Tips To Choosing A Reliable HVAC Company In Denver
This summer, your AC unit will be an integral part of your home. Without it, those hot summer days will seem much hotter and you may find yourself sweating through the warm months. If you’re in need of a repair or replacement, a professional HVAC company can help. Finding the right company for the job is just as important as the job itself.
When first beginning your search for an HVAC contractor, consider speaking with those closest to you. Your friends and family members have probably worked with companies in the past. Based on their recommendations and warnings, it’s much easier to find a trustworthy service. You can also check the reputation of a specific company by using a third party review site or the Better Business Bureau.
Once you have a list of a few prospective HVAC companies, it’s time to start calling them and setting up consultations. Most HVAC companies will offer a free on-site assessment. If any company attempts to give you an over-the-phone bid instead of visiting your home, beware. Without properly examining your system, there’s no way to provide an accurate estimate.
In the event that your system needs to be replaced, your chosen contractor should present a few different options for your consideration. While they could replace your old unit with the same make as before, they should be willing to explore other options to ensure that you are installing the most energy-efficient model for your budget.
Speaking of your budget, don’t base your decision strictly on money. It’s important to choose a contractor who is experienced but still up-to-date with the latest technology. Rock-bottom prices don’t always equate quality service. Instead, look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and qualified.
Requesting bids and comparing prices is a great way to find the right contractor. It allows you to meet each worker face to face and learn more about how they do business. Once you have a written bid, it’s easier to compare prices with other companies and find quality craftsmanship that fits within your budget.
At Grand Home Services, LLC, it’s our job to keep your home at the right temperature. Whether you have a heating issue or damaged AC unit, our technicians are trained and qualified to help. Our affordable services have made us the popular choice of homeowners in the Denver, Highland Ranch, Centennial, and Littleton areas.
Contact us today to get started with the right HVAC company!
Why You Should Hire Experts for AC Installation
With the Internet and videos on how to do just about everything, doing it yourself has become a byword. However, there are things that you should always have a professional do — installing an AC unit is one of those things.
Regardless of size, all AC units are heavy. It’s not worth risking your back or dropping a unit to save a few dollars. In the long run, it might cost you more to do it yourself. After all, your time is important, and do-it-yourself projects generally take longer than having professional installation. If you get a unit that is too small to cool your space, you will end up working the unit harder, spending more energy and decreasing the lifespan of the unit. More importantly, you won’t be comfortable because the AC won’t be doing what you want it to do.
A good AC unit that will supply your needs for the entire home may need its own concrete slab. Doing it yourself could void any warranty on the equipment. If something goes wrong, you will have to pay for the repair or replacement yourself. Professional installers will often provide a guarantee of work done, and because they are authorized to provide installation, you can be certain that the warranty will remain in full force. If you need an air conditioner, it is probably because you want to stay comfortable during the hot summer months. A good AC installer will make sure that you get the right unit for the space you’re trying to keep cool.
At Grand Home Services, LLC, we understand that you have concerns about your budget and your time. Hiring us means that you will save both when you are installing a new air conditioner. We promise to arrive at the appointed the time and get your AC unit installed quickly. You get all the advantages of our expertise and experience, which means your warranty will be valid and you won’t have to worry about anything other than keeping it cool. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to making sure your summer months are more comfortable for you and your family.
Should I Have New Airducts Installed With My New AC?
If you are in need of a new AC system you may also wonder whether your duct work also needs to be replaced. Whether you need to replace your air ducts or not will depend on a few things and should be discussed with a trusted cooling specialist.
Reasons You May Need New Ducts
While ducts shouldn’t need to be replaced every time you get a new AC system there are times replacing your ducts is recommended.
- Mold – If you have mold in your air ducts, completely eradicating the problem from your current ducts is nearly impossible. When mold gets into your air ducts it can cause problems with your families health and although costly it is always better to start from scratch in this circumstance.
- Uneven Cooling – If your current AC system cannot cool each room or area of your home evenly it may be that the ducts are damaged or they are just insufficient for getting enough cooled air into your home. If you have hot spots throughout your home in the summer you may want to consider upgrading your ducts with your new AC.
- Bigger AC System – If you are installing a larger AC system to meet the demands of your home, new ducts will help increase the airflow throughout your home.
- Damaged Ducts – If your old ducts have cracks, aren’t sealed correctly are rusty and they are leaking cooled air, updating your original ducts can help keep your energy costs low and the air inside your home cleaner.
If any of the above issues are happening with your AC system and air ducts you may want to replace the ducts for a more efficient and effective cooling system.
AC and Duct Installation in Denver
If you are looking for a new AC system and you are considering installing new ducts to get the most out of your new system, the team at Grand Home Services in Denver can help.
We work across the metro Denver area helping our clients keep their homes comfortable throughout the year.
We will provide you with an honest quote as the whether your ducts need replacing so that your new AC system can do it’s best to keep your home comfortable.
Contact Grand Home Services Today
Call or contact us today for a free estimate on a new cooling system for your home and stay comfortable year round in your home. We offer a one year warranty on all heating and cooling work we do and our home comfort experts are all trained and certified to make sure you get only the best.
Fall Furnace Inspection In Denver
Now that the fall season is here, temperatures are going to begin dropping steadily. This means that you’re most likely going to begin using your furnace on a much more regular basis. To ensure that your furnace is ready to go for when winter hits, you should schedule a fall furnace inspection.
Fall Furnace Inspection
The following are the steps our HVAC technicians will take in order to thoroughly inspect your furnace for potential issues:
- They will clean the combustion chamber – The combustion chamber is where fuel and air combine and are ignited in order to generate heat. Soot can build up during this process, which can cause the chamber walls to corrode. The carbon that’s built up needs to be scraped out to help prevent corrosion.
- They will inspect the flue pipe – The exhaust flue will be carefully inspected for any holes or damage. The presence of holes can result the leaking of carbon monoxide. Holes can be patched, but flues that have corroded will need to be replaced.
- They will replace the oil filter – The oil filter helps to prevent impurities from clogging the oil-burner nozzle. A dirty filter makes the furnace run less efficiently and will need to be replaced with a new one.
- They will test the efficiency – The technician will use a combustion analyzer in order to measure the gasses in the exhaust flue. This will help the inspector determine how efficient the furnace is. The technician will also adjust the air gates of the burner to ensure the proper ratio of fuel to air. Additionally, the technician will inspect the color of the flame and the shape of the igniter while also replacing the oil nozzle.
Signs You Need a Furnace Inspection
During the basic inspection, the HVAC technician will identify if there’s a need for repairs or replacement. Even though it’s a good idea to have your furnace inspected every fall, you should make sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible if you spot any of the following signs:
- Your heating bills are too high – If your energy bills skyrocket once you begin using your furnace, there’s a problem with its efficiency.
- Your furnace isn’t producing heat – Whether your furnace isn’t working at all or isn’t producing heat at the level you need, there’s most likely one of several problems at the source.
- Your furnace is making strange sounds – Your furnace should be relatively quiet during operation. Strange sounds are a sign that a component has broken or is about to break.
- The pilot light is yellow – The pilot light should burn blue. If it burns yellow, there’s an issue with the combustion process.
- Your furnace keeps cycling on and off – There could be a number of problems causing your furnace to keep turning on and off.
To ensure that your furnace runs efficiently, effectively and safely, schedule a fall furnace inspection in Denver or the surrounding areas by contacting us at Grand Home Services today.
Is a Heat Pump Reliable in Denver, CO?
The Denver area certainly has some weather extremes, from freezing cold winter snaps to the hot, hot sun beaming in your home all summer long. When it comes to heating and cooling and your home, many people feel that a traditional HVAC system is the only way to stay comfortable. What about a heat pump?
Heat pumps have a reputation as only being reliable in very mild climates, due to technology this is not true anymore.
Is a Heat Pump Reliable in Denver, CO?
Heat pumps are a great way to both heat and cool your home. Yes, they do both, you can have one system that will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and do this efficiently.
In winter your heat pump will draw heat from the heat molecules in the air outside, this will then be heated to the right temperature and pumped into your home.
In summer, your heat pump works in reverse by pulling heat out of the air and dispersing it outside. This method can be really effective in keeping your home comfortable.
So does this process work in Denver CO? Absolutely, thanks to the fact that the dry air in our area cools off at night and in the morning, drawing heat from the air inside your home can really work. Especially if you keep your windows open at night to let that cool air in as a base.
In winter we can get very cold days, a good heat pump, noticed I said good, can work well in place of a furnace. The key here is to install the right heat pump. Some heat pumps will not work well in a colder climate, however installing the right brand or model can certainly make a difference in your home in the winter months.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump
As mentioned above, choosing the right heat pump can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable. If you are thinking about installing a heat pump in your home, the team at Grand Home Services can help! We will talk about your home’s needs, your budget and what expectations you have from the heating and cooling systems in your home. We will then help you install the right system in your home.
Contact us at Grand Home Services today. We can help you keep your home comfortable all year long without breaking your budget.
How Often Should I Replace My Air Filters?
You may not think too much about your HVAC system filters, but these filters do an important job in keeping it running efficiently and effectively.
Air filters work to filter allergens out of the air before they hit your home. This could be dust, pollen, pet dander and other floating particles. As the air is pulled through your vents and into your home the filter works to trap these particles sending the clean air into your home.
What Happens When Filters are Dirty?
When your home’s air filters get dirty they can become clogged. This causes your HVAC system to have to work harder to push the heated or cooled air into your home. This can put stress on your HVAC system and can also cause your energy bills to rise.
Dirty filters also do a poorer job at keeping the air entering your home clean.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
How often you should change your air filter depends on your home’s individual circumstances. It is recommended you change your filter at least every 8 – 12 weeks, however, the following events may mean you need to change your filter out more often.
- Pets – If you have pets you may want to change your air filter on a monthly basis. Pet fur and dander can quickly build up on and around your filter causing blockages.
- Heating and Cooling Season – If you are having a particularly hot summer or cold winter, you may find your AC system is on more. This means more is being filtered out of the air and your filter is likely getting a workout. In this case changing your filter, every 6-8 weeks can help.
- Allergies – If you or someone in your home has bad allergies, changing the filter out more often can help relieve some of the symptoms. In this circumstance, a monthly change will help.
- Bad Air Quality – If the air quality in Denver is bad, and we do have those times, it is a good idea to change out your filter more often as more allergens will make their way into your vents.
Changing out your filter on a regular basis will protect your system from having to work too hard and prevent dirty air from entering your home.
More Questions About Air Filters?
If you have further questions about your HVAC system’s air filters the team at Grand Home Services are here to help. We will not only answer your questions, we can also help install or replace air filters in your HVAC system. Contact us today.
How To Stay Cool Without An Air Conditioner
Homes across Denver have many different types of cooling systems including central AC, window AC units, swamp coolers and no air conditioning at all. If you don’t have an AC unit of any kind there are some things you can do to keep your home cool.
Staying Cool in Denver without An Air Conditioner
The temperatures in the Denver area can climb quickly and running an AC unit can become and expensive feat. Whether you are trying to lower your bills or you just don’t have an AC unit, these tips can help you keep your home cooler.
- Keep Blinds Closed – This is important on those windows in your home that get the sun beating in. By keeping your blinds closed you can prevent some of that heat build up caused by the sun, inside your home. You may also want to consider adding thermal or blackout curtains.
- Use Fans – Ceiling fans, box fans, and pedestal fans can all help keep your home cooler. Have box fans running at night to pull in the cool air then use pedestal fans to direct the cool air where you need it most. Pedestal fans can be used anywhere in your home to help circulate the air.
- Close Windows During the Day – It is a good idea to cool off your house using fans overnight then close up the windows, trying to trap the cool air in. This will help keep your home cooler for a longer period of time. As the sun sets, you can start opening up the windows again.
- Use Cotton Sheets – If you have fleece, polyester or other heavy feeling sheets and blankets on your bed, swap them out with simple cotton sheets. Cotton feels much better and will help keep you cooler in the summer.
- Use a Cooling Pad – Cooling pads for your bed and pillows can help keep your body temperature down at night so that the heat doesn’t keep you tossing and turning.
- Cook Outside – Heat from the oven, stove, and even the toaster oven can quickly heat up your home. Now is a great time to take up grilling. You can enjoy a little fresh air and not heat up your home while you are cooking.
Improve Home Comfort with an Air Conditioning System
By following some of these tips you can help bring the temperature inside your home down. If you would like to have your current AC system inspected to get it running more efficiently, or you would like to install an AC system in your home, the team at Grand Home Services can help. Contact us today!
7 Signs You Need to Install a Dehumidifier
Getting the right level of moisture in your home is important. Too much and you end up with a multitude of problems with your health and your home’s structure. Too little and your skin feels dry, your nose bleeds and your health suffers in general.
If you have too much moisture in your home there are several things you may notice occurring. If these signs are present it may be time to have a dehumidifier installed in your home.
- You have Mold and Mildew Build Up – If you have mold and mildew build up throughout your home that is a sure sign that you have a moisture problem in your home. Mold and Mildew can cause serious problems with the health of those living in your home so it is important to remediate the issue and prevent it from building up again.
- Condensation – If you see condensation build up inside or around your windows, or your windows are foggy this is a good indicator that there is too much moisture in your home.
- Musty Smells – If you constantly notice a mildew or musty smell inside your home, this generally occurs when there is mold or mildew build up. Maybe you haven’t noticed any mold or mildew but you have that musty smell. This means that mold or mildew could be hiding inside your home’s walls, floors or crawlspace.
- Water Stains – If you have unexplained water stains on your roof or walls this could be a sign of hidden water damage. Sometimes that water stain is caused by leaking pipes behind your walls. If this is the case it is important that the leak is fixed. You will then need help drying up the moisture in your home.
- Wood that is Rotting – If you notice furniture or wood around windows rotting, that is a sure sign there is a moisture issue. Rotting wood generally occurs from excess moisture in a particular area.
- Allergies – Excess moisture can cause mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens to multiply and spread. These airborne allergens can then cause allergy issues in your home. Without getting rid of the moisture these allergies will only get worse.
- Heavy Air – If the air in your home feels dense and heavy this is often due to too much moisture. High humidity in your home can leave your air feeling uncomfortable. It can also force you to turn your thermostat up and down more depending on the season.
If you have any of these 7 signs in your home, contact the team at Grand Home Services today. We can help install a dehumidifier so that you can start controlling the moisture levels inside your home.
Now that it’s Fall, it means that Winter isn’t far away. This means that you are going to depend on your gas furnace more regularly to stay warm. However, whenever you use a heating appliance, you have to make safety your number one priority. The following are a few important safety tips to follow when using your gas furnace:
- Keep the space around your furnace clear – Not only do you want to make your gas furnace easy to access for maintenance reasons, but you should keep all flammable items far from your furnace. The last thing you want is for the heat your furnace produces to accidentally catch something on fire.
- Make sure there’s nothing combustible near the furnace – In addition to making sure that the area around the furnace is clear, make sure there’s nothing combustible anywhere near the furnace. Items like paint thinners can be a serious fire hazard if stored too close to your furnace.
- Replace your air filters regularly – When a filter becomes dirty and clogged, it needs to be replaced immediately. If you don’t, the filter will end up blocking the airflow of your furnace. This could cause the heat exchanger to overheat, which in turn could result in cracks and carbon monoxide leaks.
- Know the location of your gas shutoff valve – Make sure all the adults in the home know where the gas shutoff valve is in case you need to turn the gas supply off in case something goes wrong.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors – If there’s an issue with the combustion process of your gas furnace, it means that it could produce a potentially lethal amount of carbon monoxide. Because the gas is odorless, tasteless and invisible, you need carbon monoxide detectors to warn you. Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and make sure to test them every year.
- Install smoke alarms – Like carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms can help save your life by warning you about a problem before it’s too late. A smoke alarm can warn you of a fire that has just broken out, thereby giving you time to get everyone to safety before addressing the fire. Install them on every floor and test them regularly.
- Schedule a fall furnace inspection – One of the best ways to prevent safety issues is by having your furnace inspected by a professional. A professional HVAC inspector will inspect and clean your furnace and determine if it needs repairs or replacement. An inspection will help ensure that your furnace runs effectively and efficiently.
- Contact a professional if there’s a problem – If you think that there’s a problem with your furnace, such as a gas leak, then call an HVAC professional immediately for emergency services.
Be sure to keep these safety tips in mind as you begin using your gas furnace on a more regular basis this fall and upcoming winter. To schedule a gas furnace fall inspection in the Denver area, be sure to contact us today.
Most Energy Efficient Home Heating Sources
Here in Denver, we can experience some cold snaps during the winter months. These cold snaps make us think about our home heating and our energy bills. If you are looking for a way to heat your home that is the most effective and the most efficient, there are some choices that may be better than others. (more…)
