Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Windsor

Do Not Underestimate the Need for Heating Maintenance

It does get pretty cold here in the winter, you may be thinking, but it’s not like we’re dealing with subzero temperatures on a regular basis; I’m sure my heater is ready for action.

Something along those lines is the type of logic that leaves homeowners with broken down heating systems, just as they need them the most. No, we may not have the most extreme winter weather in this part of the country. To think that means that you don’t need annual heating maintenance in Windsor, CO, though, is to buy into a serious misconception.

 

Routine Maintenance Protects Your Budget, Your Comfort, and Your Safety

If you never took your car in for an oil change or to have the “check engine” alert assessed, you probably wouldn’t expect your car to hang in there too long, would you? Sure, you may save a bit of money up front, but the fact of the matter is that your car is going to start running poorly, using more gas to get you where you’re going, and will likely require costly repairs before long. This is just what you can expect of a poorly maintained heater, as well. Your heating system is only going to function as efficiently as possible when it is in outstanding working condition, and that is only possible when you have it tuned up regularly.

Keep in mind, too, that just because your heater is up and running does not mean that it is going to function at peak performance levels. You may find your system is shutting down before reaching target temperatures, or that there are cold spots throughout your home. Not only does routine heating maintenance keep your system efficient, it also keeps it working precisely as it ought to, helping you to live more comfortably.

Finally, keep your safety in mind. Maintenance is not all about ensuring that your heater is using fuel efficiently. It’s also about ensuring that it does so safely. You don’t want to risk a dangerous operation just because you had a lax attitude regarding maintenance.

For great heating services, call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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What Are Anode Rods, And Why Are They Important?

Do you use a tank water heater in order to heat water for use throughout your home? If so, you have an anode rod in that water storage tank, and it serves a vital purpose in there. You may not know the component by name, but it is important that you familiarize yourself with it and its operation. After all, your anode rod is going to have to be replaced eventually, and you need to keep its condition in mind. Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, read the following post to learn more about what your anode rod does for your water heater in Windsor, CO.

Preventing Rust Via Self Sacrifice

Not to make an inanimate object sound too heroic, but there is good reason as to why anode rods are often called “sacrificial anodes.” You see, anode rods are composed of either aluminum or magnesium, generally. These materials actually serve to attract the corrosive elements in the water within the hot water tank that your water heater uses. Why would they do this?

As you probably know, steel will rust if exposed to water and oxygen for a period of time. For many reasons, most modern hot water storage tanks are made of steel. As a first defense against rusting, they are lined with glass. Over time and due to high temperature exposure, that glass will likely crack. The anode rod is the next line of defense.

By sacrificing itself for the good of the steel tank, the anode rod is able to protect your water heater as it allows itself to rust and corrode away. Eventually, that rod will need to be replaced, as it will continue to corrode until there is pretty much nothing left. We are happy to ensure the proper operation of every component in your water heater.

Schedule service with the professionals here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Why Might My Air Conditioner Short Cycle?

When the heat of the summer season really gets underway, you want your air conditioner to function properly, and you want it to function reliably. If you encounter problems with your air conditioner of any kind, remember that it is always in your best interest to schedule prompt air conditioning repairs at the very first sign of trouble. One of the most problematic of the issues that you may encounter is that of short cycling. If your air conditioner in Windsor, CO is short cycling, be sure to contact a member of our team right away.

What Is Short Cycling?

Short cycling occurs when your air conditioner starts up, runs for a short while, and shuts back down before the cooling cycle is complete. This is detrimental for a few reasons. It puts a lot of excess wear and tear on the system, and it also eats up more energy than your AC should, meaning that you are actually paying more for a weaker performance from your system. It also means that your AC won’t dehumidify the air as much as it would during a full cooling cycle.

What Causes It?

There are a few situations in which you may encounter short cycling. It can occur if an air conditioner is too large for the home in which it is installed. Your system will cool your home too quickly, and the system will cycle off rapidly. Before long, the system will be forced back into service. Unfortunately, there is no repair that can “fix” an oversized system.

If the short cycling is a new development, though, it may be due to a failing run capacitor. The run capacitor helps to maintain a constant current in the AC motor(s). If it fails, then it is not going to be able to keep the system running dependably, and short cycling may develop.

Finally, you may just have a faulty thermostat on your hands. If this is the case, your thermostat may be registering cooler temperatures than it is actually experiencing.

Be sure to schedule your air conditioning repairs with the pros on the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning team.

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Signs That Your Radiant Heating System Is in Trouble

While forced air heating systems are probably the most popular option in residential applications, a lot of homeowners swear by the comfort and benefits provided by their radiant heating systems in Windsor, CO. One of the greatest benefits that radiant heating systems have to offer is their reliable performance. These systems have fewer mechanical parts than forced air heating systems, which means that there is less that can go wrong. However, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a 100% reliable heating system. Eventually you may find that you require professional radiant heating repairs in your home. 

Increased Heating Costs

Regardless of whether you use an electric radiant system in order to heat your home, or a fuel-powered boiler to heat water for distribution throughout the house via a hydronic heating system, you shouldn’t see inexplicable spikes in the amount of money that it costs to heat your living space. If you do, it is likely that there is a problem with your system that is resulting in this reduced energy efficiency. If you notice any incongruities with your heating costs, call us right away to find out what is wrong.

Signs of Leaks

We wish that we could tell you that there is no chance of your hydronic heating system leaking, but this simply is not the case. It is possible, though unlikely, that you will run into leaks with your system. These can do serious water damage to your home, and result in wasted energy. If you see signs of leaks, call our number immediately to have the problem expertly diagnosed and resolved.

Uneven Heating

Radiant heating systems cannot lose air via leaky ductwork, as they use no ductwork, so they are renowned for their even, comfortable distribution of heat. However, it is possible that your radiant heating system may begin to heat your home unevenly. If this happens, it might stem from a problem with the pump in your system, or an electrical issue if you use electric radiant heating. Again, only a trained professional can properly diagnose and resolve any such problems.

Schedule radiant heating repairs with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. 

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When Is Professional Duct Sealing Necessary?

Do you use a forced air heating system in your home, such as a furnace or a heat pump? If so, you are going to be depending upon your air ducts a lot in the months to come. Winter may not really be starting off with a bang this year, but there is still plenty of cold weather to come. If your air ducts are not properly sealed, then you are going to run into some pretty serious problems as you attempt to heat your home in an even and effective manner. Fortunately for you, we are here to offer professional duct sealing in Windsor, CO. Give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call today if you are concerned about your ductwork.

 

Signs That Duct Sealing Is Necessary

Your air ducts are not easily accessible, nor are they visible in any substantive way. How, then, can one hope to determine if his or her air ducts are in need of service? There are actually a number of potential warning signs that can alert you to the need of a service such as duct sealing. You just have to know what it is that you are looking for.

  • Increased Heating (and Cooling) Costs: Did your cooling costs over the summer surpass the normal level? Have you gotten a utility bill representing your heating costs that seemed over the top already? It could be due to air leaking out of your system. Let us evaluate the situation in order to determine if duct sealing could resolve the problem.
  • Reduced Indoor Air Quality: Air leaking out of your ductwork is a major concern, but it’s not the only one. You also don’t want pollutants to be making their way into your HVAC system. They can be distributed throughout your entire home via your ductwork, which will drag down the quality of the air filling that space.
  • Whistling or Hissing Sounds: Do you hear odd whistling or hissing sounds when using your HVAC system? It could be the result of air leaks in your ductwork. Contact us if notice this problem in your home.
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Why Not Upgrade Your Thermostat?

As we move further and further into the heating season, more and more homeowners are firing up their heaters in order to take the chill out of the air. However, many homeowners are also hesitant to do so, as they wish to put off paying to heat their homes for as long as possible. What if we told you, though, that is a very simple way in which you can heat your home more conveniently and more efficiently? Or even that the very same course of action can help you to enjoy the same benefits when cooling your home? Well, there is, and it is as simple as upgrading your thermostat in Windsor, CO. Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for more details.

Benefits of Upgrading One’s Thermostat

It is a relatively minor adjustment to your HVAC system, perhaps, but upgrading your thermostat can actually have an enormously beneficial impact on the way in which you both heat and cool your home. Just remember that you must be careful to choose your thermostat wisely, and that you must schedule your thermostat services with a trained professional. When you do so, you can enjoy the following benefits.

  • Better Comfort: If you have an old, non-programmable thermostat in your home, you probably come home to a less than ideal environment at the end of the work day. When you have a programmable thermostat in place, though, you can ensure that your house is comfortable when you arrive home, without having to maintain that temperature all day long.
  • Improved Convenience: It is true that a programmable thermostat can help you to live in greater comfort, but it can also make your life much more convenient. You won’t have to worry about leaving the house and forgetting to adjust the temperature beforehand any longer. With a smart thermostat, that convenience is boosted even further, as you can control your thermostat remotely from an internet-enabled device.
  • Energy Savings: You should be able to both heat and cool your home with great efficiency. Using a smart thermostat is a step in the right direction. Track energy use and make the tweaks necessary to cut down on the heating and cooling bills that you encounter. Call to discuss available thermostats.
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How to Prepare for the Coldest Time of the Year

Whether you love skiing and are anxiously anticipating the coming winter season, or you are bracing with trepidation for your least favorite time of the year, there is no denying that winter is well on its way. That is why you must take all necessary steps right now in preparing for the coldest time of the year. We may not be able to help you sit this winter out, but we can ensure that you are able to make it through the coldest of seasons in relative comfort. Consider the following tips, and remember to schedule your heating services in Windsor, CO with the pros here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Test Run Your System

First and foremost, we encourage our customers to test their heating systems prior to the point at which they’ll really need them. The last thing that you want is to turn on your heating system when the temperature plummets, only to find that it really is not working up to your deservedly high standards. By running your system before the winter is really underway, you’ll have an idea of its performance quality.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Remember, just because you’ve tested your system and it appears to be running, there is no guarantee that it is running as efficiently or effectively as it possibly can. Even if you think your system is doing just fine, you really do have to schedule routine heating maintenance on an annual basis. That way, every component in your system will be functioning properly and you can rely on it to satisfy your heating needs.

Don’t Put Off Your Installation or Replacement

If you are having a home completed and need a heater installed therein, don’t wait for winter to start before having it done. Heating technicians only get busier the closer the winter weather gets. Also, don’t roll the dice with an old, unreliable system. Sure, you may want to get one last season out of your old heater. Is it really worth being without a heating source due to a system breakdown, though? If you’re thinking about installing a new heater or replacing an existing system, then ours is the number to dial.

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Things to Know about Installing a Ductless Mini Split System

Late spring is a time when many people choose to have new installation of home comfort systems. Getting rid of an aging heater or air conditioner is one of the ultimate forms of “spring cleaning”; it makes for good planning to have the work done during this slower season for HVAC professionals and to prepare for the next period of extreme temperatures.

Among your options for spring air conditioning installation in Windsor, CO, you might have considered a ductless mini split heat pump. Perhaps you’re not sure if such a system will work for you, or what extra benefit you’ll receive. We’ll give you some pertinent information about ductless systems to help you with making a choice.

You will need professional assistance when choosing new installation. Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, where we’ve helped heat and cool homes since 1924.

We’ll help you narrow down your choices and find out if a ductless mini split heat pump is your ideal system for this summer and the many after it.

What you need to know about ductless mini split installation

  • It may need assistance in winter: Although you will have summer on your mind when you have a heat pump installed in spring, keep in mind that heat pumps perform the dual function of cooling and heating. If you invest in a ductless system, you’re investing in year-round comfort. Because heat pumps can struggle during extremely low winter temperatures, you may need to have a hybrid system installed with a backup furnace that uses natural gas or propane. All the cautions regarding a heat pump also apply to a ductless system.
  • It works bests for new construction and old homes: If you already have a ventilation network in your home, a ductless mini split may not be the right installation for you; a standard heat pump will hook up and work just as well. However, if you are building a new home, adding on a room, or live in an old home without room for ducts, then ductless mini split heat pumps are often the best of all choices. Bypassing ducts saves you space and allows you to put in an air conditioning system far more powerful than a window unit.
  • It offers zone control: This is one of the major advantages of ductless mini split heat pumps: you can control the temperature separately around the house. Since ductless systems use blower units mounted on walls to send air directly into rooms, you can control which rooms receive cool air (or warm air), You don’t need to cool down rooms that no one is using, which will add up to large savings on your utility bills.

Our air experts in air conditioning installation in Windsor, CO will help you decide if a ductless system will do the job for your home. Whatever system you decide to install this spring, let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning handle the hard work for you.

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The Dangers of Ignoring Problems with Your Air Conditioner

When we mention the dangers that can come from ignoring air conditioning problems, we thankfully don’t mean “physical dangers.” Where a malfunctioning gas-powered heating system like a furnace or a boiler can create serious hazards, air conditioners are very rarely dangerous when they have repair needs. (There’s a small possibility of electrical shocks and fires from bad wiring, but this is no different than other electrical appliances in your home.)

No, the dangers we want to address here are the dangers to your comfort and budget. When your home’s air conditioner begins to act up, you can’t simply allow the problem to slide because summer and the big heat haven’t arrived yet. Call up a company like Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for air conditioning repair in Windsor, CO the moment you know you have repair issues.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to arrange professional air conditioning repair in Windsor, CO. We have 24-hour emergency service available for the most urgent problems.

Things that could go wrong because of neglected repairs:

Loss of cooling power

Even a small problem in an air conditioner, like a fan running at half-speed, will lead to a drop in the cooling power of the system. Maybe you can tolerate this during spring weather, but when summer arrives you’ll be uncomfortable until you can get a technician out to remedy the issue.

Elevated electrical bills

Let’s say you hear odd noises coming from the air conditioner’s cabinet, or strange smells from the vents. Something’s wrong… but you haven’t noticed any change in temperature from the AC, so you let it go. But that apparently “harmless” malfunction is likely costing you extra money. The stress put on the system will make it work harder, and subsequently drain more power. Have repairs done right away so you won’t affect your budget.

The risk of a full breakdown

The longer an air conditioner runs with a malfunction, the worse the malfunction will become, and the additional stress will cause other components to wear down. This puts your AC at risk of a complete breakdown—which will probably happen on the first blazing hot day of the year, when you’ll demand the most work from it. Breakdowns are not only inconvenient, they are expensive to repair. In a worst case scenario, you may have to replace the broken air conditioner—which is the most costly “repair” of all.

You can avoid these situations with prompt, professional air conditioning repair in Windsor, CO. You should also sign up for our maintenance program to tune-up and adjust your AC for the summer. We’ll catch any hidden repair problems early and put you on the right track for a cool summer.

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Common Heating Repairs for the End of Winter

It’s finally spring, although that does not guarantee us that we have seen the last of the frigid weather blow through northern Colorado. Still, the end of the regular season for your furnace is now in sight, and soon you’ll think more about the cooling comfort of your air conditioning than the workings of your gas or electric furnace.

So before your mind turns to summer days, take care of any repairs your furnace may need. You don’t want the system to go into its summer hibernation with any malfunctions, since that may mean an ugly surprise on the first cold day of the fall. Timely repairs are key to receiving a long life from your furnace.

Call the experienced team at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning when your home is in need of a heating repair service in Windsor, CO for the end of winter:

  • Replace broken heating elements: This applies to electric furnaces, which use an array of electrically-powered heating elements to raise the temperature of the air the blower sends out into the ducts. Electric furnaces have more than one heating element, and more come on as demand requires. If one burns out, it will reduce the furnace’s heating power. It’s easy to let this repair go when you don’t ned as much heat at the end of winter, but you should have technicians replace the broken element as soon as possible before you suddenly need all the heating elements turning on.
  • Clean the burner: For gas furnaces, the burner must remain clean or else the gas jets will not receive sufficient oxygen to light. This will either reduce heating power or cause the burners to be unable to light at all. For proper cleaning, the burner must be detached from the gas line first, and this requires the work of a professional.
  • Replace worn motors/motor bearings: After a hard winter of work, the motors that run the blower and the fans in the air handler can start to wear down and lose the lubrication that allows them to operate smoothly. If dust has started to get into the cabinet, the problem will grow even worse. If you hear screeching sounds or grinding noises from the furnace, call for professionals to inspect the system to see if motors or motor bearings need replacement.

Rely on Professionals

Any furnace requires an experienced professional to repair it—especially a gas furnace, which poses a significant danger of carbon monoxide exposure and explosions if handled inexpertly. Don’t take any chances with a furnace due for repairs: call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, where we’ve tended to furnaces since 1934. Give us a call today to set up your next service appointment.

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