By Jim Ellia on Jun 20, 2013 in Air Conditioning, Cleveland, Cooling, Furnaces, Geothermal, Heating, Residential |

Whether we are in the height of summer or the dead of winter, our homes use a lot of energy to keep us comfortable.  Sure, our heating and cooling systems are a big part of that expense, but there are other parts of our home that can affect its efficiency.  If you’ve replaced your furnace or air conditioner recently, you may have received an energy audit that showed areas of your home that could use improvement.  If not, we’ve got a few tips that you can use to ‘go green,’ save energy and feel better about protecting the environment. Reduce the temperate on your water heater Most people have their hot water heater set at a higher temperature than what’s needed.  This means you are constantly heating the water in the tank and wasting energy when you’re not using it.  Make sure the temperature is set no higher than 120 degrees.  When you are on vacation, you can turn down the heat so you’re not wasting energy.  We’ve even heard of homeowners who turn the temperature down at night, and then increase it again in the morning just before they shower.  That seems like a lot of work, but if it saves money, it might be worth it! Install a programmable thermostat Most of us go to work for eight to 10 hours a day so there’s no point in keeping your air conditioner or furnace blasting while you aren’t home.  So instead of wasting energy and money, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the temperature at certain times of the day.  Set the thermostat to pump out some cold air 20 minutes before you arrive home.  Your wallet will be happy. Replace furnace and air conditioner filters Air filters get dirty with dust, pollutants and pet hair.  When they get clogged, the system won’t run as efficiently as it could – plus it’s sending all that dust back through your home.  When your system isn’t running efficiently, you pay the price with increased heating or cooling costs.  Every system is different, so check the manufacturer’s specifications for how often you should change your filter. Schedule regular maintenance Your heating and cooling system is just like 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 Feb 8, 2013 in Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating, Residential |

We may be in the home stretch of heating season here in Cleveland, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention to your heating bills. There are always ways to make sure your furnace is running efficiently. Check out a few of our tips below. Reduce the loss of heated air to the outside by using kitchen, bathroom and other ventilating fans sparingly. Surprisingly, these fans can blow away an entire house full of warm air in an just one hour. While some experts suggest running bathroom fans for 30 minutes to remove moisture, don’t leave them running longer than that. Remember to keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use. Estimates suggest that eight percent of a home’s heat can escape out of a 48-inch chimney opening. You can limit the amount of heat drawn from the home during a fire if you keep a nearby window open by about one inch. This provides air to the fire and reduces heat loss from the rest of the house. It’s always a good reminder to keep your equipment running in optimal condition. Replace furnace filters as recommended by the manufacturer – in some cases this might be monthly. You can also check the duct work (where accessible) for air leaks. Feel around the duct joints for air that might be escaping and repair leaks with a mastic adhesive to better efficiency. If you don’t feel like your furnace is running as optimally as it should be, 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...

By Jim Ellia on Dec 31, 2012 in Cleveland, Furnaces, Heating, Residential |

Given the snow storm that hit Cleveland last week, it looks like we’re in for a cold winter.  With temperatures already considerably colder than last year, you might be wondering if your furnace will last until April.  Remember, it’s important to have your furnace serviced regularly by a professional to help increase its longevity.  But if you know you’re rapidly approaching the end of your current furnace, below are a few items you should consider. Size of unit Don’t be fooled into thinking bigger is better!  The size of your furnace will make a big impact on the efficiency of heating your home.  A unit that is incorrectly sized won’t properly regulate the temperature, meaning you won’t be comfortable when it’s chilly outside.  Good HVAC contractors will take the time to evaluate the size of your home and make recommendations accordingly. Overall efficiency of the home A professional HVAC contractor should consider more than the size of your home and the furnace.  Here at Efficient Heating, we take into account windows, insulation, placement in relation to the sun and landscaping.  We use highly technical programs to help identify the right solution for your individual needs. Federal efficiency standards On May 1, 2013, Ohio and 29 other states will be under new energy standards.  What this means for us here in Cleveland is that you’ll no longer be able to install a furnace that’s less than 90 percent efficient.  Current standards allow for 80 percent efficient furnaces to be installed, so it’s important to consider where you money is best invested.  Click here to read our post on the regional efficiency standards. Buying a new furnace may seem more complicated than it once was, but with the advances in technology, homeowners in Cleveland can find a replacement furnace that fits their budget and keeps their family cozy.  Give us a call to discuss repairing or replacing your furnace at...

By Jim Ellia on Nov 27, 2012 in Cleveland, Cooling, Heating |

If you own an older home that lacks central heating and cooling, you’ve likely thought about the best options for more efficient heating and cooling.  But installing a new system without compromising the design or architecture of your home can be a challenge.  In fact, it’s so challenging that most heating and cooling companies in Cleveland won’t even touch the work! Here at Efficient Heating and Cooling, we install 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. 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 multiple finishes.  They can blend easily into any (new or old) home’s décor.  And since the system fits where traditional heating and cooling systems can’t, you can easily heat attics, crawl spaces and closets. Our customers also like the system because it’s draft-free.  The system creates a gentle circulation of warm or cold air so temperatures are more evenly distributed. But 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...