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.

On average, Nebraska sees summer temperatures between 78 and 85 degrees. And every once in a while, those numbers skyrocket into the low to mid-90s. Additionally, the region experiences high humidity-often 84 percent or higher depending on the day. Those high humidity levels only add to the scorching heat, making the outdoors feel more than unbearable.

As a homeowner in Nebraska, you welcome the cooling relief your HVAC system provides. But what if your home is too old and doesn't have central air? Or, what if your air conditioning unit breaks down and you can't experience this cool luxury during the hottest days of the summer?

You shouldn't have to suffer through the wicked heat-and you don't want to. But do you know what you can do to find respite?

If you think a new air conditioner is the only solution to this problem, you'd be partly correct. Yes, an air conditioner can keep you cool and comfortable through the throes of a summer heat wave, but there may be a better option.

Below, we talk about ductless mini split systems and how these units can be more effective at cooling your home than a traditional HVAC unit. We'll also go into detail about ductless systems so you as a homeowner can decide if one is right for your home.

What Is a Ductless Mini Split System?

Simply put, a ductless mini split system is a new type of cooling and heating technology. The best part is that a mini split system doesn't require air ducts to function-so if you own an older home that doesn't have ducts, you can still enjoy the modern convenience of cool and warm air anytime you want.

As you probably guessed, you can use the cooling feature during the warmer months and the heating mode during the cold seasons.

A mini split consists of a slim-line condenser unit and an indoor air handling unit. This sleek design makes the units easy to install in individual rooms throughout your home.

Which Types of Systems Can I Choose From?

While all ductless mini split systems essentially work the same way, a few different kinds exist.
Depending on your family's preferences and needs, you can install any of the following in your home.

Single-Zone Mini Split System

As the name indicates, a single-zone mini split system is perfect for individual rooms. You can also add one of these systems to a main room in your home to supplement your current air conditioner (if your current unit still works well).

Multi-Zone Mini Split System

These systems are perfect for small and medium-sized houses. With a multi-zone system, you can easily control the temperature of two or more zones in your home. However, this particular unit can't independently control more than eight separate zones in a house.

Whole-House Mini Split System

This system is ideal if you own a larger house. Like a multi-zone system, a whole-house unit allows you to independently control the temperature of eight different rooms in your home. If you have additional rooms that need heating or cooling, you can use a single- or multi-zone unit to supplement the whole-house system.

What Benefits Do Ductless Systems Provide?

When you install a ductless mini split system in your home, you receive more benefits than just cool air in the summer and warm air in the winter.

As mentioned in the section above, ductless systems give you independent control over the temperature of individual zones, or rooms, in your home. This feature allows you to set a comfortable temperature in each room. If another family member prefers a cooler or warmer temperature than you do, he or she can adjust the mini split system accordingly.

Additionally, ductless systems are easy to install, so you won't have to pay more money than necessary on installation costs. You'll also save more money as you use this system. Because a mini split system uses newer technology to cool and heat air, it consumes less energy-in fact, it's about 40 percent more energy efficient than a window unit.

And, because of its small size, a ductless system doesn't take up too much space in each room, leaving you with more empty space to use at your discretion.

Another benefit you'll reap from ductless systems is cleaner indoor air. According to the EPA, indoor air can be much lower in quality than outdoor air. When you use a ductless mini split system, you don't rely on ducts to blow air throughout your home. And the less you use your ducts, the fewer toxins, dust particles, allergens, and pollutants you'll find in the air.

When you're ready to install a ductless mini-split system in your home, contact Getzschman
Heating. We'll recommend a model that fits your needs, desires, and budget, and then install it quickly and seamlessly.

If you have additional questions about how to use or care for your mini split system, let us know. We'll address any questions or concerns you have so you can enjoy your new cooling system to the fullest.

When summertime rolls around, thoughts of swimming, picnics, and barbecues come to mind. But there's one thing we just can't seem to welcome with open arms: the ever-rising summer heat.

Let's face it: it's hot out and will only get hotter as the months roll on. But there’s no need to feel helpless against the sun's relentless rays! Below are six tips and tricks that you can use to keep your home cool this summer.

1. Shut Out the Heat

Did you know that 30% of heat in your home might be coming through your windows? This one may seem like a no-brainer, but a great way to help keep your home cool is to shut those blinds and curtains while the sun is out. Here's some good news—you can save up to 7% on your electric bill just by utilizing blinds and curtains during the day! If you think you have a bigger issue, it may be time to get your windows checked out.

2. Get Grillin'

Most homeowners know that using your stove or oven will make your house hot. If you would rather have a hot meal over a cool salad for dinner, try taking it out to the grill to cook meals. This is a great way to keep your home cool, while taking advantage of the great outdoors and creating delicious meals this summer.

3. Change Up Your Sheets Routine

Everyone loves good silk or satin bed sheets, but not so much for those toasty summer nights. Swapping out those fancy slick sheets for a good old-fashioned cotton sheet set can definitely change the way you sleep this summer. Cotton is a naturally breathable material, so hitting the sack with cotton sheets is sure to help keep it breezy as you snooze.

4. Unplug & Unwind at Night

We all love our electronics, but when they're not being used, they can emit heat that definitely makes a difference during those sweltering days. Unplugging electronics that aren't currently in use will also save you a few bucks on your utility bill, and who doesn't like to stash some cash for more summer fun?

5. Plant a Tree!

If you are a homeowner, you can make a long-term investment of strategically planting a few trees around your home to keep out the heat during the summer months. The shade created by the trees keeps rays away from windows while managing to cool your entire home a few degrees—kind of like natural insulation!

6. Check Your Filters

Air conditioning units come with a filter component that will eventually need to be changed routinely due to clogging by dirt and other debris. If left untouched, a dirty air filter can block the cool air the unit is attempting to put out. A dirty filter will also cause the AC unit to work harder, thus increasing that darn electric bill.

Have a happy summer from our team at Getzschman Heating and Cooling! Contact us now, if you have any further questions about your AC or would like to schedule a visit from us for one of our many services.

Air conditioners all have an energy efficiency rating. It’s called a SEER rating. A SEER rating is defined as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The rating is determined by the output of heat or air for each unit of energy the unit consumes. The higher the output, the higher the rating. Higher ratings indicate higher efficiency.

SEER Rating Requirement

The requirement as of January 2006, mandated by the federal government, is that each new a/c unit has to be at least SEER-13. These ratings are important to consumers for a couple of main reasons. First, utility companies will often offer compensation in the hundreds of dollars for a homeowner to install a higher efficiency unit. Consumers can also check for current rebates that are available. Higher efficiency also results in lower utility bills and less stress on the environment.

There are a handful of ways to find the SEER rating of your current unit. The easiest is to get it off the yellow and black Energy Guide sticker, if it's still intact on your condenser. You may also have a piece of paper taped to your indoor unit that might show the rating. Your model nameplate on your unit may provide an indication (although it may not be exact) of your SEER rating. If you are still having trouble locating it, you can copy down the manufacturer and serial numbers and contact the manufacturer.

Time for a New Unit?

Check out this list of recommendations from ENERGY STAR on when to consider upgrading your AC unit:

If your heat or AC unit is more than 10 years old
Furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old
Energy bills are rising and repairs needed are frequent
Unequal heating or cooling in different rooms of your house
If you are gone for long stretches of the day and don't have a programmable thermostat
Your home has humidity problems
Your home has excessive dust
Your system is noisy
Your score on the home energy yardstick is below 5

Getzschman Heating and Cooling is a family-owned business and has been serving the community of Omaha since 1960. We offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Call us at (402) 235-6727 or contact us for additional information, and continue reading our blog for more useful tips and tricks for your home.

Natural ventilation is a great way to keep your home cooler and less stuffy without the workings of an air conditioner. While an air conditioner can help keep your home cooler, it can’t always mimic the invigorating effects of natural air and wind. Getzschman Heating & Cooling understands that homeowners don’t want to have to run their air conditioners all the time, to save money, and to enjoy the fresh air when the temperatures are right. You can try and make this work in your home by adjusting a few things and save on your cooling bills as we transition into the fall months.

How Natural Ventilation Works

To make natural ventilation work you need two things, wind and the "chimney effect". Natural ventilation works best in climates with cool nights and regular breezes. Wind can naturally ventilate your home as it enters or leaves windows. Here’s how: When wind blows against your home, air is forced into your windows on the side facing towards the wind, while a natural vacuum effect tends to draw air out of windows on the leeward (downwind) side. The “chimney effect” works by way of convection and occurs when cool air enters the home on the first floor or basement, absorbs heat in the room, rises, and exits through upstairs windows. Convection in your home creates a sort of vacuum, which pulls more air in through lower-level windows. This works best in homes with tall or cathedral ceilings and windows located near the top of the house, or in operable skylights.

You can enhance natural ventilation in your home with the right landscaping. Depending on the house design and wind direction, a windbreak like a fence, hedge, or row of trees that blocks the wind can force air either into or away from nearby windows. Call Getzschman Heating & Cooling today at (402) 235-6727 to get your home’s furnace ready for fall . The temperatures may be perfect now, but a furnace tune-up can help ensure a more comfortable transition into fall and winter.

As the air conditioning season is winding down, many homeowners choose to forgo the convenience of air conditioning to save money. While the air may not seem quite as hot and humid, it can still cause problems at night when you’re trying to get a little quality shuteye. It’s been proven that sleeping in a cooler room promotes deep, restorative REM sleep. Warmer rooms can cause sleepers to feel stuffy and toss and turn more. So, how can you keep your air conditioning off and still sleep well at night? Here are a few sure-fire ways to keep cooler and save money as summer in Omaha comes to an end this year.

Use Cotton Sheets

Forgo the fancy satin or silk sheets, and just say “no” to synthetic fabric sheets. Instead, opt for 100% cotton sheets. They are lighter weight, and more breathable.

Go For Loose

Don’t wear your spandex or gym clothes to bed. Choose loose fitting clothing to sleep in at night. Go for a light tank top or oversized t-shirt, and boxer shorts. Loose fitting clothing allows your body to breathe at night and doesn’t restrict your movements.

Unplug in the Evenings

Everything that uses electricity generates heat to some degree. From your computer, to your TV, to your bedside lamps. Unplug all of these things at night to decrease the amount of ambient heat.

Don’t Cook with Heat at Night

To keep heat at a minimum, try to avoid using your oven or stovetop at night. It’s hard when you want a good home cooked meal, but try to use your microwave or outside grill instead. Ovens and stoves create a lot of heat that gets trapped in your home long after you’re done cooking. Why do you think people leave their oven doors open when they’re done cooking in the winter?

Avoid Running Washers or Dryers at Night

Other activities to avoid doing at night include running your dish or clothes washers and dryers. These also create heat that can warm up your home at night. Instead, run these in the morning before you leave for work.

Use Fans the Right Way

Start off by utilizing your ceiling fan. Make sure its settings are switched so the blades run counter-clockwise, which pulls hot air up and out. This can help keep the lower portion of your room cooler. If you have a box fan, point it out the window, which helps push hot air outside.

For more tips on keeping your home more comfortable, call the heating and cooling experts of Omaha at Getzschman Heating & Cooling at (402) 235-6727.

Your home’s air conditioner is complicated . It consists of several pieces of equipment that all work together to provide you with a cooler, more comfortable home environment. While the way it works is no laughing matter (a broken air conditioner can be costly, and not much fun for homeowners), there are some mostly unknown facts about your air conditioner that you might find fascinating.

The First Places to Use AC?: Movie Theaters

Surprised? Us too. Movie theaters were among the first public places to have air conditioning, as a ploy to try and get everyone to come to the movies. Theaters would release big pictures in the summer, hence the term “summer blockbuster.”

What Relies on Air Conditioning to Survive?: Medications

Air conditioners allow many of the medications you take each day to be studied and developed. Researchers require cool and less-humid air in their labs to accurately study these groundbreaking necessities.

The U.S. Uses the Same Amount of Energy to Power AC Systems as Which Continent?: Africa

The U.S. is one of the biggest consumers of air conditioning in the world. We use so much of it, that our energy consumption for them is equal to the amount of energy Africa uses every year to power the entire continent.

Before BTU’s, How Were Air Conditioner Output Ratings Judged?: Ice

Prior to the invention of the air conditioner, people used to keep cool with large blocks of ice. So, when air conditioners were first introduced in 1902, their output ratings were judged based on how much ice you would need to get the same cooling power.

What Was the Driving Factor Behind the Invention of the Air Conditioner?: Newspapers

In 1902, Willis Carrier came up with the idea when working at a publishing company. He needed a way to keep his paper from expanding and the ink from running. Viola!

Air Conditioners Are Responsible for Changing What in Humans?: Our Heat Tolerance

Scientific studies have shown that the introduction of air conditioning has actually lowered the natural human tolerance for heat. Meaning a hot summer’s day seems much more amplified than it did to people generations ago.

Who Created The First Pseudo Air Conditioner?: The Chinese

In 180 AD, a Chinese artisan invented a 10-foot wide rotary fan that had seven connected wheels. It could cool an entire hall of people just by turning a crank.

Who Is Considered the Father of Air Conditioning & Refrigeration?: John Gorrie

Gorrie was a Floridian doctor, and in 1842 he developed a machine that made ice in order to cool the air for his patients. He was granted a patent to create a similar machine for homes and buildings, but died before he could create it.

What U.S. Landmark Building was Among the First Ever to Use Air Conditioning?: The New York Stock Exchange

The New York Stock Exchange Building was one of the first buildings to use air conditioning in 1903.

The Invention of the Air Conditioner Changed What Other Industry? Architecture

Before air conditioners, architects used to design homes and buildings with high ceilings, porches, breezeways, and landscaping that provided shade in order to keep occupants cool.

Getzschman Heating & Air Conditioning Cooling may not be the original inventors of air conditioning, but we sure are the Omaha AC industry experts . Give us a call at (402) 235-6727 if you ever have any questions or need AC service fast.

When it comes to keeping your Omaha area home cooler, there are just so many options! While many homeowners tend to go with traditional air conditioning systems that consists of both an indoor and outdoor unit, there are other systems that can still get you results. Ductless mini-split systems are one option that is becoming increasingly popular today. Here’s everything you need to know about them to make the most informed and best decision for your family and your home.

How Ductless Mini-Split Systems Differ

These air conditioners are mounted on a wall and, as their name implies, don’t require ductwork. Their big differentiator is that they are highly efficient. That’s because, with traditional heating and cooling systems, your home’s comfort depends on heating or cooling the entire house at once, and 25-40% of the efficiency of the system is lost through the ductwork. Ductless mini splits work well for zoning, meaning they only heat and cool areas you want them to. This wastes a lot less energy in the process. They also work in all climate zones and, while expensive, they can be an affordable alternative to having a traditional ducted system installed. If your home already contains ductwork, adding a mini-split system can be more expensive, but it could be worth the tradeoff for lower energy bills due to the system’s high efficiency. And thanks to that efficiency, ductless mini-split systems have a longer lifespan of about 12-15 years.

Why Ductless Mini-Splits Are a Great Option

The biggest advantage to ductless mini-split systems is that you can control the temperature in individual rooms instead of having to heat or cool the entire house. This means you can be comfortable wherever you are in your home without extremely high energy bills. Some of the many other advantages to the ductless mini-split system include:

Less Ductwork – more savings due to less energy loss through ductwork
Zoning – heat or cool only the areas you want, not unoccupied rooms
High SEER Ratings – better efficiency results in lower utility bills
Easy Installation – installation is faster and easier than traditional AC systems
Variety – choose from several styles (cassette, compact duct, or wall mounted)

If you think a you want to install a ductless mini-split system in your home, call the air conditioning team you trust at Getzschman Heating & Cooling at (402) 235-6727 .

Bigger isn’t always better. This rings especially true when referring to air conditioning systems. It’s actually much more efficient and effective to have a unit that is appropriately sized for your home. Here are some of the biggest problems you’ll experience if you install a cooling system that’s too big, and how you can figure out what size air conditioner you should be considering instead.

Humidity Problems

Installing an air conditioner that is too big for your home can cause a your home to feel more humid, which can cause other issues. Air conditioners are supposed to remove heat and humidity from the air in your home, but if your system is too large, it will cool your rooms quickly, but only remove some of the humidity. This can leave your home feeling damp and clammy. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.

Related Read: How to Beat the Humidity

Cost Concerns

An oversized unit can also end up costing you more. Not only will you have to cash out more to buy it, but to operate it as well. A unit that is too large will start and stop more often. It starts up and shuts down a lot more because it runs for only a short time to meet the thermostat set point. All those starts and stops mean you'll probably be repairing it more often and replacing it sooner, meaning it will have a shorter lifespan.

Figure Out the Right Size for Your Home

First, determine the square footage of the area to be cooled using the following formulas:

For square and rectangular rooms, multiply the length of the area by its width
For a triangular area, multiply the length of the area by the width and divide by 2

Next, using the square footage and the chart below provided by Energy Star, determine the correct cooling capacity. Cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per hour.

Lastly, make any adjustments for the following circumstances:

If the home is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10 percent.
If the home is very sunny, increase capacity by 10 percent.
Adjust capacity based on how many people will occupy the home, as each person adds 600 BTUs.

For help figuring out which air conditioning system will be the most cost effective and efficient for your home, call the Omaha air conditioning company you can trust, Getzschman Heating & Cooling at (402) 235-6727.