Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Month: April 2018

AC Problems

Okay, we will be the first to admit that today’s topic is a bit of a downer. After all, things are just starting to warm back up after another cold, lingering winter season. Why jump straight to AC problems? Well, we aren’t. And that’s the point. Today, we’re going to be talking about how you can help to avoid running into those problems. No, there are no guarantees that you’ll never need repairs—quite the opposite, actually, as eventual repairs are a certainty.

That does not mean that you just have to wait around and invite them into your life, though! So keep the following tips in mind, and we’ll help you to keep the need for AC repair in Loveland, CO at bay for as long as possible. An added benefit? These tips are not just going to minimize the risk of running into problems with your air conditioner. They’ll actually help you to enjoy a better cooling experience as well.

 

1. Change Your Air Filter

Seriously, that’s your advice? How does that prevent damage to my air conditioner? There is a common misconception regarding the standard air filters in HVAC systems that they are there to protect indoor air quality throughout the house. In truth, these filters are far too inefficient to do that. Their primary function is instead to protect your HVAC equipment itself.

When an air filter is too dirty, however, it creates a lot of airflow resistance. As a result, your HVAC system is going to wind up using more energy than it normally would in order to maintain comfortable temperatures throughout your home. In ACs and heat pumps, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow enough to lead to icing on the evaporator coil. The result? You pay more for a lesser cooling experience, while the wear and tear can cause the system to overheat and suffer operational damages.

2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Again, you may doubt the veracity of this claim. How exactly does a clean outdoor AC unit help to protect the system’s overall condition? Well, think about this—those fins on that outdoor unit are there to help the system disperse heat into the air outside. If that ability is limited,  then the system is in trouble.

Issues like grass clippings and other yard waste adhering to the case of the unit, or even branches and leaves falling into the top of the unit, can definitely take a toll over time. Every now and then, particularly after a big storm or following up your yard work, do a quick visual check of this unit. It can really pay off in the long run.

3. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Okay, if you did not see this one coming then chances are that you’re not a regular reader of our blog. We’re always advocating for routine AC maintenance. Why? Because it truly is the most effective means to protect your air conditioning system. It allows our technicians to address any existing problems, discover developing ones, and make sure your system is in the excellent condition necessary to excel in its overall performance.

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

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HVAC System Masonville, CO

No, absolutely not. It is a common misconception, though. There is an idea floating around out there that when you want a job done right, you turn to the biggest, most powerful solution you can find to get it done. Just like you wouldn’t drop a huge engine into a small car or outfit a large sailboat with a bath towel on the mast, however, you shouldn’t put an inappropriately sized heating or cooling system into your home. A system that is too small may seem more obviously problematic, but too large is really no better.

Today, we are going to go over some of the reasons why oversized HVAC systems are really no good. Even if you invest in the best system on the market from one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry, it is only going to meet, let alone exceed, your expectations if it is appropriately sized for the property in question. That is why you should work with our team—we’re one of the most trusted HVAC contractors in Masonville, CO and the surrounding areas.

 

You Are Immediately Wasting Money

As you might imagine, larger HVAC systems capable of handling higher heating and cooling loads are more expensive than similar, but smaller, systems. The bigger the air conditioner or heater, the bigger the price tag. And you know what? For every bit of extra power that you invest in despite not really needing it, the bigger the mistake that you are making. Why? Because you’re throwing money right down the drain.

To determine the appropriate size of an air conditioner or heater for your home, a heating or cooling load calculation must be completed. This will tell your technician what size of AC or heater is necessary for cooling your house. It’s not just a matter of looking at square footage, either, so don’t think you can figure it out on your own. By purchasing only as much heating and/or cooling power as you need, you are making a smart investment in both your comfort and finances.

You Are Putting Your System and Your Comfort in Jeopardy

“Well, at least with an oversized system I’ll know for certain that my house will be comfortable, right?” Wrong again! Yes, an oversized air conditioner will be able to cool your home, and an oversized heater will heat it, too. But it can do so too quickly. When that happens, the system is going to wind up short cycling. It will start up, adjust temperatures too fast, and cycle back down. Then repeat the process. Over and over.

With an AC, this interruption of the regular cooling cycle means the system won’t deal with humidity as effectively as it would when running in even, regular cycles. It also means your HVAC system is going to drain energy, as it takes more of it to start a system up than to keep it running. Plus, the added strain on the system caused by all that starting and stopping increases the risks of encountering operational problems. Trust us, it is always best to make sure that your system is the right fit for your home.

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

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3 Tips for a Successful AC Installation

Now that it is April, a lot of us are looking forward to the warmer weather that comes along with the summer season. It isn’t quite here yet, but you’ll be forgiven for letting your mind wander to it. After all, we did just make it through another long and cold stretch of winter. Even those of us who love the snow and winter weather the most are ready for a change of pace.

Since you are thinking about the onset of summer anyway, we figured that this is a great time to bring your attention back to your air conditioning system. You’ll be needing it soon enough. Are you thinking about scheduling an air conditioning installation in Loveland, CO this year? If so, then you want to do everything possible to ensure the installation of this system is a resounding success. Here are some tips for doing just that. Read on, and contact us with any questions you may have.

 

Work Out Your Budget Ahead of Time

For most homeowners, purchasing and installing a new whole-house cooling system represents a pretty major investment. You want to get the most for your money when investing in a new AC, but you also want to keep your expenses manageable. That is where developing a budget ahead of time really benefits you.

The more features it has and the higher its efficiency, the more expensive any air conditioning system is going to be. Now, you don’t want to go out and purchase the cheapest air conditioner that you can just because it’s cheap. By creating a budget to work within, though, you’re helping our team ensure that your money is going toward the right places for your particular goals and preferences.

Review All Available Options

Okay, so you’ve always used a central air conditioner in the past. That’s all well and good, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to continue using a traditional split central AC. There are a lot of different systems out there, and you may find one that better suits your needs.

We install air-source heat pumps as well, for instance. We also install ductless mini split systems, which are a great way to retrofit a whole-house system into an existing property that doesn’t already have ductwork installed. We also have the expertise necessary to help you navigate this terrain in order to guarantee your 100% satisfaction with the system that you wind up with.

Schedule Your Installation with Qualified Professionals

We hope that this goes without saying, but even some “professional” outfits do not do the most professional job when it comes to installing a whole-house cooling system. This is a common project, but that doesn’t mean it is simple or minor.

Working with us means that working with experienced and professional technicians backed by a company with a well-deserved reputation for excellence. We’ll size and design your system to fit perfectly in your home, and we’ll integrate it into your property properly every step of the way. Let us know when you are ready to take your cooling experience to the next level.

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

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