Tag: regular maintenance

Why HVAC Maintenance is Important in Colorado Springs, CO

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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 Colorado Springs: Your Guide to Warmth and Savings

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Save money with HVAC repairs

Hey Colorado Springs! Dealing with a broken furnace in the middle of winter is the worst, right? As an HVAC expert with 15+ years of experience at Elevation Mechanical, I’m here to help you avoid that nightmare.

This guide covers everything you need to know about furnace maintenance in Colorado Springs:

  • Why it’s important
  • What it costs
  • DIY vs. Professional Service
  • Benefits of a Monthly Maintenance Plan
  • Furnace Maintenance: It’s an Investment, Not an Expense

Think of your furnace like your car. Regular tune-ups prevent breakdowns, and the same goes for your home’s heating system. Factors like the age and condition of your furnace will affect the price of a tune-up.

Investing in regular maintenance now can save you big bucks on repairs later.

What Happens if I Neglect My Furnace?

filter

Ignoring furnace maintenance can lead to some expensive problems:

  • Higher energy bills: A dirty furnace has to work harder to heat your home, using more energy and costing you more money.
    Frequent breakdowns: Neglected furnaces break down more often. Repairs can be pricey and inconvenient. Furnace replacement in Colorado Springs can vary in cost, so it pays to get multiple quotes!
  • Shorter furnace lifespan: A poorly maintained furnace won’t last as long, meaning you’ll need to replace it sooner.
  • Safety hazards: A malfunctioning furnace can leak carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.

While you can handle some basic tasks yourself (like changing your air filter), it’s usually best to leave major repairs and tune-ups to the pros at Elevation Mechanical. Here’s why:

  • Expertise: Our HVAC technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and fix problems correctly. They can spot potential issues before they become major headaches, saving you time and money.
  • Safety: Furnaces have gas lines and electrical components. DIY repairs can be dangerous. Our professionals have the knowledge and equipment to work safely.
  • Efficiency: Elevation Mechanical can optimize your furnace for peak performance, saving you money on energy bills.
    Discounts: We offer discounts on repairs, especially if you have a maintenance plan with us.
    DIY Furnace Maintenance Tips

Want to keep your furnace running smoothly between professional tune-ups? Here are a few things you can do yourself:

schedule your hvac maintenance

  • Turn off the power: Before any maintenance, turn off the electricity to the furnace at the breaker panel. For extra safety, turn off the gas supply too.
  • Change the air filter: Aim to change your filter every three months. Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your furnace work harder.
  • Check the pilot light (older furnaces): Make sure it’s burning blue. A yellow flame means it’s time to call Elevation Mechanical.
  • Clean the vents: Remove the vent covers and vacuum out any dust or debris to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
  • Clean around the furnace: Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of clutter to prevent dust from getting into the unit.
  • Clean the drainage tube: This tube drains condensation from your furnace. Make sure it’s clear of any blockages.
  • Inspect the heat exchanger: Look for any cracks. This is a serious safety hazard that needs immediate professional attention from Elevation Mechanical.
  • Listen for unusual sounds: Scraping, screeching, or banging could indicate a problem. Call us if you hear anything concerning.

Benefits of a Monthly Furnace Maintenance Plan in Colorado Springs with Elevation Mechanical

save money

We offer monthly maintenance plans that provide regular check-ups, cleaning, and tune-ups for a fixed monthly fee. Here’s why they’re worth it:

  • Peace of mind: Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs.
  • Priority service: You’ll get faster service if you have a breakdown.
  • Improved efficiency: Regular tune-ups keep your furnace running efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
  • Avoid higher costs: A maintenance plan helps you address issues proactively and avoid more expensive problems down the line.

Need furnace help? Call Elevation Mechanical today!

WHY IS MY FURNACE BLOWING COLD AIR?

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checking furnace unit

Why is my Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Furnaces blowing cold air is quite common and despite a furnace being brand new there can be some unpleasant surprises. There are a few problems that you can fix but calling for professional HVAC assistance is always a good call. Trying to save money by not calling a professional right away can result in a huge loss (both money and time) in the long run. Remaining calm and figuring out the best possible solution would be the best bet in this situation.

Reasons For A Furnace Blowing Cold Air

  1. Thermostat Issues – An improper thermostat setting is one of the most common reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air. In case the thermostat fan setting is changed from AUTO to ON, the fan will just continue to run, but will not produce any heating. Once the setting is turned back to AUTO, the furnace will start providing heat again. Also, in case the thermostat has been installed recently, by an amateur, it’s possible that the unit may not be compatible with the heating system. Try hiring an HVAC professional to check out your system. In case the thermostat is quite old, its battery may be running low. Changing the batteries will resolve this issue.
  2. No Oil – In case yours is an oil-fired furnace, it could start blowing cold air when it runs out of fuel. The blower would keep circulating the cold air even when the burners would not light and/or produce heat.
  3. Computerized Controls – All the new-age furnaces come with an electronic control panel and you might need to reset the system to stop the flow of cold air. So first turn off the furnace using the power switch. Start it up again after a few minutes. It’s almost like fixing a glitch on any computer system. In case, this does not solve the issue, it would be smart to call in professional help.
  4. Furnace Overheating – Replacing air filters is an important part of keeping your furnace functioning optimally. Clogged-up air filters can result in your furnace overheating and in turn, turning the burner off, thus stopping the hot airflow.
  5. Pilot Light – Older furnaces all have a pilot light that stays on all the time. Something as simple as a strong gust of wind can blow the pilot light out stopping the flow of hot air. Even though it is advisable, it is not absolutely necessary to call a professional in this case, as just relighting the pilot light will do the trick.
  6. Valve Issues – Pilot lights simply refusing to light may be a sign that you have issues with your valves. If you have a dirty system that has not been cleaned in a while things like dirt, debris, and other problematic materials can get stuck in your valves(s). It would be a wise decision to have an HVAC professional check out your system.
  7. Thermocouple Problems – In case a pilot light can be lit but has the tendency of going out, your thermocouple (a sensor controlling both the ignition and the gas valve) should be checked immediately. A faulty one is the most likely cause of cold air blowing out of your furnace, in this case. A technician can easily adjust or even replace your thermocouple (if needed).
  8. Oil Filter Clogging – The filter of an oil-fired furnace can easily get clogged with dirt and debris, similar to the air filter getting blocked in a gas-fired furnace system. The ignition is affected when there is a clogged filter and there will be no production of hot air. Repairing and/or replacing the filter is quite complicated and extremely messy, so letting the professionals handle this job would be advisable.
  9. Problems with Electronic Ignition – Modern furnaces are fitted with electronic ignition systems, like an intermittent pilot, or hot surface ignition, etc. The system might be in need of adjustments or repairs or replacement of old components. An HVAC professional can fix this problem easily.
  10. Leaks in the Ducts – Leaks in your ductwork can be the reason why all the hot air produced by your furnace escapes and all you get is cold air blowing from the air vents. This would mean that you must conduct a thorough inspection (preferably by a professional) of your entire duct network and the furnace itself, to find all the leaks. Too many leaks may mean replacing the entire network of ducts.
  11. Flame Sensor – The flame sensor might have complications as well. If you feel your furnace starting to blow warm air but then quickly shifts to blowing only cold air, it’s like a flame sensor issue. In case the flame sensor is completely covered in grime, or if it is damaged in any way, or it’s worn out, it can cause the burner to switch off. Getting a professional checkup would be the best choice in this regard.
  12. Unclean Burner – In case the burner (gas or oil) of the furnace receives a lot of negligence, debris, dirt, grime, etc., that can cause complications during igniting, leading to the production of cold air.

The Massive Importance Of Regular Maintenance

Arguably most of the root causes of furnace problems can be completely eliminated through regularly-scheduled maintenance and cleaning. Regular check-ups mean that any new issues that may be cropping up will be detected early on and the HVAC professional doing the checkup has the means to get the damaged component(s) repaired or replaced. All HVAC service providers offer a lot of maintenance services in their packages whenever they sell any unit. It would be a prudent decision to know about all the services in detail and make sure that all the services are fully utilized.

Ending Note

There can be a number of reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air, as mentioned above. Doing a thorough checkup to diagnose the problem is arguably the first step in the process of resolving the issue. There are loads of contractors who offer maintenance, check-ups, and other such services, at affordable rates. So you can easily ask for professional help and get your heating system fixed immediately.

HOW LONG DO CENTRAL AC UNITS LAST?

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central ac unit

How Long Do Central AC Units Last?

Central AC units circulate temperature-controlled air through an interconnected system of air ducts (both supply and return), which can include wall vents, floor vents, or even vents in the ceiling(s) covered by grills. They supply the air from the AC unit to the building (your home, or the office, etc.). As warm air starts to build up within the room(s), it passes back to the central AC unit, via all the return ducts and registers.

Central AC units also play a part in dehumidifying the incoming air. If you run a dehumidifier within the air-conditioned building it will push the energy costs up, because both the dehumidifier and the central AC unit will also be guzzling a huge amount of power to reduce the temperature in the building. Also, this continuous extra pressure on the unit, means its entire life span is greatly reduced. The life expectancy of your AC system is heavily dependent on how it is used and strained it is on a regular basis.

Factors Affecting The Longevity Of A Central AC Unit

  1. Size – The size of your unit should be appropriate for the building, or home. Short cycles put more pressure on the AC unit’s components. A system bigger than the size needed is not optimal. Also, smaller units will stay on too long, again putting serious pressure on their components.
  2. Installation – Proper installation is key to increasing the life of a unit.
  3. Regular Maintenance – In the absence of routine maintenance, the longevity of a central AC unit can be severely reduced.

Reasons To Change Your Central AC Unit

  1. It’s More Than Ten Years Old – A Decade is a very long time in the life of an HVAC system. Only the units that undergo regular maintenance and have their parts repaired and/or replaced, ever cross this threshold. Not having your central AC unit serviced at least once each year can prove to be detrimental. Along with that, you must remember that each of the individual components has a different life span. For example, the filter(s) will need washing (or replacing) around 4 times during each year. This number can increase to around 12 times, in cases where it is running for the majority of the day. In any case, you should keep a very close watch over your central AC unit to see if it requires replacement if it’s more than a decade old.
  2. It Uses Freon – Harmful CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) that used to be released, punctured huge holes in the ozone layer and so all AC units that released any CFC were banned quite a few years back. HCFC-22 or R-22, better known as “Freon” its massively popular brand name, is one such banned Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). If your central AC unit uses Freon as a refrigerant get it replaced immediately. Not only is it harmful to nature and will cause you a mountain of expensive problems if it leaks, but almost no supplier stocks it anymore, making it nearly impossible to refill your unit with the chemical.
  3. Multiple Motor/Compressor Break Downs – An aging AC unit with a failing compressor/motor is a disastrous combination. So in case the motor or compressors start breaking down at regular intervals, you should try and replace the entire central AC unit. The costs may seem huge, but the costs to have just these major components replaced are quite high themselves, and even then the unit may break down again.
  4. Too Many Issues – Central AC units often make sounds, especially during cycling. However, if it starts making too much of a ruckus it might be time to have it evaluated to check its condition. Aggressive sounds can be proof of serious problems and even though they may not result in the need for a complete replacement. If you start replacing part after part in a central AC unit you can rack up a bill in the thousands. In fact, any time you see that the cost to maintain the AC unit is getting out of hand, like having to call the technician too frequently, and/or you’re having to replace parts regularly, you should get a new unit installed, because the running costs will only keep increasing.
  5. Issue with Installation – If any mistakes were made during the time of its installation, or issues cropped up during the installation process, it can have a big effect on the longevity of a central AC unit. They can even lead to safety hazards – like fires or even electrocution. AC units perform favorably only when installed correctly. So, in case you find any installation issues when you hire a contractor to inspect the unit, the intelligent move would be to replace it. The results and “costs” if you leave a situation like this unchecked can be severe.

Average Life Expectancy

Central AC units have to withstand a lot of abuse having to continuously control the temperature of entire buildings (in some cases), all year-round. So talking about the average life expectancy of such a unit, you need to check the type of unit that was installed. For units that are well-built and durable and made with top-quality parts the unit should be able to withstand anything thrown at it for a number of years.

However, the longevity of any central AC unit is heavily reliant on the type of repair and replacement policy in place. Conducting regular checkups of the unit and carrying out repairs and/or replacement of parts whenever necessary heavily increases the lifespan of a unit. Going by CNN’s research, well-maintained HVAC systems that receive regular tune-ups can last for up to 25 years. You will, however, require repairs and/or replacements within that period.

Final Words

There are a number of things that are extremely necessary to increase the longevity of your central AC unit, including routine checkups, regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements. However, there will be a time when this will not be enough and you must replace the entire unit. So be on the lookout for the signs, as mentioned above. That way you can stay on top of the perfect time to make the change.