Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Tag: Loveland

Heat Pump

It may seem strange to think about heat pump maintenance when we are in the midst of summer, but colder weather is just around the corner. And, as any HVAC professional will tell you, it is always best to be proactive regarding your home’s comfort and heating system.

We’ve got you covered whether you need to schedule a tune-up for your heat pump or an AC tune-up in Loveland, CO. This article discusses the importance of getting a tune-up now to counteract the strain on your system that summer typically causes.

 

The Benefits of Scheduling a Tune-Up Now

 

Most people aren’t currently thinking about winter. But, we all know that the worst thing you can do for AC or heater is to wait until it messes up to call in a professional. Instead, regular maintenance will keep you comfortable no matter the season.

 

Professionals and Parts are Available Now

 

Since the demand for any heat pump parts is currently low, there’s a good chance that any repairs you need will get done quickly.

 

Systems Wear Down Over Time

 

Everything has a shelf-life, including your HVAC system. The harder it works, the quicker it could be wearing down—especially if you’re not performing regular maintenance on it. The best way to handle any issues is to prevent the issues from happening in the first place.

 

Maintenance Is More Than Just Changing a Filter

 

When a professional comes in, they aren’t simply changing a filter (though that is something you should make sure to do a few times a year!). Instead, they have a laundry list of tasks to take care of, such as:

 

  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 vents and ducts for leaks or lack of airflow.

…and that’s just a partial list.

 

If Something Is Wrong With Your Heater, a Professional Will Notice It

 

Another great reason to start your fall and winter maintenance now is that a professional will also recognize any potential issues with your heater. Avoid surprises and sit comfortably all year long.

 

It’s Always Nice to Save Money

 

Perhaps the biggest benefit of scheduling maintenance is the potential cost savings. Not only will you save by avoiding a bigger repair, but the more efficient system can save you on your monthly electric and/or gas bill. Savings that can be put toward other things—like maybe the holidays!

 

Safety First

 

Of course, safety for you and your family is always on top of your mind. It’s not a fun topic to discuss, but when maintenance is ignored for too long on HVAC systems, it can become dangerous for those in the home. Instead, schedule your heating maintenance and keep everyone safe.

Contact Fort Collins Heating today for services provided by the company you can trust.

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AC Installation

If you’re trying to make sure that you’re comfortable this summer, then the first thing you need to pay attention to is your air conditioner. Your air conditioner is the system that’s going to do the heavy lifting when it comes to your cooling this season. If you’re at the point where you’ve realized that you need new air conditioning installation in Loveland, CO, then it’s time to talk to our professionals.

The best part about our team is that we’re comprehensive professionals. We’re here to help you throughout the entire process. We know how to help you choose the right new brand, help you choose between all your different options, and install the new unit as well.

Tips You Should Know

Here are a few things you should know about your air conditioning installation process and a few ways you can make it easier.

The Best Brands

If you’re on the hunt for a new air conditioner, it’s great to consider some of the best brands you can get for yourself.  While the specific things that you might need are going to differ from home to home, the best brands typically are the same. We work alongside brands like Mitsubishi. If you’d like our opinion on the best models, you can always call and consult with our professionals for the work you need. We’re here to help.

The Needs of Your Home

What are the specific needs of your home? Everyone home’s will be different. We want you to consider factors like the following:

  • The size of your home
  • The layout of your home
  • The materials used to build your home
  • The number of windows in your home
  • The level of insulation you have in your home

We’ll help you take note of all the needs of your home, consider it, and find the right air conditioner for you.

How to Improve

It’s important to identify your weak points before an upgrade. A new air conditioner can get you improved service, but it can’t solve all your problems. You need to make sure that you have proper insulation, that you have proper ductwork, and that your home is set up to circulate air properly.

Your Different Options

When it’s time to upgrade, most homeowners opt for an upgraded model of their current system. While this is something you can do, it’s not the only option that you have for your home. Even if you end up going with an updated model of your current system, we do suggest that you consider all your options. You can choose from a central air conditioner, HRV system, ERV system, ductless mini split, or even a heat pump.

A Great Team

The final touch is making sure that you have a great team by your side to perform the work. Having the right air conditioner is important, but you need a great team to make sure that it’s installed properly and it can perform for you as well.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. We’re a company you can trust because we’re big enough to serve but still small enough to care.

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Repair Your AC System

Summer is right around the corner. Before you know it the kids will be out of school, the weather will be blazing hot, and it will be time to take that family vacation you’ve been planning. There is so much to look forward to in the upcoming months. This is why it would be terrible to spoil this with the stress of unexpected air conditioning repair in Loveland, CO.

When we talk to homeowners, they tell us that the most stressful part of air conditioning repair need is finding the right team in a flash. This is why we make sure that everyone on our team is trained, licensed, and ready to perform. Your main part in this process is recognizing the signs that you need repair. Let’s get into those reasons below.

Contact a Professional When

These are the signs you should ignore. Get a professional out to your home when you notice any of the following signs:

Unit Blowing Warm Air

The number one sign that you’re having an issue with your home’s air conditioning system is the unit blowing warm air. The is a probably that you should pay special attention to because it’s not always obvious that it’s happening. If you’re noticing that you have to run your air conditioner much more often than you’re used to, that only the coolest temperatures around seem to keep you cool, or that you’re paying more than you’re used to, then it could be a refrigerant problem.

Thermostat Inaccuracy

Is the reading on your home’s thermostat accurate? If you can’t confidently say that it is, then you’re creating trouble for yourself when it comes to you comfort. A thermostat reading that’s even just a little off is going to change your comfort for the worse. This is because just a few degrees difference determines if your air conditioner runs or not. A reading that’s always a little too high means that your system won’t turn on when you ned it most. Don’t deal with this during the entire spring and summer season.

Discomfort

Can you say that you’re comfortable at home? If you can’t, then it might be because of your air conditioner. Unfortunately, your home’s air conditioner can wear down over time. If you’re struggling to get cool for a reasonable price this season, then it’s time to consider repair.

High Energy Bills

Are your energy bills far too high although your system has been maintained? This might be due to an undercurrent issue with your home’s energy bills. This is when you should reach out to one of our professionals for repair work.

Disruptive Operation

Could you describe the way your air conditioner operates as disruptive? Disruptive operation could be a system that runs in short, incomplete cycles that leave you uncomfortable. Disruptive operation can also be an air conditioner that’s incredibly noisy every time you run it. Either scenario is an issue. We’ll solve your issues and get your AC system back on track.

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

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Furnace Repair

Spring is finally here and the weather is getting warmer. This means the daily operation of your heater might be a thing of the past. Even if it is, it doesn’t mean all traces of your heater should leave your mind. Now is the time to prepare for next year with furnace repair in Loveland, CO.

Have an honest moment and ask yourself–were you happy with your furnace’s operation this season? If you can’t say that you were, then you probably had a furnace problem bringing down the operation of your system. This happens to the best of us. We just want to encourage you to solve this problem before the start of next heating season. Leaving your heater in the best condition possible at the start of spring will make you happy come fall.

Late Season Furnace Issues You Should Address

There are furnace issues that are more common in homes by the time that spring starts knocking on the door. If you notice any of these problems, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with us.

False Thermostat Readings

Have you noticed that your home’s thermostat seems a little off these days? This might become a problem when you feel like your home is freezing, but your heater won’t turn on because the thermostat reading is too high. This can cause discomfort or inefficiency in your home. If you’d like to rectify this problem, then you’re going to need the help of professionals like ours.

Odd Cycling

If your heater is running short cycling or in long, seemingly never-ending cycles, then you have efficiency issues. This is a heater problem on its own, but it can become an even bigger problem with time if it goes unaddressed.

High Energy Bills

Are your energy bills too high? Your energy bills are expected to be a little higher during the winter months because you’re running your heater more often. The problem comes when your habits are all the same and your energy bills are higher. This points to a decline in your heating bills.

Strange Smells

Have you noticed that there are some strange scents that float around your home when your heater runs? This is always a sign of trouble and can actually be a sign of danger if you’re running a natural gas-fueled heater.

Not Enough Warmth

As long as you have a furnace, you should expect to be warm. If you’re not warm enough although you have a working furnace, you should first look at the installation job you received. If your furnace wasn’t installed properly, it might not be able to accommodate the needs of your space no matter if the system is the right size for your home or not.

If a lack of warmth hasn’t been an ongoing problem in your home since day one. The problem might have just stemmed from your heater wearing down over time. We can help you with this.

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

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Should I Replace My Boiler?

It’s been a long winter in our area and we’ve officially made it to spring on the calendar. Although it’s officially spring, it takes a moment for the weather to get the message in our neck of the woods. You’re probably going to deal with cool temperatures for a little while longer. When cool temperatures roll in, your heater is put to the test. If you’ve noticed that your home’s heater isn’t really performing well, then it might be time for you to consider something like boiler replacement in Loveland, CO.

Boiler replacement is one of those things that homeowners are a lot less familiar with. This is typically because fewer have actually experienced it first-hand. Boilers last much longer than forced-air systems so it’s less likely that you’ve gone through a replacement job before. If you need guidance, assistance choosing a new unit, and a technician to install the new unit, then we’re the team to turn to.

All The Signs You Should Replace Your Boiler

Here are the signs that you should consider replacing your home’s boiler this season.

Old Age

As we said mentioned above, boilers do last much longer than forced-air heating systems. Boilers are expected to last about 15-20 years if they’re maintained properly. This is why we suggest that you maintain your home’s boiler system on a regular basis. It will help your system last as long as possible and perform to the best of its ability.

If your boiler is reaching this age range, it’s a good idea to consider upgrading to a new model. We know that the idea of this can be overwhelming. This is why you should consider upgrading to a new model when possible.

Leaks

If you run a water-based boiler system and it’s always leaking, then it’s a clear sign that it’s reaching the end of its lifespan. Replacing the unit will get you better results and eliminate the prospect of water damage in your home.

High Energy Expenditure

If your energy bills have peaked in your home without clear cause, then the cause might actually be an issue with your home’s energy consumption. An energy efficiency issue has other implications for your comfort. If you want to avoid further problems, the we suggest investing in AC repair with us.

A Lack of Comfort

The number one sign that you should get rid of your boiler is if it’s not keeping you warm. This your boilers main job and if it’s not able to deliver, then it’s a great idea to get yourself a new system. You deserve to feel comfortable as long as you have a working boiler system in your home.

Frequent Repair

How often do you have to repair your boiler? If it’s more than once every few years, then your boiler system is struggling to perform to the best of its ability. This is typically a telltale sign of inefficient operation. In most cases, it’s better to upgrade to a new boiler system rather than continually repairing the same system that’s already proven itself to be inefficient.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Big enough to serve, small enough to care. 

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heater might not make it through winter

If you have a heater at home then of course you want it to keep you warm throughout the entire season. What happens when your home’s heater can’t seem to perform as usual though? This is when you should consider helping your heater with heater repair in Loveland, CO. The trouble comes when you’re trying to figure out if you need heating repair. Sometimes the signs aren’t all that obvious. That’s what our professionals are here for though. If you need to figure out if it’s worthwhile to repair your heater, then you’ve found the right professionals today.

We’ve rounded up some of the most compelling reasons to repair your home’s heater. If you read through this blog today and realize that you should repair it, our professionals will be here to help you. We always want your repair jobs to be as stress-free as possible. It’s why we have the best technicians around on staff.

These Signs Mean You Need Heating Repair

Here are the signs that you need heating repair in your home.

You’re Not Warm Enough

The first sign that you should consider repairing your heater is if your heating system isn’t providing you with enough heating output. It’s easy to chalk up troubles getting warm to the weather we’re experiencing. The fact of the matter is that you should always be able to get warm as long as you have a working heater that’s perfectly fit to your home. If you’re struggling to get warm, it’s a sign that your efficiency is on the chopping block. Repairs can help you get things back on track.

You Can’t Rely on Your Heater

Can you rely on your heater to keep your home warm? If you can’t, then your heater isn’t living up to its intended purpose and you need to consider heating repair.

It Costs Too Much to Run

Have your heating bills steadily increased over this winter season? This is a bad sign. High heating cost means that your efficiency has suffered. The good news is that heating repair can get things back on track.

You Hear Odd Sounds

Have you heard some odd sounds coming from your heater when you run it? This is always a bad sign. Your heater isn’t a completely silent system, but if you’re hearing disruptive noises, then it’s time to have a professional intervene.

You Smell Weird Scents

Have you noticed that your heater makes your home smell a little funky? This is something shouldn’t ever have to notice. If you do, then you should act fast. This could be a potential carbon monoxide issue.

You’re Noticing Uneven Cycling

Are you noticing that there’s uneven cycling happening in your home? This could happen in either extremely short cycles or long cycles. Either way, it’s a problem worth addressing with the help of professionals like ours. Short cycles or long cycles are both signs that there’s trouble regarding your efficiency. We’ll solve your heating problems and get your heater back on track.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for your home’s heating services. We’re “big enough to serve, but small enough to care.”

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Garbage Disposal Loveland CO

When it comes to your plumbing, you know that your kitchen is one of the most important places for plumbing services. As they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also a place that houses one of your most important plumbing pieces—your garbage disposal unit. If you’re trying to take care of your garbage disposal in Loveland, CO, then you need to start with the dos and don’ts of this system.

When we come out to a home to work on a garbage disposal, we quickly realize that the main issues come from a lack of knowledge. This is why we want to give you an informative crash course in everything garbage disposal today. Here are a few things you should know.

The Dos

Here are a few things that you should do for your home’s garbage disposal.

Trust Professionals

If you ever need service, make sure that you rely on a team of professionals. We’re the only ones who have the expertise necessary to work on your system.

Keep Your System Clean

A clean system is a system that has a better shot of performing at its best. Make sure you’re washing out your sink after doing the dishes and keeping things pristine.

Use It!

There are many things that should never make your way down your garbage disposal, but we don’t want to get you to a point where you’re afraid to use your system. Use your garbage disposal, just make sure you’re using it responsibly.

The Don’ts

The don’ts are going to exist mostly around your home’s garbage disposal care. There are a few things you should never let make their way down your kitchen sink. Here are some:

F.O.G.

F.O.G. (fat, oil, and grease) are the villains in the garbage disposal world. These substances might not seem like they should be such a big deal to the average person, but they’re such a problem because they create a sludge that’s easy for other substances to get trapped in. Once this is stuck in your drain, it’s going to become an issue for everything else going down your system.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds pose the same issue as F.O.G. If you’re pouring coffee grounds down your drain, you’re likely causing yourself unnecessary issues at home. Make sure your coffee grounds make their way into your trash rather than down your sink to save yourself a headache.

Bones

Once you’re done enjoying a meal, make sure that the bones leftover find their way into your trashcan. We know that certain waste like this doesn’t always make a home smell great, but it’s easier to empty your trash more often than to repair your garbage disposal.

Fibrous Vegetables

Celery, onion skin, and any other fibrous vegetables are going to be an issue for your garbage disposal. Make sure this doesn’t pose a threat to your home.

Too Much at Once

Don’t get ahead of yourself! If you’re putting too much down your drain at once, it can cause trouble with your home’s garbage disposal system. Take things slowly to give your garbage disposal the time and space it needs to work.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’re “big enough to service, small enough to care.”

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How to Help Your Heater This Winter

Now that it’s really getting cold out, it’s important for you to know how to care for your home’s heater. This probably isn’t something that you think about too often and we understand why. There are many things to consider during this time of year. There are holiday get-togethers to plan, gifts to buy, and many people to see. We understand how heating issues can get lost in the shuffle. We want to do our best to bring them back to the forefront today though.

There are some easy things you can do to maintain your HVAC in Loveland, CO. If you want to improve your heating this winter, then we suggest that you start with these tips. If you ever need more in-depth service for your heater, then we’re the team who can help you with this. 

Simple Ways to Help your Heater

Here are a few tips you can try out this winter that are sure to help your heating services.

Always Schedule a Maintenance Appointment

It’s important that you schedule a maintenance appointment every single fall. If you don’t, it’s only going to create opportunities for your heater to fail you. This is why we suggest that you have this service performed every single winter. Maintenance is what’s going to build your system up and help you have efficient and cost effective service for the entire season. If you’re interested in scheduling a maintenance appointment for your home, then we suggest that you take the extra step and enroll yourself in our maintenance program.

Swap Out Your Filter

It’s important to swap out your heater’s filter at the start of each new season. Make sure you do it on a routine basis. It’s the easiest way to make sure that the service you’re getting is as efficient and as effective as possible. A bad filter is going to make your heater work much harder for the same result. You’re also going to pay more for inefficient operation. Swapping out your filter is a simple thing you can do to get your heater in great shape.

Choose Appropriate Temperatures

The next thing you should do is make sure that you’re choosing an appropriate temperature. Sometimes, the temperatures that you choose are inappropriate. You don’t want to choose a temperature that’s too high. We know that it might sound like we’re asking you to do something counterintuitive, but it’s always best to have a little patience with your system. A high temperature isn’t going to make your home heat up faster. You’re likely to end up overworking your system for no reason.

Consider a Thermostat Upgrade

If your home doesn’t seem to be efficient, it might actually be your home’s thermostat. Upgrading to a new thermostat can be the best thing to do for your system. We suggest smart and Wi-Fi thermostats. We understand that you might think you’re getting by with a digital thermostat, but we can assure you that an upgrade would do your home well. You can talk to us for tips about modes to upgrade to.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for you to schedule an appointment for your heating care. 

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get your ducts cleaned

When winter rolls around, it’s easy to focus all your attention on your heating services. You wouldn’t be wrong to do this. It’s easy to get a one track mind about your home heating services though. We want you to make sure that you zoom out and see the bigger picture. Your home comfort also relies on your indoor air quality. This is why it’s so important to check in on your ducts.

Your ducts are the foundation of any good indoor air quality system. If you haven’t had a professional handle your indoor air quality needs in a while, this is when you should consider air duct cleaning in Loveland, CO. Air duct cleaning is the best way to ensure that you have a flaw-free heating season. Let’s talk about this below…

The Signs You Should Get Your Ducts Cleaned

Here are a few signs that you should get your home’s ducts cleaned.

High Levels of Dust

If you’ve noticed that your home is just full of dust this season, then it probably has a lot to do with your home’s ducts. Every home gets a little dusty. We want you to take note when you feel like you’ve dusted your space every other day for weeks but it still gets dusty almost immediately after you’re done cleaning up. This shouldn’t be something you’re dealing with. If you are, then it’s because your home’s ducts need cleaning.

Mold

You definitely need to have a professional clean your ducts if you’re noticing mold. You get bonus points if you’re noticing mold in places that it’s not even common for it to grow. This would be any place outside of the bathroom.

Your heating system can develop a level of condensation and this can become a problem for your ducts if you let it. This is why you should note your mold problem and let an indoor air quality technician know so they can fix the issue.

Rodents or Insects

It’s never fun to have any type of infestation in your home. If you’ve recently had a critter roaming around or an influx of bugs in your space, then you should have an indoor air quality technician out to your home after you handle it. This is because rodents and insects typically get in through gapping ductwork.

You Just Went Through a Renovation

If you recently renovated your home, then it’s a great idea to check in with your home’s ductwork. Construction is quite a complicated job. If you recently had something remodeled, then it’s likely that dirt and dust built up in your ductwork during the process. We want to help you with these services.

High Energy Costs

One sign that your ductwork is inefficient and increasing your home’s energy cost. High energy bills without a clear issue causing them typically point to a problem with your home’s efficiency. This is where our professionals can step in to serve you. We understand the pitfalls of efficiency and how to fix them.

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

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Toilet Repair Loveland CO

Are you wondering if there’s trouble with your toilet that you need to deal with? We understand that there are many things that can go wrong with your toilet system, but it’s not always easy to identify what’s going wrong or where it has gone wrong. This is why we’re here to point out any problems that should become a real cause for concern.

If something is so off base that you need toilet repair in Loveland, CO, then it’s important to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Toilet problems are so bad because they’re unhygienic and often inefficient. You’re going to put your home health at risk and spend more money doing so. We never want this to be the case in your home. Instead, we’d like to help you fix your space and improve your plumbing. 

Problems That You Should Act to Fix

Here are a few problems that you should call a professional plumber for this season.

Your Toilet Refuses to Flush

Are you noticing that your toilet just won’t flush? If the handle isn’t the problem and you’ve already established this, then it means that you need to get in touch with a team of professionals. Calling one of our professionals is the first step you need to take to solve one of these issues. We’re the ones who can make sure that every part of your system is in line and ready to perform for you.

Phantom Flushes

A huge problem that might occur with your toilet is those annoying phantom flushes. If you hear water flowing into your toilet bowl even when your system hasn’t been flushed recently, then you’re definitely dealing with phantom flushes. This is a major sign that your system is not flushing properly. This might be a sign that you have some type of trouble with your flapper or a flapper seat. The only way to make sure that this is the problem and it has a clear solution, then you need to get in touch with a team of professionals. Only a professional can help you fix the problem you’re facing definitely.

Leaks

One of the worst things that can happen to your home’s toilet is a leak. Your toilet has quite a few seals and each one has the potential to spring a leak somewhere. We want to help you make sure each one of these spaces is tightened and ready to perform. You should only rely on a professional for this work.

Overflowing Water

If you have overflowing water coming from your toilet, then you’ve definitely noticed the issue. Your toilet is filling and won’t stop. This is a sign that there’s a clear clog somewhere in your home. It doesn’t matter what the cause is, you’re going to need this to stop as soon as possible. If you can’t solve the clog on your own, then our professionals will help you get to the bottom of what’s going on.

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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