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
Completed installation of New Yorker steam boiler model CGS60C with all associated components including automatic water feeder, low water cutoff, sight glass, pressure control, and programmable thermostat. Installed new backflow preventer and modified all near boiler piping to meet current specifications. Ran dedicated electrical circuit to panel and terminated connections for boiler operation. Corrected pitch on radiator supply piping to resolve heating issue in bedroom, ensuring proper steam flow and condensate return.
Found the system low on refrigerant and added UV dye along with refrigerant to bring the system back to proper charge. A follow-up visit is scheduled in 1-1.5 weeks to locate the leak using the UV dye under black light inspection.
Responded to service call for reported boiler leak at 104-year-old residential property. Upon arrival, conducted thorough inspection of heating system and plumbing infrastructure in basement utility area. Examination revealed the concern was related to the water heater rather than the boiler system.
Inspected white cylindrical water heater unit and found significant water staining and mineral deposits on top surface of tank, indicating previous moisture issues. Left copper pipe connection showed advanced corrosion and oxidation with reddish-brown discoloration at base fitting, suggesting long-term exposure to moisture. Pressure relief valve assembly on right side examined and found to be intact with proper metallic discharge piping in place.
Traced copper supply lines along wall and ceiling joists to identify potential leak sources. Tagged affected piping section for reference and documentation. Noted varying conditions of copper piping throughout system, with some sections showing
Performed comprehensive AC tune-up on Carrier outdoor condensing unit. Inspected all major components including compressor, condenser coil, fan motor, and electrical connections. Verified proper refrigerant pressures and system operation. Condenser coil showed moderate accumulation of debris between fins; cleaned coil to restore optimal airflow and heat transfer efficiency. Checked recently replaced capacitor for proper operation and secure mounting. Cleared vegetation growth from base of unit and around concrete pad to maintain adequate clearance. Tested system startup and shutdown sequences, confirmed proper amperage draw on all components. System operating within manufacturer specifications with no issues detected.
Responded to no cooling complaint on 3-year-old air conditioning system previously installed by our company. Upon arrival, inspected indoor HVAC equipment including furnace and air handler in basement utility area. Verified system operation, checked electrical connections, and documented equipment condition with photos showing proper installation and ductwork connections.
Completed routine air conditioning tune-up on residential outdoor condensing unit. Performed standard maintenance inspection, checked refrigerant levels, cleaned condenser coils, verified electrical connections, and tested system operation to ensure optimal cooling performance for the season.
Responded to water leak originating from third-floor shower fixture with water penetrating through multiple floors to basement level. Upon arrival, inspected the identified shower faucet and associated plumbing connections. Examined vintage plumbing system consistent with the 111-year-old structure, including aged chrome drain pipes, flexible braided supply lines, and wall-mounted fixtures showing significant weathering and tarnish. Assessed the extent of water intrusion pathway from third floor through building envelope to basement. Isolated the leak source at the shower valve assembly and verified no additional leak points in adjacent bathroom fixtures or supply lines. Documented existing plumbing conditions including traditional pedestal sink connections and period-appropriate tile work. Completed necessary repairs to eliminate active water flow and restore proper fixture operation, preventing further water damage to lower levels.
Completed drain line repair for sink by exposing and accessing concealed plumbing within ceiling cavity. Opened ceiling to locate and assess deteriorated drain pipe, removed damaged section, and installed new drain line with proper fittings and secure connections. Restored proper drainage function and ensured all connections were leak-free and code-compliant.
Leveled Bryant condenser unit to manufacturer specifications to prevent compressor damage and oil migration issues. Unit was found to be improperly positioned on pad, creating potential for premature equipment failure. Adjusted and stabilized condenser on concrete pad using proper leveling techniques, verified alignment with precision level tool to ensure optimal refrigerant flow and compressor longevity.
Installed ductless mini-split system to provide heating and cooling for room above garage. Mounted outdoor condenser unit on pad against exterior brick wall with proper clearances and installed indoor air handler unit high on interior wall near ceiling corner. Ran refrigerant line set through wall between units with white line set cover for protection and finished appearance, completed all electrical connections, tested system operation, and verified proper functionality of all components including temperature controls and airflow distribution.
Removed and reset toilet after replacing defective PVC tee and toilet bend in the drainage system. Installed a 4-inch Gripper expanding plug in an existing floor drain. Rerouted approximately 20 feet of condensate drainage line from the basement furnace to a properly trapped floor drain, ensuring compliance with plumbing codes and proper system function.
# Exterior Hose Faucet Replacement
Replaced deteriorated exterior hose faucet (sillcock) at rear patio of 60-year-old residence. Access required opening ceiling in basement utility area to reach supply line connection point. Successfully installed new frost-free sillcock with proper pitch for drainage, reconnected copper supply line, tested for leaks, and verified proper operation under full water pressure.
Completed outdoor grill assembly and connected unit to existing gas line infrastructure. Installed copper piping with shut-off valve and flexible gas connector, properly secured with mounting brackets along wall and ceiling junction to supply gas to exterior patio location. Grill positioned on brick paver patio and successfully connected to gas supply line, with all connections tested for proper operation and safety.
Returned to system after unit thawed from previous frozen condition. Performed diagnostic testing using digital manifold gauges, recording superheat and subcooling measurements along with system pressures and temperatures. Utilized electronic refrigerant scale to verify proper refrigerant charge levels and assess system performance parameters.
Responded to service call for 20-year-old AC unit running but not cooling. Upon arrival, performed visual inspection of outdoor condensing unit and electrical connections. Found extensive debris accumulation on condenser coil fins and mesh screening, significantly restricting airflow. Heat exchanger fins appeared darkened with heavy buildup of dirt, dust, and organic matter. Leaves and ground debris visible at base of unit.
Inspected electrical terminal block and wiring connections, noting considerable cobweb accumulation throughout connection panel, indicating lack of recent maintenance. Multiple wire connections showed dust and age-related wear on insulation. All electrical terminations appeared secure despite environmental exposure.
Cleaned condenser coil and removed debris from exterior grille and mesh screening to restore proper airflow. Cleared cobwebs from electrical panel area. Given the unit's age and condition, advised that reduced cooling capacity likely results from comb
Completed estimate for mini split installation to heat and cool room above garage. Assessed electrical panel location in unfinished space with exposed framing and confirmed adequate breaker capacity for new mini split system. Evaluated bedroom layout and measured wall space to determine optimal placement of indoor air handler unit for efficient air distribution throughout the space.
Performed preventative maintenance on two 20-year-old residential air conditioning units. Both outdoor condensers were inspected, coils cleaned, and operational parameters verified under partly cloudy conditions with ambient temperature of 81°F. Customer was advised regarding MVP renewal options for both cooling and heating systems to maintain warranty coverage and ensure continued reliable operation.
Responded to service call for 16-year-old Carrier central air conditioning system experiencing inadequate cooling and intermittent freezing of refrigerant line entering air handler, resulting in water accumulation. Conducted comprehensive system evaluation including inspection of indoor air handler unit and associated components, documented equipment condition with photographic evidence showing dual-cabinet configuration with visible service markings, PVC condensate drainage system, and refrigerant line connections. After thorough assessment of aging system performance issues and recurring freeze-up conditions, provided customer with complete replacement estimate for new HVAC system installation to resolve chronic operational deficiencies and restore proper climate control functionality.
Responded to service call for water heater replacement assessment. Upon arrival, evaluated existing residential tanked water heater unit in basement utility area and documented current installation configuration, including copper supply lines, pressure tank mounting, and gas valve assembly. Provided no-cost estimate for complete water heater replacement and coordinated availability window for installation scheduling.
Completed routine maintenance tune-up on residential HVAC system including a 2-year-old furnace and air conditioning unit. Performed standard inspection procedures, verified proper operation of both systems, and documented equipment specifications including refrigerant levels and manufacturer data. No deficiencies found; both units operating within normal parameters under BOGO maintenance plan agreement.