Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Air Conditioning

3 Financial Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

August 25, 2015

We know that money is tight for a lot of homeowners, and that you may not want to spend any on your air conditioning system until a problem develops with it. This thinking is a bit backwards, though, as scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in Fort Collins, CO is actually a great way in which to cut down on AC expenses over time. Sure, there is a fee for the service. As you’ll see detailed below, though, the benefits of this particular service can help you to save money in a few different ways. Just remember to schedule your air conditioning maintenance with a trained, experienced professional, such as those here on the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning team.

Reduced Energy Costs

If you invested in an air conditioner with a very low efficiency rating in order to save some cash at the time of purchase, then there is really not much that anyone can do to make that system more efficient. Regardless of the efficiency with which your AC is capable of working, though, routine air conditioning maintenance service is certainly the best way in which to keep your system functioning at its peak performance levels. When you are diligent in scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance, you can cool your home in the most affordable manner possible.

Fewer Repair Needs

No air conditioning system can truthfully boast a 100% reliability level. By having your system routinely inspected and tuned up by qualified maintenance technicians, though, you can keep any problems with your AC as few and far between as possible. No matter what type of air conditioner you may use in your home, it is going to require professional maintenance in order to operate as successfully and dependably as possible. This will help to cut down on the repairs that your system needs, as well as the expense of doing so.

Longer Lifespan

Investing in a brand new replacement air conditioner is a pretty major expense for most homeowners. If you want to delay that investment as long as possible, you are wise to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance service. This will help to keep your system in fine working condition, and can help you to receive the most reliable and effective performance possible form your AC for the longest lifespan that it can achieve. Contact us today to learn more.

Never Ignore These 3 Signs of AC Trouble

August 4, 2015

When your air conditioner starts blowing warm air, or breaks down entirely in the middle of the cooling season, you know that you need to have it repaired pronto. However, any problems with your air conditioner should really be dealt with in the same manner. In truth, there is no such thing as a problem “minor” enough to ignore when it comes to your AC system. Even problems that seem relatively minor, after all, can do serious damage if given the time. That is why you ought to schedule professional air conditioning repairs in Fort Collins, CO as soon as you notice any signs of trouble, innocuous as they may be. Here are a few that you should never ignore; contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning if you spot them.

Icing

Yes, your air conditioner is supposed to cool your home down. However, you should never see ice on your air conditioner as it attempts to do so. Icing can occur for a few reasons: clogged air filters, refrigerant leaks, and other operational problems. If your system ices up, it can have seriously detrimental effects on its performance, and eventually its condition, not to mention your budget.

Low Air Flow

You may notice that your air conditioner is blowing cool air, but that it doesn’t really seem to be blowing enough of it. This is a serious problem that you must never ignore. If your system is of the right size and previously blew sufficient cooled air throughout your home, it should not stop doing so. Make sure that your air filter is not clogged up, and schedule repairs with a member of our staff.

Odd Sounds

Even if your AC is cooling your home successfully, you cannot afford to ignore any odd sounds that it may be making. Whistling sounds may mean that you have an air leak, while a gurgling may indicate a refrigerant leak. You may also find that your system is grinding, which could be due to damaged fan components or other vital parts of the system. A trained professional should inspect and resolve any such problems as soon as possible.

What to Consider Before an Air Conditioning Replacement

July 27, 2015

When the time comes to schedule your air conditioning replacement in Wellington, CO, there are a number of different things to consider. You don’t want to rush through the AC replacement process, even if your existing system has broken down entirely. Taking your time to make careful considerations prior to the replacement of your air conditioner is the only way in which to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new system. If your current AC is on its way out, failing to provide you with an effective or reliable performance, or if it has failed completely, just give us a call. You can count on Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to replace your air conditioner properly.

System Size

Even if you’ve previously used a central air conditioning system of some sort, it is important that you have your new system sized appropriately for your home. It always better to be safe than sorry when installing a new air conditioner in one’s home, and you don’t just want to assume that your old system was of the ideal size for your needs. When we size your AC, you can rest assured in knowing that it is of the right size for your living space.

System Cost

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay more money for a more efficient air conditioner than you would for a less efficient model. Of course, you also don’t want to spend more than you comfortably can when investing in your new AC. We have a system for any budget, and we are happy to help ensure that you are getting the most efficient air conditioner that you can truly afford, so that you can enjoy years of affordable cooling to come without breaking the bank at the outset.

System Selection

If you’ve not bought a new AC in a long time, or if you’ve always just used the one that came with your home, you may be surprised to learn just how many different options there are when it comes to choosing a new system for your home. There may not be any single “best” AC out there, but you can rely on our knowledgeable staff to help you choose which is best for your needs and user preferences.

Are the Trees Surrounding Your Property Causing Cooling Problems?

July 20, 2015

While Cottonwood trees may be lovely to look at, homeowners in this area may not realize just how detrimental to their air conditioning systems they can be. This is because Cottonwood trees drop their fluffy seeds when the wind blows, and those seeds can build up on the outdoor coils of our air conditioning systems. This can cause a number of problems. Keeping the outdoor coils of your air conditioning system clean and free of any such debris is a simple task which can really pay off. Here are a few examples of how clogged up coils, due to Cottonwood trees or otherwise, can negatively impact your AC in Fort Collins, CO. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for any AC services that you may need.

Low Energy Efficiency

Even if your clogged-up AC is still running as it ought to, it is going to use a lot more energy than it should have to in cooling your home. Because of this, you are going to wind up paying more money for a lesser perfomrance from your system. Keeping your outdoor coils clear of Cottonwood seeds and other detritus will help to eliminate any such problems.

Additional Strain on System

If your system must work harder due to reduced airflow resulting from dirty outdoor coils, then it is going to incur a lot more wear and tear than it would under normal operating conditions. This wear and tear can have a very negative impact on your system, and can lead to increased repair needs. Let us thoroughly clean your system to avoid these potential damages.

Icing of System

If your coils are dirty enough, then you may find that your system is icing up. This can exacerbate the problem further, and you can expect your compressor to buckle under the strain of attempting to cool your home in these conditions. If you ever notice any ice on your AC, counterintuitive as it may seem, just dial our number to have the problem resolved by trained professionals.

What Benefits Does Ductless Cooling Offer?

July 6, 2015

When cooling your home during the summer season, you understandably wish to do so as effectively as efficiently as possible, while using a home cooling system that is a good fit for needs and personal preferences. You can guarantee that this is the case by working with the professional residential cooling technicians on our staff. One option that we urge you to consider, if you are ready to invest in a new AC system, is a the ductless mini split. Ductless air conditioning in Fort Collins, CO is more popular than ever, and it is not difficult to understand why. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today for more details, or to schedule service with qualified professionals.

Improved Efficiency

Air ducts can be quite effective and very efficient when distributing conditioned air throughout a home. For this to be the case, though, it is necessary that they are kept in exceptional working condition. This is not always the case, of course, and issues with air leaks may go undetected for some time, due to the hidden nature of most air ducts. By eliminating the need for ductwork entirely, ductless mini splits can also eliminate the risk of air leaks, helping to boost energy efficiency.

Increased Indoor Air Quality

If you have trouble maintaining air of a high quality in your home, it could be due to the fact that your ductwork is torn or poorly sealed. This can allow pollutants into the system, which will then be distributed throughout the entire house. The good news is that opting for a ductless AC system can help you to avoid these problems entirely, as well.

Zone Controlled Cooling

When you live with other people, it becomes quite evident quite quickly that different people are comfortable at different temperatures. If you want to keep everyone in your home comfortable, and prevent a lot of fiddling with the thermostat, going ductless is a great option to consider. Ductless ACs allow you to cool different areas of the home to different temperatures, as they utilize wall mounted blowers which are controlled independently of one another. Call to learn more.

Top 3 Reasons for Scheduling Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

May 25, 2015

If ever there were a scenario in which the old adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” does not apply, then it is surely in terms of air conditioning maintenance. No matter how great your air conditioning system may be, it is important to remember that it is still a mechanical system. Like every other mechanical system out there, your AC will suffer some general wear and tear over the course of its operation. Considering how hot our summer season can get, you will likely be using your AC quite heavily during this period. To ensure that your system succeeds and that any wear and tear is properly handled, schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Fort Collins, CO with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Better Efficiency: Perhaps the most sought after benefit that routine air conditioning maintenance has to offer is the fact that it can help you to cool your home in the most efficient and affordable manner possible. Your air conditioner will only achieve peak efficiency levels if well maintained. Let us help you to pay less for quality cooling.
Improved Performance Quality: Not only will you enjoy better energy efficiency thanks to routine maintenance, but it can also help you to enjoy a better overall cooling output from your system. If even one component of your AC is compromised, then there is just no way in which you can hope for it to function as well as it should. AC maintenance protects your comfort throughout the hottest time of the year.
Reduced Risk of Repairs: Your air conditioner is not perfect, and it will encounter operational issues at some point. There is nothing that anyone can do to change this. What you can do, though, is ensure that any such problems are as few and far between as possible. How? You guessed it: by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. Call now to get started.

Is Ductless Air Conditioning Effective?

May 12, 2015

This day and age, people have come to expect a certain number of options when it comes to just about any purchase or commitment. The good news is that the modern air conditioning industry has certainly not let consumers down in this regard. There are now more ways in which to cool one’s home than ever before; so many, in fact, that choosing one’s air conditioning system can be difficult.

The professional AC technicians at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning are always happy to help homeowners find the right air conditioning systems for their needs. One option that you are smart to consider is the ductless air conditioner. To learn more about ductless air conditioning or to schedule ductless AC services in Fort Collins, CO, contact a member of our staff today.

How Does Ductless Air Conditioning Work?

Ductless air conditioning works quite similarly to traditional split central systems in some ways. An outdoor compressor unit is used, for instance, and refrigerant facilitates the absorption of heat from within the home. However, ductless systems – naturally – do not use air ducts in their operation. Instead, individual, wall mounted blowers are used to distribute conditioned air to the rooms in which they are installed. Each blower is regulated by its own thermostat, and an outdoor unit can typically accommodate up to four of these blower units.

Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning

With the nature of their operation in mind, it should be clear that ductless cooling is not only effective, but can also offer certain homeowners benefits which they cannot pass up. If you wish to cool only certain areas of your home at a time, for instance, the individual blowers that such systems use are hugely beneficial. Plus, you won’t ever have to worry about damaged or improperly sealed air ducts leaking air, leaving you to pay higher energy costs for a subpar cooling output. Ductless air conditioning may not be for everyone, but if you suspect that it is the right option for your home, just give us a call for further details or to schedule service.

Should I Cool My Home with a Heat Pump?

May 11, 2015

As you can imagine, there is really no single air conditioning system which will perfectly suit every home, nor will every homeowner be looking for the same things when considering their air conditioning options. If you are looking for a new air conditioner in the Fort Collins, CO area, though, we’d like to make a friendly suggestion: consider the installation of a heat pump on your property. They offer a few benefits that other residential cooling systems cannot match. This is due largely to their unique design and method of operation. Read the information below, and call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule your heat pump services.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Heat pumps share much in common with more traditional split central air conditioning systems. They use an outdoor unit, which contains the compressor, and distribute cooled air throughout the house via a system of air ducts. During the summer, as you use your heat pump to cool your household, there is actually very little difference between its operation and a central AC. Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the house, and vents it outside. However, during the winter season, the heat pump really sets itself apart.

You see, a component called a reversing valve actually allows a heat pump to reverse its operation. The refrigerant cycle is reversed, and the refrigerant now absorbs heat from the air outside. This warmed refrigerant is further compressed, and that heat is used to heat air for distribution throughout the household.

Benefits of Using a Heat Pump

From the description above, you may think that a heat pump’s greatest benefit is the fact that it is able to offer year round comfort. This is certainly a major benefit, but it is not the only one. Because no fossil fuels are used in order to heat the house, and only a small amount of electricity is needed to facilitate the heat transfer process, a heat pump allows homeowners to heat their homes effectively with incredible energy efficiency. Give us a call today if you think that a heat pump is the right cooling – and, of course, heating – option for your home.

AC FAQ: To Repair, or Replace?

April 14, 2015

Once the summer heat really hits, Fort Collins, CO can rapidly become an uncomfortably hot place to be. Of course, you can live in great comfort throughout even the hottest time of the year these days, so long as you have a dependable and effective air conditioning system set up in your home. If this is not the case, though, you may be wondering what your next move should be.

Many operational problems with home cooling systems are repairable, provided that you hire trained professionals to do the job. In other instances, though, your system may be beyond repair. It is not always clear cut, unfortunately, as to whether repair or replacement is your best option. That is why we have put together some information for you to consider. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about your AC repair and replacement options.

If you have a relatively new air conditioning system, and it has broken down or is just not performing as you’d like it to, then you are probably going to opt to have it repaired. Any number of problems may affect the performance of an air conditioner, so it is necessary for an experienced professional to assess and repair your system. When inspecting matters, your AC technician may find that the problems are more pervasive than thought at first. Should your system be very new, it will likely make more sense to move ahead with repairs, though they may be substantial, as this probably still more cost effective than investing in a new AC.

In other instances, though, especially if repair needs are frequent, the cost of completing repairs may not be justified. With the money that you could save in both reduced repair needs and in increased efficiency, you can offset the initial cost of a replacement system over time. You must remember that you don’t have to wait for your system to break down entirely in order to justify a replacement, nor are all systems inherently worth repairing, even if they may still be repaired.

Finally, don’t be afraid to invest in a new air conditioner even if your old system is technically still operating proficiently. If you have an old system that is still capable of cooling your home effectively, but it does so with considerable energy expenditure resulting in high cooling costs, then replacing that system with a higher efficiency model may be preferable to continuing to run and maintain this older, inefficient model. As you can see, the decision to repair or replace an air conditioner is considerably trickier than you may have realized. Your best bet is to contact a skilled professional with the knowledge to offer his or her input on a case by case basis. Call us to do so.

Why Pair Your Air Conditioner with a Zone Control System?

April 13, 2015

Modern day air conditioning systems are more reliable and efficient than ever before. Customizing your air conditioner in order to best suit your needs is a great way to get an even better overall performance from your AC. One of the most common ways in which homeowners throughout the Fort Collins, CO area choose to upgrade their home cooling systems is by incorporating zone control capabilities into them. With a zone control system, you can take greater control over the way in which you cool your home than you may previously have though possible. Below are a few reasons as to why you should consider the installation of a zone control system in your home. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today with any questions that you may have regarding zone control.

Improved Control Over Your System: A zone control system utilizes a set of electronic dampers installed directly into your air ducts in order to further regulate the operation of your air conditioner. The home is broken up into temperature zones, and each zone is controlled by an independent thermostat. This allows you to cool different areas of your home to different temperatures.
Reduced Energy Usage: When you have no choice other than to cool your entire home, including unoccupied and rarely used areas, to the same temperature, you are likely going to expend more energy than you’d like in order to do so. By using a zone control system, though, you can cool only those areas of your home that you wish to, when you wish to. This can help you to boost energy efficiency in your home without sacrificing comfort.
Decreased Wear and Tear on Your AC: Your air conditioner is going to be put in heavy rotation throughout the hottest time of the year. The harder that your AC works, the more wear and tear it is subject to. Even reducing its workload by a small amount can help to keep your air conditioner in better condition, and that is possible when you utilize zone controlled cooling.

If you think that a zone control system is right for your property and your personal preferences, just give us a call. Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning can answer any questions that you may still have. Work with us to cool your home precisely as you want to.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Air Conditioning

Reduced Energy Costs

Fewer Repair Needs

Longer Lifespan

Icing

Low Air Flow

Odd Sounds

System Size

System Cost

System Selection

Low Energy Efficiency

Additional Strain on System

Icing of System

Improved Efficiency

Increased Indoor Air Quality

Zone Controlled Cooling

How Does Ductless Air Conditioning Work?

Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Benefits of Using a Heat Pump

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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