Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Month: June 2019

Great Water Heater

We know that water heaters may not be the most exciting investment in the world. A new family vehicle, for instance, might be something you’d anticipate more than a new water heater. That being said, the fact remains that your water heater is not going to last forever. You’ll need to replace it at some point—but with what? Another system capable of heating water for use throughout your home, yes, but what kind of system?

If you’re looking into your water heater options, then chances are that you’ve seen the two major one out there: tank and tankless systems. Today we’ll be turning to our expert plumbers in Windsor, CO, to help you determine which water heater is right for your needs. First, we’ll give you some background information on how these systems work, what sets them apart, and the pros and cons of each. Then, you simply need to contact us with any questions that you may have!

Eliminating Standby Energy Loss

This is really what it all comes down to. If your major interest in heating water is doing so as efficiently as possible, then it really is difficult to argue with a tankless water heater. Why? Because when you take the tank out of the equation, you also take the standby energy loss out of the equation.

Standby energy loss occurs when heat in the water heater by your water heater and stored in its tank transfers through that tank and into the air surrounding it. Heat is always going to move from hotter environments to cooler ones, remember.

When that happens, your water heater essentially winds up reheating water that it’s already heated. It may not be starting from scratch with cold water brought in through the main water line, as it would if you drained your tank, but it really adds up over time.

So Tankless Is Better?

Sure, in some cases—just as tank water heaters are better in others. One thing that you’ll notice is that tankless water heaters cost much more than tank models do. In the long run, they’re worth it. They last substantially longer than tank models do, and the improved energy efficiency plus the long lifespan can spell long-term savings.

However, some people just don’t want to spend the money up front, particularly if they’re not going to be in their home for many years to reap the benefits. There is also the factor of just how much hot water you use, and how much you use all at once.

A tankless water heater doesn’t heat water instantaneously, but it does do so on-demand. However, if you’re trying to take a hot shower while also running the dishwasher and the washing machine, the tankless system may be overwhelmed in scenarios that a properly sized tank water heater could handle. You can use more than one tankless system if you have a very high capacity household, but again: cost.

It’s a lot to think about, but we’re here to answer any questions you may have.

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

Twitter

 Refrigerant Leaks

We’re the company that locals call when they need an HVAC company in Loveland, CO, that they know they can trust. We’ve seen and done it all when it comes to AC repairs over the years. There’s still one AC problem that can send chills down our spine—though it won’t do anything to help your AC chill your home! That problem is the refrigerant leak, and it is a very serious problem indeed.

Your air conditioner shouldn’t run out of refrigerant. It shouldn’t need a refrigerant top-off at any point. That refrigerant loop is supposed to be a closed system. Low levels typically mean that there is a leak present, and that is a job that only a trained, experienced technician can handle. We’ll find the leak, we’ll seal the leak, and we’ll make sure that your refrigerant charge is right back up to where it should be.

 

What Is the Function of Refrigerant?

Cooling your home. No, really. We’re not being snarky. Without refrigerant, your air conditioner doesn’t cool, period. And no, refrigerant isn’t some mystical fluid that remains cold at all times and allows your AC to maintain comfortable temperatures.

What refrigerant actually is is an incredibly effective heat transfer fluid. This is due in large part to the fact that it changes between liquid and gaseous states so easily. Refrigerant evaporates in your AC’s evaporator coil, which draws heat out of the air in your home. Then it is condensed in your condenser coil outdoors. That allows the heat to be released outside. The process just repeats until desired temperatures are met.

Low Charge? Big Issue

If you have a refrigerant leak, even a tiny one, your AC is going to suffer. The lower the refrigerant charge, and the more you run your system, the worse off your air conditioner is. That’s a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy, too. Your AC won’t be as effective with a low refrigerant charge, so it is inherently going to run harder.

This leads to insufficient cooling. It drives up energy costs, as more electricity is used by your AC to achieve subpar results. Your air conditioner incurs unnecessary wear and tear, meaning that the risk of operational problems is greatly increased. It can also cause short cycling, icing on the coil that creates an insulating barrier, and a lot more.

Contact Us If You Run Into Trouble

You cannot afford to wait when it comes to resolving problems with refrigerant leaks in your air conditioning system. The longer that you do, the more likely it becomes that your system will be irrevocably damaged. An AC that is forced to run on a low refrigerant charge can suffer compressor failure, all but guaranteeing the need for replacement.

If your system isn’t cooling your home effectively, if operating costs skyrocket, or if you notice your system running in short bursts, dial our number right away. We’ll get to the bottom of the problem.

Schedule your AC services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust.

Twitter

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Search

Archive

Archive

Categories

Categories

Tags