Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Wellington

HVAC FAQ: Why Is My System Running in Short Bursts?

August 29, 2016

You are undoubtedly still running your air conditioner in Wellington, CO. We are not out of the woods yet as far as hot weather goes. Before long, though, you’ll find that you don’t need your AC quite as much, and soon enough you’ll actually be firing up the heater! Regardless of which system is in use, though, it’s important that it is functioning properly.

There are a few problems that can negatively affect both your heating and your air conditioning systems. Short cycling is one such problem. If your air conditioner—or heater, for that matter—is running in short bursts, be sure to contact us right away.

What Causes Short Cycling?

With an air conditioning system, refrigerant leaks are a common cause of short cycling. The system will struggle to remove a sufficient amount of heat from the air, and the compressor can overheat and the system will shut down prematurely. The system may also just be too big for your home, cooling it too quickly. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to icing on the evaporator coil and overheating, or you may just have a faulty thermostat that is registering temperatures wrong.

If your heater is short cycling, you may have a malfunctioning sensor or thermostat. You could also have an issue with the burner assembly in a combustion system, triggering your thermocouple to stem the flow of gas. Having the issue promptly resolved ensures not only that your system will function reliably, but safely.

Short Cycling Can Cause Damage

Your HVAC systems are going to suffer a lot of unnecessary wear and tear if they are starting up and stopping constantly. This can lead to an increased risk of repair needs, or even a shortened lifespan. You may also wind up paying more for less comfort, as your system will use more energy by starting up over and over.

Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning, the company you can trust.

Why Am I Paying So Much to Cool My Home?

July 4, 2016

You’ve no doubt been running your air conditioner somewhat regularly at this point in time. Summer got off to a hot start, and it’s going to be a while before any sort of lasting relief sets in. If running your AC has come with the shock of very high energy costs, you may want to start thinking about ways in which to cool your home more efficiently and affordably. Following, you’ll find some examples of common reasons for an inefficient cooling experience. If you have any further questions, or you require any air conditioning services, remember that we are the company you can trust.

Poor Maintenance Practices

Let’s start off with one possibility that, if the root cause of your inefficiency issues, lands squarely on your shoulders. You must—must—schedule routine air conditioning maintenance services each and every year. If you fail to do so, there is just no way in which you can hope for your home cooling system to function as efficiently as possible, let alone reliably and successfully. The cumulative effects of a season’s worth of wear and tear will make it impossible for your system to excel in this manner.

Subpar Insulation

Do you feel hot spots throughout your home when you walk through it? If so, this could be indicative that you have subpar levels of insulation in those areas. It’s also possible that your insulation has deteriorated over time due to moisture damage, or that pests have compromised its integrity. Whatever the cause of the problem, having your insulation replaced or bulked up by a qualified party can help you to keep heat out of your home, and to keep your energy costs low.

Low SEER Rating

Finally, remember that your air conditioner may be operating just fine, but that it may not have a very high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating. If you’ve always struggled with high cooling costs, or if this is the first summer that you are using the existing AC system in a new-to-you home, check the SEER. Older systems may have a SEER of 6 or less, but the scale goes up to 25. Modern regulations mandate a minimum SEER of 13/14, depending upon location. You may want to upgrade on a newer, more efficient system now, and enjoy long-term savings as a result.

Let Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning install and services your air conditioner in Wellington, CO.

3 Great Benefits of Routine Air Conditioning Maintenance

May 16, 2016

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

Improved Efficiency

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

Greater Reliability

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

Extended Lifespan

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

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

3 Signs That You May Need Air Conditioning Repairs

April 4, 2016

Now that we’ve made it to April, many homeowners are anxiously anticipating the onset of the summer season. Of course, enjoying summer to its fullest demands that you are able to escape the clutches of its heat when you are ready to cool down. In order to do so, we recommend that you not only invest in a great air conditioning system, but that you also allow the pros on our staff to install and service that system.

Of course, even the best air conditioning systems on the market, and even when well-maintained, are going to encounter occasional operational problems. Scheduling prompt AC repairs in Wellington, CO is always in your best interest, so here are some signs of trouble to look out for.

A decrease in your system’s cooling output is one of the most obvious signs that there is something wrong with your home cooling system. If you feel as though your system is struggling to cool your entire home effectively, or if it seems to be blowing lukewarm air, call our number right away. Refrigerant leaks, issues with blower fans, and other problems could be to blame.
Ice on the system is another sign that your air conditioner is definitely in need of repair services. You may think that ice on an air conditioner is actually a good sign, proof that the system is cooling your home effectively. In truth, though, clogged air filters or low refrigerant levels may be leaving your system incapable of absorbing sufficient heat.
Strange sounds emanating from your air conditioning system during operation are also cause for concern. No, your AC is not going to operate in a silent stealth mode. However, you shouldn’t really be hearing loud grinding, screeching, or booming sounds. If you do, it is in your best interest to allow a member of our staff to evaluate it for repairs ASAP.

Call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for great air conditioning repair services.

Should I Schedule AC Maintenance in the Spring?

February 29, 2016

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

The Season Doesn’t Matter As Much As Annual Completion

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

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

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

Is a Furnace the Right Heating System for Me?

December 23, 2015

Are you a bit late to the party in terms of having a heating system installed this year? There’s still time, but it’s important that you start seriously considering your options. There are a lot of different heaters available on the market today, and finding the right one for your needs and personal preferences can be trickier than you may realize. Fortunately, you can count on our staff to help ensure that your new heater is the perfect fit for your home. One system well worth your consideration is a furnace. We install and service quality furnaces in Wellington, CO. Give Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning a call today to learn more.

Why Choose a Furnace?

Furnaces consistently rank among the most popular of all home heating systems. It’s not really that difficult to understand why. There are, after all, a number of benefits that come with using a furnace to heat one’s home.

Efficacy: When it comes to effective heating, the furnace is a force to reckon with. Furnaces work by heating air, and then distributing that heated air throughout a home via ductwork. This allows for prompt heating that you can really feel throughout the house. Just remember that this requires an appropriately sized furnace, and a well-designed and installed system of air ducts.
Efficiency: When your system is of the right size and expertly installed in your home, your furnace will also be capable of heating your home quite efficiently and affordably. Of course, the higher the AFUE, which stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency and denotes the efficiency with which your system heats your home, the more a furnace is likely to cost. We’ll help you to balance efficiency and cost in order to ensure that you have the most efficiency that you can comfortably afford.
Fuels: You may choose to fuel your furnace in a few different ways. Natural gas is a favorite, as it is quite affordable and is delivered directly to the home. Of course, not all homes have access to natural gas. Propane may also be used, but does require on-site storage. Electricity is a viable option, too, and electric furnaces are incredibly efficient. However, the cost of electricity can mean that they’re still more expensive to use. Regardless, you definitely have your options wide open when choosing to use a furnace.

Ways in Which Professional Duct Cleaning Can Benefit You

December 14, 2015

When you own a home, you have a lot of responsibilities to take care of. While many of them, such as lawn care, shoveling, house cleaning, etc., are jobs that you can handle on your own, there are others that demand the skill and expertise that only a trained professional has to offer. When it comes to ensuring that your HVAC system is operating properly, for instance, you need to hire a trained professional. Remember, though, that basic maintenance may not be all that is necessary for getting the most from such systems. If you use a forced air HVAC, then you may need professional duct cleaning in Wellington, CO as well. Read on to learn more about the benefits of duct cleaning, and call Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service.

Maintains Efficiency

You are not likely to have such excessive dust and pollutant buildup in your ductwork that it is impossible to force air through the system. However, it is very possible that the pollutants within that ductwork will build up on sensitive components within your HVAC system, and that your air filter will clog up. Both of these issues can lead to serious efficiency problems. If you hope to heat and cool your home in the most efficient manner possible, then it is in your best interest to ensure that your air ducts are clean.

Protects System

As your HVAC system struggles to operate properly in the face of clogged air filters and other issues pertaining to excessive dust and other pollutants in the system, it is going to operate under more strain than is normal. Over time, this strain can adversely affect the condition of your HVAC system. By having your air ducts cleaned, you can actually help to protect the overall condition of your HVAC system.

Improved Air Quality

When your air ducts are dirty within, there is no way that you can hope to enjoy the great air quality that you want throughout your home. Your ductwork itself can distribute pollutants throughout your living space, dragging down indoor air quality in a serious fashion. Clean ductwork helps to promote a clean living environment.

Benefits of Zone Controlled Heating

November 25, 2015

We all know how vital it is that we are able to heat our homes effectively throughout the coldest time of the year. The winter season can be quite intense in this part of the country, and having a well-functioning heating system installed in your home is paramount to ensuring your comfort throughout the worst of it. If you are not completely satisfied with the overall operation of your heating system, you don’t have to replace it entirely in order to boost its performance quality. Smaller upgrades, such as the installation of a zone control system in Wellington, CO, can make a world of difference. Contact Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning for more details.

Improved Comfort

The major selling point of using a zone control system in one’s home is that it allows one to heat only those areas of their homes that they wish to, and only as much as they wish to. This means that residents in your home no longer have to argue about what the right temperature setting is. If you run hotter than your kids, for instance, setting up your bedroom as a different zone than theirs allows you to maintain a different temperature than that in their room. Each zone has its own thermostat, so that temperatures therein can be controlled independently of others. By working with a skilled professional, you can zone your home thoughtfully to reap maximum benefits.

Energy Savings

Heating your home doesn’t come for free, and there is nothing that we can do about that. What we can do, though, is help you to heat your home more efficiently with the use of a zone control system. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of the opportunity to both heat your home more effectively and to do so more efficiently. Of course, if you use the same ductwork to distribute cooled air throughout your home, then you can use your zone control system year round. Give us a call today to learn more.

Why Choose a Hybrid Heating System?

November 16, 2015

If you are like most modern homeowners, then you expect to live in a comfortable environment throughout the entire year. Chances are that you also don’t want to spend a fortune in order to do so. This is precisely why so many homeowners choose to use highly efficient systems, such as heat pumps, in order to keep their homes comfortable in an affordable manner. The only issue with doing so, though, is that heat pumps, which use existing heat in the air outside in order to warm interior spaces, can be overwhelmed by very cold temperatures. Using a hybrid heating system in Wellington, CO is a great way to put your mind at ease in regards to such worries. Contact a member of the Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more.

What Is a Hybrid Heating System?

A hybrid heating system is a type of heating system that uses a heat pump as a primary heating source. Heat pumps are renowned for their very efficient operational levels. They use a refrigerant cycle in order to absorb heat from the air surrounding them, then compress that refrigerant in order to boost the thermal energy therein. That heat is then used to heat a home, with only a small amount of electricity being used in the process. This allows for a very affordable heating performance.

Because heat pumps do use existing heat in the air outside, though, very cold temperatures can negatively impact their heating output. Heat pumps have gotten more and more adept at providing heat even in extreme cold, but many homeowners still want to know that there is a backup in place in case the heat pump just can’t keep up. That is why a hybrid heating system also incorporates the use of a gas furnace in its operation. The gas furnace will come on if the heat pump is struggling to keep up with the heating demand. It then simply shuts down automatically once the heat pump is able to take back over once more. Call now if you think that a hybrid heating system may be right for you.

What to Consider Before an Air Conditioning Replacement

July 27, 2015

When the time comes to schedule your air conditioning replacement in Wellington, CO, there are a number of different things to consider. You don’t want to rush through the AC replacement process, even if your existing system has broken down entirely. Taking your time to make careful considerations prior to the replacement of your air conditioner is the only way in which to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your new system. If your current AC is on its way out, failing to provide you with an effective or reliable performance, or if it has failed completely, just give us a call. You can count on Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning to replace your air conditioner properly.

System Size

Even if you’ve previously used a central air conditioning system of some sort, it is important that you have your new system sized appropriately for your home. It always better to be safe than sorry when installing a new air conditioner in one’s home, and you don’t just want to assume that your old system was of the ideal size for your needs. When we size your AC, you can rest assured in knowing that it is of the right size for your living space.

System Cost

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay more money for a more efficient air conditioner than you would for a less efficient model. Of course, you also don’t want to spend more than you comfortably can when investing in your new AC. We have a system for any budget, and we are happy to help ensure that you are getting the most efficient air conditioner that you can truly afford, so that you can enjoy years of affordable cooling to come without breaking the bank at the outset.

System Selection

If you’ve not bought a new AC in a long time, or if you’ve always just used the one that came with your home, you may be surprised to learn just how many different options there are when it comes to choosing a new system for your home. There may not be any single “best” AC out there, but you can rely on our knowledgeable staff to help you choose which is best for your needs and user preferences.

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

Wellington

What Causes Short Cycling?

Short Cycling Can Cause Damage

Poor Maintenance Practices

Subpar Insulation

Low SEER Rating

Improved Efficiency

Greater Reliability

Extended Lifespan

The Season Doesn’t Matter As Much As Annual Completion

Why Choose a Furnace?

Maintains Efficiency

Protects System

Improved Air Quality

Improved Comfort

Energy Savings

What Is a Hybrid Heating System?

System Size

System Cost

System Selection

Fort Collins Heating & Air Conditioning Blog

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