How Often Should I Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?
Your air conditioner is a valuable investment in your home’s comfort and well-being and requires regular maintenance to ensure that it runs effectively and efficiently. Regular air conditioner tune-up services can help extend the lifespan of your AC system, improve its energy efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns or repairs. But how often should you get your air conditioner serviced?
The rule of thumb is to get an air conditioner tune-up once per year, preferably during the spring season, but there are several factors that determine how often you should get an AC tune-up. Below we discuss some of these factors and when you should consider getting tune-ups more often. When in doubt, ask your HVAC technician what they recommend!
1. Age of the AC Unit
If your AC unit is less than five years old and has been well-maintained, it is recommended you get the unit serviced once a year. However, if your air conditioner is older than five years, it should be serviced twice a year. This ensures that it is functioning at its best and will prevent repairs.
2. Frequency of Use
If you live in an area with hot and humid summers and rely heavily on your air conditioner, it’s recommended to have it serviced twice a year. Here in Denver, our summers are quite mild, but some years are much hotter than others. If you find that your AC unit is running 24/7 for an extended period of time, a mid-season AC tune-up should be considered. Frequent use of your AC system can cause wear and tear, and regular tune-up services can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your unit.
3. Maintenance History
If you’ve neglected regular air conditioner maintenance in the past, you may need to have it serviced more frequently. This will help to address any underlying issues that may have developed. Your HVAC technician can assess the state of your AC unit and recommend the appropriate tune-up schedule.
4. Warranty Requirements
Some HVAC manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance as a condition of coverage. Be sure to check your warranty documents to determine the recommended tune-up schedule to maintain your warranty coverage.
Regular air conditioner tune-ups are an essential part of maintaining your AC unit. If you have questions about AC tune-ups, you’d like a professional HVAC technician to assess the state of your AC system, or you need to schedule an AC tune-up, contact Grand Home Services today! We are located in Aurora and provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area.
When it comes to home appliances, there are plenty of age-old myths that promise less maintenance, better performance, and money saving. The same can be said for air conditioners and furnaces. While many of these myths come with good intent, some are downright terrible practices to follow.
Below are 5 common HVAC myths and why each myth could actually be costing you money and hurting your AC unit or furnace.
Myth #1: Cranking the thermostat will heat or cool your home faster.
If you crank your thermostat up to a very high temperature or down to a very low temperature in hopes it will heat or cool faster, this will not actually accomplish anything. Your AC unit or furnace will reach your desired temperature as fast as it can without overworking. If the unit shuts off before it reaches your temperature, it likely means it is shutting off to prevent the unit from overheating and will resume when ready.
Myth #2: The best unit is the biggest and most expensive.
Bigger is not always better when it comes to air conditioners and furnaces. An oversized unit will often short-cycle, which will decrease the lifespan of the unit and require more repairs than usual to keep it going. Your monthly utility bills will also be much larger than necessary. From purchasing the unit to maintaining it, you will be overpaying.
It is important to note that an HVAC professional selling you a larger unit than necessary is a common HVAC repair scam. There are dishonest contractors who will recommend you choose the biggest unit with no regard for the type of unit or size of your house/building. Units that are oversized are more expensive to install so the contractor can charge more for the job. They are also more expensive to run in the long term and will cost more in service and maintenance. Click here to see our full list of common HVAC repairs to keep an eye out for.
Myth #3: If my unit is working, I don’t need a cleaning or tune-up.
Just because your unit is running does not mean it is running at peak efficiency, does not need to be cleaned, or every part is in perfect condition. Furnace and AC maintenance should be proactive, meaning it should happen before a breakdown takes place. Furnace tune-ups will keep your unit running longer and more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly bill and keeping you from replacing the unit prematurely.
Myth #4: Closing vents will save you money.
When you close vents in a room because it is rarely used or too hot/cold, the closed vent creates pressure in the air vents and an imbalance in the unit. In general, your system pulls in as much air as it needs to heat or cool your home. When you close some vents, your unit is pulling in more air than it is pushing through the ducts, thus creating pressure on the unit. This pressure can cause leaks in your ductwork and unnecessary wear and tear on your system’s blower. It’s best to keep your vents open and keep the air circulating throughout your home.
Myth #5: The filter only needs to be replaced once every year.
Changing your filter once per year might be correct for some units and filters, but this is definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some manufacturers will recommend changing your filter several times a year at a minimum. In addition, if you have several pets in your home, you should change your filter more often than a pet-free home. Always check with the manufacturer recommendations, and make sure to check your filter from time to time.
There are plenty of HVAC myths out there, but we always recommend taking HVAC maintenance advice from a professional. Every HVAC system is different; something that works great for one system could be detrimental to yours.
Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides HVAC inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.
3 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Gas Valve
A furnace gas valve allows natural gas or propane to flow into your unit. Occasionally these valves will stop opening and closing properly due to an obstruction, rust, or old age. If this valve malfunctions, it could be a hazard to your health and home as gas or propane will freely flow from the furnace without combustion.
Below are the 3 common signs of a faulty furnace gas valve to keep an eye out for as a faulty valve could be creating an unsafe environment. When in doubt, always call an HVAC professional.
FYI: When the valve stops working, it needs to be replaced as a repair is often more costly than a replacement. Typically, a gas valve replacement costs anywhere between $400 and $1000, making it one of the most expensive parts in a furnace to replace.
Gas leak
Sometimes a gas valve will get stuck open, allowing too much gas into your furnace while it is running, or allow gas to leak into your furnace while not running. Not only is this gas a fire hazard, but inhaling gas is very bad for your health. If you smell gas in your home, open your windows, exit your home, and call 911 immediately.
System failure
If your furnace is not heating your home or having trouble starting, this could mean your gas valve has malfunctioned and is not supplying enough—if any—gas to the unit. This means the ignitor will not work, your furnace will not be transferring any heat, and the system will stop blowing warm air. If the furnace is not running or it is not blowing warm air, call for a repair.
Though a system failure could be the result of a faulty furnace gas valve, there are many other possible culprits. If your unit is not blowing warm air, there are many other possible causes. Click here to learn more.
Furnace cycling
Similar to a system failure, when your furnace does not receive enough gas, it may continuously cycle to try to reach the temperature set on your thermostat. When the thermostat does not read the correct temperature, it will continue to tell the furnace to run. Regardless of the cause, a constantly cycling furnace could result in an overheated blower motor or other avoidable repair. If your furnace is cycling, shut the unit off and call for a repair.
In need of a furnace repair or inspection? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides furnace inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.
What to Expect from an AC Tune-Up
Many HVAC companies will say you need regular AC tune-ups, but what is actually taken care of during a tune-up and why are tune-ups so important? Besides the regular cleaning, inspecting, and replacing faulty parts throughout the entire unit, here’s what you can expect from a traditional AC tune-up.
Check thermostat
The health and settings of your thermostat are more important than you think. An improperly installed thermostat or thermostat with incorrect settings can force your AC unit to work harder, increase your monthly bill, and even shorten the lifespan of the unit. If you get a furnace or AC tune-up, the HVAC technician will check that your thermostat is correctly set to save you money in the long run.
Clean evaporator and condenser coils
Over time, dust and debris will collect on the evaporator and condenser coils. This will force your AC unit to work harder and eventually could cause a freeze-up. It is important these coils get cleaned regularly to keep your unit running efficiently.
Check coolant levels
The coolant—or refrigerant—runs through the interior coils in your air conditioner, absorbs the heat and cools the air. If the coolant is low, there is likely a leak which the tech will check for, but this also means your unit will not run efficiently and could freeze-up. Your AC unit needs the right amount of coolant to run correctly.
Inspect condensate line
Air conditioners tend to dehumidify the air, and that moisture builds up on the condenser coils. This water either evaporates or falls into the drip pan and is brought outside of the home through the condensate line. If this condensate line becomes clogged by dust or ice, this water stays in your unit and can cause a freeze-up, rust in the unit, and leak in your home.
Check blower motor and blower belt
During the heat of the season, your blower motor may run for many hours on end without rest. It is natural for this part—along with the blower belt—to eventually need replacing, but with proper maintenance from the HVAC technician during a tune-up, this part should last as long as the unit itself. Without the blower motor, the unit cannot function.
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.
How Often Should I Get a Furnace Tune-Up?
We are sure you’ve heard you need regular furnace tune-ups, but your furnace runs just fine without one. Are they really necessary?
Technically speaking, furnace tune-ups are not necessary, but they are strongly recommended and worth every penny. Furnaces experience wear and tear throughout Winter, and having it checked before the next Winter season comes with a variety of benefits.
So, how often should you get a furnace tune-up and what are the benefits?
Frequency of Furnace Tune-Ups
More often than not, HVAC technicians and manufacturers will recommend annual furnace tune-ups, ideally right before the Winter season. If your furnace is brand new, you may get a recommendation of biannual tune-ups, but here in Colorado where your furnace will run for months on end, annual tune-ups are recommended. If you happen to get a furnace repair, this does not count as a tune-up. The entire furnace needs to be cleaned and inspected, not just one part replaced.
Keep in mind, many furnace manufacturers require annual tune-ups to maintain your warranty. In this case, a tune-up should never be missed. Maintaining a furnace warranty could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Benefits of a Furnace Tune-Up
Reduces Heating Costs
Furnace tune-ups ensure your unit is clean and running at peak efficiency, saving you money on your monthly heating bill. From cleaning the blower compartment to lubricating moving parts, a tune-up will allow your furnace to run smoothly and effectively. This way, your furnace will reach your desired temperature with as little run-time as possible.
Preventative Care
During a tune-up, HVAC technicians will check for any necessary repairs, inspect the electrical, lubricate moving parts, and most importantly clean the unit, all of which help to prevent parts from breaking and extend their life. If your furnace is not cleaned and inspected regularly, your furnace will definitely require repairs that could have been prevented.
Click here to see what is typically taken care of during a furnace tune-up.
Maintains your Warranty
Many popular furnace manufacturers make it clear you need regular maintenance by an HVAC professional to retain the warranty. Without this regular maintenance, the manufacturer has the right to deny you a part replacement, forcing you to pay for the part, service, and all subsequent services out of pocket.
In need of a furnace tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.
What to Expect from a Furnace Tune-Up
We all know the importance of calling an HVAC technician when our furnaces stop working, but many of us don’t realize the importance of regular maintenance. Furnace tune-ups are not just about making sure things are running well. Tune-ups are all about inspecting, cleaning, repairs (if necessary), and ensuring your unit is running at peak efficiency. v Keep in mind, this is just scratching the surface! These are all common and typical, but depending on the age, manufacturer, and general state of your unit, additional items will need to be taken care of.
Clean blower compartment
This is one of the more important tasks taken care of during a furnace tune-up because blower motors and capacitors are one of the most expensive parts to replace. When the blower compartment goes uncleaned for many years, it must work harder to push warm air throughout your home which shortens its lifespan.
Inspect wiring
Inspecting the wiring ensures your furnace runs safely and prevents an untimely repair. If something goes wrong with the electrical, you may have to replace the circuit board, another very expensive part to replace.
Clean burner
Oftentimes the burner will get dirty from dust and debris, and as it burns natural gas, it will also burn everything around it. For safety, air quality and longevity, it is important the burner gets cleaned from time to time.
Inspect heat exchanger
The heat exchanger rarely needs much attention besides an inspection, but this inspection is a critical safety measure. If your heat exchanger is cracked or broken, carbon monoxide will leak into your unit and throughout your home.
Filter cleaning or replacement
Regularly changing or cleaning your furnace filter is absolutely necessary! A clean filter will keep all other parts in the furnace clean and running properly. This is something you can and should be doing as often as your manufacturer suggests, but an HVAC technician will take care of this for you during a furnace tune-up.
Pilot light inspection
Your pilot light indicates whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. The pilot light is a great way to tell if multiple parts within the furnace are doing their job.
Lubricate moving parts
Lubricating all the furnace’s moving parts will reduce friction. When there’s friction, the motor must work harder to reach your desired temperature, which requires more gas/electricity, and it could result in a premature failure.
Advice and tips
When you get a furnace tune-up, you may receive some advice on things you can maintain yourself, things you may need to do differently, and things you need to look out for. This advice is indispensable and will save you money in the long run.
Additional items taken care of during a tune-up include:
- Check duct connection and airflow
- Inspect the thermostat
- Inspect condensate line
- Test safety controls
- Inspect the belts
It might go without saying, but we believe tune-ups are very important! Are you in need of a furnace tune-up? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and provides furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.
When to Get a Second Opinion for an HVAC Repair
Reputable HVAC professionals do their best to provide the most honest and trustworthy solutions, but there are some scenarios where having another company check your unit is always helpful and will give you peace of mind. You may even talk to two very reputable companies and one tells you your unit needs to be replaced while the other says you only need a repair. Every HVAC company runs a little differently, so second opinions are even more important in knowing what the problem is, if any, and knowing what your options are.
It can always feel a little awkward telling an HVAC technician you would like to get a second opinion, but most reliable HVAC companies will understand, and some even encourage them. Here are four common scenarios where you should consider getting a second opinion.
You’re getting a cleaning/tune-up and now a repair is “necessary”
Some unethical companies will offer very inexpensive tune-ups or very limited time specials just to get in the door. Once they are looking at your unit, they can say any part needs replacing. If it’s inexpensive and they can prove your unit needs a repair, a second opinion is not necessary. If it’s portrayed as an ‘urgent’ repair and it’s very expensive, it might be worth getting a second opinion.
The repair or replacement cost is shockingly high
When you are told a repair will be extremely expensive, it is always best to get a second opinion. This could be an unnecessary repair, price gouging, or simply an expensive part that really does need replacing. It’s always best to get a second opinion so you can ensure this repair is necessary and really is this expensive. Worst case, you get a similar or more expensive estimate from another company, but now you know the repair really is necessary. You may even get a cheaper estimate from another company.
Take a look at the 4 most expensive furnace repairs and 4 most expensive AC repairs. With all these repairs, you can expect a high repair estimate.
Your unit is fairly new and the cost to repair is high
The most expensive furnace and AC repairs are common among older units and very uncommon among new units. If your unit is new and you are told your unit needs a very expensive repair, always get a second opinion. Depending on the age of the unit, you may be under warranty.
You’ve never noticed an issue
When an expensive HVAC part needs to be repaired or replaced, chances are you have seen, heard, or even smelled a sign that something is wrong. If you are told something needs to be repaired and it is expensive and urgent, we recommend getting a second opinion. Though furnaces and AC units are complex and there are a lot of moving parts, when something malfunctions, there is usually a sign.
When in doubt, get a second opinion! You could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and you may even save yourself from a scam. If you are still unsure, do a little research online. There are plenty of resources available online that will give you typical repair and replacement costs.
In need of a second opinion in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and we’d be happy to provide a second opinion. Unfortunately, HVAC scams are quite common, and we see and hear about them all the time. Please do not hesitate to call us, contact us online, or call another professional HVAC company to get a second opinion.
Gas vs Electric Furnace: 4 Differences
Gas and electric furnaces are both forced-air heating systems, which means they heat air directly and distribute that air through a series of ducts throughout your home. Both types of furnaces are popular throughout the Denver Metro Area, but there are a few key differences.
Below we break down the major differences between gas and electric furnaces. If you have questions or need some guidance in choosing a furnace, consult a professional! Everyone’s home and needs are a little different, and getting a custom recommendation is your best bet.
The Cost
Gas furnaces typically cost more to buy and install than electric furnaces, but electricity typically costs more than natural gas, so owners of gas furnaces will recoup their money over time. Even though they tend to last a few years less than electric furnaces, gas furnaces are less expensive over their lifespan. The only exception: a small home in a warm climate.
A small home in a warm climate will require far less heat than a large home in a colder climate like Denver, so the initial cost of a gas furnace may not be recouped over time. But, if you own a larger home in a colder climate, the better option almost always is a gas furnace.
Energy Efficiency
Gas furnaces use less energy and heat homes faster than electric furnaces. Electric furnaces take more time to heat up, so in climates like Denver with below freezing temperatures, electric heaters will take much longer to heat your home.
The Maintenance
All furnaces require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform efficiently. Gas furnaces tend to require more maintenance because of the burners, gas valves and igniter, but electric furnaces are prone to more wear and tear if they are warming a home in a colder climate.
Safety
Gas furnaces burn natural gas to heat your home which produces a small amount of carbon monoxide that is safely vented from your home. If your heat exchanger is cracked or your furnace is burning too much gas, carbon monoxide can leak into your home which can be very harmful. Therefore, electric furnaces tend to be the safer option, but in general, all furnaces are very safe if they are regularly cleaned and maintained.
As mentioned above, the cost, efficiency and maintenance of gas and electric furnaces heavily depends on the climate. Gas furnaces tend to be the better choice for homes in colder climates like Denver, but if your home is quite small or is in a warmer climate, the choice is not so simple.
In need of a new furnace in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado and provides HVAC services throughout Denver. Call or contact us online today!
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is not easily accessible, it cannot be repaired, it is an expensive part to replace and oftentimes requires an entire furnace replacement, so this is a popular scam among dishonest HVAC technicians. Below is more information about heat exchangers, how they become cracked, and the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
If you are told your heat exchanger is cracked, we always recommend getting a second opinion from another company!
What is a heat exchanger?
The heat exchanger is a thin metal piece between the combustion chamber and the blower. As the combustion chamber heats the exchanger, air is blown across the surface which heats the air. The warm air is then sent through your home’s ductwork to warm your home.
How does a heat exchanger crack?
Metal expands when it heats up and contracts when it cools down. Over time, this makes the metal more fragile which could lead to the metal cracking or breaking. The heat exchanger will typically last 15 years or more, but if your furnace is very old or poorly maintained, the chances of the heat exchanger cracking is higher than normal.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
When the heat exchanger cracks, the most common problem is carbon monoxide leaking into your unit and throughout your home. You should have carbon monoxide detectors that will tell you if there is a leak, but if the leak is very small, you may notice your pilot light is discolored. Other signs include excess condensation coming from your unit, a strong odor, or a buildup of discolored soot.
Am I getting scammed?
If your furnace is fairly new and an HVAC technician tells you your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked and the unit is no longer under warranty, this may be a scam. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it is a bit more likely that your heat exchanger is cracked. We always recommend keeping an eye out for the signs above and getting second opinion, regardless of the age of your unit.
If you are in the Denver Metro Area and think your heat exchanger is cracked or need a second opinion, give Grand Home Services a call today. We are located in Aurora and provide HVAC services throughout the metro area. We will never pressure you to fix a repair or replace your unit! Call us or contact us online today.
What the Color of Your Furnace Pilot Light Means
Your pilot light provides a small flame that remains lit inside your furnace to light the gas coming out of the main burner. This pilot light will indicate whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. Here are the typical colors of a furnace pilot light and what they each mean. When in doubt, call a professional!
Blue = Normal
When your pilot receives the correct amount of natural gas, the flame will be a bright blue color. The largest component of natural gas is methane which burns blue. The tip of the flame may appear orange or yellow, but this is normal. It’s best to check your pilot light from time to time and make sure it remains blue.
Flickering Yellow = Too Much Air
If your pilot light is flickering yellow, there is too much air in the gas line. This could be caused by a damaged tube or loose connection which is allowing air into the gas line, or the furnace’s thermocouple could be damaged. The thermocouple is responsible for opening and closing the main gas line and regulating the amount of gas feeding into the pilot. If it is not letting in enough gas, the flame may burn yellow. Because the two likely culprits that are letting in too much air could also be leaking gas, we recommend shutting off the furnace and calling for a repair.
Bright Orange = Too Much Gas
A bright orange pilot light is the most dangerous colored pilot light. When the flame is burning orange, this means too much gas is feeding the flame. If there is a gas leak from a damaged gas line or damaged thermocouple, the pilot light will not be able to fully burn all the gas and the flame will be orange.
Too much gas going into your furnace could pose a serious health risk by allowing gas to leak into your home through the vents. You will first smell the gas near your furnace and eventually throughout your home. The excess burn-off of the gas can also lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide. If you see a bright orange pilot flame, contact an HVAC contractor immediately.
Any other color?
If your pilot light is any other color like red, green, or some other combination, that means something other than methane—such as tar, oil, rust flakes, or dust—is burning. This could mean harmful chemicals are being pumped into your home along with the warm air your furnace is creating. You will need to shut off the furnace from the breaker box, shut the gas line, and call a professional for a repair.
If you think your pilot light is discolored or you have a question, it is always best to heir on the safe side and call an HVAC professional. Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado, and provides furnace repair, cleaning, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
