Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Category: Air Conditioning

Why Schedule a Tune-Up for Your Heat Pump Now

Heat Pump

It may seem strange to think about heat pump maintenance when we are in the midst of summer, but colder weather is just around the corner. And, as any HVAC professional will tell you, it is always best to be proactive regarding your home’s comfort and heating system.

We’ve got you covered whether you need to schedule a tune-up for your heat pump or an AC tune-up in Loveland, CO. This article discusses the importance of getting a tune-up now to counteract the strain on your system that summer typically causes.

 

The Benefits of Scheduling a Tune-Up Now

 

Most people aren’t currently thinking about winter. But, we all know that the worst thing you can do for AC or heater is to wait until it messes up to call in a professional. Instead, regular maintenance will keep you comfortable no matter the season.

 

Professionals and Parts are Available Now

 

Since the demand for any heat pump parts is currently low, there’s a good chance that any repairs you need will get done quickly.

 

Systems Wear Down Over Time

 

Everything has a shelf-life, including your HVAC system. The harder it works, the quicker it could be wearing down—especially if you’re not performing regular maintenance on it. The best way to handle any issues is to prevent the issues from happening in the first place.

 

Maintenance Is More Than Just Changing a Filter

 

When a professional comes in, they aren’t simply changing a filter (though that is something you should make sure to do a few times a year!). Instead, they have a laundry list of tasks to take care of, such as:

 

  1. Test and evaluate overall system operation.
  2. Clean/replace filters.
  3. Record operating temperature/pressure.
  4. Record amperage draw.
  5. Clean condenser coil.
  6. Inspect condensate drain pan and line, clean as needed.
  7. Lubricate moving parts.
  8. Check all electrical connections and components.
  9. Check vents and ducts for leaks or lack of airflow.

…and that’s just a partial list.

 

If Something Is Wrong With Your Heater, a Professional Will Notice It

 

Another great reason to start your fall and winter maintenance now is that a professional will also recognize any potential issues with your heater. Avoid surprises and sit comfortably all year long.

 

It’s Always Nice to Save Money

 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of scheduling maintenance is the potential cost savings. Not only will you save by avoiding a bigger repair, but the more efficient system can save you on your monthly electric and/or gas bill. Savings that can be put toward other things—like maybe the holidays!

 

Safety First

 

Of course, safety for you and your family is always on top of your mind. It’s not a fun topic to discuss, but when maintenance is ignored for too long on HVAC systems, it can become dangerous for those in the home. Instead, schedule your heating maintenance and keep everyone safe.

Contact Fort Collins Heating today for services provided by the company you can trust.

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Is the Cheapest AC Company the Better Option? Probably Not…

There are situations when you are well within your rights to see if you can save some extra money on something. Perhaps this may apply to thrifting for lightly used clothes, for example. You may even be able to bargain down the price of some food at the farmer’s market. These are the situations when you want to go for lower pricing.

Air Conditioning

However, there are plenty of situations when pricing that seems wildly cheap is actually a red flag. When it comes to getting reliable and effective air conditioning service in Fort Collins, going for the cheapest option will pretty much always backfire.

We aren’t just saying that to be mean. There are reasons why, when it comes to HVAC services, lower costs don’t really match with high-quality work.

How Does a Cheaper Contractor Keep Costs Low?

If you are looking at an HVAC technician whose prices seem too good to be true, they probably are too good to be true. Even if they are licensed, the difference in price will show up in ways that you may not like, such as:


They won’t have tools or parts on hand to get the job done: Cheaper cost of service may come at the cost of needing extra time to get the job done. Why? Because your technician has to go get specialty tools that they didn’t have at the start. This lost time adds up and often adds to your bill too.


The initial price only covers half of the job (like an assessment): In many cases, a cheaper initial estimate or price is going to only cover part of what needs to get done. For example, you will be covered for an assessment and cleaning but not for the replacement of any small parts or immediate repairs that need to be done.


They nickel and dime in other ways: All too often a cheap price for service means that the provider is likely to charge you for other things such as suddenly revealing that the price is hourly rather than per job.

What About an Amateur?

Considering going with an unlicensed individual may seem like a great way to save money, but it will end up costing you. For starters, amateurs are more likely to end up damaging your air conditioner, leading to larger repair cots or, worse, a replacement. On top of this, if you don’t have a licensed individual servicing your AC, it can void your warranty, meaning you are responsible for the cost of any major issues that an amateur causes.

In one way or another, a cheap HVAC service provider is likely to end up costing you far more. Sometimes those costs pop up immediately and other times they show up a month down the road but the result is always the same—you spend the same amount or more for poor-quality work.

Yes, professional service can be priced upfront, but it is going to pay off in the long run by helping keep your system working properly, maintaining your warranty, and more.


Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule any HVAC service you need. Our team provides both quality and affordability with every job.

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How to Keep Your AC Costs Low This Summer

costs low this summer

Running your AC is an inaugural part of summer, and so are the bills that come with it. Furthermore, it always seems to be that something goes wrong when you really just need that cool air blowing on you.

Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your air conditioning in Windsor, CO will keep working while ensuring your costs stay low during the summer. Read on to learn how to keep your air conditioning costs low this season so you can stay cool in your home even when the temperatures outside are blazing. Know we’re here to handle any air conditioning work you need.

Utilize Fans

Floor and ceiling fans are an excellent addition to your home cooling arsenal, offering you a reduction in how temps feel by as much as 4 degrees thanks to their wind-chill effect. This means that you will stay cooler for longer without turning your AC unit down by another 4-5 degrees.

Invest in Maintenance

One of the most common problems we see each summer are people turning on their AC unit only to discover it’s not blowing cool air. During the cooler months, your air conditioning unit goes dormant, making it more susceptible to breaking down. By the time you turn it on, the system’s damage has likely become more severe. To prevent this, you should schedule a maintenance visit from an AC professional before the summer starts. You’ll be able to prevent new problems from forming, fix any issues that may be present, and can save money because you’re not booking during the peak season.

Lower Your Thermostat, But Not Too Much

Ideally, you already keep your thermostat at 78 when not at home during the summer. This maneuver saves you roughly 10% on your electric bill each month and keeps your home comfortable. When you get home, lower your unit to a more comfortable temperature, ideally keeping it above 72 to prevent additional strain on your electric bill while keeping your home comfortable.

Close Your Window Treatments

Blinds and curtains are excellent tools for keeping light out of your home, but they also work to prevent excess heat from seeping in. When possible, make sure to close your window treatments to lower the temperature of your home.

Invest in a New Unit

Sometimes a unit simply needs replacement, typically when they’re about a decade old (although, some can last much longer). This can be due to manufacturers no longer producing parts, damage to the unit, or simple old age. New units are more energy-efficient as well as better at cooling down your home, meaning you’ll save money.

Running your air conditioning unit is a hallmark of summer beginning, but it can make your electric bills sky-high. By utilizing fans, investing in unit maintenance, lowering your thermostat, closing window treatments, and investing in a new unit, you can greatly decrease your energy bill costs.

Want to fix your air conditioning in Windsor, Co? Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our professionals.

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5 Tips to Make Your AC Installation Easy

AC Installation

If you’re trying to make sure that you’re comfortable this summer, then the first thing you need to pay attention to is your air conditioner. Your air conditioner is the system that’s going to do the heavy lifting when it comes to your cooling this season. If you’re at the point where you’ve realized that you need new air conditioning installation in Loveland, CO, then it’s time to talk to our professionals.

The best part about our team is that we’re comprehensive professionals. We’re here to help you throughout the entire process. We know how to help you choose the right new brand, help you choose between all your different options, and install the new unit as well.

Tips You Should Know

Here are a few things you should know about your air conditioning installation process and a few ways you can make it easier.

The Best Brands

If you’re on the hunt for a new air conditioner, it’s great to consider some of the best brands you can get for yourself.  While the specific things that you might need are going to differ from home to home, the best brands typically are the same. We work alongside brands like Mitsubishi. If you’d like our opinion on the best models, you can always call and consult with our professionals for the work you need. We’re here to help.

The Needs of Your Home

What are the specific needs of your home? Everyone home’s will be different. We want you to consider factors like the following:

  • The size of your home
  • The layout of your home
  • The materials used to build your home
  • The number of windows in your home
  • The level of insulation you have in your home

We’ll help you take note of all the needs of your home, consider it, and find the right air conditioner for you.

How to Improve

It’s important to identify your weak points before an upgrade. A new air conditioner can get you improved service, but it can’t solve all your problems. You need to make sure that you have proper insulation, that you have proper ductwork, and that your home is set up to circulate air properly.

Your Different Options

When it’s time to upgrade, most homeowners opt for an upgraded model of their current system. While this is something you can do, it’s not the only option that you have for your home. Even if you end up going with an updated model of your current system, we do suggest that you consider all your options. You can choose from a central air conditioner, HRV system, ERV system, ductless mini split, or even a heat pump.

A Great Team

The final touch is making sure that you have a great team by your side to perform the work. Having the right air conditioner is important, but you need a great team to make sure that it’s installed properly and it can perform for you as well.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re a company you can trust because we’re big enough to serve but still small enough to care.

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The 101 on High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

high-efficiency air conditioning

The weather is warming up out there. After a day out in the blazing sun, you want to return to a home that feels cool. This is possible as long as you have an air conditioning system that works well for your space. This is why we emphasize having a high-efficiency air conditioning system in Fort Collins, CO.

We understand if this is something that you’re confused about. There is a lot of information to sift through as a consumer. If you’re looking for the right information at your fingertips, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re highly educated and ready to pay this forward. If you have questions then we’re here to provide you with answers today.

What’s a SEER Rating?

The acronym SEER stands for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and it’s a rating you should know if you’re trying to improve your air conditioning efficiency at home. It’s a measurement set and determined by the Department of Energy in each region. It measures the efficiency that any air conditioning system can have on average throughout a warm-weather season based on conditions inside and outside of the home.

In the modern-day, a “good” SEER rating would be one of 14 or higher. In many places, a SEER rating can’t be below 13. They can go as high as 25. For the average home, you don’t need the highest SEER rating possible, you just need a SEER rating that will further improve your efficiency. We can help you determine what this is.

How Can I Choose the Best High-Efficiency AC System

When determining what SEER rating is right for you, our experts will factor in things like the following:

  • The square footage of your home
  • Build
  • Layout
  • Amount of natural light

If you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out which SEER rating is right for you, we’re going to help you find the one that’s perfect for you. We’re able to do this because we’re well versed in a variety of air conditioning manufacturers. We know how to match you with the right ones and our goal is always to not only sustain, but improve your comfort. Make sure that you speak to us when you’re ready to make an improvement in your home. Our professionals are always available to consult with you.

Why Professional Service Matters

Make sure that you’re matching your great air conditioner with a great team of professionals to match. This is an integral part of any air conditioning acquisition process. Although there are many articles and videos online that promise that they can guide you through the process of installation, we suggest that you have a professional install your air conditioning system.

We’re professionals you can turn to for your air conditioning installation because we’re experienced, trained, and always ready to perform the installation or replacement of your air conditioning system. We have a long-standing reputation in the industry and we’re known for our quality work.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our professionals. 

 

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When to Repair Your AC System

Repair Your AC System

Summer is right around the corner. Before you know it the kids will be out of school, the weather will be blazing hot, and it will be time to take that family vacation you’ve been planning. There is so much to look forward to in the upcoming months. This is why it would be terrible to spoil this with the stress of unexpected air conditioning repair in Loveland, CO.

When we talk to homeowners, they tell us that the most stressful part of air conditioning repair need is finding the right team in a flash. This is why we make sure that everyone on our team is trained, licensed, and ready to perform. Your main part in this process is recognizing the signs that you need repair. Let’s get into those reasons below.

Contact a Professional When

These are the signs you should ignore. Get a professional out to your home when you notice any of the following signs:

Unit Blowing Warm Air

The number one sign that you’re having an issue with your home’s air conditioning system is the unit blowing warm air. The is a probably that you should pay special attention to because it’s not always obvious that it’s happening. If you’re noticing that you have to run your air conditioner much more often than you’re used to, that only the coolest temperatures around seem to keep you cool, or that you’re paying more than you’re used to, then it could be a refrigerant problem.

Thermostat Inaccuracy

Is the reading on your home’s thermostat accurate? If you can’t confidently say that it is, then you’re creating trouble for yourself when it comes to you comfort. A thermostat reading that’s even just a little off is going to change your comfort for the worse. This is because just a few degrees difference determines if your air conditioner runs or not. A reading that’s always a little too high means that your system won’t turn on when you ned it most. Don’t deal with this during the entire spring and summer season.

Discomfort

Can you say that you’re comfortable at home? If you can’t, then it might be because of your air conditioner. Unfortunately, your home’s air conditioner can wear down over time. If you’re struggling to get cool for a reasonable price this season, then it’s time to consider repair.

High Energy Bills

Are your energy bills far too high although your system has been maintained? This might be due to an undercurrent issue with your home’s energy bills. This is when you should reach out to one of our professionals for repair work.

Disruptive Operation

Could you describe the way your air conditioner operates as disruptive? Disruptive operation could be a system that runs in short, incomplete cycles that leave you uncomfortable. Disruptive operation can also be an air conditioner that’s incredibly noisy every time you run it. Either scenario is an issue. We’ll solve your issues and get your AC system back on track.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re “big enough to serve, but small enough to care.”

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When To Call for AC Repair

When To Call for AC Repair

When summer arrives, the temperature really begins to put your air conditioner to the test. This is the time of year where you start to realize that your air conditioner is nothing short of essential. It really wouldn’t be easy to get through the hottest of summer days without your air conditioner by your side.

If you’ve started to notice that your air conditioner is acting weird, but you’re not sure if you actually need AC care, then this is the right blog for you. We’re going to help you determine your needs today. We can handle your air conditioning repair in Loveland, CO.

Call After You Notice This

These are the signs that you need to call a professional for air conditioning care.

1.      Warm Air

Have you noticed warm air in your home? This is bad news. You’re going to overwork your system trying to compensate for this issue. Efficiency is what you deserve and repair service can help you get it.

2.      Weird Noises

There are quite a few troubling sounds that you can hear coming from your air conditioner. The problem comes from any air conditioning sound that you hear that’s new, unfamiliar, or too loud. If this is a problem that you’re dealing with it’s also a great idea to get in touch with our team members sooner than later. Don’t let the problem develop into a huge issue.

3.      Thermostat Issues

Your thermostat should always display an accurate temperature in your home. If it doesn’t, then you need to get thermostat services from our professionals.

Another aspect of this is the status of your thermostat. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat, then you’re behind the curve. This isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses either—it’s about your efficiency. Don’t sacrifice the quality of your system just because you think you’re satisfied with what you have. We promise you there’s better out there.

4.      High Energy Bills

Have you noticed that your energy bills are rising out of nowhere?

High energy bills are never a good sign if you’re not doing anything out of the ordinary. If this summer is typical of how you’d run your air conditioner any other summer, then the problem is bigger than your habits. The beast you’re battling is inefficiency. If you try to brush this problem off, you’re going to notice your air conditioning system performance decrease in quality over time. It’s best to handle the issue now.

5.      Humidity Issues

We have humid summers here in Loveland. This is why humidity issues are important. If you’re noticing an absence of moisture in your home or an excess amount of moisture, then you need to get yourself some air conditioning care.

Even if your humidity issues don’t seem like they’re going to be the end of a comfortable summer, they’re definitely something that indicates a bad omen. Humidity issues are a clear sign that you should get care from a professional.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your air conditioning repair needs. We’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

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How to Make Your AC Installation As Easy As Possible

air conditioning

The hot summers that we get can be unbearable. Good quality air conditioning is not just a requirement but a necessity to stay comfortable indoors.

When it comes to buying an AC, however, many homeowners are often confused about how to calculate the size and power of their new system. You don’t need to be confused anymore. We present this guide to provide help when it comes time to get a new air conditioner installed in your home.

Assess Your Current Needs

There are several factors that you should consider for your air conditioning needs. The first and most important is the size of your home.

A bigger home with more surface area would require a powerful air conditioner. Generally, you need 20 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot to provide adequate cooling for your home. So if you need to cool an area that is 500 sq. ft. in size, you will need an AC with a 10,000 BTU rating.

Another key factor to consider is the amount of insulation in your home. More insulation means your home will maintain its temperature after cooling a home that isn’t well insulated won’t be able to stay cool as long. The level of insulation in your home can impact how hard your next system will have to run.

Lastly, you should also take into account the running costs of the AC. The energy cost is calculated as follows:

Your AC’s Kwh rating x Kwh unit cost in your area = Cost to operate the AC for 1 hour

To calculate how much it will cost to run your air conditioner throughout the summer, estimate the number of hours you will run the AC for and multiply by the average kWh (kilowatt-hour) unit cost.

Explore Your Options

You have several options when it comes to choosing an air conditioner. The four main types of air conditioning systems that are available in the market include the following:

  • Central Air Conditioner
  • Ductless Mini-Split
  • Heat Pumps

Each of these air conditioners is designed for a specific purpose and has different requirements.

Central air conditioners are large and connected through ductwork to spread cooling throughout your home.

Heat pump mini splits allow your air conditioner to save space by replacing the indoor unit with an air handler connected to your ductwork. It can also provide year-round comfort. The ductless mini split has a combination of an external compressor and condenser unit that is connected to multiple internal air handlers to provide cooling for specific rooms without ductwork.

Choose an Experienced Professional

The best way to make your AC installation experience easy is to use a professional service for the job. Trained professionals can complete the job quickly and without causing any damage to your property. They will ensure that the AC is installed correctly and performs well.

Professionals also come fully equipped with all the tools and equipment that they need for the job. Many AC manufacturers recommend using a professional for your AC installation, as using a non-certified person to install the AC could void your warranty.

We have an excellent track record for AC installation in Fort Collins, CO. Over the years, our services have been used by thousands of homeowners to do a thorough job.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your AC installation services this season.

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Struggling to Perform?

Air Conditioner Struggling to Perform

Summer has been great outside. You’ve spent a lot of time poolside, you enjoyed the fireworks, and you’re even planning a great vacation… but when you’re at home it’s a different story. Things are a little strained at home because your air conditioner is underperforming. You’re hot, frustrated, and you’ve finally started to ask yourself the question… “what’s going on?”

This is the first step in finding the relief that you’re looking for. Let’s investigate why your air conditioner might be struggling to perform today. We specialize in air conditioning in Fort Collins, CO. Let’s get started with figuring out what’s wrong today.

What’s Going On?

This might be what’s going on with your air conditioning system?

Something Is Wrong With Your Thermostat

Your thermostat might not be the best for your air conditioning system. Your air conditioner needs a high-quality thermostat system to make sure that everything is on track. Digital thermostats are a great option, but they’re not really cutting it anymore when you’re trying to improve your efficiency and performance.

We suggest that you bump things up to a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat. If you don’t know where to start, take this as a sign to start with our team. We’re going to have you start with the basics. We want you to figure out all the determining factors that decide your comfort needs. These factors are things like the size of your home, the shape, windows, the amount of people in your home, and more.

Your Air Filter Is Clogged

If you don’t replace your air filter often, your filter can become clogged. Your filter can build up with dust and debris over time. You’ll notice increased amounts of dust and particles floating through the air when this is the case. This is why it’s so important to change your clogged filter once every three months.

You’re Experiencing Short-Cycling

Have you noticed that your air conditioner has started short-cycling?

Short-cycling is when your air conditioner starts, runs for a short period of time, stops, and then starts again. This is something that you might think is benign, but it’s absolutely something that you should address with a professional. It’s terrible for your air conditioning system. It negatively impacts the efficiency and can cost you more.

You Need a New Air Conditioner

Sometimes, your air conditioner is just on its last leg, and you need a new one. We want you to know that this is okay. The process of finding yourself a new air conditioner doesn’t have to be difficult. We want you to know that you have resources from our team members.

We know how to assess your current comfort, help you determine your needs, find yourself a new air conditioner, and even help you finance it. If you need a new air conditioner then we want to be here to help you with the process.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us. We’re big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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“How Often Should I Clean My Drains?”

Clean My Drains

If your home’s drains are clogged, you will begin to notice a sign of them soon. You will see a puddle of water in your sink as you load the dishwasher after dinner. Your bathroom sink will become slow to drain water after you brush your teeth. You may also notice water accumulating near the shower drain as it takes time to flow down.

If something like this happens at your home, you should immediately call professional plumbing in Loveland, CO to get the problem fixed. Even if the problem isn’t that big, it is better to get your drains cleaned quickly before it becomes a major headache.

How Often Should You Clean Your Drains

Homeowners are at different risks of clogged drains based on their property and usage. For instance, if you live in an old home with pipes laid down forty years ago, you will need drain cleaning services more often. If you live in a newly built home, you may be able to get by with fewer drain cleanings per year.

Similarly, if you live in your own home, you may treat the drains with care and not need the help of professional cleaners that often. If you are a landlord and rent out your property to tenants, they may not be as careful. They could be pouring down all kinds of stuff down the drain, thinking that it is just a rental property.

Experts recommend getting a professional plumbing service to clean your property’s drains every 6 months. You should also follow proper disposal methods, like using sink sieves and keeping your drains protected from plastic or glass items.

With proper care, you may only need to clean your drains once every year with no problems. However, if you flush rice, grease, oils, and other sticky stuff down the drain, then you will need professional-grade cleaning more often.

Annual Cleaning Can Help

Even if you are extra careful and do not run into any problems with your drains, getting them cleaned and checked once a year is recommended. Getting the drains cleaned regularly will prevent them from getting clogged over time.

Regular drain cleaning can improve the life of the pipes. It helps maintain the system’s efficiency and ensures that you won’t suddenly get a problem that costs you thousands of dollars to repair. If you are looking for peace of mind and want to save costs in the long run, you should get your drains cleaned regularly.

Get In Touch

If you want to get professional-grade cleaning for your drains at a competitive market rate, then get in touch with the best. Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning has built a reputation as a reliable and customer-focused plumbing service in Loveland, Colorado. Trusted by hundreds of homeowners across the city, we are the number one choice for all kinds of commercial and residential drain cleaning. We have the services you need.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re big enough to serve but small enough to care!

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