With five generations of knowledge, Verne & Ellsworth Hann has provided our clients in Shaker Heights with outstanding customer service. When you need trained HVAC technicians or certified plumbing services, you can count on Verne & Ellsworth.
Northeast Ohio’s Heating, Air Conditioning, Boilers, Plumbing experts. If you’re having problems with your HVAC or plumbing, contact us today!

Reliable Heating Replacement & Repair
The average winter temperature for Shaker Heights is 36 degrees. When the weather is that cold, you need to know you can count on your heating unit to do its job. Inevitably, heating units will break down, but you can always count on Verne & Ellsworth for reliable heating services. We can install, replace, repair, and maintain your home’s heating unit.Â
Our qualified heating technicians have decades of experience with:
- Gas and electric furnaces: These are tried and tested methods for keeping your home warm. With reliable fuel sources and the ability to share your AC’s existing ductwork, a furnace is a fantastic option for heating your home.
- Boilers: Boilers heat the home by boiling water, piped throughout to radiate heat into the air. This centuries-old device uses one of the most reliable methods around.
- Heat pumps: Heat pumps are a modern way to heat your home. They work without external heat sources, such as furnaces and boilers, and can pull heat from the air, ground, or a nearby water source.Â
Comprehensive Cooling & AC Services
When the humidity spikes and the temperature approaches 90 degrees, it’s no time for your AC to stop. No matter the issue, you can count on Verne & Ellsworth for trustworthy cooling services. Our certified AC technicians can install, replace, repair, and maintain your home’s AC unit.
We have decades of knowledge in:
- Ductless mini-splits: A ductless mini-split gives you complete control over your home’s temperature without the cumbersome ductwork of traditional units. A ductless mini-split cools your home through an individual unit mounted to the wall in each room.
- High-velocity ACs: High-velocity AC units are a perfect option for historic homes in the Shaker Heights area. Instead of ductwork, they use small, flexible tubing to pipe air throughout your home.
Air Quality & Ductwork Services in Shaker Heights
The air quality in your home has a significant impact on your health and well-being. This is why Verne & Ellsworth is proud to work with units such as:
- Air scrubbers and cleaners: These units keep the air free of germs and allergens, keeping your lungs happy and healthy.
- Carbon monoxide detection: These can be life-saving devices for those using gas or oil furnaces.
- Whole-house humidifiers: Dry air pulls moisture from anywhere it can. Protect your home, furniture, and skin with a whole-house humidifier.
- Whole-house dehumidifiers: Too much moisture in the air can lead to mildew and mold issues. A dehumidifier is an easy way to prevent this.Â
Top-Rated Plumbing Services
Malfunctioning plumbing is a fast way to ruin your day. You can count on Verne & Ellsworth when you need qualified plumbing services. We’ll keep your plumbing running smoothly with such services as:
- Water heaters: We can install or repair your traditional or tankless water heaters.
- Water lines: We can install or repair your water lines to keep your potable water flowing.Â
- Gas lines: We can pipe, repair, and test your gas lines to ensure your home’s safety.
- Drain snaking: We’ll keep your home draining smoothly, removing any pesky clogs you may face.
Schedule With Verne & Ellsworth Hann in Shaker Heights
One of the oldest family-run businesses in the area, Verne & Ellsworth has won the Angi Super Service Award and the Best of the Heights Award. We are committed to outstanding customer service, professionalism, and integrity. When our licensed and insured technicians set foot on your property, you can rest assured the job will be done right.
Contact our team today to request a free estimate or to schedule services in Shaker Heights.
Recent Jobs and Reviews in Shaker Heights, OH
Job Locations and Reviews
Performed estimate on steam boiler system with identified crack in heat exchanger. Documented existing boiler installation including piping configuration, insulation condition on steam lines, and overall system components for replacement assessment.
Responded to service call for dripping boiler on one-year-old unit. Upon inspection of the mechanical room, identified minor leak at copper piping connection point near control module. Tightened fitting, verified all valve connections, and confirmed proper operation of boiler system with no further water discharge observed.
Responded to callback for detached ductwork in attic that had separated from air handler following previous repair visit. Upon arrival, found flexible duct connection had completely detached from air handler unit, which customer had temporarily secured with duct tape to restore heating to entire home. Properly reconnected flexible metallic ductwork to air handler using appropriate fasteners and mastic sealant, ensuring secure attachment and proper airflow distribution throughout the system. Verified all connections were sealed and tested system operation to confirm heating restored to all zones of residence.
Performed comprehensive hot water boiler tune-up including replacement of low water cutoff (LWCO) and automatic feeder assembly. Installed new LWCO control device with brass valve connections and updated auto feeder system to ensure proper water level maintenance and safe boiler operation. All copper piping connections were secured and system was tested for proper functionality upon completion.
# Service Report: Boiler System Inspection and Diagnosis
Responded to service call for boiler malfunction with customer reporting potential thermostat-related issues. Upon arrival, conducted comprehensive system inspection of aging boiler installation and associated hydronic components.
Visual assessment revealed extensive corrosion throughout the piping system, particularly affecting iron and steel pipe sections. Documented severe oxidation and rust buildup on vertical supply pipes and horizontal return lines, with heavy surface deterioration indicating prolonged exposure to moisture and age-related degradation. Corroded sections exhibited crusty, textured surfaces with significant reddish-brown oxidation that compromised pipe integrity in multiple locations.
Inspected circulator pump assembly and found unit operational but mounted within deteriorated piping infrastructure. Examined electrical connections at pump motor, confirming proper wiring termination at junction box. Evaluate
Conducted on-site evaluation for boiler and hot water storage tank replacement. Assessed existing water heater showing signs of base leakage and floor water damage, documented current copper and black iron piping configuration, HVAC ductwork routing, and ventilation system requirements. Photographed equipment specifications, existing connections including braided flex lines and valve assemblies, and structural mounting conditions to provide comprehensive estimate for new boiler system with integrated storage tank installation.
# Service Summary
Responded to service call for boiler tune-up and preventive maintenance on Weil-McLain EG series gas-fired boiler. Customer requested same-week rescheduling due to potential issues identified during initial contact. Performed comprehensive system inspection, documented equipment nameplate specifications and installation conditions, and completed standard maintenance protocol per manufacturer guidelines.
Diagnosed and repaired running toilet issue by replacing worn flapper valve and fill valve assembly due to significant mineral buildup and deterioration. Cleaned sediment from tank interior and adjusted water level to proper height. Verified proper operation with multiple test flushes and confirmed no leaks at supply line connection.
Responded to service call for 20-year-old tanked water heater system. Performed inspection of the existing installation, noting aging copper pipes with visible corrosion and inadequate support structure consisting of pressure-treated lumber resting on concrete blocks. Installed VIP expansion tank to address pressure regulation issues and replaced failing components on the Classic-branded water heater to restore proper functionality.
Responded to service call for a 16-year-old natural gas steam boiler that was not activating. Upon inspection, accessed the interior components and examined the burner assembly, which showed proper flame pattern through the three burner ports. System was successfully restored to normal operation after service.
Replaced main ventilation component during warranty service. Installation included refitting black metal pipes with proper valve connections and securing junction points at wall openings. System now operating at optimal efficiency with all connections properly sealed.
Performed scheduled cooling maintenance service on residential HVAC system between 12-4pm after providing call ahead notice. Inspected and serviced indoor air handler/furnace unit with associated PVC venting and electrical connections in mechanical room. Examined outdoor condensing unit mounted on concrete pad, noting proper installation of refrigerant lines and condensate drainage system, with all components functioning within specifications after service.
Replaced deteriorated plumbing traps in mechanical enclosure, addressing significant corrosion and paint deterioration on radiator system and associated valve components. Service included replacement of aging brass valve fittings and repair of connection points showing signs of water damage and wear.
Removed existing drain and water lines from bar area, capped water lines beyond the valves, and cut drain to floor level. Applied hydraulic cement to seal the floor opening where drain was removed. Documented the repair with photos showing the cemented floor patch and surrounding wall area with exposed wooden sections where plumbing fixtures were previously installed. Customer will handle bar removal separately.
Responded to service call for clogged sink drain and slow leak in 55-year-old home. Inspected aging plumbing system, including connection to cast iron radiator with valve assembly in bathroom. Successfully cleared drain blockage and repaired leak at pipe fitting, restoring normal drainage and eliminating water seepage.
Responded to emergency service call for water heater failure. Discovered aging water heater with catastrophic leak from bottom of tank causing significant water damage to basement utility area. Provided quote for immediate replacement of the failed unit.
Removed deteriorated radiator unit and capped water lines below floor level in utility area. Observed significant water damage on surrounding walls and ceiling, with evidence of moisture issues affecting the brick/concrete surfaces. Completed line isolation to prevent leakage from disconnected system.
Performed routine heating maintenance inspection. Observed significant rust and corrosion on ventilation grill with poor sealing to surrounding surface. Heat exchanger fins showed dust accumulation requiring cleaning to improve thermal efficiency and system performance.
Responded to service call for 10+ year old gas furnace exhibiting short-cycling behavior. Diagnostic inspection revealed faulty control board with damaged wire connections at the terminal blocks. Replaced control board, reconnected all wiring harnesses according to manufacturer specifications, and performed complete system test to verify proper ignition sequence and sustained operation.
Performed scheduled maintenance on HVAC system by removing and thoroughly cleaning the blower wheel assembly to remove accumulated dust and debris. Conducted simultaneous preventative maintenance on the boiler system, inspecting the heat exchanger and cleaning accessible components to improve system efficiency and extend equipment life.