Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tag: Air Conditioning Maintenance

Inefficient Air Conditioning

The only thing worse than paying too much to cool your home is doing so without really cooling your home that well. Even if your AC is doing a great job of cooling your house, though, high energy bills are never welcome. So what’s a person to do? Just kick their AC to the curb and spend thousands to replace it with a new, more efficient model?

Well, sure, that’s one way to handle the problem. It’s not the only way, though. Chances are that there are a few much less drastic steps that you can take to boost overall energy efficiency when cooling your home. In fact, it may be as simple a matter as changing some of your own bad habits. And if you do choose some upgrades to your system, they don’t have to be as dramatic as a full system replacement.

 

1. Dirty Air Filters

This is the most frustrating answer for some people to hear. A, because it’s so simple, and B, because it’s no one’s fault but their own! Don’t do your air conditioner a disservice. Keep a fresh filter in place, and you’ll be keeping more cash in your pockets. Wondering how a dirty filter can negatively affect air conditioning in Loveland, CO?

Airflow resistance. When a filter gets too dirty, it creates more airflow resistance than it should. And when excessive airflow resistance is created, the system has to work harder than it should have to in order to force cooled air through the house. And that means you’re paying for more energy to cool your home as a result.

2. Outdated Controls

Take a look at your wall. What does your thermostat look like? An old round dial? A rectangle with sliders on it? If so, then you are seriously due for an upgrade. We’re not trying to sell you on anything that you don’t need. The fact of the matter is that improved controls mean more precise temperature settings. More precise temperature settings mean using energy in a smarter way.

Even a basic digital thermostat is going to get you better energy efficiency. And when you actually start using basic functionality like programmability, you really start to see the savings. Plus, you enjoy greater convenience, too. Set cooling programs, cater them around your schedule, and start living more comfortably without the hassle or the high bills. We have a number of options to consider, and we’ll ensure compatibility.

3. Poor Maintenance Practices

If you are serious about enjoying an efficient, effective, and reliable performance from your AC, then you absolutely need to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance. There is nothing better that you can do for your system.

When an air conditioner is tuned up annually by qualified technicians, it is kept in the best working condition possible. And, when your system is in the best working condition possible, you can expect the best energy efficiency that it has to offer. Take advantage of our Maintenance Program.

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

Twitter

AC Tune-Up

The last thing that any homeowner wants to encounter when the heat of summer is at its worst is an air conditioner that is either broken down completely or which cannot deliver the level of performance quality needed. Unfortunately, despite not wanting these problems, many homeowners put themselves at risk of their development. How? By failing to schedule professional air conditioning maintenance before actually needing their air conditioning systems for the season. Put simply, your AC desperately needs annual tune-ups.

We’ll get more into the reasons for this below, as well as the many benefits of professional AC maintenance. First, though, think of it this way. Your train hard to complete a big footrace one year, and you do so successfully. Then you relax throughout the remainder of the year, fail to train, and try to run that same race again the next year. How do you think your body would hold up? Probably not that well, we’re guessing.

 

Running “Good Enough” Is Not Good Enough!

The biggest mistake that homeowners make regarding air conditioning maintenance is believing that their air conditioner is working at optimal levels just because it’s working, period. Keep in mind that you could probably hobble across that race’s finish line after a year of no training, but you wouldn’t perform nearly as well as you otherwise would have. Your air conditioner may be cooling your home, but it may not be doing so as successfully as it could if it were tuned up properly.

What does this mean for you and your air conditioning system? It means that your air conditioner probably won’t do as good of a job as it should in cooling your home. You may notice uneven cooling throughout your house, or even that your system is starting up and shutting down too frequently. You may also notice that, even though you’re not all that comfortable, your energy bill is higher than it has been previously. That’s another risk of lax maintenance practices—high cooling costs with subpar cooling output! Don’t pay too much for too little comfort.

Take Advantage of Our Maintenance Program

A good air conditioning maintenance program in Fort Collins, CO, is a great investment. When you enroll in our maintenance program, you don’t just get better performance quality, energy efficiency, and an extended lifespan that comes with routine maintenance. You get all of those benefits along with others exclusive to members of our program! These include perks like waived overtime fees, front of the line service, discounted repairs, and much more!

And, just in case there are DIY enthusiasts among our readers, please keep in mind that no online instructional videos are going to prepare you for the complexities of routine air conditioning maintenance. Doing a deep clean of the system, testing all electrical components (like relays), making necessary adjustments, checking refrigerant levels—this all takes the tools and training that only professional AC technicians have at their disposal.

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

Twitter

air conditioner

When the heat of summer is at its peak, you are obviously going to want your air conditioner to be up to the challenge of cooling your home effectively and reliably. That being said, you should also realize that your air conditioner is not and should not be a freezer. If you see ice on the system, particularly on the evaporator coil in the indoor unit, your response should not be “wow, my system is really keeping things cool this year!”

The truth of the matter is that ice on your air conditioner suggests that there is a problem with your system. We’ll be discussing two such problems today. One is quite simple to resolve. It is actually one of those few air conditioning problems that you can resolve on your own. The other is much more serious, and puts your system at considerable risk. If this is the case, you’ll need air conditioning repair in Loveland, CO right away.

 

It Could Mean That You Have a Refrigerant Leak

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first and foremost. If your evaporator coil is iced over, particularly if you also notice frost or ice on the refrigerant lines themselves, then you could definitely have a refrigerant leak in your system. Refrigerant plays a vital role in the air conditioning process, so this type of leak could really spell trouble for your system—potentially very expensive trouble.

Your air conditioner doesn’t consume fuel to generate coolness in the way that a heater may consume fuel to generate heat—and it doesn’t consume refrigerant at all, period! If you have a low refrigerant charge, it means that you have a leak. It could have been improperly charged at the factory or by a technician during a dry install, but that’s far less likely.

Refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator coil, which allows heat to be drawn out of the air. If there isn’t enough refrigerant, then the coil can get too cold and condensation collected on it can freeze up. Having the leak sealed and the refrigerant charged to the proper level will resolve the issue.

You May Just Need a New Filter

Before you contact us with concerns about a refrigerant leak, you should check to make sure that your air filter is not just really dirty. It sounds strange, but this could actually be the cause of a frozen evaporator coil. How? Restricted airflow.

If airflow is sufficiently restricted, the coil will get too cold as too little heat is drawn out of the air. When that happens, you guessed it: condensation freezes on the coil. This is just one of the reasons why it is so important that you keep a fresh air filter in your air conditioning system. They’re cheap, they’re easy to swap out, and they really do make a difference! Don’t let a dirty filter cause problems for you.

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

Twitter

Looking ahead at the weather forecast, you may beTechWithCondensor wondering why we are even mentioning your air conditioning system right now. No, you are not going to need to run your AC in the immediate future. However, it is not going to be much longer before the time comes to put your air conditioner back to work. If you want to ensure that your home cooling system is ready for action when you need it, then you should go ahead and schedule your routine air conditioning maintenance for the season.

It is impossible to overstate just how important it is that you schedule regular air conditioning maintenance in Timnath, CO. Only when your system is thoroughly tuned up by a qualified professional can you expect it to operate at peak performance levels. There is likely more to routine maintenance than you even realize. Count on our technicians to ensure every single step of the process is completed with care.

 

Why Can’t I Do My Own Maintenance?

Sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one. Routine air conditioning maintenance is simply beyond the skill level of even the most avid DIY enthusiast or handyman. There is no way that you can tune up your air conditioner properly on your own, unless you happen to be a professional AC technician by trade.

Now, there are a few very basic maintenance services that you can and should handle on your own. For instance, you should be changing your air filter regularly, typically every 1 to 3 months depending on how quickly it gets dirty. You can also do things like keep your outdoor condenser unit free of debris. There is much more to a full maintenance tune-up than these basic tasks, though. Following is a partial list of what we’ll do during a maintenance visit.

  1. Test and evaluate overall system operation.
  2. Clean/replace filters.
  3. Record operating temperature/pressure.
  4. Record amperage draw.
  5. Clean condenser coil.
  6. Inspect condensate drain pan and line, clean as needed.
  7. Lubricate moving parts.
  8. Check all electrical connections and components.
  9. Check refrigerant levels.

Why Is All of This Necessary?

Because a well-tuned air conditioner is simply going to outperform a poorly maintained air conditioner in every facet of its operation. When a system is routinely tuned-up, that system is going to operate more efficiently than it otherwise would, which saves you money in operating costs. It will also operate more reliably, with a reduced risk of damages and problems developing. In fact, routine maintenance can even extend equipment lifespan.

Ask About Our Energy Savings Agreement

If all of this isn’t already enough to convince you of the merits of routine air conditioning maintenance, you should also consider the fact we offer an Energy Savings Agreement to make things as simple as possible while also offering you further benefits.

As a member of our program, you get discounted rates on repairs, saving 15% should anything go wrong with your system. You will also never pay overtime costs, and you get priority customer status. We guarantee same-day service and will work to accommodate your schedule.

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

Twitter

As we inch closer and closer to the hottest time of the year, you are nearing the point when your air conditioner will be running regularly. If your home cooling system is not tuned up by a qualified professional prior to being put into action, you run the risk of a sub-par or unreliable performance from it. Hopefully you’ve been diligent in scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. If you have not yet done so this season, we strongly suggest that you consider the following benefits of AC maintenance, and call us to schedule a tune-up with a technician you can trust.

Improved Efficiency

Over the course of a cooling season, your air conditioner can accrue serious wear and tear. This makes it more difficult for it to do the job of cooling your home effectively. The tougher that it is for your system to cool your home, the more energy that it will use. This can leave you paying more money for a weaker performance from your air conditioner.

Greater Reliability

A poorly maintained air conditioner is going to be at an increased risk of developing operational problems. These problems are also most likely to develop during the hottest time of the year, when your system is working its hardest to cool your home. To avoid a period of discomfort, as well as potentially costly AC repairs, schedule routine maintenance.

Extended Lifespan

No air conditioner, not even the best maintained system, will last forever. But you can help to eliminate the risk of a premature breakdown by arranging for annual air conditioning maintenance with a technician that you can count on to keep the system in great working order. Give us a call to do just that.

Let the pros here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning handle your AC maintenance services in Wellington, CO.

Twitter

Spring is just around the corner, and that means that before long you are going to be turning to your air conditioning system once more. As temperatures begin to rise, you need to know that your air conditioner is in the great condition necessary for operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. That means that your system must be well-maintained.  Scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in Wellington, CO is the only way in which you can hope to get the very best performance that your air conditioner has to offer. Some homeowners fail to stick to a routine maintenance schedule, though, and that is when they wind up in trouble. 

The Season Doesn’t Matter As Much As Annual Completion

Some homeowners get hung up on the season in which their air conditioner is maintained, but in truth this is not the most important consideration to make. While many homeowners may choose to have their system tuned up before going into a new cooling system, others prefer to have it done at the end of the cooling season, just after the AC has completed its work for the year. Either case is fine, so long as you stick to the schedule that you decide upon.

For instance, if you have your air conditioner tuned-up at the close of the heating season, you really don’t need to have that system tuned-up again in the springtime. You should wait until fall, and stick to that once-a-year schedule. If you have your system tuned up in the spring, though, and realize the following year that you’ve forgotten to schedule service, you shouldn’t wait until the end of the coming cooling season to schedule service. This means that your system will have two summers under its belt without maintenance service, and that is too much of a risk to take.

If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule professional AC maintenance, give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call today.

Twitter

We know that money is tight for a lot of homeowners, and that you may not want to spend any on your air conditioning system until a problem develops with it. This thinking is a bit backwards, though, as scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance in Fort Collins, CO is actually a great way in which to cut down on AC expenses over time. Sure, there is a fee for the service. As you’ll see detailed below, though, the benefits of this particular service can help you to save money in a few different ways. Just remember to schedule your air conditioning maintenance with a trained, experienced professional, such as those here on the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning team.

Reduced Energy Costs

If you invested in an air conditioner with a very low efficiency rating in order to save some cash at the time of purchase, then there is really not much that anyone can do to make that system more efficient. Regardless of the efficiency with which your AC is capable of working, though, routine air conditioning maintenance service is certainly the best way in which to keep your system functioning at its peak performance levels. When you are diligent in scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance, you can cool your home in the most affordable manner possible.

Fewer Repair Needs

No air conditioning system can truthfully boast a 100% reliability level. By having your system routinely inspected and tuned up by qualified maintenance technicians, though, you can keep any problems with your AC as few and far between as possible. No matter what type of air conditioner you may use in your home, it is going to require professional maintenance in order to operate as successfully and dependably as possible. This will help to cut down on the repairs that your system needs, as well as the expense of doing so.

Longer Lifespan

Investing in a brand new replacement air conditioner is a pretty major expense for most homeowners. If you want to delay that investment as long as possible, you are wise to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance service. This will help to keep your system in fine working condition, and can help you to receive the most reliable and effective performance possible form your AC for the longest lifespan that it can achieve. Contact us today to learn more.

Twitter

While Cottonwood trees may be lovely to look at, homeowners in this area may not realize just how detrimental to their air conditioning systems they can be. This is because Cottonwood trees drop their fluffy seeds when the wind blows, and those seeds  can build up on the outdoor coils of our air conditioning systems. This can cause a number of problems. Keeping the outdoor coils of your air conditioning system clean and free of any such debris is a simple task which can really pay off. Here are a few examples of how clogged up coils, due to Cottonwood trees or otherwise, can negatively impact your AC in Fort Collins, COContact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for any AC services that you may need.

Low Energy Efficiency

Even if your clogged-up AC is still running as it ought to, it is going to use a lot more energy than it should have to in cooling your home. Because of this, you are going to wind up paying more money for a lesser perfomrance from your system. Keeping your outdoor coils clear of Cottonwood seeds and other detritus will help to eliminate any such problems.

Additional Strain on System

If your system must work harder due to reduced airflow resulting from dirty outdoor coils, then it is going to incur a lot more wear and tear than it would under normal operating conditions. This wear and tear can have a very negative impact on your system, and can lead to increased repair needs. Let us thoroughly clean your system to avoid these potential damages.

Icing of System

If your coils are dirty enough, then you may find that your system is icing up. This can exacerbate the problem further, and you can expect your compressor to buckle under the strain of attempting to cool your home in these conditions. If you ever notice any ice on your AC, counterintuitive as it may seem, just dial our number to have the problem resolved by trained professionals.

Twitter

If ever there were a scenario in which the old adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” does not apply, then it is surely in terms of air conditioning maintenance. No matter how great your air conditioning system may be, it is  important to remember that it is still a mechanical system. Like every other mechanical system out there, your AC will suffer some general wear and tear over the course of its operation. Considering how hot our summer season can get, you will likely be using your AC quite heavily during this period. To ensure that your system succeeds and that any wear and tear is properly handled, schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Fort Collins, CO with Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

 

  1. Better Efficiency: Perhaps the most sought after benefit that routine air conditioning maintenance has to offer is the fact that it can help you to cool your home in the most efficient and affordable manner possible. Your air conditioner will only achieve peak efficiency levels if well maintained. Let us help you to pay less for quality cooling.
  2. Improved Performance Quality: Not only will you enjoy better energy efficiency thanks to routine maintenance, but it can also help you to enjoy a better overall cooling output from your system. If even one component of your AC is compromised, then there is just no way in which you can hope for it to function as well as it should. AC maintenance protects your comfort throughout the hottest time of the year.
  3. Reduced Risk of Repairs: Your air conditioner is not perfect, and it will encounter operational issues at some point. There is nothing that anyone can do to change this. What you can do, though, is ensure that any such problems are as few and far between as possible. How? You guessed it: by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. Call now to get started.
Twitter

As we warily anticipate the movement into spring, and another harsh winter is laid to rest, it is already time to start looking forward. With summer fast approaching, along with the heat that it brings with it, you need to know that your air conditioning system is in fine working condition. The only way to ensure that your air conditioner is indeed in peak working order is to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Loveland with a trained, qualified professional. Guarantee that this is the case by making ours the number that you call. Our technicians are happy to thoroughly inspect your system and to tune it up as needed.

There are a number of steps taken during routine air conditioning maintenance services which will help your technician to evaluate the overall condition of your AC. Armed with this information, we can go about prepping your air conditioner for the hottest time of the year accordingly. First, we will not your system settings, then begin our inspection. The ground surrounding your condenser unit will be checked to ensure that your condenser coil is enjoying sufficient airflow.

The coils themselves will be checked to ensure their good condition, and they will also be sprayed down with cleaner. The line will be cleared out and replaced if need, and the drain pan will be cleaned out as well. Contacts will also be checked to ensure that they are not excessively worn or exhibiting signs of burning. Temperature differentials will be measured, and your ductwork will be visually checked for leaks. Simple and easy to access leaks may be sealed with mastic. Once all of the steps in the maintenance procedure are completed, your system will be closed back up and it will be returned to its original settings. Upon completion of the service, your AC will be ready for action.

A central air conditioning system is dependent upon numerous different parts and components in its operation. If any one of these components is not functioning properly, then there is just no way in which you can hope for your AC to work at peak performance and efficiency levels.

Schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in Loveland with a technician here at Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning.

Twitter

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Search

Archive

Archive

Categories

Categories

Tags