Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Plumbing

Water Heater Loveland CO

Are you toying with the idea of getting a new water heater for your home? If you are, then you’ve found the right blog here today. Your water heater works hard in your household. It’s one of the only appliances you’re using in a high capacity on a daily basis. You’re doing quite a lot with your water heater. You need it to shower, bathe, wash your hands, wash the dishes, and even wash your clothes.

If you’re trying to make sure that your home stays in good condition, then we suggest staying on top of your water heater services. One way of doing this is by knowing exactly when to upgrade. We understand that this can be somewhat of a tricky process in your home. If you want a great water heater in Loveland, CO, then we’re prepared to help you with our expertise. 

The Signs That You Need a New Water Heater

Let’s determine once and for all if you need a new water heater. Here are a few of the signs:

  • The Age of Your Water Heater: Your water heater can last you about 10-15 years. Once you start to push the unit past this point, you’re going to notice troubles with your operation. This is why it’s a great idea to get a new unit when necessary.
  • Low Water Output: Have you noticed a reduction in your home’s water heater output? This is a sign that your water heater can’t keep up with demand. It’s also a sign that it should be upgraded.
  • Rusty Water: Rust or any other type of debris in your water happens because there’s debris in your water heater system. We’ll help you with this.
  • Rising Bills Without Clear Cause: are you noticing that your water bill continues to rise without clear cause? This rising water heater bill is a sign of inefficiency. This can be handled with the help of our professionals.

Tank or Tankless?

Once you get to the point where you realize that you need a new water heater, the next step is to determine whether you’d like to go tank or tankless. Both systems are great. The determining factor is really what your home needs individually. We’ll go through the benefits of both systems to help you decide what’s best for you.

Tank water heaters are great if you have lots of people in your household or you just use lots of water. Tank water heaters are great for this because they keep a reservoir of hot water on standby at all times. These systems are also reliable and effective.

Tankless water heaters are great if you’re looking for an efficient, eco-friendly, and effective way to keep your home in shape. Tankless water heaters are great because you’ll never run out of hot water. Tankless water heaters are an “on-demand” system. This means that it creates hot water right when you need it. You’ll never run out of hot water or worry about standby heat loss.

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

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Drain Cleaning Loveland CO

Your home’s plumbing is one of the most important functional aspects of your home. There’s little way around this reality. No one understands the importance of plumbing better than our team members. We make sure that each one of our technicians is educated enough to help you with everything you need.

If you’re looking for someone to handle your kitchen plumbing, gas piping, or even drain cleaning in Loveland, CO, then you can count on the professionals here. We’re going to give you a crash course in everything we do today. If you’d like more detail or like to talk about these services concerning your home specifically, then we’re available to help you. 

What We Do

We pride ourselves on the range of our plumbing services. Here are a few things that we do.

Plumbing Repair

Sometimes things are going to go awry with your plumbing system. It’s bound to happen. Your plumbing system is vast, you rely on it daily, and it’s typically in your home for a considerable amount of time. If you notice that you’re springing leaks or running into other plumbing issues, then we suggest that you start here.

Bathroom Plumbing

Your bathroom might not be the most glamorous part of your home, but it is a vital area. This is why you should have impeccable plumbing here. We’re here to assist with everything you need including cosmetic upgrades, clog removals, or other services.

Kitchen Plumbing

Your kitchen plumbing is going to need care as well. We’re here to provide plumbing for everything in this space.

Gas Piping

Gas piping is something that you always want to leave to a professional. We can handle it for you. We know how to safely install pipes for you.

New Construction Plumbing

We know that the brand-new installation of a plumbing system might feel a little intimidating. We can make sure that your new construction plumbing is as accessible as possible for you.

Repiping

It’s important for you to repipe your entire home when it’s necessary. We can help you determine when this is and help you transition from your current piping system to a brand new one.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump is the best thing you can have in your home to protect it. Having a sump pump in your home is a preventative measure. If you don’t have a good one backed by quality service, then you’re not really protecting your home. We want to help get you the right work. Get in contact with us for what you need.

Drain Cleaning

Have you ever noticed that your drains start to move slowly over time? Maybe you’re also battling issues with unpleasant scents and other drain-related issues. If these are issues that you’re facing, then we want to help you bypass them. Drain cleaning is the best way to do this. Make sure that you get a qualified plumber on your team to perform the work.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning is the company you can trust for your home’s plumbing services. We’re big enough to serve but small enough to care.

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Kitchen Plumbing

The two heavy hitters when it comes to your homes plumbing are bathroom plumbing and kitchen plumbing. Today, we’re going to focus on the heart of the home—your kitchen!

Your kitchen plumbing is important for the health and functionality of your home. You shouldn’t discount the importance of something like this. If you need a good plumber in Loveland, CO, then we’re here to help you with what you need. We’ve got a few tips for your kitchen plumbing today, but we always have quality service for you as well.

A Few Things You Can Do

Here are a few things you can do to help your home’s kitchen plumbing:

1.      Avoid FOG at All Costs

“FOG” stands for fat, oil, and grease. FOG is something that you never want to go down the drain. This is because FOG might slip down your drain as a liquid, but with a little time, FOG will settle and become sludge.

This sludge is a problem. It becomes a breeding ground for further clogs. Make sure that you take a moment to put these substances in the trash can rather than down the drain. Your garbage disposal can’t handle these types of substances. Sparing your drain of these substances will save you time and money.

2.      Know What Can Go

FOG isn’t the only thing you should avoid when it comes to your kitchen sink. You should invest in a drain strainer for your kitchen sink. Seeds, pits, and pithy food products can all be a problem for your drain. Knowing what to avoid will save you from a plumbing problem in the future.

3.      Don’t Go For Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical drain cleaners are the worst when it comes to your home’s drain cleaning services. Chemical drain cleaners might get rid of the problem right away, but it’s going to cause more damage with time.

Chemical drain cleaners are effective… a little too effective. It’s because the drain cleaner is so caustic that it can eat through a clog and then start corroding your drain itself. We know that a chemical drain cleaner might seem like a fast and cheap way out, but it’s actually going to cause you more problems with time.

4.      Invest in Maintenance

It’s worthwhile to invest in maintenance every single year. Maintenance helps you avoid repair problems and breakdowns. It also makes your plumbing efficiency all that it can be. Our team members can take care of you. Contact us to learn more today.

5.      Spring for Upgrades

If you get the base work of your kitchen plumbing down, you should consider springing for upgrades. Spring is the season for everything new. Consider pulling the trigger on purchasing those new faucets or investing in that farmhouse sink that you’ve always wanted.

We can help you find the right appliances and fixtures from great brands. We’ve got the expertise you need to find things that match your home’s needs.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your kitchen plumbing services. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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Drain Cleaning

Spring is here and cleaning is on everyone’s mind. This is the time of year where you’re thinking about cleaning all those nooks and crannies, opening up your windows to let in some warm air, and starting new. Have you given any thought to your plumbing? We’re not here to shame you if you haven’t. Your plumbing is that one area that tends to take a backseat. We’re here today to pull it into the spotlight.

Taking care of your home’s plumbing system is one way to make things much easier for your home. If you don’t know where to start with this care, we’d suggest starting with a drain cleaning in Loveland, CO. Let’s talk about the details below.

Why Clean Your Drains?

Are you wondering why you should even clean your drains? It’s a common question.

The answer is because build-up creates inefficiency within your plumbing system. It can even lead to problems with your home’s health. Back-up creates clogs and sluggish drains. These problems can further snowball into issues like standing water that leads to mold and mildew, foul odors, and unhygienic conditions across your home.

“Do I Need a Drain Cleaning?”

There are signs that point to a need for urgent drain cleaning:

  • Gurgling Sounds: You wash your hands and your sink gurgles for a while after. This is a sign that there is some type of debris within your home’s drains.
  • Clogging: You’re frequently battling against clogs. If clogs seem to happen on a routine basis, then the problem wasn’t solved at its source. Inefficient plumbing work can leave debris in your drain that contributes to more clogs.
  • Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are actually a sign that you have debris in your drains. Don’t stress yourself out trying to keep all your fruit in your fridge or cleaning your counters incessantly. The debris that they’re attracted to is in your drains.
  • You’re Reliant on Drain Cleaner: You can go more than a few months without running out to the store to buy a chemical drain cleaner. It’s not a good sign that you’re struggling with sluggish pipes. The chemical drain cleaner could actually be eating away at your pipes and making it much worse.
  • Standing Water: Are your sinks constantly full of standing water? This is a clear sign that your drains are struggling. A clean foundation can make them much easier to work with.

Professional Service Is Best

You don’t want to trust an amateur for your home services. We understand that amateurs promise a lot, but the reality is that they can’t deliver what a professional can. Professional service is important because it provides quality and longevity. We’re big on both of these things. We make sure that our quality is up to par across the board. This includes tools, team members, and expertise. This contributes to the longevity that you receive on your end. Quality work yields quality results that last you years to come.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our team members today.

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bathroom plumbing

We know that you’re in the spirit of spring cleaning. Once you get your home sparkling and spotless, you might take things a step further and do a little home improvement. Your bathroom is a great place to start with this. Your bathroom isn’t necessarily the sexiest or most exciting space, but it is a space that’s completely vital.

We have the plumbers in Fort Collins, CO that you need. We’re going to walk you through what you need to know about your bathroom plumbing today. We want to help you improve your bathroom plumbing this season.

What You Should Do

Here are a few things you can do this spring to help your bathroom:

Get a Drain Strainer

Drain strainers aren’t just for your kitchen sink! They can be a saving grace in your home’s bathroom too. When you wash your hair in the shower or dye your hair over the sink, there are stray hairs that can make their way down your drain. This is why you should invest in a shower strainer and a strainer for your home’s sink. This will help you avoid clogs, and it will make your home’s bathroom more efficient.

Check for Leaks

Checking for leaks is pretty simple. You just need to take the time to slow down and be observant when you’re in your bathroom. You should couple with being proactive if you do notice problems. Also take note of things like mold, peeling paint, and the sound of running water in your home. These are all things that can happen as a consequence of undetected leaks in your bathroom.

Clean Your Drains

We’re going to talk more about this in our next blog, but you should have your drains cleaned regularly. Winter can be a little hard on your drains. Cold weather tends to exacerbate your home’s plumbing problems. Spring is a great opportunity for you to clean up your home’s drains before the warm weather comes around.

Upgrade Your Appliances

Spring can be the perfect time for you to upgrade your home’s appliances. If you’ve got an old toilet, a sink that doesn’t cut it, or even a showerhead that you’re not in love with, take now as the time to swap it out. You should love everything about your space. Invest in your comfort this spring.

Bonus: Give It a Makeover!

If you want to give your home’s bathroom a little bit of a facelift, you can start with a little temporary tiling. We know that sometimes you want to give your bathroom a different feel. You can do this without a complete overhaul with some temporary flooring. You can put it down yourself over the span of a weekend. It floats right over your bathroom’s current flooring. You can even do this to your backsplash if you have this in your bathroom.

The temporary nature of this gives you freedom. Give yourself the room to pick a funky or colorful pattern and experiment.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our team members.

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water hammer

If we asked you to describe your home’s plumbing in a few words, what would you choose? Efficient, effective, and… loud? The last one isn’t a good one. Your home’s plumbing should be quiet. Yes, there are some noises that you might notice when it’s really quiet in your home early in the morning or even in the middle of the night… you shouldn’t notice much else though.

When it comes to your plumbing in Loveland, CO, you can schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re here to handle that odd thumping noise that’s plaguing your home. Our professionals are helpful above all else. Refer to us when you need high-quality work.

What Is Water Hammer?

First, let’s talk about what water hammer is. The sound of it is a loud banging coming from your home’s pipes. You might hear the sound coming from your walls, in your ceiling, or even in your floors. You might hear this referred to as hydraulic shock if you start talking to HVAC professionals.

This is something that you’re going to notice. Don’t think that you’re experiencing water hammer if you have to ask what you’re hearing. Water hammer is loud, distinctive, and disruptive. We want to help you figure things out. So now, let’s talk about why this is happening…

Why Is This Happening?

Are you wondering why this is happening? Well, it’s caused by an increase in pressure that has nowhere to go when a faucet, valve, or any other water appliance is shut off. The offset of this a loud, disruptive metal pounding noise. There are a few things that might cause this:

  • Loose pipes
  • High water pressure
  • Water in your air chambers
  • A failing appliance

When you hear something, you’re going to need to say something. We meet a lot of homeowners who notice that something is going on pretty early on, but allow it to go on for a while because they think it isn’t dire. We’re going to help you figure out everything that’s going on and fix it fast.

How To Fix It

Now, let’s talk about how you can go about fixing this.

The first step in fixing the water hammer actually doesn’t start with figuring out the source of your trouble. It starts with finding the right team to handle your issues. Try to find a team that’s licensed, trained, and insured in everything plumbing-related. Your plumbing problems aren’t something that you should trust an amateur with. The stakes are high.

The thing about plumbing work is that the wrong plumbing services can turn to water damage in your home. Don’t try to cut corners when it comes to the initial costs of your home’s plumbing work. You’re only going to end up paying much more later on. Trust us. Our professionals can help you find the work that you’re looking for. You can trust our professional team to take care of you.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care. We’re the company you can trust. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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water heater

In truth, we can’t answer this question directly in this post. Why not?

It’s not because we don’t know our stuff, obviously. When you’re looking for a plumber in Loveland, CO, you know we’re the company to trust.

No, it’s because there is no one type of water heater that is right for every home or every homeowner.

What we can do in this post is to help you better understand both the pros and the cons of tank and tankless water heaters. That way, you can make an educated decision for yourself.  And, of course, you can always reach out to a member of our team with any questions that you may have.

So keep the following in mind, and let us know if you’re ready to invest in a new water heater for your home!

 

1. Initial Cost

The first thing that most homeowners are going to look at when investing in any new system for their homes is the price tag associated with those systems. And that price tag is what can send some budget-minded homeowners running to the tank water heater section.

There’s no getting around it. A tankless water heater is going to cost more to purchase.

That’s important phrasing, though. Because, yes, the upfront cost of a tankless water heater is more than a tank water heater. Much more, depending upon which models of each system you’re looking at. It’s also important that you keep in mind how long you plan to be in your home, because this brings us right into our next point.

2. System Lifespan

If you’re going to be in your home for the foreseeable future, and you’re the type of homeowner that likes to hang on to the items you purchase for as long as possible, then a tankless water heater definitely might make the most sense for you.

Your average tank water heater is likely going to last you about 12 years. Some go longer, of course, but that’s the average.

A tankless water heater, on the other hand, will typically last to—and beyond—20 years of age. That’s impressive, and it only grows more impressive when you consider this lifespan as it relates to our next point.

3. Energy Efficiency

This is the big one. Because tankless water heaters do not use hot water tanks to store water—they heat water in an on-demand fashion, instead—they aren’t subject to standby energy loss.

What’s that?

When you store hot water in a tank, some of that heat will inevitably transfer through the tank and into the cooler air surrounding it. Now, modern hot water tanks are more efficient than ever before. And they can be further insulated with insulating jacket materials. But, with the extensive lifespan of the tankless water heater, serious energy savings over additional years or projected lifespan can result in long-term returns, even if the initial investment is higher.

Have questions? We’re here to help!

Schedule your water heater services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.

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3 Easy Ways to Protect Plumbing

We are writing this post on a sunny Friday morning in Loveland. It may be mid-January, but the weather isn’t too cold. In fact, it’s going to be a pretty warm day! Nearly 50 degrees! Not too bad, right?

Of course, currently it is only 19 degrees, which brings us to the point of this post.

Don’t get complacent.

Sure, we’ve got some warm and sunny days on the radar. But we’ve also got some cold nights and mornings ahead, as well. Just because the temperature is pleasant during the day doesn’t mean your pipes aren’t still at risk of freezing.

Keep these tips in mind to protect your plumbing in Loveland, CO, this winter.

1. Insulate Pipes and Hose Bibs

This is one of the simplest ways in which you can protect your pipes throughout the coldest time of the year. When temperatures drop, water can freeze inside pipes and outdoor hose bibs. As most of you will recall from science classes way back when—water expands when it freezes.

And that spells trouble for pipes!

If any water in your pipes freezes, and it expands enough, it can cause pipes to burst. That can lead to extensive damage, not just to your pipes but to your property at large. The last thing you want to wake up to on a winter morning is a flooded basement.

Insulating pipes with cheap, easy to install sleeves is a breeze. Covering hose bibs with insulating caps after shutting off the water to those outlets is also a great precautionary measure. A simple online order or a (safe) trip to the local hardware store can save you a major headache and expense this winter.

2. The Ol’ Trickle Trick

We know people shy away from this, and we understand why. You don’t want to waste water that you’re paying for.  You want to be environmentally-friendly. Both great arguments.

But, if you’ve had issues with freezing pipes in the past, you’ll understand that this isn’t wasting water. It’s using it for preventative purposes.

When you keep even a tiny trickle of water moving through taps, you’re helping to keep water from freezing in those pipes. Yes, you’re paying for it, but reserve the practice for very cold temps, and you can avoid an even heftier pipe repair bill.

3. Allow for Airflow

This one is maybe the easiest of all, though it may make your home a bit unkempt when in practice.

Have pipes passing under cabinetry, or behind closet doors?

Open them up.

These spaces may be uninsulated, and they may be a lot colder than your living space. Opening doors and drawers can help to facilitate airflow around these pipes.  That can go a long way toward keeping water flowing through them reliably.

Of course, even the most careful homeowners can’t avoid plumbing problems 100% of the time. That’s why you should have our number stored right in your phone. Make us your go-to plumbing service!

Schedule your plumbing services with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.

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drain cleaning

With the holidays coming up, and the additional cooking and cleaning that come along with them, you can count on your drains taking a beating. It can be tough to ensure that nothing that shouldn’t go down your drains actually doesn’t go down your drains—especially when you’ve got extra help in the kitchen. But the holidays are not the only time you should be thinking about your drains. They’re also not the only time when things go wrong.

Today, we’ll talk a bit about what can cause drain problems. We’ll also talk about why you should really leave the resolution of those problems to the professionals. We know, we know. They sell drain cleaners at the hardware store. But we also know that that’s not the quick-fix that so many people seem to believe. In truth, nothing beats a good drain cleaning from a professional plumber in Loveland, CO.

 

What Clogs Drains?

So. Many. Things.

We spoke about the kitchen dilemma up above. Failure to drain off fat and grease, or putting starchy materials that can absorb water and swell up down the drain, often account for kitchen drain clogs. However, there is also the bathroom. That’s where hair winds up in the tub drain, where parents mistakenly flush baby wipes, etc.

Put covers over your drains, empty them regularly, and make sure that everyone in your house, resident or visitor, knows the expectations when it comes to your plumbing system. It may seem intrusive to tell someone not to flush wipes or to put rice in the garbage disposal, but it’s a heck of a lot better than needing professional plumbing services!

Why Is Professional Drain Cleaning the Way to Go?

Two reasons. It’s the most effective way to handle the issue, and it can give your plumber the chance to recognize more serious problems brewing. We aren’t saying that you’re not allowed to try and plunge your toilet or anything. That’s totally within reason. However, if you can clear a clog with that simple procedure, you should really stop and think before dumping a bunch of harsh chemicals down the drain—or trying to snake out the drain yourself.

Those harsh chemicals are not easy on the environment or on your plumbing system. And they will most likely just clear enough of the clog to allow the cleanser to pass through. That leaves enough behind that the problem will probably pop back up before long, anyway. And if you try and snake the drain out yourself, you may well just force that snake through the clog. Again, that may give the illusion of having solved the problem, but it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with it again.

Let Us Clean Your Drains the Right Way

Our professional plumbers have the tools and training that they need to get your drains cleaned out properly. That way, you won’t have to worry about what’s left behind or how much time you’re buying yourself. Yes, it’s a professional service that comes with a charge, but you’ll be saving money in the long run thanks to the lasting results that a professional provides.

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

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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.

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