Category: HVAC

1. Increased Illnesses

When carbon monoxide builds up, it can make us sick in small doses.

In higher concentrations, exposure is deadly. 

Furthermore, instances of flu-like or cold symptoms among family members may be due to a carbon monoxide leak in the gas heater or poor ventilation of the exhaust.

Call a professional furnace repair technician immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak. 

2. High Furnace Age

The average age of a furnace is 15-20 years, however, some models last longer with proper maintenance.

The good news is that you can see the signs the furnace is going bad and be prepared or even avoid it completely.

Check the age of your heating system by looking at the information on the label attached directly to the unit.

Moreover, many manufacturers have posted their manuals online.

In case you have a question on this or any other furnace repair or heating repair issue, just send us a message or call now!

3. High & Unexplained Utility Bills

Simply put, heating bills increase as the heating system runs more frequently.

In addition, this causes an increase in utility costs and increases your likelihood of needing heating repair.

Consequently, this could be a sign your furnace is going out.

Notwithstanding, a tune-up may be able to fix the issue and save you money.

And finally, letting one of our furnace repair technicians come to take a look today can save you money tomorrow.

Nonetheless, we help you to weigh the signs that the furnace is going bad to make a financially sound decision.

4. Sudden Troublesome Noises

Noises are frustrating and stressful but when caught early, many of these issues are simply fixed. 

Therefore, we bring our family values to every HVAC service and want your business for the long run.

Consequently, if you hear a squeal, a new click, grinding, or popping when your furnace is at any point in the heating cycle, it’s best to have a tech take a look and catch things early.

5. Pilot Flame Color

Firstly, a yellow flame is a clear sign that the gas is not burning properly.

Dirty or partially blocked systems can produce this.

Secondly, it’s also another sign that a call to your trusted furnace repair technician is needed to save money and keep you a bit safer.

Thirdly, a gas furnace should have a vibrant or bright blue flame.

Fourth, when you see a weak and wavy or flickering flame, this indicates gas is not being completely burned.

Finally, pilot light color changes are another indicator that carbon monoxide is not venting away from the system safely.

In case you have a question on this or any other furnace repair or heating repair issue, just send us a message or call now!

6. Dry Air

Uniquely, causes for a dry environment include:

• issues with the humidity control
• an undersized system that is running too frequently
• an oversized unit that does not run long enough

Unfortunately, replacement is the only way to get the correct size furnace your home needs.

7. Soot

Soot is one of the signs your furnace is going bad.

Moreover, soot is generated from “day one” if the system is improperly installed.

Also, it can be from an aging system that may need to be replaced.

8. Frequent Repairs

Above all, increased spending on repairs is a serious sign your furnace is going bad.

Therefore, when repairs are happening more frequently it is a good sign that it may save time and money to add a new, more efficient HVAC heating system in Southern Colorado.

9. Poor Temperature Control

Additionally, when some rooms are hot and others are cold, this is a sign of a needed repair.

This can be caused by dirt/dust build up on the Blower wheel. This can cause dramatic blower failures.

Often there are other root causes like a poorly engineered system, poor thermostat location, or poor insulation.  

If your thermostat is no longer working properly, it may need to be replaced.

In case you have a question on this or any other furnace repair or heating repair issue, just send us a message or call now!

It can be frustrating to try and find straightforward answers when you’re not an expert on AC repair, so we have put together a guide with answers to the most common questions.

1. How often should I have my AC serviced?

All units should be serviced a minimum of once annually, with periodic inspections up to 4 times a year to minimize AC repair.

Therefore, we suggest scheduling a consultation with a leading HVAC service company that has respected industry certifications.

Moreover, based on the age, size and usage of your system, a quality HVAC repair contractor can tailor a service plan to meet your budget requirements and keep your system running reliably.

2. Why does my system seem to need more refrigerant each year?

Leaking refrigerant not only causes your unit to lose cooling capacity and use more energy, it’s also very bad for the environment.

In effect, refrigerant gases released into the atmosphere are one of the worst culprits in depleting the ozone layer.

An air conditioning system that needs recharging of refrigerant on a regular basis is leaking and needs repair.

Be sure to choose a service provider that uses the latest technology to find refrigerant leaks, since the old methods are very time consuming and will cost you more money.

3. Can my air conditioning control humidity in my building?

While there are a number of methods used to help your air conditioner remove humidity from the air, the most efficient methods involve using heat generated by the air conditioner itself to cause the unit to run long enough to remove more moisture from the air.

When properly designed and controlled, your air conditioning system definitely should keep the air in your building at between 40 and 60 percent relative humidity.

Humidity levels that are too high or too low are one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality, and can result in mold growth, the spread of airborne illnesses, and even computer breakdowns.

If your building is too humid or too dry, your HVAC tech can check if your humidistat is properly set, or if your system requires HVAC maintenance.

And don’t forget, for questions on this or any other air conditioning repair or HVAC repair issue, just send us a message or call now!

4. How can I ensure that my air conditioning unit lasts as long as possible?

The best thing you can do to prolong the life of your system and reduce AC repair is to have it regularly serviced by a professional.

In addition, here are a few tips for easy things you can do to avoid costly air conditioning repair:

• Use programmable thermostats to reduce air conditioning usage when it’s not needed.
• Prevent dirt from clogging up your system, and keep airflow paths clear by keeping leaves & debris from collecting around your outdoor AC unit.
• Use blinds and shades on west and south-facing windows to keep out heat in the summer.

5. What do the air conditioner ratings mean?

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measurement of the cooling output of an air conditioner divided by its energy usage, calculated under specific test conditions that represent peak load.
  
  A higher number means a more energy efficient system.
• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures the efficiency of cooling equipment, calculated based on a seasonal average instead of at specific laboratory conditions.
  
  A higher the SEER rating means the unit is more energy efficient.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures the efficiency of the system’s heat pump.
  
  Again, a higher number means a more efficient unit.

6. How can I reduce energy costs?

Since as much as 50% of your building’s energy consumption is used by your HVAC system, here are a few tips:

• Firstly, upgrade to a newer high efficiency air conditioning unit.
  
  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), every dollar invested in energy efficiency can produce a double or triple return on investment.
  
  Upgrading to high efficiency equipment can pay for itself in a surprisingly short period of time.
• Secondly, choose ENERGY STAR labeled systems.
  
  According to the US Department of Energy, these systems can save you $3 to $4 per square foot over the life of the equipment.
  
  In addition, you also may be eligible for rebates from your utility company.
• Thirdly, perform an energy audit to determine your usage needs, then install programmable thermostats to decrease usage when it’s not needed.
  
  For larger buildings, install zoning and Building Automation Systems to have more precise control over energy usage.
• Fourth, install economizers, which measure outside air to determine when it’s cool and dry enough to provide comfortable conditions inside.
  
  If it is, outside air is used instead of running the air conditioner, reducing energy usage.
• Finally, have your system regularly cleaned and tuned up.
  
  Dirty systems with worn parts must work harder to produce the same results, and use more energy in the process.

And don’t forget, for questions on this or any other air conditioning repair or AC repair issue, just send us a message or call now!

Even if it’s easy to overlook, your HVAC system is one of the most important and expensive systems in your home or building.  Besides controlling climate, a well-maintained HVAC system can have a huge impact on your heating and cooling costs.  Plus, with the network of ducts in your building, your HVAC system has a big impact on your air quality as well!

You need to partner with Colorado Springs HVAC companies you can trust, to keep your system running at peak efficiency while also protecting the health of the people in the building.  Here’s how to choose the best company for your needs.

Five Ways to Choose the Right Colorado Springs HVAC Companies

1. Licensing and insurance

Before hiring an HVAC company in Colorado Springs, always ask to see their licenses, proof of insurance, and if you are replacing or installing equipment, their permits.  You don’t want to risk having an unauthorized contractor work on your building!  Don’t be afraid to follow up with the licensing body or insurance company if you have your doubts.

2. Online reviews and ratings

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to get multiple opinions on the worthiness of every company.  Look to see what sources like Yelp and Google have to say about them.  Also, be sure to look them up at the Better Business Bureau and see if they have any major complaints lodged.

3. Ask on social media

Chances are, there are people in your social media circles who have worked with local HVAC companies in the past.  After all, everyone with a home or commercial building has an HVAC system that needs to be worked on from time to time.  Recommendations you get from friends or associates on social media will usually be quite reliable.

Between the reviews and the referrals, you should have a good idea which companies are considered reputable.

4. Assistance with rebates and other paperwork

Most areas offer some rebates or other benefits for HVAC work, such as the installation of energy-efficient systems.  A good HVAC company will be happy to discuss these benefits and can probably help you with the paperwork!

5. Warranties

Finally, if you need a tie-breaker, ask about their warranties and other support policies.  The best HVAC companies will be those most willing to stand by their Craftsmanship for months or years to come.

For high-quality residential and commercial HVAC installation and service, turn to True North Heating & Cooling!  We are a company that proudly serves the Colorado Springs area.  Contact us directly for a free quote.