Hello everyone! It's been awhile since my last post, but this one should be fun. We, at Minutemen Heating and Cooling, Inc., are celebrating our 40th year in business. We were founded in 1978 by my father, Jim Harless Jr, his brother Gordon Harless, and a third silent partner. Our first location was at 13 E. Waterloo St in Canal Winchester, OH 43110. The first year was pretty rocky, resulting in my Uncle Gordon and our silent partner selling their stakes to my father. He has been the sole owner ever since. 
During the first 22 years, Minutemen Heating and Cooling was a Lennox dealer. And during that time we installed hundreds of Lennox furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Also, we serviced and repaired all brands of heating and cooling equipment. Since 2003, we have been mostly a dealer of American Standard equipment, again installing hundreds of American Standard furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Also, still servicing and repairing all brands of equipment. Our principle focus in the HVAC industry, is servicing, repairing, and replacing existing residential and light commercial equipment.
I myself, have been working with Minutemen Heating and Cooling since 1996. It has been both challenging and rewarding. I especially love to see how happy our customers are after repairing or replacing a broken furnace or air conditioner and restoring the comfort to their home. Once, about 3 years ago, I was on vacation or should I say stay-cation as I was at home that year. Anyhow, while I was on vacation, one of our customers had a problem with her electric furnace. She refused to let anyone but me work on it. We had someone else to send, but it had to be me lol. So, I went to fix her furnace during my vacation. She was so happy after I fixed it, and that made it worth it to me. I might add, it was an easy fix too.
We, also offer an Annual Maintenance Agreement, that helps our customers insure that their furnace and air conditioner is clean and running safely and efficient. Which can prevent future breakdowns and prolong the life of the equipment. These maintenance agreements are worth it. I have seen many cases where people have drastically improved the efficiency of their air conditioner or furnace. Or, found a simple issue and had it addressed before it became more serious and expensive. one customer (a first time maintenance agreement customer), told me later that her electric bill was cut in half after having maintenance done on her air conditioner.
Reflecting on the changes in the HVAC industry, it is amazing to see how far we have come. From furnaces that operate in the 60-80% efficiency range to furnaces now that operate as high as 97% A.F.U.E. From furnaces with belt drive motors that required new belts and oiling periodically, to furnaces with motors that are permanently lubricated and have variable speed options that are twice as efficient. From standing pilots that stay lit all year round, to direct ignition burners that light themselves on demand for heat. From air conditioners with SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) in the 8 range to as high as 20 SEER nowadays. Although most new systems operate in the 13-16 SEER range. The physical size has changed drastically too. Which can affect installations of new furnaces and air conditioners. Furnaces are about half the size now compared with 40 years ago. And, air conditioners and about twice as big now, largely due to demands of increased efficiency requirements. Air quality components have improved as well, such as whole house humidifiers, UV lamps, and electronic air cleaners. And, I can't leave out thermostats. My how thermostats have changed. 40 years ago, thermostats were largely mechanical in nature, i.e. mercury thermostats. Mercury thermostats had an accuracy range of 2-4 deg F, sometimes more. Nowadays, we have thermostats that are digital with accuracies less than 1 deg F, programming features, learning abilities to change to your typical settings through out the day on their own, and some have WiFi capabilities that allow you to control your thermostat with your smart phone from literally anywhere you have internet connection.
It will be interesting to see where the next 40 years takes us!
We are here for you! If you need repairs for your existing furnace or air conditioner, we service the greater columbus area and offer emergency after hours service as well. If you would like an estimate for a new heating and/or cooling system, we offer FREE estimates! Note : this applies to estimates for new equipment only. Our standard service call fee still applies to repair calls.
The best way to contact us is by phone at 614-837-5062.
Thanks,
Jim Harless III
