Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Heat

Signs That You Need Furnace Repair

February 3, 2020

It would be great if there was always a clear cut sign that you needed something like furnace repair in Loveland, CO, wouldn’t it? Well, there actually are quite a few such signs, but they may not be quite as clear as you’d like. The clearest need for furnace repair would probably be a completely broken down furnace, right? Well, sure—but you obviously don’t want to wait for your furnace to break down entirely before you have it repaired!

That’s where these tips are going to come in handy. And the “good” news is that these are problems that you are already aware of. You just may not realize that they alone are enough to justify system repairs or, at the very least, a call to us to have your system evaluated. So keep them in mind, and keep your system functioning properly and safely by scheduling prompt furnace repairs the moment that you have cause to suspect there is a problem.

Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Warm Enough Air

That’s odd, you think, the air coming from the furnace doesn’t seem hot enough. Oh well, it’s pretty cold out. The house will heat up eventually, even if it takes a little longer than usual.

No. Uh-uh. Stop. Stop making excuses for problems like this.

Regardless of how cold it may be outside, your furnace should be capable of heating the air in your home effectively. If it doesn’t seem like the air is hot enough, there could be quite a few problems at play. It’s possible, for instance, that you have leaky ducts that are pulling unheated air from unheated areas of the house (like between walls) into the system. You could also have a problem with your thermostat or with your fuel delivery/combustion mechanisms. We’ll figure out precisely what is going wrong so that you can go back to heating your home effectively.

Your Furnace Is Running in Short Cycles

This is called short cycling. Not the most inventive name, is it? Well, regardless of how inventive it is, it’s apt. Why? Because a heater is not supposed to run in short cycles. Short cycling is a problem. You want a heater to run in full, even cycles. So if you notice short cycling in your home, you may need repairs. We say “may,” because there is one situation that you should rule out on your own before scheduling repairs. That is a dirty air filter.

A very dirty filter can actually create so much airflow resistance that the system winds up overheating, causing it to shut down to avoid damages. Then it starts up again, only to cycle back down before long. If the filter isn’t dirty, then you likely have a problem that is going to require professional service.

Your Bills Are Going Up

There is very little that is truly “free” in this life, and heating your home is no exception. You’re going to have to pay for your comfort. That doesn’t mean that you should accept overpaying for your comfort, though. If your energy bills are too high, it could definitely be a result of a compromised system in need of repair.

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

Is It Time for Heating Repairs?

December 23, 2019

Wouldn’t it be great to invest in that heater that will never give you any problems and will never require repair service? Yes, it would be. Unfortunately, there is one major problem with this plan. That heater does not exist. If you find a heating contractor telling you otherwise, then you’ve found a heating contractor that cannot be trusted. While investing in a good heater and scheduling routine maintenance will keep repair needs minimal, there’s just no avoiding them entirely.

What you can do, however, is keep any such repair needs as minor as possible. How? By scheduling your heating repairs at the very first sign of trouble with your system. The longer that you wait to have your system repaired when it is in need, the worse off your system is going to be. Now, how do you go about doing this? You learn to recognize early signs of trouble. That’s what today’s blog is all about.

Your System Is Costing too Much to Run

One sure sign that there is something wrong with your heater is a steady creep upward in heating costs. However, there is a big difference between something being wrong with your heater and the actual need for heating repair in Loveland, CO. It could be that you have a dirty air filter in your system restricting airflow, for instance. That will drive up operating costs, but it’s not something you need professionally repaired. If you continue to run a heater with a very dirty filter in it, however, you may find yourself in need of repairs!

If there’s not an obvious solution to the problem, unfortunately, there may be any number of issues requiring repairs to get your heater and its efficiency back on track. Our team is trained to diagnose problems with your heater accurately, and we’ll make sure that any problems we find are resolved completely. We do it the right way, the first time, every time.

Your System Makes Strange New Sounds

If you hear the occasional sound from your heater, there is probably nothing to worry about. Your heater may make a bit of noise when it cycles on. Maybe its ductwork contracts and expands as it heats up and cools down. There are definitely noises that fall within the confines of normal operational sounds.

Then there are noises that can’t be explained away as being part of normal operating sounds. Grinding, screeching, booming, etc. If your system really starts to make strange sounds that it hasn’t in the past, don’t just do your best to ignore it. Schedule repairs with our team right away.

Your Heater Won’t Start Up

That’s a pretty clear sign that something is wrong, right? First things first, check your breaker box. It could be that the flip of a breaker switch is all you need to resolve the problem.

If all is well there, then call us in. It could be a faulty thermostat, it could be that there is a fuel delivery problem. Whatever the issue, our professional heating technicians will get to the bottom of it.

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

Schedule Your Heating Tune-Up Today!

October 14, 2019

A lot of homeowners feel that taking care of their properties and the systems within those properties is their own personal responsibility. That may be true, but handling all of the services that those systems require is not something that most homeowners can or should attempt to handle personally. If you’re not an HVAC professional, for instance, then you should leave your heating tune-up in Loveland, CO, to our team. HVAC maintenance is a necessity, and it requires a professional’s expertise.

You’ll find plenty of that when you work with our staff. We service heaters of all kinds, and we’ll make sure that your home heating system is ready to keep your family comfortable successfully throughout the coldest days and nights of the year. Colorado can be quite beautiful during the winter season, but it’s a lot easier to get out and enjoy a day on the slopes when you know that you’ve got a warm, cozy house to return to.

Why You Can’t Pass Up Heating Maintenance

Simply put, if you value your comfort, then you absolutely need to schedule routine heating maintenance in Loveland, CO. Be sure to work with a member of our team to get the greatest possible return on your investment in heating maintenance. The benefits cannot be overvalued.

Improved heating efficiency, which means that you’ll be able to keep your heating bills as low as possible throughout the coldest time of the year.
Improved performance quality, meaning that you’ll actually be paying less for a better performance from your heater.
Improved reliability, which will keep repair needs as few and far between as possible.
Improved system lifespan, meaning that you’ll get the fullest service life possible from your system.
Improved safety, meaning that you won’t have to worry about risks caused by negligence when running your heater.

Why You Need a Professional to Do the Job Right

Well, so that you can enjoy all of the above benefits! If you try to tune your heating system up on your own, your best case scenario is doing a subpar job of it. Worst case scenario, and unfortunately a very likely outcome, is that you’ll wind up putting your heater, your comfort, and the safety of everyone in your home at risk. Make the smart choice, and let our team handle your home heating maintenance needs.

It’s just too complicated a service to carry out on your own. You can change your own air filter and you can keep the outdoor unit of a heat pump clear of any debris. Beyond that, however, a pro needs to do the job. From testing relays to ensuring the safe delivery of fuel throughout the system for combustion, we’ll cover every detail. When you work with us, your heater will work optimally in order to optimize your comfort all throughout the heating season. Be sure to enroll in our maintenance program to get the best maintenance experience possible!

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

Forced Air Heating Tip: Prioritize Your Filter!

February 4, 2019

We’re deep into the winter season at this point, and there’s no doubt that you’ve been running your heating system regularly for a couple of months, now. That’s not going to change any time soon, though, so don’t think you can start to let your heater slide just because spring is coming up in the distance. There is a lot of ground to cover before we get there, and you don’t want to put your heater’s operation at risk in the meantime.

If you use a forced air heating system, meaning either a heat pump or a furnace, then there is one important maintenance task that you need to handle on your own. It is one that your technician will handle during your routine tune-ups, but one that requires action more than once a year. We’re talking about changing your air filter. It’s the simplest and one of the most effective ways in which to get the best performance possible from your heater in Timnath, CO.

Why Is a Fresh Filter So Important?

Some homeowners think that because the indoor air quality in their homes is not terrible means that their standard heating air filter is doing its job just fine. The problem with this, of course, is that the air filter in your home heating system is not there to improve air quality throughout your house! The purpose of this standard air filter is, in fact, to protect the heating system itself. This filter is not efficient enough to improve air quality throughout your home. This task requires a more efficient, designated air filtration system.

Okay, then what is the problem with a dirty air filter? Well, problems, really! There are quite a few of them, and you may be surprised at just how detrimental a dirty air filter can be. Here’s how a dirty filter in your heater can affect your system, your comfort, and your budget:

Increased operating costs. If your filter is very dirty, then your heater is going to have to work harder than it otherwise should in order to heat your home. That drives up heating costs, leaving you with higher energy bills when the time comes to actually pay for the comfort that you deserve in your home.
Reduced heating output. You know what’s worse than paying too much for heating your home? Paying too much for too little heating output in return. That’s what you risk when you run your system with a very dirty filter in place, though. Your system will struggle to distribute heat throughout your home effectively, leaving you in less comfort than you deserve.
Added strain on the system. When your system works harder than it should have to in order to heat your home, it is going to accrue more wear and tear than it otherwise would. In fact, the added strain on the system may cause it to overheat and short-cycle, which drives up costs and adds even more wear and tear on your heater!

Keep your filter fresh, and contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning with any questions that you may have. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Tune-Up Your Heater!

September 17, 2018

Oh man, I’m not ready to start thinking about winter yet. Come on, the heat of the summer months is still burning off! Why do you have to be like this!

Because, sometimes, the truth hurts.

Look, we understand the thought of winter doesn’t appeal to all of you out there. And even those of us that love to hit the slopes will admit that, sometimes, the cold can get to be a little much. But that’s the entire point!

Scheduling heating maintenance now means less hassle then, when you really need your heating system the most. By putting your heating in Loveland, CO in our hands, you can rest assured in knowing that some of the finest technicians out there are looking out for your comfort when the heating season arrives. Just remember that heating tune-ups cannot be completed by anyone other than skilled, trained professionals. So call today, and read on to learn more about what heating maintenance has to offer.

Why Hire Professionals?

To keep warranties intact, first of all. To protect your equipment. To protect yourself. Pretty much any reason you can think of. Are we saying there is nothing you can do to help maintain your heating system. No. You can change your air filter regularly. You can keep the ducts unobstructed. You can clear snow away from the outdoor unit of heat pumps. But you cannot crack open the heater and try to complete a thorough tune-up.

This type of job is much, much more complicated than many homeowners seem to realize. You need to clean electrical contacts, test voltage, tighten connections, lubricate all moving parts, replace worn components, test relays and controls, and so much more. It is a job that only trained, experienced professionals can handle, and any damages caused by DIY service attempts are only going to leave you on the hook for the resulting repair costs.

Why Do It At All?

Because there is no better way to keep your heater up and running reliably. Your heating system, regardless of type or make/model, incurs a lot of wear and tear over the course of the heating season. Left unaddressed, this wear and tear is going to make your heating system much more susceptible to problems and, eventually, breakdowns.

Of course, you don’t just get a more reliable heating experience by scheduling routine maintenance. You can also pay less for a better heating experience! How? Because a properly maintained heating system is the only type of heater that is going to function at peak efficiency levels. The only thing worse than failing to heat your home effectively and reliably is overpaying for such a lousy experience. When you remain diligent about scheduling routine heating maintenance each year, you won’t have to worry about such problems. It won’t increase the heater’s overall efficiency rating, but it will keep it working as close to its peak efficiency as possible.

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

Why Is My Heater Making This Sound?

March 21, 2018

When you live in a place like Colorado, it goes without saying that you need to invest in a great home heating system. It should also go without saying—although we say it a lot—that the best way in which to keep your heater functioning at peak performance and efficiency levels is to schedule routine heating maintenance service. Unfortunately, it also goes without saying that even the best heating equipment that is expertly tuned-up by qualified professionals will, eventually, require professional heating repair.

When you need heating repairs in Loveland, CO, you need look no further than the professional technicians on our staff. We are not only going to diagnose the problem accurately, we’ll also fix it right the first time. That way, you can get your heater back to functioning at the level that you deserve. Of course, in order to schedule any necessary repairs, you need to recognize the need for such repairs in the first place!

So Keep Your Ears Open!

Okay, keep your eyes open may be the more common expression, but listening to your heating system could help you to recognize early signs of trouble. You want to listen not only for louder than usual sounds when you are heating your home, but also entirely new, unusual sounds developing. What types of sounds are we talking about?

Screeching sounds. If you hear your heater screeching at you like an angry owl, then it is likely that a metal component is rubbing up against another. That shouldn’t be happening if this sound is the result. You may also need a worn belt replaced. When dealing with such problems, it’s best to do so before something breaks entirely and more extensive repairs are needed.
Grinding sounds. Is your system short of grinding to a halt entirely, but grinding nonetheless? It’s possible that there is not sufficient lubrication on some moving parts in your heater. Sure, it may be running, but that friction is also generating heat—and not the type that you want! Not only are the parts in question wearing down, but you’re definitely losing efficiency and putting a lot of strain on the system that greatly increases the risk of other problems developing.
Clanging sounds. If you hear a clanging or banging sound coming from your heating system, then you could have a blower mount that is not level. The fan may be hitting its casing. Over time, this not only damages the components in question, but will seriously inhibit the ability of a forced air heating system to distribute heated air throughout the house.

Ultimately, heeding these warning signs is the responsibility of the homeowner. We don’t expect you, and certainly would not advise that you try, to diagnose or fix any existing problems on your own. You do need to recognize them for what they are, however: cries for help from your home heating system! Schedule service with us when you encounter such sounds coming from your heater.

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

Common Furnace Problems

January 22, 2018

Modern heating systems are, generally speaking, reliable. Furnaces have been around for a long time, and manufacturers have had decades to work out their kinks and issues. As reliable as a furnace is—particularly when professionally installed and routinely maintained—it can never operate at 100% perfection. At some point, a furnace will run into trouble of some kind. When this happens to your furnace, you need to act quickly to prevent unnecessary damage to the system.

A bit of information goes a long way helping you spot the signs furnace repairs are necessary. We’ve covered such signs in previous posts. Today, we’re focusing on the more common furnace problems and what they may mean. If you come across any of these problems with your furnace in Red Feather Lakes, CO, call us right away. The sooner we repair your furnace, the better off it—and your comfort—will be.

Low Airflow

Is your furnace pumping out heated air, but at a lower than usual airflow rate? If so, you could have problems with your fan that are rendering your furnace less powerful. You may also have a clogged air filter, which can restrict airflow throughout the system. That’s a problem that you can resolve on your own by changing the filter. If the low airflow seems to be an issue in just one area of the house, it is possible that the ductwork servicing that area may be compromised.

Short Cycling

This is an issue in which your heater will start up just fine, but run only briefly before cycling back down. In heat pump systems, this could be the result of a refrigerant leak, which is a very serious problem. In terms of your furnace, though, it could again be something as simple as a dirty air filter. We’re always reminding our clients how important it is to change the filter as needed.

You could also have an oversized heater that adjusts temperatures too rapidly, which is more of a problem than it may sound. A faulty thermostat may be registering temperatures wrong and telling the system to shut down. Or, it could be that the thermocouple is not sensing safe combustion temperatures, and the system is being shut down as a result.

Strange Sounds

We often receive calls about furnaces that are too noisy. Furnaces are not going to be silent when running, and, depending upon the layout of your home and the location of the furnace, you may hear it cycle on, or notice the sound of air moving through ducts.

Grinding, screeching, and banging sounds, however, are not normal. Don’t ignore them. Doing so can put your system at risk for damage. You may have worn belts, loose components, or an unbalanced blower wheel.

So there you have it. Three common problems, with a multitude of potential causes. That is why having the problem diagnosed by a trained professional is just as important as having it resolved by one.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care. That’s the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning promise.

Why Schedule Prompt Heating Repair?

January 8, 2018

If your heater were to break down entirely, then chances are that you would not hesitate to contact a professional HVAC repair technician to come out and get it back up and running. After all, our winter weather can be very, very cold here in Colorado, and a broken down heater is a serious issue. However, we would also suggest that you should never wait for your heater to break down completely before scheduling repairs.

In many, though not all, cases, your heater is going to give you some warning signs that trouble is brewing. It is always in your best interest to take heed of these warning signs and to schedule prompt heating repair in Masonville, CO. The benefits of tackling these problems as early as possible far outweigh any perceived “benefits” of waiting for the problem to progress. Here are a few of the ways in which prompt heating repair can benefit you, your comfort, and your heater itself.

Save Money

How does scheduling a service that you need to pay for wind up saving you money, you may be wondering? Well, the fact is that it will cost some money to have an ailing heater repaired. Another fact is that the worse off your heating system is, the more money it will likely cost to repair it. If you want to get your heater back on track before relatively manageable problems have a chance to get much worse, then it is definitely in your best interest to have repairs completed as soon as possible. Of course, prompt repairs don’t just fend off further damages. They can help you to save money in another important way, too.

Save Efficiency

The efficiency with which your heating system works is far too important a factor to take any chances with. That is why a heater that is still up and running decently just isn’t enough. The fact that your heater is operational does not mean that it is operating at peak efficiency levels, and that definitely is not the case if you are ignoring operational issues just because your heater has not broken down entirely yet. Don’t pay more than you should you have to in order to keep your home comfortable this winter. Instead, schedule your heating repairs the moment that you notice something has gone wrong.

Save Your System!

Perhaps the greatest benefit of prompt heating repairs is the fact that they can help to prevent potentially catastrophic damages with your system. At a certain point, any heater can suffer enough damages to justify the replacement of the heater, even if that time comes well before the end of the system’s projected lifespan. We believe that you deserve to enjoy the best performance possible from your heater for the longest amount of time, and that is just another reason why prompt heating repairs are so vital. Contact us with any concerns you may have.

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

3 Signs That You Need Heating Repair

December 11, 2017

Winter in Colorado is something that a lot of residents look forward to all year long. Whether you’re excited about hitting the slopes or you want to get out on the ice for some winter fishing, there’s a lot to enjoy around here during this part of the year. Of course, it is a lot easier to get out and enjoy the winter weather when you know that you have a warm, comfortable home waiting for you at the end of the day.

That is why having a quality heating system is so important. Unfortunately, having a quality heating system in your home does not mean it will always function 100% reliably. No mechanical system can truly make that claim. Because it is always going to be better for you to schedule any necessary heating repairs in Loveland, CO as soon as possible, we’d like to share some tips with you for spotting signs of trouble early on.

Watch Your Utility Costs

If your gas or electricity bills really start to spike when you’re running your heater, you may want to compare them to those of previous seasons. Obviously, you are going to be paying more for such utilities once you put your heater into action for the year. However, you should not be seeing spikes that cannot be explained by regular usage.

Just about any problem with your heater will negatively affect its efficiency. Sometimes, the solution to the problem may be as simple as changing a dirty air filter. In other cases, you may need actual repairs to get your heater back on track and functioning efficiently. We’ll diagnose the problem and resolve it.

Feel for Cold Spots

There are a lot of different reasons as to why your home may develop cold spots. First of all, you may have issues with air leaks and/or subpar insulation in your home. These will need to be located and resolved by trained professionals. However, these cold spots could also be the result of problems with your heating system itself.

An undersized system may result in cold spots in those areas of your home farthest from the system. You may also have leaky ductwork running to an area of your home, in which case you’ll experience hot spots in the summer season, as well. Professional installation by an experienced technician will help you to avoid sizing issues. We also offer professional duct sealing services.

Listen for Strange Sounds

Depending upon the location of your heating system in your home, you may hear some noise as it kicks on or as air starts moving through the ducts. There are a lot of sounds that you also should not be hearing from your system, though. These include screeching and grinding sounds, as well as loud banging, clanging, or booming sounds.

We are more than capable of handling just about any heating repairs that you may need. Before we can do so, though, we’ll need you to alert us to the problem to begin with. A bit of attention paid to these warning indicators will give you the information that you need to do so.

Big enough to serve, small enough to care. That’s the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning way.

Tips for Avoiding Furnace Repair Needs

November 27, 2017

Your furnace is really going to be put to the test during our long, cold heating season. While there is no way in which any furnace can truly be 100% reliable, there are certainly steps that you can take to help avoid any problems developing with your furnace. Do not overlook simple practices that can help to minimize the occurrence and severity of trouble with your furnace. Today, our team has put together a few tips for you to keep in mind.

The best thing that you can do for your furnace once you come to realize that a problem has indeed developed is to schedule prompt, professional furnace repairs. The longer that you wait before doing so, the worse off your furnace problems are likely to be. Once issues manifest, you should never, ever attempt to fix them on your own. Preventive measures are one thing, but actual furnace repairs in Windsor, CO really need to be handled by experienced professionals.

Maintain a Clear, Clean Space Around the Furnace

It does not matter who made your furnace or how well it was installed, allowing clutter and debris to build up on and around the unit is going to increase the risk of problems developing with your furnace. For its sake, as well as your own safety, you are want to maintain a clear barrier around the furnace cabinet.

When dust and dirt build up around the furnace, those materials can wind up being pulled into the system and building up on integral components within. When that happens, the furnace may be overstrained, and operational problems can develop. Never stack items on or around the furnace, no matter how tight storage space in your home may be.

Change the Air Filter

There isn’t any visible dust blowing out of your air vents, so your furnace’s air filter must be in okay shape, right? Wrong. While a very dirty air filter may cause so much airflow resistance that air is forced around it, resulting in pollutants making their way into the ductwork, issues will start well before then.

Typically, these filters are going to need to be changed every 1–3 months. If they’re not changed frequently enough, they will clog up. That leads to reduced efficiency, excess strain on the system, and eventually problems such as short cycling. Changing the air filter regularly is very simple, and very beneficial.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

If you have visited this blog or read through our website before, then you probably saw this one coming from a mile away. There is nothing—nothing—that you can do for your furnace that is more beneficial than scheduling routine maintenance. It’s just that simple.

Our technicians will thoroughly inspect your furnace, going over the system as a whole with a fine-toothed comb. We’ll tune it up meticulously, ensuring that every component of the system is able to pull its own weight in order to benefit the system at large as much as possible. We’ll also keep an eye out for problems in the early stages of development, resolving them before damage can be done.

Schedule your furnace services withFort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Heat

Your Furnace Isn’t Blowing Warm Enough Air

Your Furnace Is Running in Short Cycles

Your Bills Are Going Up

Your System Is Costing too Much to Run

Your System Makes Strange New Sounds

Your Heater Won’t Start Up

Why You Can’t Pass Up Heating Maintenance

Why You Need a Professional to Do the Job Right

Why Is a Fresh Filter So Important?

Keep your filter fresh, and contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning with any questions that you may have. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

Why Hire Professionals?

Why Do It At All?

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

So Keep Your Ears Open!

Low Airflow

Short Cycling

Strange Sounds

Save Money

Save Efficiency

Save Your System!

Watch Your Utility Costs

Feel for Cold Spots

Listen for Strange Sounds

Maintain a Clear, Clean Space Around the Furnace

Change the Air Filter

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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