GLOVERSVILLE – Ef•fi•cient (ih-fish-uhnt) an adjective meaning: performing or functioning in the best possible way with the least waste of time and effort; having and using requisite knowledge, skill, and industry; competent; capable. Satisfactory and economical to use.
Efficient is also a concept that Patrick St. Pierre takes seriously.
Scott, Patrick and Jamie St. Pierre, the Efficient Heating & Cooling Services Team
Mr. St. Pierre, the owner of Efficient Heating and Cooling Services LLC, thinks most people pay too much in heating costs. “People just don’t realize how much they can save,” he said. Installation of new high-efficiency equipment can make a huge difference in both the comfort and costs of staying warm (and cool) year-round.
Offering installation and maintenance for all brands of heating and air conditioning systems, Efficient Heating & Cooling Services specializes in oil furnaces and fuel oil systems. Mr. St. Pierre noted there are not many independent servicemen in this field, because typically, “the oil companies have their own furnace repair guy who works for the oil company – their first instinct in not to save the customer on the amount of oil they use.” Mr. St. Pierre noted since he does not sell oil, he is impartial. “I’m working for the customer, not the oil company,” he said. “I’m not looking to sell fuel oil. I’m looking to save people money.”
Oil, gas, propane, wood, solar, geothermal – they do it all. Although familiar with the older systems, they also keep current with the latest trends in the industry. The new oil systems are super-efficient and do not create soot, dirt or odors. He noted there are many exciting new products on the market, from systems that take heat from the attic and circulate it back through the floors, to tankless water heaters. Mr. St. Pierre is installing solar heat and solar hot water into his own home.
They will work on any make, model, and brand of heating and cooling equipment – from regular maintenance to 24 hour emergency repairs. The company’s HVAC services include oil and gas furnace heating systems, air conditioning systems, heat pump repairs and installation, and air filters (cleaning and replacement). They also install and repair hot air, hot water, space and unit heaters; pool heaters; water heaters, chimneys, chimney liner; sump pump and water evacuation services.
When people remodel and upgrade their homes, he noted they often do the heating system last. He called this backwards thinking. “Your heating system is the biggest money saver. It will give you the best payback on your investment,” Mr. St. Pierre said. “You are not just putting equity into the house with an upgraded heating and/or air conditioning system, but are putting money in your pocket right away.”
A new floor or granite counter-tops may increase the value of a home when it comes time to sell, but a more efficient heating system will begin paying back on the investment immediately, through savings in fuel and up to 40+% of your yearly energy costs. For most systems, the warranty stays with the house and is transferable.
He thinks it is important to spend the money for a better system. “You have a little more upfront costs, but it is worth it in the long run,” he said, citing cases of customers using one-quarter of their previous fuel oil usage in one season after an upgrade.
He works closely with customers to prioritize their needs, which is sometimes set up as a multi-year project. “Weatherization impacts the entire house,” Mr. St. Pierre said. “Start with the heating system. With the savings realized, the next year start replacing windows, then doors. Keep chipping away.”
Mr. St. Pierre states they are also experienced in a range of home improvement specialties. He recommends a whole-house approach in making a structure energy-efficient, through house sealing, installation of modern doors, windows, insulation and a number of other ways. Efficient Heating Services can offer a range of home improvement needs. Mr. St. Pierre’s specialty is heating, but he works with highly qualified contractors, who are experts in their own field, to perform other tasks. “The average person is not familiar with the needs of every house, that’s why we are here” he said.
Mr. St. Pierre can design a whole house system, from new construction to old home upgrades, or serve as a consultant for other projects. “Everyone is trying to cut down on expenses, but people don’t always know where to start,” he said. “There are so many variables that need to be considered, things that all interrelate, that it makes sense to hire a professional from the start.”
Mr. St. Pierre got started in the field by renovating and remodeling old houses in Schenectady. “I’ve been remodeling my whole life. When you work with the old stuff, you learn how to be a problem solver,” he said. “You develop a lot of creativity.” Also quoting “It’s not hard, it’s an experience.”
He learned the HVAC trade through 14 years of experience working with “The best heating guy in Schenectady” as he honed his skills. Efficient Heating & Cooling Services, started in 1996, is the result of these efforts.
Efficient Heating & Cooling Services will travel to commercial, residential and not-for-profit customers within a 30 mile radius from their Gloversville office at 80 Washington St. They provide free estimates within 20 miles.
Article written for Twin Cities Magazine, Sacandaga Advertising
