Sitting in front of your fireplace creates a cozy and relaxing ambiance, but does running it save on your energy costs?
If you’re looking for alternate ways to lower your energy costs this winter, Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning and Heating can help. We’ll answer your questions regarding your fireplace and help you determine other ways to heat your home efficiently and save on energy costs.
Our St. Louis HVAC technicians are available 24/7 for heating services for your home.
My neighbor referred these guys to me when had water heater problem. Previous company told me I needed to replace it. Tom’s technician fixed it for less than $200. This was over 2 years ago and have been using their service ever since. They are very trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mary, for sharing your experience and for trusting us with your water heater issue; we're glad our technician could help and that you've continued to rely on our services!
Nick Hoffman was amazing! He came out same day when our heat suddenly went out. He took the time to describe the problem and expertly fixed and tested it! Will definitely be recommending them. Thanks.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Matt! We're so glad to hear about your positive experience with Nick and that he was able to help you promptly. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Job well done. The technician was competent and polite and knowledgeable. We'll have him back in the spring, honest company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Laurel, for your kind words about our technician's competence and knowledge; we look forward to serving you again in the spring!
Realized my furnace stopped working late last night and forecast called for very cold arctic air blast. Called my regular HVAC company that advertises 24 hour service to find that after 7 PM, there is only an answering service. Same with two more “24 hour service” companies. Then I called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC Company and Nick quickly answered, listened to my issue, gave me a quote and was on his way. Nick arrived soon, completely checked out my furnace, found the problem and did the repair. Because the problem was fairly minor, he even gave me an unexpected and very appreciated discount. Nick was professional, competent, and very engaging. Best emergency, after-hours experience I’ve ever had. Nick saved the day and gave me the peace of mind I needed.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Richard, for sharing your experience; we're glad Nick could provide you with prompt and professional service during such a challenging time. Your kind words mean a lot to us!
Nick was great he was prompt and very patient in explaining the problems with our system and the steps we would take to solve them.I highly recommend using Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Benjamin, for your wonderful feedback about Nick's promptness and patience; we appreciate your recommendation of Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Nick was friendly, professional and knowledgeable, he did an awesome job!!
Response from the owner: Thank you for recognizing Nick's friendliness, professionalism, and knowledge - we're glad you had an awesome experience!
Great customer service! Very knowledgeable
Response from the owner: Thank you, Rob! We're glad you had a great experience and appreciate your kind words about our knowledgeable team.
Furnace would not blow heat on Friday night and after leaving a few messages to several companies, Mr Hoffman called me back quickly and did a service call. Diagnosed the issue and was able to fix the problem. Will need a new unit soon, but nice not be without heat during the holidays! Quote and Invoice receipt done on the spot and detailed! Will use again for sure.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Heath, for your kind words! We're glad Mr. Hoffmann could get your furnace working in time for the holidays and provide a detailed quote and invoice. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to helping you again in the future!
Fast, friendly and very cooperative.
Response from the owner: Thank you, John, for your kind words; we're glad you had a great experience with our team!
Excellent! Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Udis, we truly appreciate your recommendation!
Thomas he was prompt and was great getting us up and running. He was awesome
Response from the owner: Thank you, Tom, for your kind words about OUR Tom; we're glad to hear he helped you get up and running smoothly!😊
I was referred via home advisors. And I was so worried about the cost and the distance but Nick came and found my problem and fixed my problem and if I could I would shout-out to the world this is a honest and good company to hire. As a landlord over the road of 5 homes. I can call this company and trust that they will do the job and be honest. And I will not have to pay extra fees or be given a 3 week appointment Just because it's rental property. This is my go to company and I strongly recommend this company.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Annie, for your wonderful feedback! We're so glad to hear that Nick was able to address your concerns and provide you with the honest service you deserve. Your trust means the world to us, and we appreciate your strong recommendation!
Called Thomas Hoffmann HVAC and received service very quickly. Regular winter maintenance was provided. They always do a great job.Really appreciate their service and would recommend to anyone in kirkwood!
Response from the owner: Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffmann HVAC! We're glad we could promptly address and resolve your HVAC issue. Appreciate your recommendation!
Punctual / friendly / great service !!Highly recommend!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Mike! We're so glad you had such a positive experience with our technicians—your recommendation means a lot to us!
Having Nick come to our aid was a great experience and he offered followup assistance with the fancy technology part of the appliance if we need it. We will call him again if the need arises. Merry Christmas.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Marilyn! We're glad to hear that Nick was able to assist you and provide follow-up support. We appreciate your trust in us and wish you a Merry Christmas!
These guys are pros.Techs are friendly, listen and explain what they are doing.Office staff is responsive.Fast service....
Response from the owner: Thank you, Clark, for your kind words! We're glad to hear our techs and office staff made your experience a great one. Your feedback means a lot to us!
Nick was a true expert in explaining our options for a new thermostat.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Robert, for your kind words about Nick's expertise; we're glad he could help you with your thermostat options!
My AC unit was located on the ground in a very undesirable area; in the direct path of my neighbor’s downspout. Sent pics to Thomas, got a reasonable estimate to raise the unit off the ground and bolt it to my foundation. The work was completed cleanly and efficiently at a very reasonable price! Extremely satisfied with their work!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Diane, for your wonderful 5-star rating; we appreciate your support!
Notified me of expected arrival time and then again when he was on his way and was exactly on time! Nick was very personable and trustworthy.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Maureen. We're glad to hear that Nick kept you informed and made your experience enjoyable!
Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating was wonderful to work with. They arrived on time, diagnosed the issue and got the work done fast. I would recommend Thomas Hoffmann AC & Heating to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Adam, for your kind words and recommendation; we're glad to hear you had a great experience with our team!
Tom and his team helped us select a great 2nd unit for our first floor. Installation went smoothly and it looks great. Cheers!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Immy! We're glad Tom and the team could assist you in finding the perfect unit and that the installation went smoothly. Enjoy your new space!
Arrived early in the time window quoted. Zach is a thorough tech and discovered an issue I had suspected. Able to quickly get the part and fix the issue. Great company to work with. The communication before the appointment is outstanding. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Dale, for your wonderful feedback! We're glad Zach could assist you effectively, and we appreciate your kind words about our communication and service.
Excellent Service. Thank you Zackery
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Buzz! It was a pleasure assisting you.
I'm a new customer and had my first appointment for furnace check.My tech was Zack and what a professional. He explained how he checked system and answered all my questions. This was a very good experience
Response from the owner: Thank you, Patricia, for your kind words! We're glad to hear that Zack provided you with a professional and informative experience during your furnace check. Your satisfaction means a lot to us!
Thomas Hoffman was so helpful. They even helped me set up my nest thermostat.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Krista, for your kind words; we're glad Nick could assist you with your nest thermostat!
Service was on time and did a quality service of my two systems.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Paul, for your kind words about our timely and quality service; we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you were satisfied with your systems!
Excellent customer service. Reasonably priced. My go-to for any HVAC needs.
Response from the owner: Thank you, John, for your kind words; we appreciate your trust in our team for all your HVAC needs!
Zachary is a very efficient worker and explained the work he did well.
Response from the owner: Thank you, Joseph, for your kind words about Zachary's efficiency and clear explanations; we truly appreciate your feedback!
I called on December 25th at midnight and started leaving a message and Thomas Hoffman the owner called me back almost immediately. He said he would come out the next morning between 8:00 and 10:00 am snd he was promptly on time. He fixed my problem and while he was there I decided to get an estimate for a new furnace and air conditioning unit. The price was very reasonable and the installers one of them being his son were both very professional very courteous, polite, arrived on time and finished the same day. I enjoy knowing that I now have the support of Thomas Hoffman heating and air conditioning along with the peace of mind that comes with owning a Trane. Nothing stops a Trane.Albert Koesterer
Response from the owner: Albert thanks so much for your kind reviews and your business. We truly appreciate it!!!
Great service! He set the thermostat to reach a certain temp and then go to a lower temp. Then in the AM go to a higher temp.He is patient and quite knowledgable.Dick Drummond - Kirkwood
Response from the owner: Richard, thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear you had a great experience with our services.
Zachary was here on the dot at 8:00am. Thank for making me the first stop as promised. Very friendly too.
Response from the owner: Thank you for recognizing our professionalism and friendliness!
Nick from Thomas Hoffman came for our spring check up. Nick is the best. He takes such good care of us. He has been taking really good care of us for several years.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words about Nick! We appreciate your loyalty and trust in our services.
Excellent service
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, Ella! We appreciate your feedback.
I have complete trust in Thomas Hoffman AC . I have had multipletechnicians who are always polite and knowledgeable.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your trust in our team, Henry! We appreciate your kind words about our technicians.
Just had our annual service on our furnace. The technician was very professional, friendly, thorough and spent time explaining what all he did and what his recommendations were going forward. Couldn't be happier. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THOMAS HOFFMAN AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING.
Response from the owner: Terry, we're so grateful for your kind words and for recommending us! We're thrilled to hear that you had a positive experience with our technician during your annual furnace service. Thank you for choosing Thomas Hoffman Air Conditioning and Heating!
Zachary was very professional and friendly and we would be happy to have him return to work on our furnace again in the future!
Response from the owner: Stephanie, we're so happy to hear that Zachary provided you with professional and friendly service! We look forward to working with you again in the future!
I called on a Monday morning as air conditioning was blowing warm air. They were able to come to my house very early afternoon and fixed the problem. Would highly recommend and will use them again.
Response from the owner: Becky thank you so much for your great review. We appreciate your business and your kind words.
This company is so responsive to me that I love them. They respond immediately and I trust them. It always cost me, but that is the nature of the beast. I haven’t been steered wrong yet. They are genuinely nice to work with and honest. I use their maintenance program as well. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words, we truly appreciate your trust in us and are glad to hear about your positive experience with our services.
They were outstanding and got us cool very quickly.
Response from the owner: Bill, we're so glad we could help you out quickly! Thank you!
Great job done quickly and I loved how they were on time. Thank you for providing great customer service.
Response from the owner: Myrtle, we're so glad you're happy with our service. Thank you for your kind words!
Can Running Your Fireplace Save Money?
Everyone loves sitting in front of a toasty fireplace on a chilly night. A warm fire creates a cozy atmosphere and heats your living room. But can the extra heat help you save on your energy bill? Some fireplaces are energy efficient, and others are not. So to answer this question, we need to look more closely at the type of fireplace you have in your home.
Wood-Burning Fireplace
A classic wood-burning fireplace provides the most traditional source of heat. However, they are also the least cost-effective for your heating bill. When using a wood-burning fireplace, 80-90% of all the heat generated escapes from the chimney. Also, when your fireplace dies down after use, you must leave the flu open until the fire stops smoking, typically overnight. During this time, your home’s heat is sucked right out of your chimney.
Gas Fireplace
Gas fireplaces burn natural gas instead of wood. While they are similar in structure to a wood-burning fireplace, they generally contain ceramic logs that create the illusion of burning wood. They are very convenient to use, as they can be switched on and off at the touch of a remote or button. While they preserve more heat than a wood-burning fireplace, they still lose around 75% of the heat they generate. The cost of the natural gas you burn can increase your heating bill.
Gas Insert
A gas insert is a metal box that sits inside another metal box, usually fitted over a wood-burning fireplace. The air between the two layers of metal is heated and emitted outward. It’s similar to a traditional gas-burning fireplace, except it retains significantly more heat. With a gas insert, only 20-30% of the heat produced is lost because it’s not escaping out of the chimney. However, the downside to these fireplaces is, once again, the cost of propane or natural gas.
Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace doesn’t require wood or gas to operate. They draw cool air inward, heat it with coils, and then pump the warm air back out. Many units can change the color and ferocity of the artificial flames, making them highly customizable.
Of all the different fireplaces we’ve considered, electric fireplaces are the most cost-effective and heat-effective. Only about 1% of the heat they produce is lost. There’s no smoke or gas to worry about, either. However, while this option may lower your gas bill, it may increase your electric bill. You would need to determine the cost difference between the two to decide which choice is best for you.
In Conclusion
In short, having a fireplace can be cozy and inviting during the cold winter months, but they aren’t a good option when saving money on your utility bills. It’s more cost-effective to use your fireplace to enjoy on occasion, not as a supplemental heating source for your home.
24/7 Service Call Now
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we pride ourselves in being a locally owned and operated HVAC company. With more than 30 years of experience and a master technician and mechanical engineer as our owner, we can replace, repair, and provide maintenance for your business or home’s HVAC system.
