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How much does a furnace cost?

By 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...

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The Unico System – Heating and Cooling for Older Homes

By on May 6, 2014 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Heating |

Many of the older homes in Cleveland – particularly in the Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights area – were not originally built with central heating air conditioning.  Although they have a boiler system, there are advantages to having the central heating and air conditioning.  But it can be difficult to install these systems in older homes without compromising the design or architecture of the home.  In fact, it’s so challenging that most heating and cooling companies in Cleveland won’t even touch the work! The Unico System is perfect for older homes near Cleveland that weren’t originally built with central heating and air conditioning Luckily there is a product available that is perfect for these older homes when the homeowner wants to keep many of the architectural details in place.  They are what’s known as high velocity (or small duct) heating and cooling systems that offer many advantages for older homes.  We install the Unico System, which uses compact, modular air handlers and flexible tubing to supply conditioned air.  The flexible tubing is run through the structure’s existing crevices and nooks, eliminating the need for remodeling or extensive construction. There are many great features about this particular system.  It can be used anywhere that space is a constraint.  It also helps keep more even temperature throughout a home.  Another nice feature is the fact that the system is barely noticeable.  The outlets are only a few inches in diameter and are available in number of colors.  They can blend easily into the existing structure.  Our customers also like the system because of its energy efficiency.  There is little to no duct leakage or thermal loss. Be aware that it takes a team with a clear vision and a strong understanding of construction to install the system correctly.  It’s a complex and high-tech process that not every heating and cooling contractor is willing to learn.  We’ve installed numerous Unico Systems with success.  It’s about being creative and finding the best solution to a complex problem.  If you’d like to talk to us more about your particular project, give us a call at...

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36 tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency

By on Mar 26, 2014 in Cleveland, Cooling, Heating, Residential |

If you’re like most homeowners, the sight of your utilities bill, and the rising cost of fuel have you looking for ways to save money, and cut back on wasting that precious energy.  We’ve come up with a list of things you can do for both.  Some of these items can greatly improve the value of your home too!  Take a look and see what you can do to reduce those costs. First, you should get an energy audit to find out where you can make improvements.  One of the best things you can do before you start, is to find out where your home is costing you on wasted electricity, and heating and cooling.  Before you start spending money to make improvements on your homes energy efficiency, you should find out where it actually needs it. Our list is arranged by cost.  We’ve grouped them in cost brackets, starting with free.  That’s right, there are things you can start doing right now, that won’t cost you anything!   Easy ways to save money on your energy bills   Turn down the water heater – turn it to warm, about 120°F.  Any higher than that and you’re really wasting your money.  120°F is warm and comfortable, and it’s easier for you water heater to keep this temperature. Adjust the thermostat – try changing it from 1-5 degrees from where you usually keep it.  This can reduce 7-10% on energy costs. Wash full loads in the dishwasher and washing machines. Use cold or warm water on the “wash” cycle, when doing laundry, and use  the cold water rinse. Turn off appliances completely when not in use.  Make sure items are off, not just in “sleep” or “standby” mode, which still uses electricity.  If you’d like an easier solution, see #1 in the next section. Vacuum dirt and dust from refrigerator coils and fan.  When this part of your refrigerator gets dirty, it works harder to get air, therefore using more electricity.  Be sure to unplug the refrigerator, or flip off the circuit breaker, first.  Disconnect water lines, if it is equipped with an ice maker. Close curtains and blinds to keep cold drafts out in winter, and keep heat out...

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Geothermal heating and cooling: everything you’ve ever wanted to know

By on Mar 15, 2014 in Cleveland, Cooling, Geothermal, Heating |

Geothermal heating and cooling: everything you’ve ever wanted to know Geothermal energy for your home is a way to heat your house using the earth’s natural heat, instead of using fuel. Just below the surface of the ground there is warmth. It makes sense when you think about it. In school you learned that the Earth’s core is molten lava. So you know that inside the earth it is very hot. The temperature inside the earth gets cooler closer to the surface. Several feet below the surface, the ground has a constant temperature of about 50°F. That is why some animals will burrow into the ground to stay warm during winter. Geothermal heating & cooling is the technology that uses that constant temperature to heat your home in winter, and to cool it in summer. Components of a geothermal system There are three basic components of a geothermal HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system for you home: The ground loop (pipes), a heat pump, and an air delivery system. Pipes are used to transfer the heat from below the ground, up to your house. Usually liquid, but sometimes air, runs through the pipes being warmed by the earth’s heat. A heat pump, where a contained refrigerant-liquid is held and compressed, raises the temperature up to 100°F. A heat exchanger removes the heat to then use in the house, for winter heating purposes. This process also works in reverse, taking heat out of your house, sending it back into the earth, cooling the air in the summer. Your house water can be heated with this same process. The pipes can run vertically, in a deep and narrow path, or they can be laid out horizontally. This depends on the needs of your home, and the ground surrounding it. The cost of installing a geothermal system depends on these things.  Other factors include the type of ground on your property and the depth to which is needed to reach the ideal temperature. Benefits of geothermal heat The upsides of having a geothermal energy system include cleaner air, since you won’t be using fuel oil for heating, and it is cheaper than using oil. Most people say that the geothermal energy is...

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10 ways to make your home more energy efficient

By on Feb 13, 2014 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Furnaces, Heating, Residential |

10 quick and easy ways to make your home more energy efficient Is your home costing you more than it should? You might be throwing your money away if you haven’t made your home energy efficient. Wasted energy from basic inefficiencies can cost you a lot in utility bills. The good news is little changes can be simple and inexpen-sive. Big changes may seem daunting and costly, but over time they can pay for themselves. Below are some tips that can save you money now, and some that will pay off later, both in utility costs and by increasing the value of your home. 1. Change your light bulbs! The next time you need light bulbs, buy Halogen Energy-saving Incandescent Bulbs. They may cost a little more than traditional bulbs, but they last up to 3 times longer! Or, try CFL bulbs. CFL bulbs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. If you’re new to buying energy-saving incandescent bulbs, you need to know that they aren’t labeled by watts, they are now labeled with the amount of light they put out, known as Lumens. A traditional bulb might be a “60 Watt” bulb, but an equally bright energy efficient bulb would be an “800 Lumens” bulb. 2. Seal Drafts If there are drafts around your doors or windows, your money is floating out, right through those cracks. Inexpensive sealants include weather stripping and caulking. Even if you have sealed drafts around the frames of your windows, you might still notice a chill at the window pane. Drapes and blinds can reduce that chill, helping you cut back on turning up the heat. If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is shut when you’re not using it. Just as smoke floats up the chimney when there’s a fire, cold air comes down when it’s not being used. So make sure it is closed up after the fire is out,. You can also get an inflatable chimney balloon. This is an easy to use device that blocks air flow. It self-deflates upon contact with hot air, so don’t worry if you forget to take it out before you start your fire. 3. Turn off...

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Tips to stay warm this winter without breaking the bank

By on Jan 22, 2014 in Cleveland, Heating |

January is tough time for some people economically because of the holidays and time taken off of work. So sometimes corners must be cut and thermostats must be dropped for some extra savings. But there are many ways you can stay warm this winter without breaking the bank. Here are six tips on how to heat your home without increasing your thermostat: Limit your heating area – Close the heating vent and shut the doors to rooms you barely use. This will allow for more heat to be circulated in rooms that you are most often in. Use space heaters – Highly efficient infared space heaters can heat a room just fine, so you can lower your thermostat to save money. Cook and bake – Using the oven or stove will help heat your home. Not only does cooking help to lower your heating bills, you will also save money from not eating out. Drink warm liquids – The easiest way to stay warm this winter is to drink warm beverages like hot chocolate or tea. You will be able to warm yourself from the inside out. Let in the sunlight – Keep window blinds open while facing the sun and closed when not. Burn candles – Candles are a great way to give off heat but be sure to always supervise any open flame in your home.   Installing an energy efficient heating system is another great way to save money on heating bills. A faulty furnace can contribute to higher heating bill and inconsistent heat distribution. Read our blog post here to learn more about when it’s time to replace your furnace. If your furnace is not performing as it should, give us a call at...

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