Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tag: Windsor

bathroom plumbing

Your bathroom is one of the most vital spaces in your home but it is also where most plumbing issues usually arise. Although it’s common to have plumbing problems in your kitchen, what probably comes to mind when you hear the word “plumbing” is your bathroom.

Once you encounter a bathroom plumbing issue, it’s important to address it promptly and professionally before it graduates into a bigger and more costly repair. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 top tips to help keep your bathroom plumbing in good shape. Let’s get started!

Remember These Bathroom Plumbing Tips

Here are the top things to keep in mind if you want to improve the quality and longevity of your bathroom plumbing in Windsor, CO:

1. Use drain covers to reduce clogging

Drain covers can go a long way in keeping your bathroom plumbing in good condition. They trap elements such as hair strands, debris, chips of soap, etc., that can easily clog your drain pipes.

Drain covers save you a majority of the trouble of dealing with clogged bathroom drains.

2. Keep trash out of the toilet

Another tip to help you get the best out of your bathroom plumbing is keeping trash out of the toilet. It may appear like a no-brainer that trash is meant for the trash can, but some people often find themselves throwing hygiene waste, such as cotton swabs, makeup pads, etc., in the bathroom drain, which ends up blocking the pipes. Outside of toilet paper, there is little else that should ever get flushed down your toilet.

3. Never use a chemical drain cleaner to address clogs

Anytime we encounter a clogged drain, a quick-fix solution that comes to mind is using a chemical drain cleaner. Although this may be a quick and cheap DIY solution, it may end up causing more harm than good.

Most chemical drain cleaners contain toxic chemicals that may erode the drain pipes and will leave behind a majority of the clog, allowing another problem to form rather quickly. A better way to address clogged drains is to work with a professional from a plumbing company to remove or scour away the clog.

4. Upgrade to low-flow appliances to save water

Another best practice regarding bathroom plumbing is upgrading to low-flow appliances. Low-flow plumbing fixtures can help save on water waste, reducing your water bills while still making things more eco-friendly and sustainable in your bathroom.

5. Always go to a pro for professional drain cleaning, leak repair, and more

Although it can be tempting to handle your bathroom plumbing needs as simple DIY projects, it’s advisable to always go for professional services. Hiring the services of professionals has various benefits, such as:

  • The plumbers have years of experience in the field and know the most appropriate way to address each issue.
  • They have the right tools and supplies to ensure efficient plumbing.
  • They are familiar with the plumbing and building codes in your state.
  • They offer expert advice and guidance when needed
  • Professional plumbers help save time and money in the long run.

Maintaining your bathroom plumbing can be overwhelming, but you can get through with the right practices and our expert services.

If you need professional assistance to fix your bathroom plumbing issues, contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

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.

Twitter

bathroom plumbing

We make it an effort to speak and get to know our customers. When we do this, we like to take inventory of any recurring questions we hear. Some of the most common questions revolve around the plumbing system and around bathroom plumbing in particular. Because your plumbing system is so out of sight and out of mind, you might find yourself wondering what’s going on in there without ever getting concrete answers. We want you to know that our professionals are knowledgeable and we’re always available to demystify your plumbing system.

Today, we want to take a deep dive into your bathroom plumbing in Windsor, CO. There are some simple tips you can try out that can make things much easier when it comes to your operation and efficiency.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to your bathroom plumbing.

Keep Your Toilet Strictly Business

It’s important to keep your toilet strictly business. Make sure that the only things going down there are human waste and toilet paper. No trash and no other substances. Please note that we didn’t include wet wipes on our “safe to flush” list. While these wipes are marketed as flushable, your pipes will have a different story to tell. The material creates the perfect storm for a clog. Don’t fall victim to this mistake! Make sure that you’re guarding your toilet against harm.

Make Sure Your Faucets Are Tight

It’s a great idea to tighten up your faucets. If you notice dripping happening throughout the day and night, it’s a good measure to pull out a wrench and tighten it up. A minor drip or leak is still a loss of efficiency. If this issue persists even with your intervention, then it’s time to contact a professional.

Always Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

You never want to choose a chemical drain cleaner to fix a problem. Chemical drain cleaners are bad because they’re full of such harsh chemicals. While it might relieve a clog temporarily, you might notice that the clog comes back or you have new issues with your pipes. This is because the chemicals are so harsh and they can start to corrode your pipes and cause further issues. Professional work is always best.

Note A Clog Right Away

Have you noticed your sink draining slowly? Maybe you’re standing in still water in your shower after you turn your system on for a little while? This is when you should alert a professional. It’s time to make sure that this problem doesn’t develop into a clog. Slow-moving drains are an issue and they’re something that you should address with a professional as soon as you notice the signs.

Protect Your Drains

Make sure that you’re protecting your drains against harm. The simplest way to do this is by getting a drain protector for your shower or sink. Protecting your drains is worthwhile because it will keep hair, soap scum, and other debris away from your home’s drains. This is the best way to avoid clogs and other issues.

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

Twitter

Plumbing Problem

Your plumbing system is important and it’s a major player in your home’s comfort. You call on your plumbing system when you wash your hands, put a load of clothes in the washing machine, and take a shower. These just aren’t services that you can overlook. This is why it’s so important to know the difference between a regular plumbing call and a plumbing emergency. Knowing the difference between the two will help you address issues promptly.

We’re experts in everything emergency plumbing in Windsor, CO. As professionals, we think it’s part of our job to pass along accurate and helpful information to consumers. This is why we’re prepared to give you a crash course in everything you need to know today.

This Is a Plumbing Emergency

This is what is considered a plumbing emergency in your home.

You’ve Got a Sewer Backup

This is a clear sign of an emergency plumbing issue. Typically this is a problem that you’re going to smell before you see or hear. No matter how you’re alerted to it, a sewer line issue is a problem that you should address as soon as possible. We’re not just saying this because of the stench that it creates. It’s also because of the potential health hazards that it can cause. Sewer problems impede your ability to run your home’s water.

There’s Any Risk of Flooding

The biggest sign of a plumbing emergency is any type of scenario where you think there’s any chance of flooding. Although it’s a little frustrating, there are many circumstances where there might be a risk of flooding due to your home’s plumbing system. This includes things like pipe bursts, the sewer backups we mentioned above, shut-off valve issues, and more. If you feel like there’s a risk of water damage, the best thing to do is get in touch with one of our team members ASAP.

You’ve Burst a Pipe

Pipe bursts aren’t all that common in our area of Colorado, but they do happen from time to time. If one of your pipes gets cold enough to burst, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Burst pipes are an issue you should contact a professional for as soon as possible. This is because it’s one of those plumbing emergencies that typically develop quickly.

You Don’t Have Any Running Water

If you notice that you’re without running water at any time, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with a professional. You need running water in your home. Going without it for an extended period affects your cooking, cleaning, and bathing which is what bumps it up from a minor inconvenience to a full-blown emergency.

Plumbing Problems That Aren’t Emergencies

Here are the plumbing problems that you don’t have to consider emergencies.

  • A plumbing maintenance need
  • Installation of an appliance or faucet
  • Minor repair work
  • inspections

We’re here no matter what you need.

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

Twitter

need heating repair

When your home starts getting chilly for no apparent reason, there’s a good chance you have a problem with your heating unit. But, how can you know for sure if that’s the issue? We’re here to make it easy for you to tell below. If you relate to any of the following issues, then it’s time for you to schedule an appointment for heating repair in Windsor, CO.

The Top 5 Signs That You Need Heating Repair

Here are a few signs that you need heating repair.

1.    Low Heating Output

The first and most obvious sign that you might need to have your heating unit repaired is that your home is cold. In other words, the heater isn’t putting out enough heat to warm up your house. Low heat output is a dead giveaway that something has gone wrong with your heater. So, if you’ve been adjusting your thermostat over and over again, but aren’t noticing any change in temperature, then be sure to call a professional heating repair company today.

2.    High Monthly Energy Bills

It could also be the case that you all of a sudden start receiving higher than normal energy bills, which, unless your rate has suddenly skyrocketed, is a great sign that something is wrong with your heater. Should this be the case, then be sure to contact a heating repair company right away, as the increased monthly cost of energy will likely be much more than the visit from a repair company.

3.    Weird Noises

If your notice that your heater is making weird noises that it never used to make, then chances are that there is something going on, and it’s probably not anything good. Weird noises are usually an early warning sign that something has gone wrong with the heater, and so it’s a great idea to contact a professional heating repair company right away while there’s still a chance to repair the unit. Otherwise, you could be looking at a bill for a whole new heater.

4.    Odd Scents

Like with weird noises, if you suddenly start to smell weird odors coming from your heater, then there’s a good chance that something has gone wrong. Weird smells can be caused by failing mechanical parts and can be a precursor to much bigger problems. In this situation, your best bet is to have a heating repair company come out and take a look to see what’s going on. It could be nothing, but it could also be a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

5.    Poor Operation

Finally, if your heater is acting up, only working sporadically, or otherwise operating poorly, then you can be certain that there is a problem with the unit. Mechanical problems like these never resolve themselves, and the longer you wait to fix them, the more work will be involved, which means a bigger bill. The best thing to do is always to call a professional heating repair company that can fix the problem before it escalates into something major and much more costly.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your heating repair. We’re the company you can trust because we’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

Twitter

5 Key Components of Furnace Care

Furnaces are the system that most homeowners choose to heat their homes. This is because furnaces are familiar, reliable, and effective. These positive attributes really go a long way when it comes to home heating, so we understand why so many homeowners choose this model.

Although familiarity is one of the biggest perks with a furnace and you might already feel familiar with the model you choose for your home, there’s always a benefit to education. There are many things you can do for your furnace to improve your home’s furnace performance. If you’re curious, then you’ve found the right blog today. Our professionals are the experts in furnaces in Windsor, CO. We have all the information you need.

How to Care for Your Furnace

Here are a few ways that you should care for your home’s furnace to make sure that you’re staying warm with ease this winter.

  1. Clean Your Heater

Any good heating season is going to start off with a little cleaning. When we’re referring to cleaning in light of your home’s heater, we’re not talking about picking up those dust bunnies hiding in the corner, we’re talking about cleaning up your actual unit. It’s easy for your outdoor heating unit to accumulate debris during fall. You want to make sure that all of this is gone before the winter season so that your heater can perform to the best of its ability.

2. Invest in Maintenance

Maintenance is important to great heating care as well. Maintenance is something that we suggest that you schedule an appointment for every single fall season. If this isn’t something you’re doing already, then picking up the habit now will make a huge difference when it comes to the performance of your heater.

3. Get Your Vents Clear

It’s easier than you might think to block a vent in your home. Sometimes we move furniture, place a picture or poster in an inopportune spot, or make other mistakes that can cost us heating power. This is something that we want you to avoid as professionals.

Before we get to the coldest temperatures of the month, we suggest that you take a walk around your home and clear your vents. It’ll benefit you this winter season.

4. Have the Best Thermostat Possible

We want you to have the best thermostat available to you. These days, the best thermostat that you can get your hands on is going to be a smart or Wi-Fi model. We suggest that you get yourself one of these units. We know that there are so many to choose from so if you find the process difficult, we want to help you find the unit you need.

5. Know When to Upgrade

Know when it’s time to stick it out with your heater versus when it’s time to invest in a new unit. If your heater has given you grief for multiple seasons, then we suggest that you upgrade instead of continually repairing it. Upgrading will actually save you money.

Contact Fort Collings Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment for your home’s furnace care. 

Twitter

air conditioner

The fact of the matter is that it’s really not always that difficult to notice that you’re having an issue in your home. The difficulty comes when you’re relating the source of the issue back to your air conditioner. This isn’t always so obvious. Our professionals are here to help you connect the dots when you need this.

The hottest months of the year are ahead of us. If you need AC repair in Windsor, CO, then it’s best in invest in this care now. You want to have all the hardest days behind you so that you don’t have to struggle at all this summer. AC care is important and we’re always willing to help you.

A Few Signs That Your AC Is In Bad Shape

Here are a few signs that your air conditioner could use some help.

1.      Warm Air

Are you noticing that you’re running your air conditioner in a way that’s foreign to you? Watch out for troubling signs like this:

  • Running your air conditioner for long periods of time.
  • Choosing thermostat temperatures that get progressively lower.
  • Noticing air that doesn’t feel as cool as it should be coming from your vents.

These are all signs that you have warm air coming from your vents. The best way to get to the bottom of this is by walking up to one of your vents and feeling it out yourself. Warm air is always going to be a detriment to your home efficiency.

2.      Insufficient Airflow

Are you having trouble with your home’s airflow? You’re having trouble if you turn on your air conditioner, wait a second, and then head back over to your thermostat to double-check if your AC is even on. Insufficient airflow is bad news and it’s going to make way for more troubles. We’re prepared to help you get what you need.

3.      Frequent Cycling

Short cycling is when your air conditioner turns on, runs for a little while, stops, and then starts up again.

Frequent cycling is a clear sign that your air conditioning efficiency is on a downswing. Make sure that you note the frequent cycling and get in touch with our team members for what you need. We’re going to help you get your home back on track.

4.      High Humidity

Your air conditioner can do a little bit of humidity control. If you feel like this isn’t applicable to your home, then you need to get your air conditioner back in shape. Your home shouldn’t feel like a swamp. It should always be comfortable.

5.      Odd Sounds

Odd sounds are any sounds that you hear that you’re not used to hearing from your AC. You don’t the sound of your home—the creak your sink makes when it first turns on, the squeak of that floorboard in the foyer, even the subtle sounds of your appliances turning on. When you notice that your air conditioner is starting to make noises that are new, loud, or alarming, you need to make an appointment with a professional.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’re the company you can trust.

Twitter

Heating Repairs Windsor CO

Winter in Colorado is a wonderful time of the year. Provided, of course, that you’re prepared for it. If not, then it is definitely not all that enjoyable. Our winters are way too harsh to take any chances with your comfort or your safety. That is why it is so important that you do everything possible to prevent the need for heating repair in Windsor, CO.

If you’re looking for a way in which to completely avoid any and all heating repair needs, this isn’t the post for you. And if you find a post claiming to have such answers, you should know you’ve found an unreliable resource. All heaters run into trouble sometimes.  That just the reality of the situation. With these tips in mind, though, you can keep repair needs as few and far between as possible.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter in a forced-air heater, such as a furnace or a heat pump, is not really there to protect the quality of the air in your home. You can’t just assume that the air filter is clean enough just because the air quality seems okay. You should be checking this filter on a monthly basis, and changing it about that frequently (certain media filters may be changed less frequently).

If your air filter is too dirty, then your system is going to face a higher level of airflow restriction than it should. That restricted airflow is going to put added strain on the system. Over time, that can lead to issues with the system’s operation. Eventually, repairs might be necessary.

Leave the Installation to Us

Sometimes, homeowners wind up with a system that needs repairs pretty frequently. This may not be an issue with the heater itself. Even a great system will fail to function effectively and reliably if it is not installed properly. If you want to be sure that your heater is as reliable as possible, then you really need to schedule a professional heating installation.

There is a lot to consider when installing a heater, from the design of the heat distribution system to the sizing of the heater itself. If you’re serious about protecting your heater, you have to start on day 1. Our team will start your heater off on the right foot so that it can deliver on its full potential for years to come.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

If you’re not having your heater tuned up each and every year, then you are setting it up for failure. It’s just that simple. You may think everything is working just fine, and maybe it is—for now. That doesn’t change the fact that your heater is on thin ice if it isn’t properly maintained.

A lot goes into the maintenance of a heating system, and it is a job that only professionals can handle. From checking relays to lubricating moving parts and testing various components, routine maintenance is your technician’s chance to catch problems early on and to optimize your system’s performance.

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

Twitter

5 Potential Furnace Problems

Ideally, you’d never have to worry about the need for furnace repair in Windsor, CO. Realistically?

You’re going to need furnace repairs at some point.

The best thing that you can do for your furnace is to schedule your professional furnace repairs at the very first sign of trouble. What does furnace trouble look like?  Or smell like? Or sound like? Or feel like?

As you can guess from our phrasing, furnace problems can present themselves in a variety of ways. Here are a number of common issues that you should be aware of, so that you can act fast.

 

#1. Your Furnace Shuts Down Too Soon

This is called short cycling, and it can happen with any system. In the case of a furnace, it may be the result of any number of problems. Some are simple to resolve. A very dirty air filter could be to blame, for instance. Airflow is restricted, and the system can overheat and cycle down.

However, you could also have a faulty thermocouple that is shutting the system down too early. Or, that thermocouple could be working just fine, shutting down the system because safe combustion temperatures aren’t achieved. We’ll figure out precisely what the problem is.

#2. Your Furnace Heats Unevenly

If your furnace has always failed to heat your home evenly, it is possible that it is just too small. It isn’t able to generate enough heat to reach every corner of the house. That would require a professional replacement or some very creative zoning to resolve.

However, if the problem is new, you may have issues with leaky ductwork. Professional duct sealing is what you’d need to resolve that problem, as it is not an issue that you can resolve on your own. Drop the duct tape and pick up the phone!

#3. Your Furnace Makes Strange Sounds

Just because your furnace is heating your home doesn’t mean that it is doing the job properly. If you hear screeching or grinding sounds coming from your furnace, you need to let us know right away. Yes, even if your home is warm and comfy.

When you ignore such signs of trouble, you wind up giving problems the time they need to cause major damage. A loose component or bent fan blades made not be a major issue at the start, but over time can do serious damage.

#4. Your Furnace Smells Like Burning

When you fire up your furnace, you may smell burning at first—particularly if it’s been a while since you’ve used it. If that odor goes away quickly, it’s probably just dust burning off.

If the odor persists, though, or has a plastic tinge to it, contact us ASAP. Wiring issues and other problems could be to blame, and these problems can be dangerous.

#5. Your Furnace Costs too Much to Run!

This one is frustrating, but has a simple solution—routine maintenance! Pretty much any operational problem will cause a drop in efficiency. But routine maintenance keeps your system in prime working condition, and that keeps operating costs in check.

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

Twitter

Plumber Windsor CO

You pay for the water that you use in your home. You’re reminded of this on a monthly or quarterly basis. When that water bill comes in, how do you feel? Do you need to sit down with a cool glass of water to process the sticker shock? If so, then this is the post you’re looking for. Why? Unfortunately, because you might have some bad habits that need breaking. Consider this your breaking point.

Our plumbers in Windsor, CO, have some tips that will help you to scale back your water costs. The good news is that it is really not that difficult to do. In fact, you are probably aware of some of these tips. You just may not realize how effective they can really be. So, break those bad habits and put these good ones into practice. You’ll see real financial results before long. No more water bill sticker shock for you!

 

1. You’re Running the Water too Much

We are all guilty of this one. Yes, the shameful truth. Even a great plumber has, from time to time, wasted water by running it too much. Brushing your teeth? Don’t leave the water running. Doing the dishes? Don’t leave the water running. Taking a shower? Get in, get clean, and get out. Run through your day while your toweling off. The more water you use, the more water you’re paying for.

Again, this is not shocking news to anyone. But when you’re distracted or zoning out while doing unexciting things, it’s easy to forget. One more tip—make sure your kids are aware of these best practices, too. They might roll their eyes. They might think you’re exaggerating. But they’re not paying the water bill! And if they are, well—how’d you work out that deal?

2. You’re Ignoring “Minor” Problems

This is a huge issue in a lot of homes. We get it. Not every plumbing problem is an emergency. And not every plumbing problem is going to justify the expense of a house call in your mind. But trust us on this one. Any “minor” plumbing problem is only going to cost you more in the long run. Yes, even those ones that you know you can tolerate and live with.

We’re talking about dripping faucets. We’re talking about running toilets. We’re talking about that hose bib that never quite shuts off all the way. Not only does the wasted water resulting from these issues add up—but you might also run into property damage caused by the moisture created.

3. You’re Not Using Some Very Simple Tools

There are plenty of ways in which to cut back on water usage without major changes to your daily routine. If you’re not using aerating faucets, for instance, you’re using too much water even if you’re using good conservation practices. These aerators mix air into the water, saving you resources.

Also—spend the money on that dishwasher! There is no way that you’re coming out ahead if you are washing dishes by hand. Modern dishwashers are more efficient than ever, too, so you don’t have the old “it uses electricity” argument to fall back on.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Twitter

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Search

Archive

Archive

Categories

Categories

Tags