Conquer Colorado Springs Weather: Your Ultimate Guide to HVAC Maintenance

Posted on February 24, 2025 | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment

Colorado Springs’ dramatic weather, from scorching summers to frigid winters, puts your HVAC system to the ultimate test. Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and your family’s comfort. This guide provides practical, expert tips tailored for homeowners right here in Colorado Springs.

The Importance of a Well-Maintained System

Regular HVAC maintenance goes beyond just comfortable temperatures. It’s about healthy indoor air quality, preventing costly breakdowns, and maximizing the lifespan of your equipment. A well-maintained system also operates more efficiently, saving you money on those ever-increasing energy bills.

Professional Preventative Maintenance: Peace of Mind

Annual preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician is non-negotiable. A professional will thoroughly inspect all system components: heat pump operation, refrigerant levels, electrical connections, and crucial safety controls. They’ll use specialized equipment to measure refrigerant charge and detect any leaks. In Colorado Springs, it’s essential to partner with a technician familiar with the specific HVAC systems prevalent in our region. This proactive approach can catch small problems before they escalate into major, expensive repairs.

The Power of Clean Filters

Changing your air filters regularly is the simplest yet most effective maintenance task. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and consume more energy. Think of it like trying to breathe through a clogged mask. Check your filter monthly and replace it every 1-3 months, or even more frequently if you have pets or allergies. Your HVAC technician can advise on the ideal replacement schedule for your home.

Regular Visual Inspections: A Homeowner’s Role

Between professional visits, you can also play an active role. Perform regular visual inspections. Check the heat exchanger for dust and debris buildup. Inspect refrigerant lines for any signs of damage or leaks. Ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly and maintaining your desired temperature. Consider Energy Star-certified products, such as ceiling fans, to supplement your AC and save energy. And, of course, don’t forget to change those filters!

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean: Let it Breathe

The outdoor unit, or condenser, also requires attention. Keep the area around it clear of debris like leaves, branches, and overgrown vegetation. Ensure proper airflow. Periodically clean the coils with a gentle spray from your garden hose. A clean condenser unit translates to greater efficiency and fewer future headaches.

Thermostat Batteries: A Small Thing, Big Impact

It’s easy to forget, but changing the batteries in your thermostat is crucial. Dead batteries can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and system malfunctions. Replace them annually or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Carbon Monoxide Detector: Your Silent Guardian

Your carbon monoxide detector is a critical safety device. It alerts you to the presence of this odorless, deadly gas, a potential byproduct of malfunctioning heating systems. Test your detector regularly and replace the batteries annually.

Energy Bills: A Window into Your System’s Health

Changes in your energy bills can signal HVAC problems. A sudden spike in energy consumption warrants a professional inspection.

Seal the Gaps: Doors and Windows

Air leaks around doors and windows force your HVAC system to work overtime. Seal any gaps with weather stripping or caulk to enhance energy efficiency and lower your heating and cooling costs.

Vents and Registers: Keep the Air Flowing

Ensure that vents and registers are free from obstructions. Furniture, curtains, and other items can block airflow, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging your system.

Insulation: The Foundation of Comfort

Proper insulation is fundamental to maintaining consistent temperatures and minimizing energy waste. Ensure your home is adequately insulated in walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

Elevation Mechanical: Your Colorado Springs HVAC Experts

Maintaining your HVAC system is a vital investment in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and your family’s safety. By following these tips and partnering with a trusted HVAC professional like Elevation Mechanical, you can ensure your system performs optimally for years. Contact Elevation Mechanical today for all your HVAC needs in Colorado Springs!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my HVAC system professionally maintained? Annual professional maintenance is highly recommended.
How do I know when I need to replace my HVAC system? Signs include rising energy bills, inconsistent temperatures, unusual noises, and frequent repairs.
What should I do when my HVAC system is making strange noises? Turn off the system immediately and contact a qualified technician.
How can I increase the efficiency of my HVAC system? Regular filter changes, sealing air leaks, and professional maintenance are essential.

WHAT WILL VOID AN HVAC WARRANTY?

Posted on June 26, 2024 | by Elevation Mechanical | 1 Comment

What Will Void An HVAC Warranty?

Upon purchasing a new HVAC system, the customer receives a warranty card along with it. In case of technical failure the warranty card will cover the replacement of major parts, and it also covers costs of certain repairs and several other similar expenses. Although many are not aware of it, it is possible to void the HVAC warranty, even if it is done unintentionally.

Hence, it is critical to read the warranty carefully and adhere to all the rules mentioned in it. Make sure not to make any wrong moves and accidentally void the HVAC system warranty.

If you have been seeking help to ensure that your HVAC warranty remains valid, you are in the right place. Let us educate you on how you can prevent the warranty of your system from being voided.

Conditions Under Which The Warranty Stands Void

Missing Annual Maintenance:

Be it your furnace or air conditioner, getting annual tune-ups done is essential. Yearly maintenance helps to keep the system working and in the best possible condition. The HVAC warranty will become void if you don’t get the system tuned up by professionals at least once every year. Also, ensure to keep a record of the maintenance costs to prove to the service professionals that you have never missed an annual tune-up.

An Unregistered System:

For your system’s warranty to be active, make sure to register it in the first place. The companies require the registration of a system to be done within a specific period. Thus, make sure to get your system registered right after the installation of your system.

Getting The System Fixed By An Invalid Contractor:

To keep your HVAC warranty valid, you must always work with a group of contractors or professionals who have the required qualifications, licensing, experience and knowledge to carry out a specific task. If you hire an unqualified contractor to either install or repair your system, the chances are that your warranty will become void.

Using Mismatched Or Unauthorized Parts:

Cooling or heating systems are designed to work only with a certain set of parts. You must know that one manufacturer will not offer a warranty on parts manufactured by another manufacturer. Hence, make sure to use parts manufactured by the same manufacturer.

The HVAC warranties offered by the manufacturer become void when you install any unauthorized parts in the system. For instance, if the furnace is replaced without replacing the air conditioner, the warranty will stand null since it is not suitable for a new system to share some parts with an old one.

Generic Parts Used:

A large number of technicians in the HVAC industry often use generic parts when they fix your system. They don’t utilize replacement parts that the manufacturer initially approved. If cheap components are installed in the system, manufacturers will void the contract that you signed when purchasing a system and null your warranty. Thus, before choosing a contractor to get your HVAC system fixed, you must check that the professional only uses those parts approved by the manufacturer.

Trying To Repair Or Maintain The System Yourself:

Every air conditioning or heating system brand has its own set of guidelines to be followed while an installation or repair is performed. Such guidelines ensure that no damage is inflicted to the system during the process. Every technician in the HVAC industry goes through exclusive training to carry out these necessary tasks. Additionally, every contractor is taught to abide by manufacturers’ instructions while repairs are executed to ensure that they go well.

To prevent your furnace or air conditioner from getting damaged, don’t attempt to maintain or repair it yourself. Moreover, if a licensed technician makes a mistake while fixing your system, they have insurance to cover the costs incurred on the deteriorated part. Whereas, if you choose to get it repaired without a licensed technician, the warranty with your manufacturer will become void.

Inevitable Damages:

You must be aware that a manufacturer will not cover every type of problem you encounter concerning your furnace, air conditioner, boiler, or heat pump. Your air conditioner may get damaged due to incorrect wiring in your house, incompatible hardware, floods, etc. Such damages are not covered under the HVAC warranty. Only technical failures or manufacturing faults are covered in the HVAC warranty.

For How Long Does A Manufacturer Warranty Stays Active?

An HVAC warranty may stay active for up to ten years. However, the warranty period depends on the type of system and its brand. Additionally, if a homeowner fails to sign an agreement with the manufacturer before a specific deadline specified by the manufacturer, the warranty will get reduced to 5 years. You should also note that if you purchase a furnace that is seven years old, then several manufacturers will only record the remaining three years of ten years in the warranty agreement.

Problems Covered In HVAC Warranty

A standard HVAC warranty from the manufacturer generally covers problems with a furnace or air conditioner caused during its regular use. It typically covers all types of manufacturing defects and technical issues. For instance, if the condenser coils in the air conditioner break because of a problem during the assembly process, the manufacturer will cover the entire cost of removing the broken coils and installing them again. Additionally, several manufacturers also pay for any other damage inflicted on the system during the replacement procedure.

Conclusion

Most HVAC systems come with a limited HVAC Warranty that covers almost all of the system’s repair and replacement costs. Thus, the easiest way to protect your HVAC warranty is to take your time and read through the HVAC warranty details. Also, make sure to abide by the dos and don’ts mentioned in the contract.

Ask questions while signing the agreement if something mentioned on it doesn’t make sense. If you have registered your system, hire professionals for repair, conduct annual tune-ups, you are good to go. Also, steer clear of the above-mentioned careless mistakes that might void the warranty in no time.

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT HVAC CONTRACTOR

Posted on June 26, 2024 | by Elevation Mechanical | 1 Comment

Tips When Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor.

The quality of air inside any property with an AC unit will be dependent on the unit. So it is of utmost importance that you get the best one possible. To do that you require an HVAC contractor who perfectly suits your needs. AC units (centralized or not) have to overcome a series of hurdles to provide you with the perfect indoor temperature. Therefore, they require regular maintenance so that proper climate control and pristine air quality can be ensured. As these units age they guzzle more energy and need a lot more maintenance.

That’s why you need a professional HVAC contractor who knows the work in and out, has an airtight reputation and provides after-sales services like maintenance, repairs, replacements, etc.

Why Should You Hire An HVAC Contractor?

It can be seen quite often that individuals decide against hiring a professional HVAC contractor and decide to take care of the installation part of an AC unit on their own. The high cost of hiring any contractor is arguably the biggest reason behind this. However, the problem that arises in such a situation is that it is quite easy to make a mistake and it is almost impossible for a non-professional to know all the rules, regulations, and techniques to follow when installing an AC unit.

It is entirely plausible that the individual will be unaware of all the pre and post-installation that must be completed for an AC unit installation. Finally, you also have to remember that installation faults are among the top reasons causing massive depreciation of longevity in AC units. It’s better to leave it to the professionals.

Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor

Climate – The contractor whom you choose should provide you with an AC unit that can work without any problems in the climate conditions of your region. The AC unit has to withstand that type of climate during the installation and must continue working optimally for a long period after. It might be advisable to select a contractor who provides personalized systems that can easily cope with the weather conditions of the installation space and still maintain an optimal indoor climate.
Background Checks – Do a proper background check on any contractor you may like. A central AC unit is a huge investment and so only select the contractor who has proper licenses, certificates, etc. That way, you can rest assured that the quality of work, services, and equipment will be of the highest quality. If a contractor does not have products with the “ENERGY STAR” (A symbol trusted by everyone which promotes energy-efficient products), and other industry certificates, it would be unwise to hire the contractor. The internet has made it a lot easier to do background checks on any contractor. You can go to each of their websites and search for references. Going through the ones they provide lets you know exactly who you are getting involved with. It would be wise to only hire a contractor who possesses the proper experience, trained employees, a solid reputation, and only provides top-notch service.
Expenses – Cost is another important factor when trying to choose the right HVAC contractor to install an AC unit since it is quite a sizable investment. The expenses of having an AC unit are not just limited to the installation costs. You have to factor in the running costs of the unit since they can add up to be quite substantial, like the maintenance costs, repair costs, etc. So, when choosing the right contractor go through the packages each contractor provides with a fine-toothed comb. Check the extra services that are included in the price for buying the unit. For example, whether the installation of the AC unit comes included in the price, the length and type of warranty on the unit, the kind of maintenance and repair services they provide, etc. Maintenance will be of utmost importance regarding AC units. A prudent decision would be to opt for an HVAC contractor who provides you a very good maintenance plan, even if it may be a bit pricier than packages offered by other contractors. You should also ensure that you have a good warranty.
Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency not only allows you to lessen your bills, but there is also a big impact on the environment. As time passes, each AC unit starts to consume more and more amounts of power and requires a lot of maintenance to function optimally. So, the intelligent decision would be to single out the HVAC contractor providing a very energy-efficient AC unit. That way, you will be saving a lot on your power bills. And, since the unit will consume less energy, it exerts considerably less amount of damage to the environment.
After-Sales Services – Installation of the AC unit, maintenance, repairs and replacement at regular intervals are all important after-sales services regarding AC units. The best option would be to select the contractor who offers the highest quality after-sales services. These services are so important they hold the power to severely extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
References and Referrals – Recommendations from trusted sources will go a long way in narrowing down the list when trying to select the right HVAC contractor. If you are able to call or email them you might be able to find out as much as you can about the contractor. Another thing that can help you here is reviews of each contractor given by past customers. Most prior customers leave these reviews on the contractors’ websites, making it very easy to locate them. You can find out the type of work and quality of the work that any particular contractor provides.

Final Note

Hiring the perfect contractor can turn out to be a very tricky process. Even though you may have a plethora of options on hand, it is the lack of having an objective way to hire an HVAC contractor that may cause an issue. Ensure that you find out all the information you can about the contractors so that you can make an informed decision, as to who the right contractor is for your needs.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE AN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT?

Posted on June 26, 2024 | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment

How Long Does It Take To Replace An Air Conditioning Unit?

Air Conditioning has become an integral part of the modern everyday lifestyle. It is hard to think of a place where we do not see an air conditioner unit used. The malls, movie theatres, offices, at homes, AC units are present everywhere. However, we often tend to overlook the need for continual and proper maintenance (and repairs, if needed) for these AC units.

If you take all the units that are present in each city across the globe it adds up to an obscene number – arguably the biggest reason why the HVAC Industry has seen its biggest growth since its inception. On the topic of maintenance and repairs, a common question that crops up is, “What is the amount of time necessary to have an AC unit replaced?”

Now, even though the customer will always want the repairs done in the least possible time, while done at the highest level, several factors impact the time that will be required to replace your AC unit. So let’s take a look at the things involved in installing a brand new unit and the factors affecting how long it takes for a total AC replacement.

Time Required For Installation

Once you’re done with selecting the AC unit you want you can move on to the actual installation of the unit. The first thing that you must take into account before you start trying to install a new AC unit is the size of your home. The installation time will also depend on how accessible the storage space for your internal AC components is. Quality of all your ductwork, the dimensions of your AC unit, and all other factors taken into account the installation of an AC unit should take anywhere between four hours to eight hours, on average.

The Type Of Repairs You Need

The first factor that will greatly affect the amount of time that you need to have your AC unit replaced is its location in your home. The first step you have to take in this situation is to deduce the type of AC repairs that you need. In case you are on a strict budget, you must ensure that you only try to replace one segment of the AC unit. Making an effort to replace the entire AC system will be extremely expensive and take up a huge amount of time. However, on the flip side, that will ensure that you will not require any repairs for a long time.

Dimensions Of Your Home

At the time of replacing your AC unit, there is a chance that you might also need to have the ductwork replaced and the new vents installed. The larger the size of your house, the more amount of work will be required, thus pushing the deadline back even further. Also, the conditions that your vents and ducts are in will play a part in how long the AC unit replacement takes. Dust can easily clog up the airways and mold can keep growing in dark passages and block them up. This will add to your schedule since the ducts must also be cleared first before the AC unit can be replaced. Having to repair the whole duct system will also make the entire replacement process a whole lot more expensive. However, it is always a prudent decision to get an improvement on all of the components, if it’s affordable.

Where Your Home Is Located

You also need to consider your home’s location when you are trying to calculate how long it is going to take you to replace your AC unit. Repair crews find it a lot easier to access townhouses or family homes, making the whole process a lot quicker. High-rises are a lot harder to access and thus repair and/or replacement crew(s) will require a lot longer to complete the replacement.

Calculating The Time For Replacing An AC Unit

The problem is that, since there are a multitude of factors that affect the total time necessary for replacement, it’s virtually impossible to figure out an exact time limit. Just putting an AC unit in for the first time can take up to eight hours, on average. During a replacement, you have the whole process of taking out the previous unit and rechecking the entire system for any faults. Only when every component is in pristine working condition can the new unit be installed. You have to be flexible enough to roll with the ups and downs and accept that there will be variables like availability and budget at play.

The only thing to be sure of is that the simpler the repair, the less it will cost (both time and money) you to get the replacement done. For example, in case your AC unit is outside the walls of your home, and thus easily accessible, the whole replacement could take less than 24 hours. However, if there is a need for upgrading your ductwork along with the entire system, it will cost a lot more time. Accessibility issues, dust and dirt clogging, passageways blocked by mold, etc., tend to complicate things.

In The End

Since it is arguably impossible to get an exact calculation of the time you will need to replace your old AC unit with a new one, what you can aim for is collecting all the information you can about the factors that may affect your replacement process. Spend more time doing diligent research and find out as much as you can about the type of work that you need to be done, the exact measurements of your home, and the state of all the components of your system. Make sure that you hire professionals to do the job.

In case the work does not meet the necessary standards, you will have to do the whole thing again, basically doubling the time and money you have to spend. Contact professionals beforehand to find out what is easily accessible for them, whether your home location has any advantages, how much it may cost, whether they provide discounts, and the type of service they provide. Once you have all the information in front of you, make a schedule and stick to it to the best of your ability.

Tag: HVAC installation