Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Category: Heat Pumps

Should I Invest In A Heat Pump?

March 27, 2023

A heat pump could be an excellent investment if you’re looking to save money on energy bills. Heat pumps are an efficient way to control your home’s temperature and ensure you’re comfortable no matter the season. Not only are they good for the environment, but they can also save you money over time. Learn more about the pros and cons of investing in a heat pump in Loveland CO so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it’s right for you.

The Benefits of a Heat Pump

A heat pump transfers heat energy from a heat source to a “heat sink.” They are designed to work in both heating and cooling modes. In the heating mode, the heat pump moves heat from the lower temperature to the higher temperature. In the cooling mode, the heat pump moves heat from the higher temperature to the lower temperature.

If you’re considering whether or not to invest in a heat pump, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. On the plus side, heat pumps are very efficient, can save money on energy bills, and are much better for the environment than traditional heating and cooling systems. Here are some of the other benefits of heat pumps:

They can heat and cool your home: A heat pump can be used for heating and cooling, which means you only need one system to keep your home comfortable all year round.
They’re very efficient: Heat pumps are much more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems because they move heat rather than generate it. It means that they use less energy, which saves you money on your energy bills.
They’re good for the environment: Heat pumps don’t release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, so they’re much better for the environment than traditional systems.
They last long: With proper heat pump installation and maintenance, a heat pump can last for many years – up to 20 years or more. It makes them a wise investment for your home.

The Disadvantages of a Heat Pump

The most significant disadvantage of a heat pump is that it doesn’t work as efficiently at cooling your home as a traditional air conditioner does. That’s because it is designed to work best when heating rather than cooling. A heat pump will cycle on and off to maintain room temperature, but it won’t blow cold air into your home like an AC. However, if you live in a multi-level or detached home without central air, this may not be such an issue.

Are heat pumps worth it?

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for anyone looking to save on energy bills. But before you decide to invest in a heat pump, you should know what exactly makes them so cost-effective.

A heat pump will reduce your heating bills, decrease your carbon footprint and help contribute to a greener environment. The heat pump technology will save you money and do something good for the environment.

Which Is Better, A Heat Pump or A Gas Furnace?

March 22, 2023

Heating systems are essential to your home, yet many people don’t know the difference between a heat pump and a gas furnace. Making the right decision for your home depends on several factors, from budget to energy efficiency. Learn more about the differences between gas furnaces and heat pumps, and explore which is better for your home.

What Is A Heat Pump?

This device transfers heat from one place to another such as from inside a building to the outside or vice versa. In the summer, a heat pump can be used by you to cool a building by moving heat from the inside to the outside. In the winter, a heat pump can be used by you to heat a building by moving heat from the outside to the inside.

What Is A Gas Furnace?

A gas furnace is a system that uses natural gas to heat your home. Furnaces are typically used in areas where natural gas is readily available. Gas furnaces are also generally more efficient than other heating systems, making them a popular choice for many homeowners in Loveland, CO.

Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump or a Gas Furnace

There are pros and cons to both gas furnaces and heat pumps. Gas furnaces are typically less expensive to operate than heat pumps, but heat pumps are more efficient and can be used in all climates.

Gas furnaces require a constant supply of natural gas or propane, which can be expensive in some areas. Heat pumps can use electricity or fossil fuels, making them more versatile. Heat pumps can provide cooling and heating in warm climates, making them a more versatile option overall.

A heat pump is considered to be the more technologically advanced option. In addition to providing better efficiency and cost savings, they can also help with your energy bill if you want to go green. They are more expensive than gas furnaces but tend to last longer and require less heat pump repair.

A gas furnace is a traditional option that is still popular today. You can get a good deal on furniture when you shop for the best prices. Gas furnaces also have a longer lifespan than heat pumps, so you won’t have to call the Gas Furnace Service to replace them as often. They are easy to install and use, but they have some disadvantages as well:

They are typically less efficient than a heat pump, so you’ll have to keep up with replacing the filters more often.

They do not work very well in cold climates, so if you live in an area where it gets icy during the winter, this will be a problem for you.

Which is better?

There is no definitive answer to the question of which type of heating system is better for specific situations. Some factors that may influence your decision include the climate in your region, the efficiency of the unit, and the upfront cost.

A heat pump may be the best choice if you live in the Loveland, CO, region with a mild climate. Heat pumps are very efficient and can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. However, they can be more expensive to purchase and install than a gas furnace.

If you live in a region with a colder climate, a gas furnace may be the better option for you. Gas furnaces are less efficient than heat pumps but are less expensive to purchase and install.

Whether to install a heat pump or gas furnace is ultimately up to the homeowner’s individual needs and budget. Heat pumps are more efficient than gas furnaces but may not be suitable for cold climates. Gas furnaces can provide reliable heating in colder temperatures at an affordable price, but they come with higher operating costs. Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your home, given your climate and budget restrictions.

Why Schedule a Tune-Up for Your Heat Pump Now

September 26, 2022

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:

Test and evaluate overall system operation.
Clean/replace filters.
Record operating temperature/pressure.
Record amperage draw.
Clean condenser coil.
Inspect condensate drain pan and line, clean as needed.
Lubricate moving parts.
Check all electrical connections and components.
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.

All The Ways a Heat Pump Can Help You

March 14, 2022

Now is the time when you might want to reconsider your home’s HVAC system. If you’re thinking about a heat pump, then we’re here today to walk you through your options. There are so many ways a heat pump can help you. We’ll get into them below.

When deciding if a Heat Pump is a good fit for your home it is best to have a professional help to determine your needs concerning a heat pump in Fort Collins, CO. This is the only way to ensure that you’re benefiting from all the advantages that a heat pump has to offer. Not only can we help in this decision, we can also make sure that your return on investment is maximized and your impact on the environment is minimized.

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

There are so many ways that a heat pump can help you. Here are a few of the things that you can expect to experience with the following benefits:

Efficiency: Heat pump technology has advanced greatly in recent years and are now efficient down to much lower temperatures than ever before making them more desirable in colder climates than before.
Energy Savings: When compared to heating with straight resistive electric heat such as baseboard, you can expect a modern heat pump to be 4 to 5 times more efficient. When compared to heating with a Liquid Propane (LP) furnace, switching to a Heat Pump system can reduce your operation cost by 30% or more. When compared to Natural Gas a heat pump may not make sense yet from purely an energy savings or return on investment at this time taking into consideration current Natural gas costs vs electric cost unless you have solar power to offset.
Eco Friendly Operation: If you are one that is motivated to move away from fossil fuels and move towards “renewable” energy that leans more on solar, wind and electric grid power, then a Heat Pump is definitely for you.

Running a Heat Pump with Solar Power

If you have solar power on your home already or are considering adding it to the degree that you are able to produce enough power to contribute to the operation of a heat pump you may likely be able to heat and cool your home for pennies.

But before you choose solar power, it’s important to consider the following:

Can you install enough panels positioned effectively enough to generate enough power to get a reasonable return on your investment.
Fixed position solar panels mounted on roofs are far less efficient than solar panels used on solar farms that can track the sun all day.
Having abundant solar power generated that exceeds your use and feeds back into the grid when not being used may no longer earn you a credit back like it once did as power companies are finding it more costly to manage than its worth to buy back from homeowners. So it may be wise not to factor that into a payback model.

Once you determine all these factors along with our help you will be able to make a wise decision for your home. Combining a heat pump along with solar panels may bring the best of both worlds. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, we are happy to help you determine what is the best option for you.

Fort Collins Heating & Air…”Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.”

3 Reasons to Heat Your Home with a Heat Pump

September 28, 2020

Winter in Colorado is something that most of us look forward to. It’s a lot easier to get out there and enjoy the season—and the slopes—when you’ve got a nice, warm, cozy home to come back to at the end of the day. If you’re thinking about replacing your old heating system, or you need to decide on a heater for a brand new home, you should definitely consider a heat pump installation in Fort Collins, CO.

The heat pump differs from more standard heating systems in a few ways. The good news? They’re beneficial ways! Just remember that getting the best that any heating system has to offer means scheduling your heating system installation, repair, and maintenance services with trained professionals. You’re reading this, so you’re well on your way to doing so. Whatever heating services you may need, our technicians are the ones to trust when you need the job done right!

Two Systems in One

Let’s get the big one out of the way first. Heat pumps are great heaters. But they’re not just heaters. They’re air conditioners, too.

No, we’re not pulling your leg. Heat pumps are able to reverse their operation in order to provide both heating and cooling. How is this possible? Thanks to a component called a reversing valve, which allows you to reverse the refrigerant flow in the system.

AC Fundamentals

To really understand how heat pumps work, you need to understand how air conditioning works. ACs cool homes by evaporating refrigerant in the indoor coil. That refrigerant absorbs heat out of the air, and that heat is released outside as the outdoor coil condenses the refrigerant.

By reversing this heat transfer process, your heat pump can evaporate refrigerant in the outdoor coil. In doing so, the system can absorb heat from the air outside and use it to heat the interior of your home! It condenses the refrigerant in the indoor coil when in its heating mode, flipping the whole process!

What This Means for Cost

Great news here, too. Not only does your heat pump give you the convenience of heating and cooling in one package, but it also heats with incredible energy efficiency. You’re not generating new heat by using electric resistance or burning fuel when you use a heat pump. Instead, you’re transferring existing heat into your home. The system just uses some electricity in order to run and compress the refrigerant to boost its thermal energy.

Take Advantage of Heat Pump Technology Today!

Our team is happy to help you decide if a heat pump is right for your home. We offer both standard air-source heat pumps and ductless mini split heat pumps for installation, so we’re certain to find the perfect system for your needs and personal preferences. Let us know if you’re ready to start saving money while living comfortably through our fun winter seasons.

Schedule your heat pump services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

How Is Your Heat Pump Holding Up?

January 21, 2019

If you use a heat pump to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the coldest time of the year, then we certainly hope that it is meeting—nay, exceeding!—your expectations so far this winter. If this is not the case, then don’t just tell yourself that you’ll deal with the problem once the winter season has come to a close. You wouldn’t limp along the last few miles of a marathon with a sprained ankle just because it wasn’t actually broken, right?

While your heat pump may be up and running, the problems it is experiencing may still indicate that there is a serious issue in need of attention. Failing to give those issues the attention they need straightaway could result in serious damages to your system, as well as a slew of other issues including reduced energy efficiency and subpar heating output. So read on, keep these potential issues in mind, and remember that our technicians can determine the precise nature of the problem with your heat pump in Wellington, CO.

Specific Problems That Your Heat Pump Might Face

There’s ice on my heat pump! Well, it is winter, so there’s likely going to be ice all over the place, right? Well, maybe, but your heat pump should not be encased in it. Make sure that your heat pump is not poorly located right beneath dripping water from window eaves or anything like that. If not, remember that some icing is actually normal, which is why the heat pump has an automatic defrost cycle. If the system is becoming encased in ice, though, give us a call ASAP!
My system is running in short bursts! Well, at least it’s still heating the house, just in an erratic manner. That can’t be too bad, right? That depends on how you view excessive wear and tear and increased heating costs with reduced efficiency. We’re guessing, through that lens, you’d call it “pretty bad.” You may just need to replace a very dirty air filter that is causing the system to overheat by reducing airflow. This can actually cause the icing mentioned earlier, too. However, there is onr more problem that can be blamed for such issues, and it’s a doozy …
Your heat pump is leaking refrigerant! Well, it might be, anyway. Refrigerant leaks can cause icing, short cycling, reduced efficiency, and a drop in heating output, which means that any such problem should be taken seriously, even if the actual cause is not that serious. Why? Because running a system with a refrigerant leak for too long can, without exaggeration, actually destroy the system. Don’t ignore any potential signs of refrigerant leaks.

Get the Heat Pump Performance That You Deserve

Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to use fear as a motivator to have your heat pump repaired promptly. This is your heating system, and it is integral to your comfort. That alone is cause enough for concern when even “minor” issues develop.

Schedule your heat pump services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning—the company you can trust.

Heat Pump Problems: Refrigerant Leaks

February 5, 2018

The heat pump is becoming a more and more popular option among homeowners in the market for new HVAC systems. It is not hard to understand why, considering heat pumps can function as effective air conditioners and also as highly efficient heating systems. What is a bit harder to understand for some users, however, is how this is even possible. The answer is that a heat pump is able to reverse its refrigeration cycle.

Because the refrigerant in these systems serves such an important purpose in both the heating and cooling process, it should be obvious that any issues with the refrigerant in the system are a serious problem. Refrigerant is not consumed by a heat pump, but rather operates in a closed loop and is just cycled through the system over and over. That means that low refrigerant levels indicate a leak, and that could spell big trouble for your heat pump in Loveland, CO.

How the Refrigerant Cycle Works

Refrigerant is such a great heat transfer fluid because it changes with ease from a liquid to a gas and back again. When cooling a home, refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor or evaporator coil. In a central AC this coil always performs this function, but heat pumps are able to flip the operation. As the refrigerant evaporates it absorbs heat from the air passing over the coil. Then it heads outdoors.

There, in the condenser coil, the refrigerant is condensed. This allows it to release its heat. The process is simply repeated over and over until the desired temperature is met. A heat pump can reverse the direction the refrigerant flows in, evaporating it outdoors and compressing it in order to heat a home. The warm refrigerant is then condensed in the indoor coil, which allows it to release its heat for use throughout the house.

Spotting Refrigerant Leaks

Have you noticed that your energy costs are starting to spike even though you haven’t been using your system any more than is normal? Is it taking longer and longer for your heat pump to adjust temperatures to the desired level, causing it to work much harder than it should have to? Is your system running in short bursts, overheating and short cycling? If so, then you may well have a refrigerant leak.

You may actually be able to hear refrigerant escaping from your refrigerant lines, as the pressurized gas can cause a hissing sound as it escapes the system. In the winter, your heat pump may ice over if refrigerant is low as well, and you may simply not be comfortable in your home.

Forcing your heat pump to run with a low refrigerant charge does not just result in decreased comfort and increased usage costs. It can also result in irreparable damage to the compressor. In that event, you’re likely going to be looking at a full replacement. If you suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning right away.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Why Consider the Use of a Heat Pump?

July 11, 2016

Chances are that you don’t need us to point out just how hot the weather is at this point. It’s going to be a while yet before temperatures begin to cool off, so hopefully you have a reliable and effective air conditioning system in place. If you’ve come to realize that your system just won’t cut it for the rest of the season, or if your AC has broken down entirely, though, we are happy to handle your replacement services.

One option that we often urge homeowners to consider is the heat pump. There are many benefits that you can enjoy as a result of using a heat pump in Fort Collins, CO. Read on, and contact us with any questions that you may have.

Why Choose a Heat Pump

Right now, the heat is on everyone’s mind. It’s pretty much impossible to ignore temperatures as hot as we’re experiencing right now. The good news is that you can effectively cool your home using a heat pump. In fact, heat pumps operate in much the same manner as more traditional split central air conditioners. Why, then, opt for this type of system? Because unlike a traditional split air conditioner, a heat pump can reverse its operation.

During the winter season, when temperatures plummet below comfortable levels, you can use a heat pump in order to draw heat out of the air outside. The warm refrigerant is then further compressed, and its thermal energy is used in order to heat the interior space of your home. This is an incredibly efficient way in which to heat your home, as the heat pump does not actually have to consume fuel to generate heat. Instead, the heat transfer process is utilized.

Schedule your HVAC services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning: Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Will a Heat Pump Get the Job Done This Winter?

October 19, 2015

As energy costs continue to soar, and more and more homeowners look for more and more efficient ways in which to heat their homes, the heat pump has really grown in popularity. A question that many homeowners have regarding heat pumps, though, is simply whether or not these systems are really effective enough to bother investing in. While it is true that older heat pumps may have struggled in very cold weather, modern systems are more reliable than ever before. Consider the following information before deciding if you’d like to use a heat pump in Fort Collins, CO. If so, just give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call to schedule service.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

A heat pump is able to function as both a heater and an air conditioner due to its ability to reverse its refrigerant cycle. During the summer, it acts just like an AC, drawing heat out of the air in your home and venting that air outside. In the winter, the refrigerant in the system absorbs heat from the air outdoors, even when it is very cold out. That refrigerant is then compressed, boosting the thermal energy, and this energy is used to heat air for distribution throughout your house.

While this operation results in great energy efficiency, as only a small amount of electricity is used in the heating of one’s home, heat pumps have been known to struggle in extremely cold temperatures. However, we do advise that you consider the use of such systems, and for two reasons. First of all, we simply don’t live in an area where we are dealing with subzero temperatures regularly. Secondly, modern heat pumps are no more reliable than ever before, able to produce dependable heating even when the temperature really plummets.

Are There Any Other Options?

While today’s heat pumps are a good match for our winter weather, we understand that many homeowners are always going to want a bit of extra security. That is why we also offer hybrid heating systems. Such systems feature both a furnace and a heat pump, with the furnace firing up only in the event that the heat pump is struggling to produce sufficient heating for your home. Contact us with any questions that you may have.

Signs That You Need Heat Pump Repairs

August 10, 2015

There are a lot of reasons to consider using a heat pump in order to keep your home comfortable. These systems are very efficient, quite reliable, and offer homeowners the convenience of both heating and cooling their homes with just one system. As great as heat pumps are, though, you must remember that there is no such thing as a perfect or 100% reliable mechanical system. At some point, you are going to encounter operational problems of some sort with your heat pump. When you do, we recommend that you contact a member of our team immediately. The sooner that any necessary heat pump repairs in Fort Collins, CO are completed, the better off your system is likely to be. Give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call if you notice any sign of trouble.

Reduced Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are renowned for the efficiency with which they heat homes. Existing heat is utilized in the process, so only a very small amount of energy is required. Heat pumps cool homes quite efficiently as well, though, so any drop in efficiency levels should be considered cause for concern. If the cost of running your heat pump spikes with no obvious cause, you may have a problem requiring professional repair services.
Stuck in a Mode: Your heat pump uses a component called the reversing valve in order to reverse the flow of its refrigerant cycle. If your system is not switching over from its heating to cooling mode, or vice versa, the reversing valve could be damaged. This is a major problem, obviously, so contact us as soon as you realize your system won’t switch operating modes.
Icing: When you run an air conditioning system, you may not give the development of ice much thought. After all, you are using that system to cool your home, right? Well, the problem with this is that your AC, heat pumps included, should never develop ice. This is not a sign that the system is really working in order to cool your home. Instead, it could bet the result of poor airflow, refrigerant leaks, or other problems.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Category: Heat Pumps

The Benefits of a Heat Pump

The Disadvantages of a Heat Pump

Are heat pumps worth it?

What Is A Heat Pump?

What Is A Gas Furnace?

Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump or a Gas Furnace

Which is better?

The Benefits of Scheduling a Tune-Up Now

Professionals and Parts are Available Now

Systems Wear Down Over Time

Maintenance Is More Than Just Changing a Filter

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

It’s Always Nice to Save Money

Safety First

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

Running a Heat Pump with Solar Power

Two Systems in One

AC Fundamentals

What This Means for Cost

Take Advantage of Heat Pump Technology Today!

Specific Problems That Your Heat Pump Might Face

Get the Heat Pump Performance That You Deserve

Schedule your heat pump services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning—the company you can trust.

How the Refrigerant Cycle Works

Spotting Refrigerant Leaks

Why Choose a Heat Pump

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Are There Any Other Options?

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