ratings or SEER’s.  The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the unit.  The minimum SEER allowed for installation today is 13.  (20 years ago, SEER 6 was considered efficient so you can see we’ve come a long way!) Compare system options Depending on how many contractors you meet with, you might have quite a few options to choose from.  You might have a number of options with one manufacturer, and many options from numerous system manufacturers.  Remember, try to compare apples to apples as best as you can. Schedule routine air conditioning maintenance You should maintain your air conditioner like you maintain your car – with routine tune-ups that ensure the systems is running efficiently.  Yearly tune-ups can go a long way in extending the life of your system and preventing...

By Jim Ellia on Feb 21, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Cooling, Residential |

Homeowners are always looking for ways to save money.  Some collect water in rain barrels while others have switched to energy efficient light bulbs.  But homeowners often miss the biggest opportunity to save money – by keeping their heating and cooling systems running efficiently.  Heating and cooling accounts for about 30 percent of the total energy consumed in a home – much more than that light bulb is consuming! Running an efficient furnace or air conditioner is pretty simple.  Obviously you should regularly change your filter and use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature.  But yearly tune-ups can go a long way in extending the life of your system and preventing unexpected breakdowns. Many HVAC companies offer service agreements or service contracts.  They typically include scheduled maintenance on either your furnace, air conditioner or both.  The HVAC tech will clean the equipment, make sure everything is running efficiently and will make a note of any items that may need your attention.  At Efficient Heating and Cooling, we also give our service agreement customers preferential scheduling, so if there is an emergency, we’ll be there right away to fix the problem.  This is convenient in the middle of summer or the dead of winter when waiting for your system to get serviced is uncomfortable, or in some cases dangerous. Furnace and A/C service agreements are perfect for the homeowner who wants peace of mind.  Much like the equipment on their car, they understand that regularly servicing their HVAC system will eliminate unintentional breakdowns.  Small issues can be fixed with routine maintenance and homeowners save money in the long run by extending the life of the system. If you’re serious about saving money on your heating and cooling costs, then you must consider a service agreement.  We have two affordable options for our customers in Cleveland.  If you’d like to learn more, give us a call at...

By Jim Ellia on Jan 8, 2013 in Cleveland, Cooling, Geothermal, Heating, Residential |

Geothermal heating has been a buzz word lately for homeowners interested in going ‘green’ and saving money on their heating and cooling costs.  So what exactly is geothermal heating and how does it work? Remarkably, this concept of heating and cooling has been used for centuries.  That’s because the earth maintains a fairly constant temperature of 54 degrees about 10 feet below the surface of the ground.  It’s easy to tap into this energy to provide heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. How does geothermal heating work? Tapping into the earth’s heat involves digging a hole to contain a loop of pipes.  This series of pipes is then filled with a heat absorbing fluid (often water and antifreeze) that constantly runs through the pipes.  In the winter, heat from the ground is absorbed into the pipes and pushed upward where it can be distributed throughout the house using what’s called a geothermal heat pump (GHP.)  During the summer months, the process is reversed.  Heat from the home is absorbed and transferred to the ground. Benefits of geothermal heating. There are numerous benefits to this type of heating and cooling.  It’s estimated that homeowners can save up to 70% off their heating and cooling costs compared to traditional heating systems.  Geothermal systems do not use oil or gas, and are 100% non-polluting to run.  While geothermal systems cost more up-front to install, homeowners can typically see those savings returned in five to 10 years.  These systems have an estimated life of 25 years for inside components and more than 50 years for the pipes underground – so you can how the costs savings really add up! It’s estimated that 50,000 geothermal systems are being installed in the U.S. each year.  To learn more about if this system is the right heating and cooling option for you, give us a call...