Tag: furnace replacement

Why HVAC Maintenance is Important in Colorado Springs, CO

Posted on | by fellermarketing | Leave a Comment on Why HVAC Maintenance is Important in Colorado Springs, CO
furnace maintenance

In Colorado Springs, the weather changes dramatically, maintaining your heating and cooling system is crucial. Elevation Mechanical understands the importance of a comfortable living space and how regular maintenance ensures year-round comfort. They offer energy efficient solutions for your home.

Colorado Springs Weather and Your HVAC

We have four distinct seasons, each demanding different performance from your heating and air conditioning. Winters get very cold, and summers get very hot, putting a lot of stress on your system. The temperature can change drastically in one day. The dry, dusty air also impacts how well your systems work. This is especially true for your cooling system and heat pumps.

Common HVAC Problems

In winter, furnaces work too hard, leading to issues like clogged filters and breakdowns. This also increases the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. In summer, the air conditioning unit or ac unit struggles with the heat, causing refrigerant leaks and dirty evaporator coils. Dust and dry air negatively affect the indoor environment, exacerbating allergies. Poorly maintained air ducts contribute to these problems.

Why Regular Maintenance Helps

save money

  • Saves Money: Energy efficient systems use less energy, reducing your energy bills.
  • Lasts Longer: Regular maintenance prevents premature failures, providing long term savings.
  • Cleaner Air: Clean systems remove dust and allergens, improving your indoor environment.
  • Stops Breakdowns: Regular checks mean fewer repairs and less discomfort, whether you need to heat or cool.
  • Keeps Warranties Valid: Many manufacturers in the united states require proof of maintenance.
  • Steady Comfort: Consistent temperatures year-round, eliminating temperature fluctuations.

When to Get Maintenance

  • Spring: Check your air conditioning unit.
  • Fall: Check your furnace and heat pumps.
  • Older systems: Increase the frequency of your maintenance task.
  • If you use a portable air conditioner or window air conditioners, ensure they are properly cleaned and maintained.
  • Check your outdoor unit regularly for debris.

What a Check-Up Includes

Technicians change filters, clean coils, check refrigerant, oil parts, tighten wires, test thermostats, look for leaks, check the heat exchanger for carbon monoxide risks, clean drains, and test airflow.

Elevation Mechanical: Your Local Experts

Elevation Mechanical has helped people in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. They offer 24/7 help, clear prices, and they guarantee their work. Don’t wait for an HVAC emergency. Contact Elevation Mechanical today at 719-460-7091 to schedule your maintenance appointment and ensure your home’s comfort all year round. Invest in the longevity and efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

Furnace Repair and Replacement in Colorado Springs: DIY vs Professional

Posted on | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment on Furnace Repair and Replacement in Colorado Springs: DIY vs Professional
save money

schedule your hvac maintenance

A reliable furnace is a must-have for surviving a Colorado Springs winter. When the temperature drops and your furnace falters, you might consider the DIY approach to save some cash. However, the intricacies of furnace systems and the potential safety hazards make professional service a smart choice. This post breaks down the different furnace types, common repairs, associated costs, and the pros and cons of DIY versus professional service in Colorado Springs.

Types of Furnaces in Colorado Springs

KC products we offer

Colorado Springs homes commonly use these furnace types:

  • Gas Furnaces: The most popular, using natural gas for heating.
  • Electric Furnaces: These use electricity to heat coils and warm the air.
  • Boilers: These heat homes with hot water or steam, circulated through radiators or radiant floors.
  • Heat Pumps: These systems both heat and cool by transferring heat.

Each type has its own maintenance and repair needs. Knowing your system is key.

Common Furnace Repairs and Maintenance in Colorado Springs

heating maintenance

Colorado Springs winters are tough on furnaces, leading to issues like:

  • Filter Replacement: Regular filter changes are vital for airflow and efficiency.
  • Burner and Flame Sensor Cleaning: Dirty components can cause ignition problems and reduce efficiency.
  • Blower Motor and Fan Inspection and Cleaning: This ensures proper airflow and prevents overheating.
  • Electrical Connection Checks and Tightening: Loose connections can disrupt operation and create safety hazards.
  • Heat Exchanger Inspection: Cracks can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Blower Motor Bearing Lubrication: This often requires specialized knowledge, best left to professionals.
  • Flue Pipe Leak Checks: Leaks can release harmful combustion byproducts.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector Installation: Essential for safety, a professional should inspect it annually.

Regular maintenance extends a furnace’s typical 15-20 year lifespan and prevents costly repairs.

Average Cost of Furnace Repair and Maintenance in Colorado Springs

bills

Costs depend on the problem and the service provider. Here’s a general idea:

Service Average Cost Notes
Furnace Repair $129 – $1,119 May include diagnostic fee. Extra charges may apply for after-hours service.
Furnace Maintenance $129 – $179
Furnace Replacement $1,434 – $1,580 Furnace cost averages $1,004, labor around $279. Permits may add $50-$150.

DIY vs. Professional: Pros and Cons

DIY offers potential cost savings, but expertise and safety are vital.

Feature DIY Furnace Repair Professional Furnace Repair
Cost * Savings on service calls and labor. * Labor charges and potential diagnostic fees. Long-term savings possible with high-efficiency systems.
Convenience * Flexible scheduling. * Requires scheduling and waiting for a technician.
Expertise * Risk of worsening problems and higher costs due to lack of specialized knowledge. * Trained and experienced technicians accurately diagnose and resolve issues.
Safety * Risk of handling gas lines, electricity, and combustion byproducts without proper training. * Technicians follow safety protocols.
Warranty * DIY repairs can void warranties. * Professional repairs often covered by warranties.
Tools & Equipment * May lack specialized tools. * Professionals have necessary tools and equipment.
Other * Sense of accomplishment. * Saves time and hassle.

DIY Furnace Repair and Maintenance Tips

carbon monoxide

 

If you DIY basic maintenance:

  • Always turn off power first.
  • Change filters regularly (every three months).
  • Clean the area around the furnace.
  • For oil furnaces, clean the combustion chamber regularly.
  • Check and relight the pilot light (if applicable).
  • Inspect and clean the blower fan.
  • Check belts for wear and adjust tension.
  • Ensure vents are open and unobstructed.
  • Check thermostat settings and batteries.
  • Consult the furnace manual.

Important: Keep DIY to basic tasks. Complex repairs involving gas lines, electrical wiring, or the heat exchanger should be handled by professionals.

Signs You Need Furnace Repair

Watch for these red flags:

bad smell

  • Rising utility bills.
  • Strange smells or carbon monoxide worries.
  • Unusual noises or vibrations.
  • Frequent cycling or failure to turn on.
  • Uneven heating.

If you notice any of these, contact a professional.

Conclusion

A functioning furnace is essential in Colorado Springs. DIY can save money, but weigh the risks. For complex jobs, professional help is key. Regular maintenance, whether DIY or professional, extends furnace life and prevents expensive repairs. The decision depends on your skills and the issue’s complexity. Prioritize regular upkeep and expert help when needed for a warm, safe home.

For all your furnace needs in Colorado Springs, call the professionals at Elevation Mechanical today!

CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?

Posted on | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment on CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?
furnace replacement

Can I Replace My Furnace Without Replacing My AC?

Do you have problems with your furnace? Do you have problems finding whether your furnace needs replacement or not? Are you confused about whether to replace your air conditioning along with the furnace or not?

These are the questions that plague many customers that have HVAC systems installed. The fact remains that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are very sophisticated and intricate in their design, parts, and components. Therefore one must ascertain the need for the parts, repairs and replacements.

Repair Or Replace?

Furnaces, like any other component of the HVAC system, suffer depreciation. There are wear-and-tear problems that reduce the efficiency of the furnace.

The first consideration while encountering such a problem related to the furnace is whether to repair or replace it.

Many issues can be dealt with by an HVAC maintenance team. Repairing a furnace takes less time, money, and labor than replacing the furnace. Let us consider all the situations that require the furnace to get repaired.

  • Changing the Filters:

Sometimes, a dirty filter causes many issues in the furnace. Due to dirt, the filters get clogged, which reduces the free flow of air. This increases the pressure on the fan motor. This leads to the motor getting burn-out. The burning out of the motor leads to an increase in the electricity bills. Therefore, it is advisable to change the filters in 2-3 months regularly.

  • Inspect the Thermostat:

In many cases, the furnace might not be the actual problem. It would help if you inspect the thermostat. Some of these are battery-run. If the thermostat has a low-battery, it may interrupt its efficient working.

  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker:

If the furnace is not getting turned on, then one must look at the circuit breaker. Sometimes the furnace circuit is not in the same direction as the rest of the circuits. Therefore, one must try to flip it off and then turn it back on.

Issues With The Pilot Light:

The older furnaces have a pilot light. If the light is out, then the furnace does not work. You may relight it on your own or call a professional HVAC team to fix it.

If, after proper inspection and fixes, the issue is not solved, then you may have to replace the furnace. The following are the cases where the only solution is to replace your furnace:

  • When your furnace has crossed 15 years

The average lifespan of furnaces is about 15-30 years. That does not mean that you have to stick to your old furnace for 30 years. Often, a furnace that is over 15 years old becomes less efficient and has some issues consistently. Rather than spending tons of money on repairing the old furnace, you may buy a new one. This would be a more prudent approach to solving your furnace issue.

  • When you see a consistent rise in Electricity Bills

Furnaces, as they get older, tend to burn-out. This makes the furnace work harder. As a result, electricity bills rise. Then, it is appropriate to replace the furnace and bring down the electricity costs.

  • When it becomes too noisy

Soft noise from the furnace can be expected. But any loud hissing, humming, popping, or screeching noise needs to be checked. The louder the noise, the more they need a furnace replacement.

Are You Replacing Furnace And AC Together?

Many salespersons may advise you to replace the air conditioning unit along with the furnace. But this might not be a prudent solution for you. There are a lot of factors to be considered before arriving at such a decision.

Sometimes, when you change one component and introduce the new part with the HVAC system, the system as a whole may suffer and not work optimally. Mismatched parts and components can create many problems like:

  • Reducing the System’s Lifespan

When some parts are introduced in the air conditioning system, the new mismatched furnace may lead to more issues than it intended to solve. The overall efficacy and functionality of the HVAC system are compromised. This may cause more problems and warrant more repairs in the future.

  • Causing Inefficiencies

When the furnace is replaced without replacing the entire air-conditioning unit, and the new furnace is incompatible with the HVAC system, the entire system suffers from reduced efficiency. The air conditioning is less effective. This defeats the whole purpose of the replacement.

  • Doubling the costs

When incompatible parts of the HVAC system work with lesser efficiency, one must pay for two installations. Firstly, the furnace installation in the immediate time frame. The other one is the air conditioning system’s installation costs incurred in the future due to the parts incompatibility and the issues arising thereof.

However, replacing the AC and furnace together might not be a plausible solution in the following cases.

  • If the AC is new:

Suppose you have moved places and the furnace in your new home is ten years old. However, only a few years ago, you purchased your air conditioning system. You may replace your furnace without replacing your AC since the furnace may have irregularities in its functioning while the AC is perfectly well.

  • Checking the air conditioner when the furnace is being replaced:

When the furnace is replaced with a new one, one must check the evaporator and coils of the air conditioning system to determine whether it is functioning well or if there are some leakages. If the air conditioning system is working efficiently, then you may replace the furnace without replacing the air conditioning unit. However, if there are some issues like leakages etc., one must have an HVAC team inspect and let them replace the furnace and the air conditioning system together. This will save on the future costs of repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

To sum up, when you have to replace the furnace and your air conditioning unit, you must consider the factors like parts mismatch, the lifespan of the furnace and the AC system, and future repair costs, among others, to come to a definite conclusion. Replacing the furnace and the air conditioning system is an expensive affair; therefore, one must take a prudent decision by doing a thorough cost-benefit analysis.