Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tag: Heating Maintenance

Heating Repairs Windsor CO

Winter in Colorado is a wonderful time of the year. Provided, of course, that you’re prepared for it. If not, then it is definitely not all that enjoyable. Our winters are way too harsh to take any chances with your comfort or your safety. That is why it is so important that you do everything possible to prevent the need for heating repair in Windsor, CO.

If you’re looking for a way in which to completely avoid any and all heating repair needs, this isn’t the post for you. And if you find a post claiming to have such answers, you should know you’ve found an unreliable resource. All heaters run into trouble sometimes.  That just the reality of the situation. With these tips in mind, though, you can keep repair needs as few and far between as possible.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

The air filter in a forced-air heater, such as a furnace or a heat pump, is not really there to protect the quality of the air in your home. You can’t just assume that the air filter is clean enough just because the air quality seems okay. You should be checking this filter on a monthly basis, and changing it about that frequently (certain media filters may be changed less frequently).

If your air filter is too dirty, then your system is going to face a higher level of airflow restriction than it should. That restricted airflow is going to put added strain on the system. Over time, that can lead to issues with the system’s operation. Eventually, repairs might be necessary.

Leave the Installation to Us

Sometimes, homeowners wind up with a system that needs repairs pretty frequently. This may not be an issue with the heater itself. Even a great system will fail to function effectively and reliably if it is not installed properly. If you want to be sure that your heater is as reliable as possible, then you really need to schedule a professional heating installation.

There is a lot to consider when installing a heater, from the design of the heat distribution system to the sizing of the heater itself. If you’re serious about protecting your heater, you have to start on day 1. Our team will start your heater off on the right foot so that it can deliver on its full potential for years to come.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

If you’re not having your heater tuned up each and every year, then you are setting it up for failure. It’s just that simple. You may think everything is working just fine, and maybe it is—for now. That doesn’t change the fact that your heater is on thin ice if it isn’t properly maintained.

A lot goes into the maintenance of a heating system, and it is a job that only professionals can handle. From checking relays to lubricating moving parts and testing various components, routine maintenance is your technician’s chance to catch problems early on and to optimize your system’s performance.

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

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Heating

This is a tricky time of the year for homeowners looking to protect their comfort. We’ll get a sprinkling of chilly days and nights tossed into the mix, then temperatures will jump right back up to the mid/high 80s before you know it. Seeing those temperatures in the forecast may lead you to believe that it’s too early to really start thinking about your home heating system. This really couldn’t be further from the truth, though.

Sure, you may not be ready to flip over to your heater just yet. However, the time for home heating in Fort Collins, CO, is just around the corner. And that can sneak up on you in a bad way if your heater is not ready to jump right back into action. So keep the following in mind, and remember that our technicians are never more than a phone call away. Whatever heating services you may need, we’re here to do the job right.

 

How Old Is Your System?

Age is a very important factor to consider when it comes to your heating system. Now, does an older system mean that you definitely need to replace it before winter hits? No. Nor does a newer system mean that you definitely don’t need to replace it before the heating season arrives. But age will definitely play a factor in your decision-making process regarding what’s best for your heating needs.

If, for example, you’ve got a problem that can be resolved with repairs, but the repair is pretty pricey, you should be asking yourself if the system is still worth repairing. If it’s getting older, frequently has issues like this come up, and/or is no longer covered under warranty, then a replacement probably looks pretty good. If the system is still new enough for the repair to be covered and is otherwise in good working order, then replacement probably won’t be the way to go.

How Satisfied Are You with Your System?

For some, the idea of replacing a working heater with a new, different model is just crazy. We assure you, it’s not. Different heaters work in different ways, and if there was any one heater that suited every single homeowner, well—there wouldn’t be so many different types of heaters out there! So yes, dissatisfaction with your heater based on how it heats your home is a valid reason for replacement.

Maybe you’re drawn to the efficiency of a heat pump, but have a furnace in place. Maybe you’ve got a heat pump, but it’s the ductless mini split that’s really got your attention. Whatever the case,  our team is happy to discuss your options with you to ensure that you not only have a good, reliable heater, but that you have the right heater for your personal user preferences.

How’s Overall Efficiency?

Your heater is working just fine. But it’s costing a lot to heat your home? Then it’s not working just fine!

Investing in efficiency from the start is a worthwhile pursuit. But you also need to be diligent in scheduling routine heating maintenance if you want to maintain that efficiency. And, if your system just cannot deliver the efficiency you’re looking for, then it may be time to start looking for a replacement.

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

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Schedule Your Heating Tune

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.

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Air Heating Tip

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.

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Oh man, I’m not ready to start thinking about Up Your Heaterwinter 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.

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Heating Maintenance

We wouldn’t bother writing an entire blog post on the subject if the answer were “yes,” would we? If you’ve been to this blog before–and we do hope that you’ve taken in some of the information and tips to be found here–then you know that we are huge advocates for annual heating maintenance. You may also know that it’s not so much about the timing of the maintenance within the calendar year, as much as it is that it happens once during the year.

With that in mind, no, it is not even remotely too early for heating maintenance in Loveland, CO. Daytime temperatures are beginning a decline into the 70s, and on the lower end of that range in the days to come. Nighttime temperatures, meanwhile, are dropping into the 40s and even the 30s! You may be turning to your heating system before you know it, and it is best to have it ready for action when that time comes.

Make Sure Your Heater Is Running Reliably

Imagine that you’re a marathon runner (if you’re not in real life, that is; if you are, feel free to skip this step). You train and train, complete your marathon, and then take some well-deserved time off. Now, would you just jump right back into a marathon without getting yourself back into that level of shape again, regardless of how well you performed in the previous marathon? Of course not!

Just because your heater made it through the last heating season successfully does not mean that it is going to do just fine being thrown into another one. Remember, not all issues with your heater are going to result in it breaking down. If you allow the wear and tear on your heater to stack up, though, that is a real possibility over time.

Heat Your Home Affordably

Now, routine heating maintenance is not somehow going to make your heater more efficient than its efficiency rating allows for. What it will do, however, is keep your heater working at or as close to its peak efficiency level as possible. Even if your heater is effectively heating your home, it may be costing you more to run it than it should.

Problems like insufficient lubrication and loose components may not be something that you’d immediately realize. They are the types of issues that can result in reduced energy efficiency, however. Scheduling annual maintenance will allow your heater to work not only as effectively, but also as efficiently, as it can.

Maintain a Good Lifespan

Every time a homeowner pushes a heater through another season of service without the maintenance that it needs, they are effectively shaving some time off that system’s lifespan. No heater is going to last forever, obviously. There is no mechanical system out there that can make that claim. With an annual heating tune-up each and every year, though, you can make sure that your heater gives you the best it can for as long as it can.

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

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Heating Tune-Up

Chances are that, if you have perused our site or read our blog before, you’ve noticed that we really like singing the virtues of annual heater maintenance in Loveland, CO. We are not always suggesting this service and reminding our clients’ of its importance to line our pockets. We’d make much more money doing constant repairs and replacements if that’s what we wanted. No, we like to remind our clients about routine maintenance simply because it is in their best interest.

If you have any doubts about why routine heating maintenance is so important, or if you’ve just always wondered what actually goes on during this service, then today’s post is for you! Read on, and be sure to let the professionals on our staff complete your heating tune-up. That way, you’ll have no doubt about the job being done right every time, and every step of the way. When we get your heater ready for the winter season, you’ll be able to enjoy the comfort that you deserve. 

What You Can (and Cannot) Do On Your Own

Okay, let us start this off by saying that this is absolutely not intended to be a DIY guide. There is no way in which you can hope to successfully tune up your heating system on your own. All that we are doing here is pulling back the curtain a bit so that you can understand just how involved and nuanced a true heating tune-up really is.

That being said, we’ll also take a moment to remind you that there is, in fact, an incredibly important maintenance task that you can and should handle on your own. This is the regular cleaning or replacing of the air filter. Typically, this standard filter will need to be changed every 1–3 months. It is simple to do, but can have major benefits for your system. It should not be left for a once a year maintenance visit.

What We’ll Do

Now, the exact steps taken during a routine maintenance service are going to vary a bit from system to system. A boiler will require different checks and adjustments than a heat pump, after all. That being said, here is a general guide of what a heating tune-up looks like:

  • Clean/inspect the blower assembly in the indoor unit.
  • Inspect ignition systems.
  • Inspect flue/ventilation.
  • Check all electrical components and contacts.
  • Inspect and clean outdoor units as applicable (heat pumps).
  • Test starting and running capability.
  • Check thermostat.
  • Check gas pressure.
  • Inspect/clean burners.
  • Test voltage/amperage.
  • Listen for abnormal sounds/monitor of strange odors while running.

And much, much more. From ruling out refrigerant leaks in heat pumps to changing out the aforementioned air filter in all forced-air heating systems, there is a lot for our technicians to cover during your maintenance service. When it comes to ensuring that your heater is functioning at peak performance, efficiency, and safety levels, there is really no such thing as being too careful.

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

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It does get pretty cold here in the winter, you may be thinking, but it’s not like we’re dealing with subzero temperatures on a regular basis; I’m sure my heater is ready for action.

Something along those lines is the type of logic that leaves homeowners with broken down heating systems, just as they need them the most. No, we may not have the most extreme winter weather in this part of the country. To think that means that you don’t need annual heating maintenance in Windsor, CO, though, is to buy into a serious misconception.

 

Routine Maintenance Protects Your Budget, Your Comfort, and Your Safety

If you never took your car in for an oil change or to have the “check engine” alert assessed, you probably wouldn’t expect your car to hang in there too long, would you? Sure, you may save a bit of money up front, but the fact of the matter is that your car is going to start running poorly, using more gas to get you where you’re going, and will likely require costly repairs before long. This is just what you can expect of a poorly maintained heater, as well. Your heating system is only going to function as efficiently as possible when it is in outstanding working condition, and that is only possible when you have it tuned up regularly.

Keep in mind, too, that just because your heater is up and running does not mean that it is going to function at peak performance levels. You may find your system is shutting down before reaching target temperatures, or that there are cold spots throughout your home. Not only does routine heating maintenance keep your system efficient, it also keeps it working precisely as it ought to, helping you to live more comfortably.

Finally, keep your safety in mind. Maintenance is not all about ensuring that your heater is using fuel efficiently. It’s also about ensuring that it does so safely. You don’t want to risk a dangerous operation just because you had a lax attitude regarding maintenance.

For great heating services, call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning. Big enough to serve, small enough to care.

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