Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Loveland

Repairs

At the time of this writing, there is no air conditioner on the market that will start yelling out for help when trouble is brewing. That doesn’t mean that the average homeowner has no way of knowing that their AC is struggling, though. If you pay attention to what your system is telling you, and know how it’s communicating, then there are plenty of warning signs.

There is never a situation in which it will benefit you to put necessary air conditioning repairs on hold. The first sign of trouble should have you calling out to our air conditioning repair experts in Loveland.  But how do you know when this is necessary?

Today, we’ll cover 3 ways in which your air conditioner may sound the alarm that all is not well. Keep these warning signs in mind, and don’t hesitate to schedule service. A prompt, professional repair is your best bet against serious issues!

 

1. It’s Grinding Its Gears—and Yours!

We cannot stress this enough. Your air conditioner should not be developing new sounds as it gets older. If you start hearing a strange new sound coming from your AC, that means that it is time to have that sound investigated. Don’t write that new grinding, squealing, or clanking sound off as little more than a minor annoyance. That’s how it begins, but that’s not how it’ll stay.

Strange sounds could be the result of anything from loose components, to insufficient lubrication, to electrical issues. The bottom line is that a professional diagnosis is the only appropriate course of action. Don’t write something off, only to find out the hard way that it was more serious than you thought!

2. It’s Costing You an Arm and a Leg

When things really heat up and you’re running your air conditioner pretty much around the clock, it’s easy to write off high energy bills. After all, that cooling doesn’t come for free, right? Well,  that may be true—but don’t get comfortable overpaying for your comfort!

Keep an eye on how much you’re typically spending to cool your home, and definitely take note of any abnormal spikes. Again, there are a lot of different potential reasons why your system may see a drop in efficiency. You could be looking at anything from a dirty air filter (simple fix) to a refrigerant leak (the exact opposite of a simple fix). We’ll figure out precisely what’s going on.

3. It’s Just Not Getting the Job Done

Well, that’s pretty obvious. I’m not going to ignore my AC if it can’t even cool my house down. We know that this sounds obvious, but trust us—we’ve gone on a lot of calls where homeowners admit that their ACs have been underperforming for some time before calling it in.

The point is that you don’t want to wait for your air conditioner to break down entirely before you report the problem. You want to get out ahead of any problems, and that means that you want to contact us as soon as your AC starts to struggle.

Schedule your AC repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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Refrigerant Leak

You are going to run into problems with your air conditioning system at some point. “Problems,” of course, is a very broad term. An air filter that is too dirty is a problem, but it is one that homeowners can pretty easily resolve on their own. A refrigerant leak, on the other hand, is a very serious problem. If you have any reason at all to suspect that you have a refrigerant leak, then you absolutely need to schedule professional repairs right away.

If you want the best air conditioning in Loveland, CO, then you need an air conditioner with the ideal amount of refrigerant in the system. It’s just that simple. Low refrigerant levels cause serious issues, potentially doing irreparable harm to systems. And refrigerant is not just something that you can top off,  like the gas in your car, when it runs low—because it should never run low. More on that below. Let us handle your AC service needs.

What Does Refrigerant Do?

It is not an exaggeration to say that the whole operation of your air conditioning system hinges upon the refrigerant cycle. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner simply cannot cool your house! Your air conditioner does not generate cooled air out of, well, thin air. No, it removes heat from the air that is already in your home, and then redistributes that air back throughout the house. And it does so through the evaporation and condensation of refrigerant.

As the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor evaporator coil, heat is drawn out of the air. That warmed refrigerant then travels outside, where it is condensed, releasing its heat into the air outdoors. This cycle continues until your desired temperatures are met throughout your home. It’s a relatively simple process in theory, but a refrigerant leak can bring everything grinding to a halt.

Your AC Does Not Consume Refrigerant

That refrigerant cycle that we discussed above does not involve the consumption of refrigerant. Instead, the cycle continues over and over again in a closed system. That means that a decreasing level of refrigerant indicates a leak. Why is that such a major problem?

  • Low refrigerant levels lead to higher energy costs, as the system must run longer and longer.
  • Eventually, the system can start to short-cycle as it overheats, running in short bursts. This further raises operating costs.
  • Additionally, the system is put under a lot of excessive strain. This increases the risk of operational problems.
  • You’re now paying more money for less cooling, while also covering repair costs that could have been avoided.
  • Eventually, the compressor can seize up. At that point, you’ll probably be looking at a whole system replacement.

If you notice that your AC keeps developing ice, that it is short cycling, or that its cooling output is decreased, then you need to contact us right away. Don’t allow a refrigerant leak to take a serious toll on your home cooling system.

Schedule your AC repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care. 

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plumbing

Out of sight, out of mind. If you want to minimize as much stress as possible from your life as a homeowner, then there is one thing that you should put out of your mind—and that is that very phrase! Just because something is out of sight does not mean that you can afford to put it out of mind—and we mean the word “afford” quite literally. Many plumbing leaks, for instance, develop in areas that you cannot actually see with the naked eye.

However, that does not mean that you should just ignore them. Nor should you ignore any plumbing problems because they seem, in your opinion, too “minor” to really worry about.  Trust us, we’ve had plenty of plumbing repair calls that were the result of ignoring “minor” problems. When it comes to your plumbing in Loveland, CO, you can’t always anticipate problems. But when you know some warning signs to look for, you can at least act fast!

How’s Your Water Pressure Doing?

Nothing gets the day started like a nice, invigorating shower, right? Well, it can really put a damper on your day if you start it off by being annoyed due to low water pressure. Don’t just write this off as an annoying situation, though. Think of this as a potential sign of a plumbing leak!

Now, if you’ve always struggled with water pressure in your home, there may be a more comprehensive problem to address. If it’s a new occurrence, though, then a leak is the prime suspect. Is the pressure low in just one fixture? Then you may have a supply line leak. Throughout the whole house?  That could indicate a main water line leak—nothing to take lightly!

Noticing Strange Staining?

When you live in a house,  you’re going to wind up with stains. Stains on the carpet, stains on the couch, stains on the—ceiling? Walls? What? Don’t downplay what such stains are telling you. Water staining is one of the most common and obvious signs of plumbing leaks.

Even if you have stains on the floor, walls, or ceiling where you’re certain no plumbing pipes run through, that doesn’t mean that a plumbing leak is not the cause of the problem. Water follows gravity, and can travel along construction materials. The symptom may appear quite far from the actual leak itself. We’ll find it for you, and fix it right.

Hear Running Water?

If you’re out camping or relaxing by a brook on a hot day, then the sound of running water can be quite soothing and relaxing. If you’re just sitting in your house, not using any water, and you hear water running, though, it’s not nearly as relaxing. And it shouldn’t be! It should send you to your phone, our number in hand.

If you can’t locate the source of the running water sound, try shutting off the main water valve in your home. If you still hear running water, or you see the water meter ticking upward, then you have a leak that needs to be pinpointed and addressed.

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

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Indoor Air Quality

Homeowners tend to put a lot of emphasis on the temperatures in their homes. When you live in a place like Colorado, you need to make sure that your home is kept cool and comfortable in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter. It’s totally understandable that, given our spectrum of temperature extremes, you’d put a lot of focus on your HVAC systems. However, as a trusted HVAC company in Loveland, we have to remind you to look beyond temperature.

Why? Because temperature is really only a part of the comfort equation. Is it an important part? Yes, of course it is. But so too is your indoor air quality, and that is a component that is too often ignored or simply overlooked by homeowners. That’s a shame, because poor indoor air quality can really lead to problems not just with comfort, but with overall health, as well. Our team can help you improve your indoor air quality.

 

What Causes Poor Indoor Air Quality

Now that is a loaded question. There are a ton of different causes of poor indoor air quality, and some of them are actually beneficial in other ways. Take your home’s air seal, for instance. Yes, a very tightly sealed and well-insulated home is great for energy efficiency purposes. However, it also really limits the natural ventilation that older, less efficient homes would have. That means that air can get really stale, really quickly, if you’re not addressing that concern. Other potential issues include:

  • Humidity levels in the house
  • General cleanliness
  • Proximity to major roadways, construction sites, or wooded areas
  • Pets in the house

Now, you obviously cannot be expected to just up and move because the dust and fumes from a nearby freeway are becoming an issue for you. And we certainly wouldn’t suggest giving up a beloved furry friend to combat air quality issues! So what’s the solution?

The Solution Is—Finding the Right Solution!

Much as we would love to tell you otherwise, there is no single solution that is going to fix every indoor air quality problem in every home. Different homes have unique needs, and different homeowners have different concerns and sensitivities. The good news is that there is a solution to your problems out there. You just need to work with professional IAQ technicians like ours to be sure that you’re approaching the issue in the right manner. We install and service:

  • Air filters and air cleaners, to deal with airborne pollutants
  • UV germicidal lights, to deal with biological pollutants
  • Humidifiers and dehumidifiers, to balance humidity levels

We also offer great duct services to ensure that your air ducts are properly sealed and clean within. The last thing that you want is for something as important as your ductwork to be actively contributing to your indoor air quality problems! Whatever your IAQ needs may be, we’re here to make sure they’re met.

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

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 You Flush

One issue that few of us saw coming as the world deals with a viral outbreak is a lack of toilet paper. Lo and behold, though, toilet paper has become something of a commodity in certain areas. We hope that you’ve got everything that you and your family need stocked up and at your disposal. If, however, you do find yourself running out of toilet paper, think twice before you try and flush an alternative down your toilet!

Our plumbers are very skilled at removing clogs and getting toilets flushing again, and we will certainly be there for you should you need us. Right now, we understand that a plumbing problem is probably not something you really want to be thinking about, though. Prevention is key if you want to avoid plumbing issues, so we’ve got a few tips to help you keep your bathroom plumbing in Loveland, CO, as reliable as possible.

Hey, Paper Is Paper, Right?

Are paper towels and toilet paper very similar in terms of what they’re composed of? Sure. Does that mean that you can flush paper towels down the toilet the same way that you flush toilet paper? Absolutely not!

Remember, just because something can be flushed down the toilet does not mean that it is going to make it all the way through your drain and sewer system. Paper towels may be paper, but they are not designed to break down easily the way that toilet paper is.

Facial tissue might be a little better, and you may be able to get by with it if you’re flushing very small amounts very frequently. Really, though, your best bet is to throw this stuff in the trash can when you’re done with it if you have no other choice but to use it in the bathroom. Is that as convenient as flushing it? No. Is taking the trash out very frequently more convenient than dealing with serious clogs? Absolutely.

Don’t Be Fooled by “Flushable” Claims

Again, there is a difference between “flushable” and something that is actually going to get through your system with no issues. Perfect example? Flushable wipes. If you have wipes in your home and you don’t have toilet paper, then you’re not too bad off. However, again, those wipes should be going in the trash, not down the toilet.

Baby wipes are a great option for hygiene, but they just don’t break down the way that paper products do. That goes for pretty much anything claiming to be “flushable” that is not toilet paper. Trust us, we get called out to plenty of service calls where pipes are clogged due to flushing “flushable” products. Better to play it safe than sorry here.

Schedule Your Plumbing Services with Our Team

This is a trying time. It is a confusing time. You don’t need any other stress on your plate right now. When you choose to work with our plumbers, you won’t be adding any.

Contact the company you can trust today: Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning!

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Gas Piping Safely

If you use natural gas in your home, you don’t need us telling you how great a resource it is. It is piped directly into your home, eliminating the need for fuel deliveries or for storing fuel. It is a largely domestic product, so you don’t have to worry about volatile markets and the pricing spikes that come with them quite as much. Plus, it is just so versatile! Homeowners use natural gas for everything from heating their homes to fueling their water heaters, ovens and ranges, and even their clothes dryers.

Like most any other fuel source, however, natural gas can be dangerous if not used and/or delivered throughout your home properly. That is where the necessity for professional gas piping services comes into play. You can’t do better than working with our plumbers in Loveland, CO. We aim for your 100% satisfaction with every job that we do, and your safety is even more important! Let us help you use gas safely.

Natural Gas Is Combustible, and Leaks Are a Serious Problem

Obviously, natural gas is a combustible fuel, and fires or explosions are possible when this gas is ignited. That’s a good thing in a controlled environment, of course. It’s how a gas furnace is able to generate heat and how your oven is able to cook that nutritious dinner for your family. When natural gas leaks develop, though, things get very dangerous very quickly. That is why it is so important that your natural gas appliances and piping are installed and serviced by trained professionals.

When you hire us to install your gas piping, everything is done with the utmost care and local codes are satisfied. Again, your safety is among our most serious priorities. By no means should you avoid natural gas because it’s dangerous. Pretty much any fuel is dangerous is if you’re not able to use it properly in your home.

Natural Gas Leaks: How to Spot Them

If you’ve ever smelled natural gas, then you know that its odor is actually pretty hard to ignore. Simply put—it stinks! What you may not realize is that this sulfuric stench is actually very deliberate. Natural gas, in fact, is odorless in its most natural state.

That smelly, rotten egg odor is the result of an additive put into the gas. And why would something so gross smelling be added to natural gas? To keep you safe! Again, you’d have trouble ignoring this odor if you smelled it in your home, and that is the entire point. If you smell this eggy odor in your house, exit the premises and contact the appropriate utility/service immediately.

You should also take note of this odor outside your home. Natural gas is piped in from a main gas line, and you may develop a leak in your main delivery line. You may notice that vegetation is dying off in the proximity of your gas line, too. That’s a strong indicator that you may have a gas leak on your hands.

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

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 Protecting Indoor Air Quality

Very few homeowners are going to ignore the need for keeping temperatures in their homes at comfortable levels. You aren’t going to overlook the need for an effective heater when it is freezing cold outside, right? Of course not. That need is obvious. Not all needs are quite as obvious, though, even if they are equally important. Take, for instance, the need for great indoor air quality in one’s home. Make IAQ services part of your ongoing HVAC services in Loveland.

The problem with indoor air quality is that there are just so many different ways in which it may suffer. Fortunately for you, the IAQ professionals on our team are here to ensure that, no matter what is wrong with your indoor air quality, you’ll have the right solutions in place. Reach out to us today with any concerns that you have surrounding the quality of the air that you breathe in your home. We’ll outfit your home with the systems and services that it needs.

Humidity Issues

Humidity is a tough nut to crack. Too little humidity in your home is certainly not desirable and can have a number of unpleasant consequences. These can include dry, itchy skin, nosebleeds, increased instances of illness, and more. However, too much humidity is not great, either. If the air in your home is too humid, then you may run into musty odors, issues with warping wooden floorboards, wood rot, and even the promotion of mold growth.

Now, we’re sure that some of you have some amount of experience with portable humidifier and dehumidifier units. However, if you are serious about optimizing humidity in your home, these are not what you should choose! You want whole-house solutions to your humidity problems, and that means that you want a whole-house humidifier and/or dehumidifier installed in your residence. And that means hiring a professional like ours to do the job right.

Airborne Pollutants

Perhaps the most common issue that homeowners encounter with their indoor air quality is that of airborne pollutants. Think about dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, and other debris that can get into the air in your home. Now, think about breathing all of those pollutants into your lungs! But hey, what can you do about it, right? It’s not like you’re going to ditch Fido just because he sheds.

Well, no, we’re certainly not advocating for that—no more than we’d suggest that there’s any way in which to completely eliminate the risk of airborne pollutants making their way into your home. However, you can remove those pollutants from the air that you breathe quite effectively with the right equipment in place. Whole-house air filtration systems, for example, or more advanced air cleaning systems, may be used to clean the air that fills your home.

Biological Pollutants

We know this one sounds scary. And we are not alarmists. However, it has to be said. Biological pollutants in your home pose a health threat. And we can help.

With UV germicidal lights, you can destroy biological pollutants like viruses, mold spores, and bacteria that are putting your health at risk. Call today to learn more.

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

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Furnace Repair Loveland CO

It would be great if there was always a clear cut sign that you needed something like furnace repair in Loveland, CO, wouldn’t it? Well, there actually are quite a few such signs,  but they may not be quite as clear as you’d like. The clearest need for furnace repair would probably be a completely broken down furnace, right? Well, sure—but you obviously don’t want to wait for your furnace to break down entirely before you have it repaired!

That’s where these tips are going to come in handy. And the “good” news is that these are problems that you are already aware of. You just may not realize that they alone are enough to justify system repairs or, at the very least, a call to us to have your system evaluated. So keep them in mind, and keep your system functioning properly and safely by scheduling prompt furnace repairs the moment that you have cause to suspect there is a problem.

Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Warm Enough Air

That’s odd, you think, the air coming from the furnace doesn’t seem hot enough. Oh well, it’s pretty cold out. The house will heat up eventually, even if it takes a little longer than usual.

No. Uh-uh. Stop. Stop making excuses for problems like this.

Regardless of how cold it may be outside, your furnace should be capable of heating the air in your home effectively. If it doesn’t seem like the air is hot enough,  there could be quite a few problems at play. It’s possible, for instance, that you have leaky ducts that are pulling unheated air from unheated areas of the house (like between walls) into the system. You could also have a problem with your thermostat or with your fuel delivery/combustion mechanisms. We’ll figure out precisely what is going wrong so that you can go back to heating your home effectively.

Your Furnace Is Running in Short Cycles

This is called short cycling. Not the most inventive name, is it? Well, regardless of how inventive it is, it’s apt. Why? Because a heater is not supposed to run in short cycles. Short cycling is a problem. You want a heater to run in full, even cycles. So if you notice short cycling in your home, you may need repairs. We say “may,” because there is one situation that you should rule out on your own before scheduling repairs. That is a dirty air filter.

A very dirty filter can actually create so much airflow resistance that the system winds up overheating, causing it to shut down to avoid damages. Then it starts up again, only to cycle back down before long. If the filter isn’t dirty, then you likely have a problem that is going to require professional service.

Your Bills Are Going Up

There is very little that is truly “free” in this life, and heating your home is no exception. You’re going to have to pay for your comfort. That doesn’t mean that you should accept overpaying for your comfort, though. If your energy bills are too high, it could definitely be a result of a compromised system in need of repair.

Schedule your furnace repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.

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Water Heaters Loveland CO

Certain parts of your plumbing system see direct interaction every day. Your toilet, your shower, the kitchen sink, etc. The real backbone components of your plumbing system are mostly out of sight, but that doesn’t mean that they should ever be out of mind. Here we’re talking about your water supply pipes, drains, and, yes, your water heater. Just because homeowners don’t regularly interact directly with their water heaters in Loveland, CO, doesn’t mean they should take them for granted.

Too often homeowners do just keep their water heaters out of mind, at least until something really goes wrong with the appliance. Don’t wait for your water heater to break down or spring a leak before giving it some needed TLC! Remember, this water heater is working for you each and every day—those hot showers depend on it, even if you’re not really thinking about it every time you use hot water.

Has the Problem Been Consistent?

Most people can put up with something like cool showers for a while. Some may stubbornly hold out longer than others. However, everyone has their breaking point. So, let’s ask this—are you reading this post because your current water heater has always failed to deliver water that is heated to your liking?

If so, the unfortunate truth is that your water heater may just be undersized for the task at hand. If you’re running the dishwasher while showering, or you’re last in line for the shower when everyone is getting ready in the morning, then the water heater may simply not be replenishing the supply quickly enough. An appropriately-sized water heater, or more strategic use/timing, is the only fix here.

Has Your Water Heater Been Maintained?

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it! Yeah, yeah, we’ve all heard this cliched advice at some point. And you know what?

It’s terrible.

Your water heater is working hard every day, and that means it is incurring a lot of wear and tear. The degradation in operational quality may be gradual, but it is happening. Routine maintenance will help us to keep your system free of sediment, ensure that gas delivery is safe and proper, that your heating elements are functioning correctly, and more. That means better performance with greater peace of mind.

It May Be Time for a Change

Like any other system or appliance in your home, your water heater may simply be ready for retirement. We understand that you want to wring every last drop out of the systems that you pay for, but keep this in mind. The fact that your water heater can be repaired does not mean that your water heater is worth repairing.

We have great plumbers on our staff. They can do great things, and they excel at water heater repairs. If your system is old and unable to keep up with the performance that you need due to overall degradation over the years, a full replacement is really the way to go.

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

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Heating Repairs

Wouldn’t it be great to invest in that heater that will never give you any problems and will never require repair service? Yes, it would be. Unfortunately, there is one major problem with this plan. That heater does not exist. If you find a heating contractor telling you otherwise, then you’ve found a heating contractor that cannot be trusted. While investing in a good heater and scheduling routine maintenance will keep repair needs minimal, there’s just no avoiding them entirely.

What you can do, however, is keep any such repair needs as minor as possible. How? By scheduling your heating repairs at the very first sign of trouble with your system. The longer that you wait to have your system repaired when it is in need, the worse off your system is going to be. Now, how do you go about doing this? You learn to recognize early signs of trouble. That’s what today’s blog is all about.

 

Your System Is Costing too Much to Run

One sure sign that there is something wrong with your heater is a steady creep upward in heating costs. However, there is a big difference between something being wrong with your heater and the actual need for heating repair in Loveland, CO. It could be that you have a dirty air filter in your system restricting airflow, for instance.  That will drive up operating costs, but it’s not something you need professionally repaired. If you continue to run a heater with a very dirty filter in it,  however, you may find yourself in need of repairs!

If there’s not an obvious solution to the problem, unfortunately, there may be any number of issues requiring repairs to get your heater and its efficiency back on track. Our team is trained to diagnose problems with your heater accurately, and we’ll make sure that any problems we find are resolved completely. We do it the right way, the first time, every time.

Your System Makes Strange New Sounds

If you hear the occasional sound from your heater, there is probably nothing to worry about. Your heater may make a bit of noise when it cycles on. Maybe its ductwork contracts and expands as it heats up and cools down. There are definitely noises that fall within the confines of normal operational sounds.

Then there are noises that can’t be explained away as being part of normal operating sounds. Grinding, screeching, booming, etc. If your system really starts to make strange sounds that it hasn’t in the past, don’t just do your best to ignore it. Schedule repairs with our team right away.

Your Heater Won’t Start Up

That’s a pretty clear sign that something is wrong, right? First things first, check your breaker box. It could be that the flip of a breaker switch is all you need to resolve the problem.

If all is well there, then call us in. It could be a faulty thermostat, it could be that there is a fuel delivery problem. Whatever the issue, our professional heating technicians will get to the bottom of it.

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

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