Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Windsor

What Happens When You Delay AC Repairs?

July 9, 2018

Chances are that if you are reading this blog, you are not an air conditioning expert. That’s why you come here for our expert advice, right? Well, many non-experts, meaning most homeowners, are a bit confused about when is the right time to schedule service with their Windsor, CO air conditioning repair specialists. Let us ask you this—when do you schedule repairs? When the AC is completely incapable of cooling your home? When it breaks down completely? If so—reconsider this course of action right now!

There are a lot of problems that may develop with your air conditioning system. Even the best ACs on the market today manufactured by the most trusted companies around are going to encounter operational problems from time to time. The best way in which to deal with those problems is to do so the moment that you notice any signs of such trouble developing. Read on to learn more about how delaying repairs will negatively affect you.

You’re Just Making Them Worse

Imagine if you sprained your ankle a mile or two into a marathon, and then went on to finish that long, arduous race—an immense challenge even for those participants in great shape. How do you think your ankle would fare? Sure, you’d have one heck of a story and a rightly earned sense of accomplishment. Would it be worth the damage done to your body, though?

Probably not, considering you may not want this race to be your last! The same is true of an AC that is working its way through the summer season despite being in poor working condition. Yes, it may make it through to the end. It will likely be much worse for wear as a result, however, and perhaps even damaged beyond repair.

You’re Wasting Money

Okay, so let’s say that your air conditioner is not functioning at peak performance levels, but it is still getting its job done decently in spite of the troubles that it is facing. No big deal then, right? Wrong. Why? Because it’s not just about a poor performance level, but a poor efficiency level, too.

If your air conditioner is not kept in great working condition, then it is not going to work at great efficiency levels. It is that simple. Your air conditioner does not have to break down entirely to cost you a lot of money. You’ll see that in the high cost of cooling your home with a compromised, but technically operational, system.

You’re Putting Your Comfort on the Line

Are you most likely to get sick when you’re well rested and healthy, or when you are being pulled in a million directions at once and are running yourself ragged? Obviously the latter, right? That’s much the same with your AC, which is most likely to suffer serious damages just when you need it the most!

Be sure to schedule prompt air conditioning repairs if you are serious about keeping your AC reliable. Ignoring “minor” issues will have major consequences if and when your system finally breaks down during the hottest time of the year.

Schedule your air conditioning repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust.

Should I Use a Gas or Electric Furnace?

March 5, 2018

It is a question as old as time—should I use a gas furnace or an electric furnace? Okay, so that may be something of an overstatement, but that doesn’t change that it is, in fact, a very common question. And it is one that we cannot answer definitively for all of our readers here and now. Why not? Because both types of furnaces have their pros and cons, and a number of factors must be considered in each individual case.

There is no such thing as a completely perfect furnace for everyone, or a perfect furnace in general. All users will require furnace repairs in Windsor, CO at some point, for instance. Today, we’ll take this opportunity to explore some of the benefits of using a furnace, and we’ll also look at some factors to consider when deciding whether a gas or electric model is right for you. So read on, and be sure to reach out if you have any questions or are ready for outstanding furnace services.

Heat Distribution Is the Same

Regardless of which type of furnace you use, gas or electric, you’ll still be heating air directly. Once that air is heated, then you’ll be distributing that heated air throughout your house via a system of ductwork. This is something of a benefit in its own right. If you use a whole-house air conditioning system in order to cool your home, then you are already using ductwork. That means the furnace and the AC can share the same distribution system.

Electricity Is Efficient, But Still More Expensive

Some homeowners mistake “efficient” as meaning the same thing as affordable. In reality, however, you’re talking about two separate issues. Electricity is the more expensive of the these two resources. However, electric furnaces are also the more efficient option. What does this mean for you?

When you use an electric furnace, you are not losing any heat to flue gases. That means that you’re working at nearly 100% efficiency, but could still wind up paying more to heat your home than you would if using more affordable natural gas. However, electric furnaces also tend to be cheaper to install and purchase. Not every home has gas hookups in place, either, or even available as a possibility.

Natural Gas and Electricity Are Both Versatile

So chances are that you use electricity in your home. It’s a ubiquitous resource in this day and age. Does the fact that you have electricity already at your disposal mean you shouldn’t bother connecting your home to a natural gas line? Definitely not.

While electricity is necessary in your home for lights, powering the fans of certain heating systems, and water heaters, etc., it doesn’t have to be the only resource that you use! Mixing and matching is typically the way to go. We use our heaters enough in this part of the country that it makes sense to opt for the more affordable options in most cases. If you have access to natural gas, we’d suggest taking advantage of that. You can also use it to heat water for use throughout your home, and to fuel your oven/range, and other appliances.

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

Tips for Avoiding Furnace Repair Needs

November 27, 2017

Your furnace is really going to be put to the test during our long, cold heating season. While there is no way in which any furnace can truly be 100% reliable, there are certainly steps that you can take to help avoid any problems developing with your furnace. Do not overlook simple practices that can help to minimize the occurrence and severity of trouble with your furnace. Today, our team has put together a few tips for you to keep in mind.

The best thing that you can do for your furnace once you come to realize that a problem has indeed developed is to schedule prompt, professional furnace repairs. The longer that you wait before doing so, the worse off your furnace problems are likely to be. Once issues manifest, you should never, ever attempt to fix them on your own. Preventive measures are one thing, but actual furnace repairs in Windsor, CO really need to be handled by experienced professionals.

Maintain a Clear, Clean Space Around the Furnace

It does not matter who made your furnace or how well it was installed, allowing clutter and debris to build up on and around the unit is going to increase the risk of problems developing with your furnace. For its sake, as well as your own safety, you are want to maintain a clear barrier around the furnace cabinet.

When dust and dirt build up around the furnace, those materials can wind up being pulled into the system and building up on integral components within. When that happens, the furnace may be overstrained, and operational problems can develop. Never stack items on or around the furnace, no matter how tight storage space in your home may be.

Change the Air Filter

There isn’t any visible dust blowing out of your air vents, so your furnace’s air filter must be in okay shape, right? Wrong. While a very dirty air filter may cause so much airflow resistance that air is forced around it, resulting in pollutants making their way into the ductwork, issues will start well before then.

Typically, these filters are going to need to be changed every 1–3 months. If they’re not changed frequently enough, they will clog up. That leads to reduced efficiency, excess strain on the system, and eventually problems such as short cycling. Changing the air filter regularly is very simple, and very beneficial.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

If you have visited this blog or read through our website before, then you probably saw this one coming from a mile away. There is nothing—nothing—that you can do for your furnace that is more beneficial than scheduling routine maintenance. It’s just that simple.

Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your furnace, going over the system as a whole with a fine-toothed comb. We’ll tune it up meticulously, ensuring that every component of the system is able to pull its own weight in order to benefit the system at large as much as possible. We’ll also keep an eye out for problems in the early stages of development, resolving them before damage can be done.

Schedule your furnace services withFort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

AC FAQ: Why Is There Ice on My System?

June 26, 2017

You really do not have to be a professional air conditioning technician to understand that the sole function of an air conditioner is to cool things down. If you think this means that the development of ice on your air conditioner is normal, though, think again. Yes, your AC is responsible for cooling down hot air, but it is not a freezer. If you start to see ice develop anywhere on your system, you really should have a trained professional check in on it.

There may be a very simple solution to the problem, but it could also be quite serious. Whatever the case may be, diagnosing the problem properly to begin with is every bit as important as repairing it correctly. Work with our team, and you’ll have no doubt about the exceptional quality of your air conditioning repairs in Windsor, CO.

First Things First: What Is Freezing?

One facet of this issue that confuses homeowners is the question of what exactly is freezing to begin with. After all, it is not as though water is used in our central air conditioners. If there is ice on the system, though, that means that water is getting in from somewhere, right?

The ice that you may see develop on your evaporator coil is actually the result of frozen condensation. When refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator coil in order to draw heat out of the air, some moisture is drawn out of the air as well. That moisture drips onto the coil, and then down into the condensate drain pan and out of your home through the drain line. In certain situations, though, the coil may be cold enough for the condensation to freeze up.

Causes of the Freezing Coil

First of all, resolving the issue of condensation freezing on your evaporator coil may be as simple as changing your air filter. If your air filter is extremely dirty, then it will restrict airflow through the system. That restricted airflow means that the evaporator coil may not be able to pull a sufficient amount of heat out of the air surrounding it. When that happens, the coil can get cold enough to freeze this condensation.

Additionally, and much more seriously, you could have a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant in your air conditioner is what allows the system to cool the air to begin with. Air conditioners are designed to work with a certain amount of refrigerant. If your refrigerant is low due to leaks in the system, then the heat transfer process is impeded and you may wind up with ice on your coil.

Continuing to run a system with ice on the coil puts it at risk of overheating, and the excess wear and tear on the system can result in serious damage over time. Make the right choice and contact us the moment that you see ice on your system–and remember to check that filter first!

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

Common AC Issues: Blowing Warm Air

May 8, 2017

One of the greatest luxuries that we, as homeowners, have is the ability to keep our homes cool and comfortable during the hottest time of the year. If you use a central air conditioner to cool your home, you already know how effective, efficient, and reliable these systems can be.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a 100% reliable mechanical system, and your air conditioner is not the exception to this rule. Any number of issues may develop with your AC, including problems with the system blowing warm air. There are a few reasons why you may encounter this phenomenon.

Is Your Thermostat Set Properly?

This sounds obvious, but sometimes in the heat of the moment concerned homeowners forget to check the “obvious” possibilities before calling for repairs. If your thermostat is set too high or is in a “fan-only” mode, then the air that the system is sending out into your home is not going to feel as cool as it should. You don’t need a professional technician to readjust your thermostat, of course.

Is the Breaker Tripped?

If your outdoor unit and indoor unit are on separate circuits, which is almost certainly the case, then you may have a tripped breaker to the compressor unit outside. If this is the case, then your indoor unit may still be working but is blowing unconditioned air throughout the house. A flip of the switch is all that is needed to get your system back up and running properly.

Is It More Serious?

Possibly. The quick fixes that we mentioned above are definitely your best case scenarios if and when your AC in Windsor, CO starts blowing warm air. If there is no obvious cause of the problem, you could be dealing with a refrigerant leak, damaged ductwork, or a number of other issues. Our technicians will get to the bottom of it in order to resolve the situation entirely.

Let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning handle your air conditioning services. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Don’t Ignore the Need for End of Season Furnace Repairs

March 20, 2017

Your furnace has put in a lot of work hours over the past few months. We are sure that you’d love to give it a rest at this point, but your furnace is not quite out of the woods yet. March weather so far this year has proven as unpredictable as ever, with daytime temperatures rising from the 50s one day to up near 80° a day or two later, only then to fall back into the 30s at night. Spring may be here and summer in sight, but you’re going to need your heater for a while longer.

This is why you must not become complacent about your heater’s performance, even this late in the season. We understand you may be tempted to wait on repairs, considering we’re nearing the end of the season. Doing so puts your comfort, your system, and your budget at risk, however. You still need prompt furnace repairs in Windsor, CO.

Why Can’t Repairs Wait? We’re Almost There!

There are a few different reasons why we strongly recommend end of season furnace repairs. Most important is that fixing any problems with your furnace as they develop is always going to be for the best. We are happy to get a bit more specific, though.

Why Pay More, If Only for a Short Time?

Just because your heater is up and running does not mean that it is operating properly, and any warning signs of trouble are also often warning signs of inefficiency. If your system is short cycling, emitting strange sounds, or blowing cool air, the chances are high that it is costing you more than it should to heat your home. That’s just the way operational issues work. You may not be using it too much longer, but are you really happy overpaying while you are?

Why Run the Risk?

Are you feeling lucky? If so, then you may want to test your luck some other way. Even problems that strike you as being rather “minor” can have serious consequences for your furnace. You may think that you’re saving yourself some hassle by putting your repair needs off, but you may think again when you discover your furnace has not only broken down, but it has done so before your use for it is up! Don’t let repair needs slip by, only to put you in an uncomfortable, or worse, dangerous, situation.

Get Ahead for Next Year

The last thing that you want to think about right now is the start of the next heating season. We understand that. Think about it this way, though: if your heater needs repairs, and you put them off until next season, what are you going to do if the cold weather arrives sooner than expected? You’ll have to push your luck even further trying to heat your home with a system that was ailing months ago while you waited to have the issues resolved.

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

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

March 18, 2017

Asking if you need a sump pump is sort of like asking if you need airbags in your car. You’ve got seatbelts, after all, and it’s not like the car isn’t going to run if you don’t have airbags in place. Does that mean that you don’t need them, though? Of course not, because the airbags in your car are still integral to ensuring your safety should you wind up in an accident.

So, let’s rephrase the question. Is the sump pump integral to the operation of your home or the overall performance of your plumbing in Windsor, CO? No, not exactly. Is the sump pump an essential piece of the puzzle that is going to help you to protect your home and property in certain situations that would otherwise leave you very vulnerable? You better believe it. If you ask us, this is one case where it is definitely advisable to play it safe.

What Can a Sump Pump Do for Me?

Keep water from flooding the lowest level of your home. It really is that simple. Whether due to heavy rains, rapid snowmelt, a plumbing pipe rupturing, or any other situation in which flooding can occur, your sump pump is going to be your first line of defense against damage. You can’t just keep a stack of towels around or hope that you can get the wet vac out in time in the event of flooding. With a sump pump, you are protected 24/7. And you don’t even have to do anything!

How It Works

A sump pump needs a sump pit. They go hand in hand. If you don’t have one in your home already, you’ll need one excavated. The pit should be situated where water is naturally going to flow in the event of flooding.

The sump pump will either be submerged in the water within that pit (it shouldn’t be dry) or it can sit on top of a pedestal. There are pros and cons to both types of sump pumps. Submersible pumps are preferred, because they can be cooled by the water itself and the water also helps to dampen operational noise. However, they take up more space. If you need a narrower pit, then a pedestal pump may be used. These are noisier, but they are easier to access for maintenance.

When Water Levels Rise, The Pump Starts Pumping

The sump pump is an important device, but its one job is not complicated. Neither is its operation. When the water level rises above a certain point in the sump pit, your pump activates. It works with a simple float switch. The pump continues to run until the water level falls back below that point, diverting water out of the house and away from your property. That’s all there really is to it. To test your sump pump, dump a few buckets of water into the pit. If it’s working properly, it will kick on as the water level rises.

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

Do I Need Boiler Repairs?

February 6, 2017

Now that it is February, many homeowners are beginning to look forward to the coming of the warmer weather. That being said, there is still a good amount of cold temperatures ahead of us. If you’re serious about making it through the remainder of the winter season in comfort, then you cannot ignore the signs that your heater is in trouble. We may be nearing the end of the season, but you cannot afford to put the condition of your boiler in Windsor, CO at risk.

That is precisely why acting quickly when problems with your boiler develop is a must. That way, you can schedule prompt boiler repairs in the event of trouble.

What to Look (and Listen, Feel, and Smell) For

Sometimes you’ll hear technicians telling you to keep your eyes open and to look out for boiler problems. The truth is, however, that there are a variety of different issues that may manifest. It’s not all about the problems that you can see.

Listen for unusual sounds coming from your boiler. Remember that a boiler does not have a fan and certain other moving parts that forced air heating systems do. That means that odd sounds may not be quite as common. You should note any booming, rumbling, boiling, or hissing sounds coming from the system, though. You could have an issue with overheating water, scale build up, or delayed ignition in your burners.
Feel for issues with uneven heating in your home. If you have radiators or baseboards that aren’t getting as warm as others, or cold spots in certain areas where your hydronic heating should reach, your boiler could definitely be in trouble.
Smell for odors of burning, or even of natural gas if you use a gas boiler. A gas leak is a major concern with any type of heating system or gas-burning appliance. Natural gas has a pungent, sulfuric odor added to it as a safeguard. Burning odors could suggest an electrical issue or soot buildup.
Look for signs of water leaks, especially. In some cases, you may just have a leaking valve. In others, though, the boiler itself could actually be leaking. Any signs of leaks must be examined by trained professionals. We’ll keep your boiler operating safely and effectively.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Maintenance!

Most homeowners schedule their heating maintenance service before the winter season strikes. If you are in the habit of having your system tuned up in the Spring, though, or if you just forgot to schedule boiler maintenance this year, do not go through another season without doing so. Let us get your boiler inspected, cleaned up, and tuned up, even if it is at the end of the season. This not only ensures that you get the best performance that your boiler has to offer, but it also helps to reduce the risk of repair needs.

Schedule your boiler repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for prompt, reliable service. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Should I Use a Gas or Electric Furnace?

January 2, 2017

There is no denying the popularity of the furnace in Windsor, CO. Things get cold around here during the heating season, and you really need to know that your heater is going to get the job done. Using a properly sized and professionally installed furnace guarantees it.

That being said, deciding that you want to use a furnace isn’t quite enough. You also need to decide if you want to use a natural gas or an electric furnace. We’ll cover some of the pros and cons for you.

Gas vs. Electricity: Which to Choose?

For most homeowners, the natural gas furnace is the clear winner. Natural gas is a versatile fuel, used in applications for cooking, heating water, and even fueling the clothes dryer, as well as in heating homes. It is also quite clean-burning, for a fossil fuel, and the fact that it is piped directly into the house means no on-site storage or delivery is necessary.

Of course, electricity has a lot of uses as well, and it too eliminates the need for fuel storage and the risk of running out. However, the fact of the matter is that electricity just costs more to purchase than natural gas does. Because electric furnaces don’t lose heat to flue gases, they are actually incredibly efficient. Even so, the purchase price of natural gas makes it the more affordable fuel choice in most every situation.

Some homeowners may not have access to natural gas, however, or just may choose not to pipe this fuel into their homes. If this is the case, electricity is certainly a fine alternative. Whichever furnace you choose, you can count on us to install and service it properly.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for all of your heating needs. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Heating Your Home Efficiently This Winter

September 26, 2016

We all want to live comfortably in our homes, regardless of how cold it may get outside during the winter season. Here in Colorado, it can get extremely cold. The last thing that you should be forced to do is to choose between heating your home effectively and doing so affordably. That is why we have put together some tips to help you enjoy efficient heating.

You may think that heating your home more efficiently and affordably will necessitate the replacement of your existing heater, which may be an investment that you are unwilling or unable to make. In truth, though, there are plenty of ways in which to cut back on heating costs. Read on, and remember to schedule your heating services with our team.

Thermostats

The thermostat is the component of your heating system that you have the most direct interaction with. It is the means by which you are able to communicate with your heater, and you’d simply be unable to regulate your HVAC system without it. However, many homeowners fail to use their thermostats to the fullest. If you have an old manual thermostat, simply upgrading to a basic digital thermostat can help you to more accurately set temperatures, trimming your bills in the process. For greater savings, consider the use of a programmable thermostat that will heat your home around your schedule, maximizing your comfort and minimizing heating costs.

Zone Control

Do you use a forced-air heating system to heat your home? If so, have you ever found yourself wishing that you didn’t have to heat your entire house to one temperature? You wouldn’t turn on every light in your home with the flip of one switch, right? With a zone control system, you can use multiple thermostats spread throughout your home in order to provide heat with better planning. You can maintain warmer temperatures in frequently used areas, start heating bedrooms more as you get closer to bedtime, and cut down the heat a bit in a warm kitchen with the oven on.

Maintenance

You didn’t think we were going to pass up the opportunity to remind you of just how important routine heating maintenance is, did you? When you have a trained professional tune-up your heating system on a regular, annual basis, you ensure that your system not only functions at peak performance levels, but peak efficiency levels as well. Plus, you’ll rest assured in knowing that it is operating safely.

Schedule your heating services in Windsor, CO with

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Windsor

You’re Just Making Them Worse

You’re Wasting Money

You’re Putting Your Comfort on the Line

Heat Distribution Is the Same

Electricity Is Efficient, But Still More Expensive

Natural Gas and Electricity Are Both Versatile

Maintain a Clear, Clean Space Around the Furnace

Change the Air Filter

Schedule Routine Maintenance

First Things First: What Is Freezing?

Causes of the Freezing Coil

Is Your Thermostat Set Properly?

Is the Breaker Tripped?

Is It More Serious?

Why Can’t Repairs Wait? We’re Almost There!

Why Pay More, If Only for a Short Time?

Why Run the Risk?

Get Ahead for Next Year

What Can a Sump Pump Do for Me?

How It Works

When Water Levels Rise, The Pump Starts Pumping

What to Look (and Listen, Feel, and Smell) For

Don’t Forget to Schedule Maintenance!

Gas vs. Electricity: Which to Choose?

Thermostats

Zone Control

Maintenance

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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