Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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There are situations when you are well within your rights to see if you can save some extra money on something. Perhaps this may apply to thrifting for lightly used clothes, for example. You may even be able to bargain down the price of some food at the farmer’s market. These are the situations when you want to go for lower pricing.

Air Conditioning

However, there are plenty of situations when pricing that seems wildly cheap is actually a red flag. When it comes to getting reliable and effective air conditioning service in Fort Collins, going for the cheapest option will pretty much always backfire.

We aren’t just saying that to be mean. There are reasons why, when it comes to HVAC services, lower costs don’t really match with high-quality work.

How Does a Cheaper Contractor Keep Costs Low?

If you are looking at an HVAC technician whose prices seem too good to be true, they probably are too good to be true. Even if they are licensed, the difference in price will show up in ways that you may not like, such as:


They won’t have tools or parts on hand to get the job done
: Cheaper cost of service may come at the cost of needing extra time to get the job done. Why? Because your technician has to go get specialty tools that they didn’t have at the start. This lost time adds up and often adds to your bill too.


The initial price only covers half of the job (like an assessment)
: In many cases, a cheaper initial estimate or price is going to only cover part of what needs to get done. For example, you will be covered for an assessment and cleaning but not for the replacement of any small parts or immediate repairs that need to be done.


They nickel and dime in other ways
: All too often a cheap price for service means that the provider is likely to charge you for other things such as suddenly revealing that the price is hourly rather than per job.

What About an Amateur?

Considering going with an unlicensed individual may seem like a great way to save money, but it will end up costing you. For starters, amateurs are more likely to end up damaging your air conditioner, leading to larger repair cots or, worse, a replacement. On top of this, if you don’t have a licensed individual servicing your AC, it can void your warranty, meaning you are responsible for the cost of any major issues that an amateur causes.

In one way or another, a cheap HVAC service provider is likely to end up costing you far more. Sometimes those costs pop up immediately and other times they show up a month down the road but the result is always the same—you spend the same amount or more for poor-quality work.

Yes, professional service can be priced upfront, but it is going to pay off in the long run by helping keep your system working properly, maintaining your warranty, and more.


Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule any HVAC service you need. Our team provides both quality and affordability with every job.

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Toilet Flushes

Have you ever been home alone and relaxing when your toilet suddenly flushes for no reason? That isn’t normal. The good news is that the odds of it being a water-wasting poltergeist are low. The bad news is that this is a likely indicator of a leak in your toilet.

Fortunately, we can help you solve this issue. We offer plumbing repair in Fort Collins, CO. This article will help you determine what might be the cause of phantom flushing and how to get it fixed.

Why Does My Toilet Flush on Its Own?

The most common culprit of a flushing toilet is a leak in some part of the system. Essentially, the water drains from the back of the toilet and causes the trigger for the toilet to fill back up. Lose enough water, and it will automatically flush.

The Flapper Needs to Be Replaced

The leak is likely happening in the flapper. These wear out over time or develop a layer of algae that prevents the flapper from sealing tightly. Flappers should be replaced after a couple of years or as they corrode. How often your toilet flushes on its own will tell you the severity of the leak.

There’s a Leak in the Bowl

Another part of the bowl that can cause a leak is the nuts and bolts that connect your toilet. These also corrode over time and can cause water to leak out the back of the bowl, onto the floor, and maybe into the walls. If you notice water residue or build-up around your toilet, turn your water off immediately and call a plumber.

A Leak in the Drain Line

A potentially more serious problem is a leak in the drain line. These may be a bit harder to identify. But, if you notice water around your toilet and some moisture along the drain line, you want to turn off the water supply to the toilet and call a professional.

What to Do

As previously stated, begin by turning off the water and draining the water that’s in the back of the bowl. If you have it handy, check the manufacturer’s instructions to get the proper parts and troubleshoot any issues. If you do not have an instruction manual, then your best bet is to simply start out by coming to a professional plumber.

If you are not able to locate where the leak is happening, then it’s best to give a professional on our team a call. Ignoring a leak or letting it go for too long can cause serious problems. For example, if your toilet is on the second floor, a leak can run into the first floor’s ceiling and cause damage to the walls and flooring.

When in doubt, call our team to get your toilet leak figured out. We know exactly how to figure out what is going wrong and resolve the issue.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment. We’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

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A simple plumbing mishap can turn disastrous under just the wrong circumstances. It can be difficult to know when it’s a problem we can Get Emergency Plumbing Servicestake care ourselves, and when it’s time to call a professional in. Some plumbing issues don’t seem like a big deal until they develop into one, and it’s too late to avoid a costly fix. However, there are telltale signs in the home to be on the look out for in order to avoid a potential plumbing nightmare. It’s smart to be prepared, and know when to contact an emergency plumber in Fort Collins, CO!

  • Burst Pipes

If a pipe in your home has burst, turn off the main water supply before anything else. You need emergency plumbing services right away! During the winter, there is a bigger risk of pipes freezing and bursting. A burst pipe can release gallons of water in a short amount of time, risking flooding.

  • Clogged Drains

In severe cases, a clogged drain can be an emergency issue. Unclogging a drain yourself can leave the job incomplete and lead to future backups. The best method is to take preventative measures against clogs, like installing extra drain hair catchers. However, if you’re dealing with a doozy of one, it might be best to call a professional in.

  • Sewage Backup

Standing water and sewage backing up from the drains and in other parts of the home is a serious issue and needs to be addressed right away. Any direct contact with sewage is a cause for concern and can lead to serious illness. If you notice your drains backing up, especially coming out of unused pipes, call an emergency plumbing service ASAP.

  • Water Leaks

Some leaks are more serious than others; for example, water leaking from the ceiling can lead to the area sagging and potentially leading to a collapse. Standing water is also a cause of mildew and mold, which can develop into even further issues. For more serious water leaks, or those that can develop into one, it’s best to call an emergency plumber to fix it.

  • Water Heater Failure

Vital year-round, losing access to hot running water can be a big problem. While it may only seem like an emergency during the winter months, it will always impact normal household functions like cooking and cleaning. A water heater not working can be a sign of a larger issue, even a gas leak, so it’s best to get it looked at right away.

  • Overflowing Toilet

If you’ve tried the plunger and your toilet is still overflowing, you’ll need to switch the water off, which can leave your entire household dry. You’ll have to call emergency plumbing services, as losing access to running water is always a serious issue.

For most plumbing emergencies, waiting is simply not an option. The sooner a problem is identified and dealt with, the less damage it can cause (and it can cost!).

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re “big enough to service, small enough to care.”

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high-efficiency air conditioning

The weather is warming up out there. After a day out in the blazing sun, you want to return to a home that feels cool. This is possible as long as you have an air conditioning system that works well for your space. This is why we emphasize having a high-efficiency air conditioning system in Fort Collins, CO.

We understand if this is something that you’re confused about. There is a lot of information to sift through as a consumer. If you’re looking for the right information at your fingertips, then you’ve come to the right place. We’re highly educated and ready to pay this forward. If you have questions then we’re here to provide you with answers today.

What’s a SEER Rating?

The acronym SEER stands for a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating and it’s a rating you should know if you’re trying to improve your air conditioning efficiency at home. It’s a measurement set and determined by the Department of Energy in each region. It measures the efficiency that any air conditioning system can have on average throughout a warm-weather season based on conditions inside and outside of the home.

In the modern-day, a “good” SEER rating would be one of 14 or higher. In many places, a SEER rating can’t be below 13. They can go as high as 25. For the average home, you don’t need the highest SEER rating possible, you just need a SEER rating that will further improve your efficiency. We can help you determine what this is.

How Can I Choose the Best High-Efficiency AC System

When determining what SEER rating is right for you, our experts will factor in things like the following:

  • The square footage of your home
  • Build
  • Layout
  • Amount of natural light

If you’re overwhelmed trying to figure out which SEER rating is right for you, we’re going to help you find the one that’s perfect for you. We’re able to do this because we’re well versed in a variety of air conditioning manufacturers. We know how to match you with the right ones and our goal is always to not only sustain, but improve your comfort. Make sure that you speak to us when you’re ready to make an improvement in your home. Our professionals are always available to consult with you.

Why Professional Service Matters

Make sure that you’re matching your great air conditioner with a great team of professionals to match. This is an integral part of any air conditioning acquisition process. Although there are many articles and videos online that promise that they can guide you through the process of installation, we suggest that you have a professional install your air conditioning system.

We’re professionals you can turn to for your air conditioning installation because we’re experienced, trained, and always ready to perform the installation or replacement of your air conditioning system. We have a long-standing reputation in the industry and we’re known for our quality work.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment with our professionals. 

 

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drain cleaning

One of the most important things to keep in mind when considering HVAC is timing. It’s important to have your air conditioner tuned up in spring, your heater tuned up in fall, and your drain cleaning tuned up on a regular basis. This is why we’re here to talk about drain cleaning in Fort Collins, CO today.

Drain cleaning is something that can be a little tricky. If you’re looking for it to be done the right way, then we suggest our professionals. We strive to make it easy because we’re experienced. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that’s backed by over 85 years of industry experience. Now, let’s figure out if it’s time to clean your drains.

Clean Your Drains If…

It’s time to clean your home’s drain if you’re experiencing any of the following:

High Water Bills

Have you noticed a spike in your water bills that you just can’t explain? If so, then it’s time to get a plumbing professional out by your side. High water bills are a sign that you’re dealing with significant inefficiency somewhere within your plumbing system. This is never something that we want you to deal with long term. It could be due to a small leak or corroded pipe. We’ll figure it out and get you the right assistance.

Bad Scents

When you think of your sewer system or drains, you probably don’t think of this system smelling like roses. While it’s not necessarily going to smell pleasant, it shouldn’t reek or make your home smell awful. If it does, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a drain cleaning.

Mold

Mold is always bad news. If you notice that you have moldy drains, then it’s likely that you have a clog building up in the same area. This is when we suggest professional drain cleaning. Mold is harmful to your personal health. It’s best to address a problem like this as soon as possible.

Standing Water

Have you noticed that there’s standing water in your sink or tub? This is a nightmare scenario for most homeowners. You never want to walk to a fixture in your home and see a pool of stagnant, dirty water sitting beneath it.

Clogs

Are you having trouble with back to back clogs in your home? This isn’t something that you should deal with. Clogging is something that’s going to happen in every home, but repeated clogging within a small frame of time is terrible news. This isn’t the time to turn to chemical drain cleaning solutions. It’s the time to invest in professional care.

Gurgling Sounds

When you pour something down the drain, is the process accompanied by gurgling sounds? Maybe you even notice it causing a backup in other parts of the house. For example, you could have a double sink and one side could drain slowly and cause the other side to gurgle. Any odd occurrences like this are a sign that your pipes need some hands on care. We’re the team that can provide it for you.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your drain cleaning this spring.

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heat pump

Now is the time when you might want to reconsider your home’s HVAC system. If you’re thinking about a heat pump, then we’re here today to walk you through your options. There are so many ways a heat pump can help you. We’ll get into them below.

When deciding if a Heat Pump is a good fit for your home it is best to have a professional help to determine your needs concerning a heat pump in Fort Collins, CO. This is the only way to ensure that you’re benefiting from all the advantages that a heat pump has to offer. Not only can we help in this decision, we can also make sure that your return on investment is maximized and your impact on the environment is minimized.

The Benefits of Heat Pumps

There are so many ways that a heat pump can help you. Here are a few of the things that you can expect to experience with the following benefits:

  • Efficiency: Heat pump technology has advanced greatly in recent years and are now efficient down to much lower temperatures than ever before making them more desirable in colder climates than before.
  • Energy Savings: When compared to heating with straight resistive electric heat such as baseboard, you can expect a modern heat pump to be 4 to 5 times more efficient.  When compared to heating with a Liquid Propane (LP) furnace, switching to a Heat Pump system can reduce your operation cost by 30% or more.  When compared to Natural Gas a heat pump may not make sense yet from purely an energy savings or return on investment at this time taking into consideration current Natural gas costs vs electric cost unless you have solar power to offset.
  • Eco Friendly Operation: If you are one that is motivated to move away from fossil fuels and move towards “renewable” energy that leans more on solar, wind and electric grid power, then a Heat Pump is definitely for you.

Running a Heat Pump with Solar Power

If you have solar power on your home already or are considering adding it to the degree that you are able to produce enough power to contribute to the operation of a heat pump you may likely be able to heat and cool your home for pennies.

But before you choose solar power, it’s important to consider the following:

  • Can you install enough panels positioned effectively enough to generate enough power to get a reasonable return on your investment.
  • Fixed position solar panels mounted on roofs are far less efficient than solar panels used on solar farms that can track the sun all day.
  • Having abundant solar power generated that exceeds your use and feeds back into the grid when not being used may no longer earn you a credit back like it once did as power companies are finding it more costly to manage than its worth to buy back from homeowners. So it may be wise not to factor that into a payback model.

Once you determine all these factors along with our help you will be able to make a wise decision for your home.  Combining a heat pump along with solar panels may bring the best of both worlds. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, we are happy to help you determine what is the best option for you.

Fort Collins Heating & Air…”Big Enough to Serve, Small Enough to Care.”

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When To Call for AC Repair

When summer arrives, the temperature really begins to put your air conditioner to the test. This is the time of year where you start to realize that your air conditioner is nothing short of essential. It really wouldn’t be easy to get through the hottest of summer days without your air conditioner by your side.

If you’ve started to notice that your air conditioner is acting weird, but you’re not sure if you actually need AC care, then this is the right blog for you. We’re going to help you determine your needs today. We can handle your air conditioning repair in Loveland, CO.

Call After You Notice This

These are the signs that you need to call a professional for air conditioning care.

1.      Warm Air

Have you noticed warm air in your home? This is bad news. You’re going to overwork your system trying to compensate for this issue. Efficiency is what you deserve and repair service can help you get it.

2.      Weird Noises

There are quite a few troubling sounds that you can hear coming from your air conditioner. The problem comes from any air conditioning sound that you hear that’s new, unfamiliar, or too loud. If this is a problem that you’re dealing with it’s also a great idea to get in touch with our team members sooner than later. Don’t let the problem develop into a huge issue.

3.      Thermostat Issues

Your thermostat should always display an accurate temperature in your home. If it doesn’t, then you need to get thermostat services from our professionals.

Another aspect of this is the status of your thermostat. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat, then you’re behind the curve. This isn’t just about keeping up with the Joneses either—it’s about your efficiency. Don’t sacrifice the quality of your system just because you think you’re satisfied with what you have. We promise you there’s better out there.

4.      High Energy Bills

Have you noticed that your energy bills are rising out of nowhere?

High energy bills are never a good sign if you’re not doing anything out of the ordinary. If this summer is typical of how you’d run your air conditioner any other summer, then the problem is bigger than your habits. The beast you’re battling is inefficiency. If you try to brush this problem off, you’re going to notice your air conditioning system performance decrease in quality over time. It’s best to handle the issue now.

5.      Humidity Issues

We have humid summers here in Loveland. This is why humidity issues are important. If you’re noticing an absence of moisture in your home or an excess amount of moisture, then you need to get yourself some air conditioning care.

Even if your humidity issues don’t seem like they’re going to be the end of a comfortable summer, they’re definitely something that indicates a bad omen. Humidity issues are a clear sign that you should get care from a professional.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your air conditioning repair needs. We’re big enough to serve, but small enough to care.

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air conditioning

The hot summers that we get can be unbearable. Good quality air conditioning is not just a requirement but a necessity to stay comfortable indoors.

When it comes to buying an AC, however, many homeowners are often confused about how to calculate the size and power of their new system. You don’t need to be confused anymore. We present this guide to provide help when it comes time to get a new air conditioner installed in your home.

Assess Your Current Needs

There are several factors that you should consider for your air conditioning needs. The first and most important is the size of your home.

A bigger home with more surface area would require a powerful air conditioner. Generally, you need 20 BTU (British Thermal Units) per square foot to provide adequate cooling for your home. So if you need to cool an area that is 500 sq. ft. in size, you will need an AC with a 10,000 BTU rating.

Another key factor to consider is the amount of insulation in your home. More insulation means your home will maintain its temperature after cooling a home that isn’t well insulated won’t be able to stay cool as long. The level of insulation in your home can impact how hard your next system will have to run.

Lastly, you should also take into account the running costs of the AC. The energy cost is calculated as follows:

Your AC’s Kwh rating x Kwh unit cost in your area = Cost to operate the AC for 1 hour

To calculate how much it will cost to run your air conditioner throughout the summer, estimate the number of hours you will run the AC for and multiply by the average kWh (kilowatt-hour) unit cost.

Explore Your Options

You have several options when it comes to choosing an air conditioner. The four main types of air conditioning systems that are available in the market include the following:

  • Central Air Conditioner
  • Ductless Mini-Split
  • Heat Pumps

Each of these air conditioners is designed for a specific purpose and has different requirements.

Central air conditioners are large and connected through ductwork to spread cooling throughout your home.

Heat pump mini splits allow your air conditioner to save space by replacing the indoor unit with an air handler connected to your ductwork. It can also provide year-round comfort. The ductless mini split has a combination of an external compressor and condenser unit that is connected to multiple internal air handlers to provide cooling for specific rooms without ductwork.

Choose an Experienced Professional

The best way to make your AC installation experience easy is to use a professional service for the job. Trained professionals can complete the job quickly and without causing any damage to your property. They will ensure that the AC is installed correctly and performs well.

Professionals also come fully equipped with all the tools and equipment that they need for the job. Many AC manufacturers recommend using a professional for your AC installation, as using a non-certified person to install the AC could void your warranty.

We have an excellent track record for AC installation in Fort Collins, CO. Over the years, our services have been used by thousands of homeowners to do a thorough job.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your AC installation services this season.

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Air Conditioner Struggling to Perform

Summer has been great outside. You’ve spent a lot of time poolside, you enjoyed the fireworks, and you’re even planning a great vacation… but when you’re at home it’s a different story. Things are a little strained at home because your air conditioner is underperforming. You’re hot, frustrated, and you’ve finally started to ask yourself the question… “what’s going on?”

This is the first step in finding the relief that you’re looking for. Let’s investigate why your air conditioner might be struggling to perform today. We specialize in air conditioning in Fort Collins, CO. Let’s get started with figuring out what’s wrong today.

What’s Going On?

This might be what’s going on with your air conditioning system?

Something Is Wrong With Your Thermostat

Your thermostat might not be the best for your air conditioning system. Your air conditioner needs a high-quality thermostat system to make sure that everything is on track. Digital thermostats are a great option, but they’re not really cutting it anymore when you’re trying to improve your efficiency and performance.

We suggest that you bump things up to a Wi-Fi or smart thermostat. If you don’t know where to start, take this as a sign to start with our team. We’re going to have you start with the basics. We want you to figure out all the determining factors that decide your comfort needs. These factors are things like the size of your home, the shape, windows, the amount of people in your home, and more.

Your Air Filter Is Clogged

If you don’t replace your air filter often, your filter can become clogged. Your filter can build up with dust and debris over time. You’ll notice increased amounts of dust and particles floating through the air when this is the case. This is why it’s so important to change your clogged filter once every three months.

You’re Experiencing Short-Cycling

Have you noticed that your air conditioner has started short-cycling?

Short-cycling is when your air conditioner starts, runs for a short period of time, stops, and then starts again. This is something that you might think is benign, but it’s absolutely something that you should address with a professional. It’s terrible for your air conditioning system. It negatively impacts the efficiency and can cost you more.

You Need a New Air Conditioner

Sometimes, your air conditioner is just on its last leg, and you need a new one. We want you to know that this is okay. The process of finding yourself a new air conditioner doesn’t have to be difficult. We want you to know that you have resources from our team members.

We know how to assess your current comfort, help you determine your needs, find yourself a new air conditioner, and even help you finance it. If you need a new air conditioner then we want to be here to help you with the process.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with us. We’re big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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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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