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6 Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner

A well-maintained air conditioner is built to last about 15 years, but if poorly maintained, this lifespan will likely be much shorter. To ensure its longevity and efficient performance, it’s important to be proactive and regularly maintain your AC unit. In this article, we explore several effective ways to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner, helping you get the most out of your investment while avoiding unnecessary repairs.

1. Regular Filter Changes

One of the simplest yet most important steps in maintaining your air conditioner is regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and increasing wear and tear. All AC units are different, so be sure to follow the manufacturer guidelines for changing or cleaning your filter.

2. Consistent Cleaning

Dirt, debris, and dust will accumulate on the external and internal components of your air conditioner. The condenser coils, evaporator coils, and the surrounding areas should be cleaned once per year to ensure proper airflow and heat transfer. You can do this yourself with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner, or you can hire a professional technician. Be sure to keep the area around the outdoor unit clean and free of plants, furniture, and debris as well.

3. Proper Thermostat Usage

Your thermostat can help reduce the strain on your air conditioner. Set your thermostat to a moderate temperature and avoid drastic temperature adjustments, as frequent cycling can put unnecessary stress on the system. Consider a programmable or smart thermostat to automate temperature settings and optimize energy efficiency.

4. Regular Professional Maintenance

It’s important to get your AC unit regularly inspected and tuned-up. Professional maintenance can identify and address minor repairs before they escalate, optimize system performance, and ensure all components are in proper working condition.

Click here to see what else you can expect from an AC tune-up.

5. Maintain Proper Insulation

Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, reducing the workload on your air conditioner. Ensure proper insulation in your walls, ceilings, and ductwork to minimize heat transfer and optimize cooling efficiency. Seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent conditioned air from escaping. You or a home inspector can easily pinpoint any areas in your home that are poorly insulated with a thermal leak detector.

6. Protect from Direct Sunlight

Shielding your outdoor condenser unit from direct sunlight can help prevent overheating and improve its efficiency. Consider installing a wall or using a cover to protect the unit from excessive sun exposure and make sure you do not inhibit airflow.

In need of an AC tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.

5 Different Types of Air Conditioning Systems and Their Benefits

Whether you don’t have air conditioning and are researching your options or have an existing system you are considering replacing, it’s important to understand your options to choose the system that best suits your needs. Below we’ll explore the different types of air conditioning systems and highlight their unique advantages.

Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioning systems are a popular choice for cooling entire homes or larger spaces. They utilize a network of ducts to distribute cooled air throughout the building. The main benefits of central air conditioning include:

• Consistent Cooling: Central systems provide consistent cooling across all rooms, ensuring uniform comfort throughout the space.
• Temperature Control: They allow you to set and maintain specific temperature levels, a temperature schedule, and can be zoned to cool areas more than others.
• Filtration: Central systems typically have efficient air filters that help improve indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, and other particles.

Evaporative Coolers (Swamp Coolers)

Evaporative coolers work by using water to cool and humidify the air. They are commonly used in arid climates and can be an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning. Benefits of evaporative coolers include:

• Energy Efficiency: Evaporative coolers consume less energy compared to refrigerant-based air conditioners.
• Fresh Air Intake: These systems constantly bring in fresh outdoor air, providing better indoor air quality.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Evaporative coolers use natural evaporation processes and do not rely on harmful refrigerants.

Ductless Mini-Split Systems

Ductless mini-split systems offer a flexible and efficient cooling solution, particularly for homes without existing ductwork or for specific zones within a house. Key benefits of ductless mini-split systems include:

• Zoning Capabilities: Each indoor unit can be independently controlled, allowing for customized temperature settings in different rooms or areas.
• Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork, making them more efficient and potentially resulting in energy savings.
• Easy Installation: Ductless systems require minimal installation, as they only require a small hole for the conduit that connects the indoor and outdoor units.

Window Air Conditioners

Window air conditioners are self-contained units installed in a window or a hole in an exterior wall. They are suitable for cooling individual rooms or small spaces. The benefits of window air conditioners include:

• Affordability: Window units are typically more affordable compared to other air conditioning options.
• Easy Installation: They are relatively easy to install and can be a good solution for renters or those who don’t want to invest in a centralized system.
• Space Efficiency: Window units save valuable floor space as they are installed directly in windows.

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners offer versatility and mobility, making them suitable for cooling specific areas or rooms. Some benefits of portable air conditioners include:

• Mobility: Portable units can be easily moved from room to room, providing cooling wherever needed.
• No Permanent Installation: They don’t require permanent installation or modifications to windows or walls.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Portable air conditioners are generally more affordable than central or ductless systems.

Understanding the benefits and characteristics of different air conditioning systems will help you make an informed decision that ensures optimal comfort and efficiency for your specific needs. We strongly recommend consulting with a professional HVAC technician that can help you select the most suitable option for your home or building.

In need of a new AC unit in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services in Aurora, CO provides AC replacement, tune-up, and repair services throughout Denver. Call us or contact us online today.

What Is a SEER Rating and Why Is It Important?

When shopping for a new air conditioning system, you may come across the term “SEER rating.” SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is an important metric for measuring the efficiency of air conditioners.

Understanding SEER ratings can help you choose an AC unit that maximizes energy efficiency while keeping your home comfortable. Below, we’ll discuss the importance of a SEER rating and all the need-to-know SEER rating details.

NOTE: a reputable HVAC company can recommend the best AC unit for your home and climate. While we like to provide helpful information, we strongly encourage seeking the advice of a professional and not choosing an AC unit yourself.

What is a SEER Rating?

The SEER rating is a measurement of an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency over an entire cooling season. It represents the ratio of cooling output (measured in British Thermal Units or BTUs) to the electrical energy input (measured in watt-hours). A higher SEER rating indicates greater energy efficiency, meaning the air conditioner can cool your home using less energy.

The Importance of SEER Ratings

Choosing an air conditioner with a higher SEER rating can provide you with energy efficiency, lower short-term bills, and even lower long-term bills. AC units with higher SEER ratings consume less electricity, reducing your energy bills and saving you money. And, even though air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings can outweigh the initial investment.

SEER Rating Guidelines

The minimum SEER rating requirements vary by country and region. In the United States, for example, the minimum SEER rating for new air conditioners ranges from 13 to 14; 13 for northern states, 14 for southern states. Here in Colorado, the minimum SEER rating is 13, though many new central AC systems are 16 or higher.

Factors to Consider

When selecting an air conditioner based on SEER rating, consider the following factors:

• Climate: If you live in a region with a milder summer like Denver, a lower SEER rating may be sufficient. In hotter climates, investing in a higher SEER-rated unit may be a better option for long-term savings.
• Usage Patterns: If you use your air conditioner frequently, a higher SEER-rated unit can yield greater long-term savings. However, if your AC usage is limited, a lower SEER-rated unit may still be cost-effective.
• Budget: While higher SEER-rated units provide better energy efficiency, they often come with a higher price tag. Consider your budget and weigh the initial investment against long-term energy savings.

A qualified HVAC professional can provide valuable information and help you select the most suitable air conditioner for your home, climate and budget. In need of a new AC unit in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services in Aurora, CO provides AC replacement, tune-up, and repair services throughout Denver. Call us or contact us online today.

7 Signs of an Improper Air Conditioner Installation

An improper air conditioner installation can cause a variety of issues that can affect the comfort of your home, efficiency of the unit, and even the unit’s lifespan. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate your air conditioner was improperly installed.

If you suspect an improper AC installation, always contact a second HVAC company to take a look.

1. Poor Cooling Performance

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, it may be a sign of an incorrect refrigerant charge, improper sizing of the unit, or poor installation of the ductwork. The cooling performance of a brand-new AC unit should be significantly better, so if it seems to have gotten worse, get a second opinion as soon as possible.

2. Frequent Breakdowns

If your air conditioner breaks down frequently, it could be a sign of incorrect wiring, improperly sized electrical components, or poor installation of the system itself. Frequent breakdowns equal frequent repairs, making the initial installation a possible scam. Contact a second HVAC tech to inspect the unit.

3. High Energy Bills

Higher energy bills can be the result of an incorrectly sized unit, poorly installed ductwork, or incorrect refrigerant charge. If your energy bills are significantly higher than normal, we suggest getting a second opinion.

4. Uneven Cooling

If some rooms in your home are significantly cooler than others, it may be a sign of poorly installed ductwork or an improperly sized unit. Uneven cooling is a fairly normal problem, but if it is worse after a new AC unit has been installed, it was likely installed incorrectly.

5. Excessive Noise

An excessively loud air conditioner or a unit making strange noises can be the result of improperly installed components, loose connections, or improperly sized ductwork. Loud or excessive noises are not normal and could cause more damage, so it is important to call for a repair as soon as possible. Click here to see what the 5 most common AC noises are and what they mean.

6. Short Cycling

Short cycling—when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently—can be a sign of incorrect sizing of the unit, improperly installed ductwork, or an incorrect refrigerant charge. Short cycling has many other causes, so if this is your only issue, be sure to get your unit checked before assuming an improper installation. Click here for other causes of a short cycling AC unit. Click here for more causes of a short cycling unit.

7. Leaks or Moisture

Leaks or moisture around your air conditioning system can be caused by improperly installed refrigerant lines, ductwork, or drain lines. Leaks are not to be taken lightly, so we suggest calling for an emergency AC repair. Click here for more causes of an AC leak.

When in doubt, always get a second opinion. An improperly installed AC unit will cost you much more in the long run if left running and undiagnosed. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC repair, tune-up, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us today!

AC Replacement and Installation Cost in Denver

In need of a new central air conditioner? If you are in the Denver Metro Area, here is what you can expect to pay for a brand-new AC unit, including the cost of installation.

Average Cost of a New AC Unit in Denver

In Denver, the average central AC replacement cost–including the cost of the unit and installation–is around $7,000, but ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Why such a large range? The price of a new AC unit varies by city and state, but the biggest factors that affect the cost are the type, brand, output, and efficiency. For a high-efficiency AC unit in a larger home, a new air conditioner can run you over $10,000, whereas an average-efficiency unit in a small home can cost less than $3,000.

Most HVAC contractors charge similar rates for AC installation services, but it is always a good idea to get several quotes before you get a new unit. Many contractors will give you a free quote over the phone if you supply them with your home’s square footage, existing air conditioning infrastructure and efficiency wants/needs.

AC Unit Size: What Do You Need?

You need an air conditioner with the appropriate air output–measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)–for your square footage and climate. The more BTUs, the more air your AC unit can cool. Larger multi-level homes in cold climates need more BTUs than smaller ranch-style homes located in warm climates.

The BTU output you need will determine your AC unit size which is measured in tons. 1 ton equates to cooling 12,000 BTUs (British thermal units) per hour. For non-commercial units, AC units typically range from 1 to 5 tons.

You can use the chart below to roughly determine what size unit you need based on your square footage in Denver’s climate. Keep in mind, this is a universal estimate. A professional technician will choose a particular size based on your home’s sun exposure, insulation, and even ceiling height.

For a 1.5-ton AC unit, you can expect to pay around $5,000. For a 5-ton unit, you can expect to pay closer to $10,000.

New Central AC Unit in Denver

If you need a new central air conditioning unit in the Denver area, call Grand Home Services today for a quote. We are in Aurora and provide AC replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner – 4 Signs

Replacing an air conditioner is costly and sometimes unavoidable. Although purchasing a new AC unit is a large investment, the cost of maintaining an outdated or inadequate unit could be costing you more. So, when is it time to get a new air conditioner? Here are the most common signs it’s time to take the plunge. 

1. You’re Not Getting Cold Air

When you’re not getting any cool air or your air conditioner can’t keep up, there’s probably something wrong. This could be a sign of low refrigerant, a broken compressor, an incorrectly sized system, or simply an aging air conditioner. No matter the cause, if your air conditioner is not doing its job and depending on the age of the system, it could be time for a replacement. 

2. Your Air Conditioner Frequently Needs Repairs

When you find yourself repeatedly calling for air conditioner repairs, it may be more cost effective to replace it. This is especially true if the repairs are consistently expensive and are not covered under a home warranty. If your air conditioner is showing other signs in this article and the repair costs would cover a significant portion of a new system, it will likely make more financial sense to replace it.

3. Your AC Unit is More Than 15 Years Old

A well-maintained air conditioner is built to last about 15 years. If your system has made it this far, you should pat yourself on the back. Repairs become expensive when your system gets old and the unit is less efficient making your electricity bills rise. Newer model air conditioners focus on energy efficiency and the repairs tend to be minor and less expensive, saving you money rather quickly. When your older AC unit breaks down, consider it an opportunity to upgrade to a modern setup.

4. Your Air Conditioner is Inefficient

As mentioned above, an inefficient air conditioner usually comes with old age, but unfortunately that is not always the case. If your air conditioner has a SEER rating below 13, it means it’s costing you too much money to operate it and it may not be worth it. The SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output for a typical season by the total electric energy input during the same time frame. You can calculate this rating yourself or an HVAC expert can help you. 

There are plenty of scenarios in which an air conditioner should be replaced. Oftentimes it saves you money in the long run, other times it’s absolutely necessary. Extending the life of your system does help, and this can be done with regular maintenance and cleaning from a professional HVAC contractor. 

If you are in Aurora or anywhere throughout the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would love to help you with your air conditioner maintenance, cleaning, repair, or replacement needs. Contact us today!

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.