HVAC service Archives - Elevation Mechanical

Why HVAC Maintenance is Important in Colorado Springs, CO

Posted on March 14, 2025 | by fellermarketing | Leave a Comment

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

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.

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.

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last? Life Expectancy Explained

Posted on February 16, 2025 | by Elevation Mechanical | Leave a Comment

(Colorado Springs Edition) – Let’s Be Real About HVAC Lifespans

Let’s be real, getting a new furnace or AC isn’t cheap. You want that thing to last as long as humanly possible, right? Most HVAC systems should give you somewhere between 15 and 25 years of service. But honestly, that’s a big range, and a lot of things can change that number. Even with the best upkeep and fixing things as they break, eventually, every heater, AC, and heat pump is going to call it quits.

So, What’s the Deal with Lifespans?

It really depends on what kind of system you’ve got and where you live (Colorado Springs weather plays a part!). Here’s a quick rundown:

Furnaces: Good news here! Gas furnaces, if you take care of them, can run for 20 to 30 years, sometimes even longer. Usually, the heat exchanger going bad is the reason for replacement – it’s a big, pricey part. Skip maintenance or get a cheap system, and you might be looking at replacing it in just 10 years. Oil furnaces? Expect a bit less, around 10 to 15 years because they can be a bit more finicky.
Boilers: Boilers are built tough. Think 20 to 35 years on average. Like furnaces, heat exchanger leaks are usually the end of the road.
Air Conditioners: Most ACs will cool your Colorado Springs home for 15 to 20 years. Some might tap out closer to 10. Things like a busted compressor or corrosion are usually what lead to needing a new unit.
Heat Pumps: These guys are workhorses, heating and cooling. Expect 10 to 20 years, with 15 being typical. Since they run more often, they can wear out a bit faster than AC-only units. Same failure points as ACs – compressor and corrosion.
Mini-Splits (Ductless): Similar to heat pumps in lifespan, 10 to 30 years, depending on use and care.

Think About Upgrading Sooner Than Later

save money

Yeah, those are the typical lifespans. But lots of folks in Colorado Springs swap out their HVAC systems earlier. Why? Well, older systems just get less efficient. That means higher energy bills and more repairs. Once you hit that 10-15 year mark, a new, energy-efficient system can save you cash every month – sometimes enough to make the upgrade worth it, especially if your old system is acting up a lot.

What Kills Your HVAC System Faster?

Lots of things can shorten the lifespan of your heating and cooling. Here are the biggies:

Skipping Check-Ups: No maintenance is a recipe for disaster.
Cheap Parts: Bad components from the start aren’t going to last.
Wrong Size System: Too big or too small is bad news (more on that another time!).
Bad Install: If it’s not put in right, problems are coming.
Overworking It: Running it constantly at full blast takes its toll.
Using it Wrong: Heating or cooling with windows open? Wasting energy and stressing the system.
Harsh Environments: (Less of a Colorado Springs issue, but think salty air near the coast)

Honestly, skipping maintenance and getting the wrong size system are the biggest culprits. No maintenance? Things wear out way faster. Oversized system? It turns on and off too much, stressing parts like the compressor.

Got Questions About Your System? We’re Here in Colorado Springs!

Worried about your current HVAC setup? Give Elevation Mechanical a shout! We’re right here in Colorado Springs and can take a look. We’ll give you the straight scoop on how much life is left in your system. Thinking about an upgrade? We do full replacements. Just need to keep things running smoothly? We handle maintenance and repairs too.

Give Elevation Mechanical a call today (719) 460-7091! We’re here to help you stay comfortable in your Colorado Springs home, year-round.

Tag: HVAC service