The weather here in Omaha can be unpredictable in the springtime. Thunderstorms pop up with a very little warning. How do you make sure your home is safe from wind and water damage? The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning has put together this list of four vital precautions to take before spring storms hit:

1. Sump Pumps Are Critical

Most homeowners think that if they have a sump pump, their homes are safe from flooding. While a sump pump serves as an excellent defense to keep basements dry by pumping out excess water, it relies on electricity to run. Unfortunately, it is common for the power to go out during a thunderstorm which is exactly when you need your sump pump the most. Make sure your home is protected from flooding by checking the following:

Be sure that you have a battery backup sump pump . If your power goes out, the battery backup pump will take over for it and keep your basement from flooding.
Test your sump pump every month. One quick way to test your sump pump is to take the lid off the sump pit and pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the pit. The motor should kick on and drain the water immediately. If it doesn’t, you may have to call for service.
Protect your sump pump system from clogs. Keeping your discharge lines clear and covered will help to protect them from clogging and backing up into your home. Check the line when you test your sump pump to make sure the water has a clear path outside your home.

2. Lock Windows and Doors

Simply checking to make sure windows are closed and storm doors are latched this time of year will save you costly damage caused by water coming into your home or a loose storm door blowing in high winds. Double check them all.

3. Don’t Forget the Patio Furniture

In the event of stormy weather with strong winds, make sure to check outdoors for items that need to be secured or put away. Patio umbrellas, tables, chairs, yard decorations, grills, and stacked firewood can all get broken or cause damage to your home if blown around by high winds.

4. Turn Your AC Off

Cutting power to your unit at the circuit breaker, or turning the unit off at your thermostat can prevent costly damage in the event of a lightning strike. A power surge can cause significant damage to an air conditioning unit during a storm. Sure, your home may get a little stuffy in the few hours it is storming, but as soon as the storm is over, you can cool it off again safely.

Take these precautions to protect your home and heating and cooling systems in the event of a spring thunderstorm. Call Getzschman if you need any help with your air conditioner this spring at (402) 235-6727 for more information.

Our fine city of Fremont was recently named “Community of the Year” by Nebraska Diplomats. The city of Fremont was recognized at the Nebraska Diplomats Greater Omaha Regional Economic Development Celebration on Tuesday, February 14th, for their achievements in community growth and business partnerships. Governor Ricketts attended the luncheon and presented the award to Mayor Scott Getzschman.

Mayor Getzschman Is Very Proud

“It was extremely exciting to be singled out for the award,” said Getzschman. “We have a great staff, city council, and planning department that have contributed, but we can’t do this without the support and collaboration of partnerships like Greater Fremont Development Council and the Fremont Chamber. We are excited for the citizens of Fremont who can be proud of their community’s achievements and this recognition.”

Fremont Just Keeps Getting Better

“I’m really excited for the community as a whole,” said Garry Clark, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council. “The community has seen several projects take place in 2017 including efforts towards housing and infrastructure, and new companies that have landed here like the Costco|Lincoln Premium Poultry processing plant and most recently, Legacy Post & Beam. The future of Fremont is strong and vibrant. We are grateful for the governor and the Nebraska Diplomats’ recognition.”

The Nebraska Diplomats is a non-profit corporation that travels the globe representing Nebraska. They are the largest economic development organization in the state that helps to foster the growth of Nebraska.

At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re proud to be a part of this wonderful community of people. Congrats to all the folks who live here for helping to make it great!

Here in Omaha, air conditioning and heating are musts for a comfortable home. But, sometimes, the vents can detract from your beautiful walls and home decor. Never fear! The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning has gathered some of the best solutions for camouflaging ugly wall vents. Read on to see how you can make your home more beautiful.

1. Use a Rubber Doormat

This may sound ridiculous, but you just have to buy the right doormat. You can get grate-style rubber doormats at almost any home improvement store or market. Many pretty scrollwork patterns exist. Make sure the mat is an open design to allow air to flow through it and into your home without obstruction. The doormats costs between $10-$20 dollars. If you’re not a fan of the black, you can paint it to match the rest of your home. Then, just hang it on two nails right above the vent. The finished product looks like an antique vent cover, and looks nice enough to be wall art!

If you find dirty vents while you’re sprucing up your covers, check out Getzschman’s air duct cleaning services . The service reduces allergy and asthma symptoms and leaves your home with better air quality.

2. Fake Fancy Air Vents with Spray Paint

Don’t want to cover up your vents? Try spray-painting them instead! You can buy spray paint that looks like metal, such as gold, silver, bronze or even copper, to give it a more elegant look. A hot color currently is oil-rubbed bronze. The paint shouldn’t cost you more than $10.

This works for almost any type of vent, too, whether it’s a floor or wall vent. Just make sure you remove the vent cover first and take them outside or in a garage before you spray paint them. You don’t want those paint fumes in your home. Also make sure to lay the vent cover on some newspaper or plastic before painting, so you don’t get paint everywhere. Then, wait for the paint to dry before putting them back in the floor or wall so they don’t stick. This is also a great idea for old vents that might be chipping or rusting. It will bring them back to life, and save you some cash!

3. Use a Piece of Furniture

If you have a piece of furniture that would sit nicely against the wall where your vent is located, simply remove the back and push it in front of the vent. Make sure it has doors that are vented to let the air circulate. If the doors aren’t vented, replace them with screened, louvered or decorative scrollwork doors. As long as the air can pass through the doors, it will remain functional and look fabulous!

We hope these tips will help you make your home both comfortable and charming. Let us know if you try any of these tips and send us a picture of how it turned out! We’d love to see it.

For your air conditioning and heating needs, call the technicians you can trust at Getzschman at (402) 235-6727.

It’s no secret that optimal humidity levels can make your home more comfortable, especially during the coldest and warmest parts of the year. Humidity can also affect your health and that of your family, both directly and indirectly. The team at Getzschman put together this humidity guide to help you stay healthy and feel comfortable year round.

Ideal Humidity Levels

Humidity is conveyed as a percentage that represents how much moisture is in the air at any given time. In your home, humidity is considered too high when it reaches more than 50% concentration. Your humidity levels may be too low if they fall below 30%.

Generally, the optimal humidity level in the summer is 40 to 50% and the ideal level in the winter is 30 to 40%. These differing ranges help account for seasonal temperature changes. Too much humidity in your home in the winter can lead to condensation on the inside of your windows.

High Humidity Health Issues

In many locations, including the Midwest, the summer months have the highest levels of humidity. Here in Nebraska, you may see outdoor humidity levels of more than 80% during the summer.

These higher humidity levels make it feel hotter both outside and inside. For example, imagine a summer afternoon with a temperature of 95°F. If the humidity were 30%, it would feel like 95°F outside. But if the humidity climbed to just 65%, the temperature would feel like a scorching 117°F. At Nebraska’s upper humidity range, the temperature could feel as high as 125°F.

High humidity can have a range of negative health effects, including:

Increased risk of heat-related conditions - Long periods of exposure to high temperatures and humidity can result in inefficient bodily cooling. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can cause loss of salts and fluids, as well as dangerous symptoms like fainting.
Poor-quality sleep - Most individuals get their best quality sleep in a cool environment. When the temperature in your bedroom climbs, you may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Over time, poor-quality sleep can contribute to irritability, lack of focus, and lethargy.
Worsening allergies - Pollen and dust mites thrive at higher humidity levels, which means that people with allergies to airborne particles or people with respiratory conditions may experience more intense symptoms. Additionally, humidity contributes to mold growth which can make indoor air toxic.

To beat the heat, it’s important to keep your indoor humidity within optimal levels over the summer.

Low Humidity Health Issues

In the winter, humidity levels drop. While Nebraska’s outdoor humidity generally stays above 40% in the winter, using your heating system reduces the overall moisture in your home.

If your indoor air becomes too dry, you may experience the following health problems:

Congestion and cough - Dry air irritates your body’s mucous membranes, such as those found in the nose and throat. When the membranes in your nose and sinuses become too dry, you may experience runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. When dry air affects your throat, you may experience soreness and coughing.
Dry skin - Exposure to dry air depletes the moisture in your skin. The dry your skin gets, the more likely you are to experience itchiness, cracks, and scaliness. If you have a skin condition like eczema, dry conditions may exacerbate your typical symptoms.
Itchy eyes - Dry air can reduce your eyes’ ability to produce enough tears to properly lubricate the surface of the eyeball. You may notice itchiness, excessive blinking, redness, or a gritty feeling. Dry eyes can increase your risk of eye injury since the symptoms of dry eye encourage you to rub at your eyes, which can lead to corneal abrasions and the introduction of foreign particles.
Persistent illness - Many individuals experience colds or the flu more often in the winter. This increase in illness frequency is due in part to low humidity levels. The flu virus, for example, lives longer on surfaces when the humidity is lower. Extremely low humidity levels increase your risk of illness and make it more difficult to recover from a seasonal ailment because you have to work harder to stay hydrated and get quality sleep.

In order to keep yourself and your family comfortable throughout the winter, you may need to dramatically increase your indoor moisture levels.

How to Control Humidity in Your Home

How do you know what the humidity level is in your house? You can measure the humidity level in your home easily with a hygrometer. These instruments measure water vapor in the atmosphere and are readily available at home improvement and other stores.

You can make small changes to the humidity levels in your home by making smart choices. For example, in the summertime, use ventilation and fans to disperse the moisture created by bathing and running appliances.

In the winter, you can increase humidity by taking hot showers and air-drying your laundry. However, if you notice negative effects caused by either high or low humidity, consider a long-term solution instead.

Use a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier to better control your home’s air quality and seasonal health conditions. Learn more about dehumidifiers in our blog “ Dehumidifiers 101: What This Appliance Does and Why You Need One .”

Pay attention to the connection between your home’s humidity and the way you feel to ensure that every member of your household stays as healthy as possible, regardless of how the weather changes. If you need help controlling the humidity in your home, give the G-Force team at Getzschman a call at (402) 235-6727.

In the summer heat, air conditioning is a welcome relief, but do you know how it keeps you cool? Understanding air conditioning is not only for certified technicians! Learning the basics of how an AC works can help you troubleshoot issues and prevent future problems. Here is a guide to the parts and processes involved in an air conditioning system.

What Parts Make Up an Air Conditioning System?

An air conditioning system generally consists of five mechanical components:

Compressor
Fan
Condenser Coil (Hot)
Evaporator Coil (Cool)
Chemical Refrigerant

How Your Air Conditioning System Cools the Air

When liquid becomes gas, it absorbs heat. Air conditioners use this principle to cool air. A fan moves warm air from the room over the unit’s evaporator coils. They contain liquid refrigerant . Compounds in the liquid refrigerant absorb heat from the air when they become a gas. Heat leaves the air, and the temperature lowers. Once the refrigerant becomes a gas, it stops absorbing heat. To continue to cool the air, the refrigerant must expel heat and become liquid again.

How Your AC Expels the Heat

The refrigerant gas expands and gets pushed through the compressor . The compressor is an electrical pump that pressurizes this gas inside of condenser coils. Under high pressure, the refrigerant gas condenses into a liquid and expels heat. Another fan blows heat away from the condenser coils.

What Controls Your AC

An expansion valve controls how fast the liquid refrigerant re-enters the evaporator coils. When the liquid returns to the evaporator, the cycle restarts. The expansion valve works with a thermostat and a control unit to control the cycle.

How Your AC Cleans Your Air

Air conditioners contain a filter that removes particles from the air. This filter cleans the air of dust, dirt, and allergens while the AC runs.

Window Versus Central AC

A window air conditioner has the compressor and the condenser coils outside on the back of the unit. A fan blows heat away from them. In contrast, the evaporator coils are inside to absorb heat from the room air. The unit has its own thermostat controls on the front.

In a central air conditioner ( split-unit) , the controls hook into the thermostat of the building. The compressor, condenser coils, and a fan are in a separate unit outside the building. The evaporator coils are often within a furnace. The furnace blows air through an evaporator coil, which cools the air, and routes this cool air throughout your home through your ductwork.

Window and central air conditioning systems work in the same way. Central air conditioners are just split into two parts, one outside and one inside of the building. Split-systems cool a larger space faster and cheaper than window units. They are quieter, too, as the noisy compressor is in the outside unit.

How Your AC Is Rated

Air conditioners have a British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating. Window air conditioners are around 10,000 BTU. Your AC needs around 30 BTU for every square foot of the space being cooled.

The BTU rating affects the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of the air conditioner. EER is the BTU divided by the wattage. A unit with a high EER is more efficient and saves electricity costs but may have a higher price up front.

Your knowledge of air conditioning will help you troubleshoot problems and fix simple issues. If you need a technician’s help, you will better understand what he is fixing. For more information on air conditioning and our services , please contact us .

While outdoor air conditioning units (condensers) are absolutely necessary to keep your Omaha area home cool and comfortable, they aren’t necessarily the most aesthetically pleasing piece of equipment in your landscape. We trolled Pinterest to bring you the best ideas for camouflaging your AC unit. These solutions are so creative, they might make you forget it’s even there!

Pro Tip: In order for your AC unit to effectively transfer air, it needs a minimum of 12 inches of space around it. Bushes and plants all need to be trimmed back so your air conditioner will be able to run efficiently.

PVC Fence Pieces

White PVC fence pieces make a neat and clean facade for your outdoor unit. This is ideal for houses with white trim as it blends right in with the existing decor.

Wooden Lattice Trellis

Affordable and easy to construct, lattice adds charm and a place for a climbing vine to call home. You can leave it its natural color, stain it dark or paint it any color you like. Simply buy two sections if your AC is in a corner, or connect three if it sits on the side of your home. It will be camouflaged from all viewing angles.

Old Shutters

Shutter that eyesore by connecting three shutter pieces (or more) into a folding screen. You can use new shutters, PVC shutters, or older, worn shutters for a farmhouse or shabby chic look.

Vertical Garden Walls

To take your AC from drab to fab, create a vertical garden that adds greenery and color from spring till fall.

Go Artsy Craftsy

If you’ve got a creative side, this combination of fence posts, wood panels and pieces ofbroken china and mirrors makes a beautiful piece of art while blending seamlessly with the natural green found outdoors.

Want more ways to conceal eyesores around your home? Read our G-Force blog post on hiding ugly wall vents .

After you beautify them, don’t forget to take care of your AC units with regular maintenance from Getzschman Heating & Cooling .

For more air conditioning tips or services, call the technicians you can trust at Getzschman Heating & Cooling at (402) 235-6727.

Sometimes, your air conditioner can make funny noises. Some of these noises are nothing to worry about, but some signify big problems. A healthy unit has a consistent, low hum during its regular operation, so a strange noise can easily stand out. However, not every odd sound means your unit is on the verge of giving out. The team at Getzschman Heating and Cooling discusses some of the unhealthy noises an air conditioning unit can make and what can cause them.

1. Rattling

Loose Parts: If you hear a steady rattling from your unit, it may have a loose part. First, check that the screws and bolts on the cover plates are properly tightened. If they aren’t the problem, you may need to check inside the unit. Carefully remove the cover plates to look inside. Listen for any rattling or loose parts to locate the issue, and then turn off the unit completely at the breaker. Tighten any loose parts you can find, and turn on the unit to check for rattling.

Motor Issues: If the rattling persists, it could mean there’re are issues with the motor. Motors are complicated, so contact an HVAC specialist to take a look at and repair the motor. Slight rattling may not be much of a problem, but the louder the rattling is, the bigger the problem is.

Debris: However, rattling or soft thumps in the unit could also be caused by accumulated debris. While the unit has grilles in place to keep branches and larger debris out, some bits and pieces of foliage or other debris can get into the unit. Simply turn off the unit at the breaker, remove the cover plates, and clear any foreign obstructions in the unit. But if you notice any bent fan blades or other damages caused by branches and other debris, call a professional to make the appropriate repairs.

2. Hissing or Whistling

Leaky Ductwork: If you hear any kind of whistling or hissing around your unit, the ductwork seals may have small cracks or openings. Take a look at the duct leading from the unit into the wall to check for any damage or wear.First, ensure that any screws, bolts, or connections are tight and snug. Examine any of the caulking, and caulk any areas that need it. If the duct seams have been covered with heat tape, ensure the tape is properly adhering to the seams. Replace any heat tape that won’t stick to the ducts.

Coolant Leak: Hissing or whistling can also indicate a coolant leak. If you suspect this is the case, call your local professionals to investigate. They may need to solder large openings or cracks in the line, or if the damage is extensive enough, they may need to replace the coils entirely.

3. Loud Thumps and Knocks

Broken or Loose Part: If you hear some kind of banging in your unit, you may have a serious problem with the motor or with disconnected parts. Broken parts may have fallen into the blades to cause loud knocks, or the issue could simply be a loose fan blade that thwacks the guard as it rotates.

Either way, if you hear loud thumps in your unit, call an HVAC specialist. A part is most likely damaged, disconnected, or broken, and your unit may require replacement parts or extensive repairs.

4. Squealing or Screeching

Worn Belt: Like the belt in our vehicles, the AC unit belt can get worn over time, resulting in screeching. If the belt wears down too much, it can break and your unit will essentially stop working. So, while a belt replacement can be expensive, it’s necessary for that blast of cool air in your home. A technician can determine whether or not your belt needs to be replaced so you aren’t left without air conditioning when you least expect it.

Dirty Fan Rotor: Try cleaning the interior of your AC unit, but if that doesn’t work, contact a local specialist for help.

5. Clicking

Defective Relay: Your unit may click a bit when it turns on or off. This isn’t entirely abnormal. But if you hear repetitive clicking from the unit or control panel, you may have a defective relay. If you don’t have a lot of experience with electrical work, it can be dangerous to make the repairs yourself. Call a professional to keep yourself safe and your unit functional.

AC Troubleshooting: Things to Check Before Calling a Tech

Omaha summers are something to be reckoned with. Nebraska doesn’t joke around when it comes to heat and humidity, so make sure your air conditioning system doesn’t either. You want a system that will withstand the elements and keep your home and family comfortable. If you often find that your system isn’t performing, you need to get to the root of the problem to figure out if it just needs some help or needs to be replaced. Getzschman Heating & Cooling uncovers the top AC problems we see and explains why they’re happening.

When Your AC Unit Won’t Turn On

Check your thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set to cool instead of heat or being off completely.
Check Your Electrical Panel: Make sure the breaker isn’t tripped.
Check the Power Switch: Sounds silly, but make sure your furnace/AC unit’s power is switched on. Also, make sure to check to outdoor unit for the same thing.
Check the Batteries: If none of these work, you may need to replace the batteries in your thermostat.
Check the Evaporator Coil: Is the evaporator coil in your air conditioner dirty or frozen? Either scenario is not a good one. Try cleaning your coil of dust and debris or frost, Make sure to turn the system off and let it thaw completely before turning it on again. If that doesn’t do the trick, it may need to be replaced, and in that case it might be time to just invest in a new air conditioning system altogether. Evaporator coils are very costly to replace.

When Your AC Runs But Doesn’t Cool

Check the Filter: A dirty air filter can cause a lot more problems than you might think, and in some cases, can shut down your entire AC system! To avoid this drama and make sure your system runs smoothly, we recommend changing your filter every month.
Check for Ice: Take a look at behind the front door of your unit and look for ice. If it has frozen over, turn on the fan to let it thaw out. Remember to be patient. This may take a few hours. If your system thaws and then quickly freezes up again, it may be time to call a professional.
Check the Drain: Algae has a tendency to build up in the condensate drain, the plastic pipe that comes out of the side of the indoor unit. Failure to clean this regularly could result in the failure of your AC unit.
Check the Outdoor Compressor: Make sure your outdoor compressor is working by turning on your AC system and listening for it to kick on. If you find the fan isn’t moving, try pressing the override button, or a reset switch if possible. If this doesn’t work you may need to clean it and try giving the fan blade a little push to get started. If all it needed was a little push, this means you have a bad capacitor that needs replacing.
Check to see if your refrigerant is low or leaking. Your system won’t be able to cool the air in your home without it. And you can’t just fill your system with more. If your system experiences this, you need a professional HVAC technician to assess the issue, add more refrigerant if necessary, and mend the leak.

When Your AC Motor Runs But Doesn’t Blow Air

Check the Belt: When your motor is running, but the fan isn’t moving air, this could mean your belt is broken. The belt connects the motor and the fan, so you need to turn off this unit before opening the door to check the belt. If you have a gas unit, make sure you turn the gas off before doing the same.
Check the Fan: Some fans and motors have sealed bearings that require oiling from time to time. Your problem could be that you need to lubricate the fan. If this is the case, follow the manufacturer’s directions and oil the bearings accordingly.

Still No Signs of Life?

Time to call your tech. Utilizing these troubleshooting tips can save time and money, but if you’ve tried everything and still have no luck, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. The best way to safeguard your system from having problems is to invest in annual maintenance of your air conditioner . Regular AC tune-ups will keep your system humming and healthy for much longer.

3 Signs Your AC Unit Is On Its Last Leg

Sometimes, even professional help can’t save an old air conditioner. But how do you know when to pay for repairs and when to throw in the towel and replace your AC? Here are three things to look for:

1. Age and Performance

The nature of using things means eventually they do wear out. If an AC is over 15 years old, almost assuredly it is not efficient and needs to be replaced. This is especially true if you’re an avid or constant user of the equipment. In addition, if running it all hours doesn’t seem to help, then replacement time is upon you.

2. Discomfort and Humidity Levels

Sitting around and sweating profusely is never comfortable for anybody. However, hot rooms and humidity are more than unpleasant. Computers, laptops, and all sorts of electronic devices get damaged from moisture, in addition to overheating. If you are experiencing such issues, then exchanging your old AC for a new one is an immediate necessity.

3. High Electric Bills and Frequent Freon Refills

It is no secret that running this equipment (especially in hot weather) is never cheap. If your bill seems astronomically high compared to previous years, replacement time has arrived. When fixing your AC becomes a recurring ordeal, this evidence demonstrates the machine is no longer functioning properly.

Freon, known as R-22, is the refrigerant which enables most older air conditioners to cool your home. When low, the equipment will cease delivering cold air. If this problem arises regularly (usually due to a leak), then you will want to replace the unit; especially since the EPA is phasing out this chemical, causing prices to skyrocket. Refilling Freon constantly is, therefore, an untenable proposition.

Now you know what to look for when your AC starts making funny noises, how to troubleshoot issues and when it’s time to look at replacing your old air conditioning unit.

Call us at (402) 235-6727 or contact us today for more information on the services we provide, and for more helpful information continue reading our blog.

When you’re talking about a 12-15 year relationship, you want to choose wisely. It will run hot, it will run cold, but the most important thing is that it continues to run. We’re not talking about a romantic relationship. We’re talking about your furnace and air conditioner.

If you’re replacing your heating and cooling system, it’s very important to find someone you can trust and depend on for years. While it’s not romantic, we do want you to love your new furnace and AC. At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, we want to make sure you make the right choice. What makes Getzschman the right choice? We’re glad you asked.

When you select Getzschman Heating to provide and install a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump in your home, you also gain a special status among all the customers we serve.

G-Force Membership V.I.P client status which entitles you to additional benefits during the entire future of our business relationship.
Multiple financing offers when you install a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump
FREE estimates any day or night of the week for your convenience
Written performance heating and air conditioning guarantee.
Firm electrical bid on all replacement installations by a licensed electrical contractor.
Testing of all equipment for proper operation and thorough training at the completion of the project.
Disposal of all existing equipment and debris after the conclusion of each day’s work.
Use of floor savers and drop cloths for all service and installation crews.
Getzschman Gold Warranty, which offers a full 10-year unlimited, all parts, labor and equipment warranty with repair service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you want hassle-free repairs, installation, and maintenance, there’s only one company to call that will truly put you first - Getzschman Heating & Cooling. Call us at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online today!

Wi-Fi thermostats are a smart way to save money on your heating and air conditioning bill, giving you the ability to control your home temperature when you are away through Wi-Fi access on your phone.

Connecting your thermostat to your smartphone allows you to remotely turn the temperature up or down while you are out of the house to save energy. But controlling temperature remotely is just the beginning of what a Wi-Fi thermostat can do. To make your decision easier, the G-Force team has put together this Wi-Fi thermostat comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Related Read: 3 Heating Myths Busted

Find Your Fit: Comparing Wi-Fi Thermostat Features

There are quite a few options to choose from when it comes to Wi-Fi thermostats. We found three of the favorites online and outlined their features to help you decide which ones are most important to you.

The EcoBee3 boasts top reviews on Amazon and is compatible with both Android and IOS systems. You can even use Siri to turn your system up when you’re on your way back home, so you can walk into the perfect temperature. The EcoBee3 can help your system run more efficiently by sensing things like the outdoor weather, your home's unique energy profile, and which rooms in your home are currently occupied.

The Nest Learning Thermostat V3 will actually learn your favorite temperatures and start programming itself within a week of setup. Like the EcoBee3, the Nest also senses when no one is home and will automatically adjust your system, saving you energy costs. When the Nest senses you are nearby, it will light up to show you the current time, temperature, and weather outside.

The Honeywell RTH8580WF Wi-Fi thermostat is the best budget thermostat according to an online comparison. It also works with Android or IOS, has remote seven-day scheduling, and temporary vacation holds. It has a larger screen than the EcoBee3 or Nest Learning Thermostat, and completes automatic software updates when needed.

With all the choices of Wi-Fi Thermostats, all with convenient features, trying to pick the right one for your home can seem daunting. These are just three of the many options available on the market, but we hope this helps narrow down your search and expose you to the different features available with these popular products.

If you'd like more information on installing a new programmable thermostat in your home, contact us online or call us at (402) 235-6727 and we can help you decide which type is right for you!

It's the middle of summer and your air conditioner is getting plenty of use. But, you've noticed that it's just not running as well as it used to. Maybe your energy bill has been higher than normal, or the AC runs longer than it used to. Now comes a decision that's always difficult to make when it comes to appliances: should you repair your air conditioner, or replace it entirely? The team at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning knows that this is one of the biggest homeowner struggles. Which one makes the most financial sense? Well, wonder no more! Use this simple formula to help you make the smartest decision.

The $5,000 Rule

We here at Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning we have a simple method that we use to determine what the best course of action is in this situation. We call it the $5,000 rule. Take the age of your AC unit and multiply it by the cost of repair. If the final figure is more than $5,000, then it's a better value to just buy a new one. Otherwise, repair is a great option for a poorly functioning unit.

Putting the Rule to Action

For example, if you've had your air conditioner for five years and repair costs around $600, 5 x $600 = $3,000. That's well below $5,000, and therefore a repair is in order. On the other hand, if you've had your AC unit for 15 years and repair costs $450, your resulting total is $6,750 and you should probably just buy a replacement.

Related Read: The EPA’s Ban on Freon

Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning Can Help

If you've noticed higher energy bills, more indoor humidity than normal, an AC that never stops running, or have had to schedule repairs or Freon replenishment annually for the past three years, it's time for you to decide to repair or replace. Contact us at Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning for a free quote on the cost of service and try the $5,000 test for yourself.