Is an Annual AC Tune-Up Necessary?
You may hear your HVAC technician mention an air conditioner tune-up and wonder if it is even necessary. Air conditioners run just fine without annual tune-ups, and your unit(s) thus far have been just fine without them. So, is an AC tune-up really necessary?
The short answer is no—AC tune-ups are not absolutely necessary, but they are encouraged. No, your air conditioner will not burst into flames if you do not get an annual tune-up, but if you have the means to get a tune-up annually or even every few years, we strongly recommend doing so. There’s a reason this service exists in the first place, and all reliable HVAC companies offer the service.
Here are the most important reasons annual AC tune-ups are encouraged and even exist.
Saves You Money
A tune-up ensures your unit is clean and free of necessary repairs. This ensures it runs at peak efficiency, saving you money on your monthly cooling bill. Regular tune-ups also prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner. A poorly maintained unit that only gets repairs when necessary will certainly not live as long as a unit that gets regular tune-ups.
Preventative Care
Just like going to the dentist for a cleaning, AC tune-ups are a form of preventative care. During a tune-up, HVAC technicians clean the unit, check for necessary repairs, and get your air conditioner in the best condition possible before it runs for months on end. Having a technician look at your unit before it starts running consistently will prevent a broken part from causing more problems and repairs further down the road. A tune-up could even prevent a repair altogether.
Safeguarding Your Warranty
Several popular AC manufacturers—including Lennox and Trane—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 and service out of pocket.
No, AC tune-ups are not absolutely necessary, but they are sure to save you money in the long run. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services in Aurora would be happy to provide you with an air conditioner tune-up. Click here to learn more about our tune-up service, and call us or contact us online to get started!
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!
AC Compressor Replacement Cost in Denver
When your air conditioner needs a new part, it’s usually an easy decision: get the part replaced. Most repairs will cost less than $500, and while that’s a lot of money, it is well worth keeping your AC unit functional. That simple repair decision, however, is not the case with an AC compressor.
The AC compressor is the most expensive part in an air conditioner. Including labor, the average cost to replace an AC compressor is $2,000 to $4,000. The compressor is a significant portion of the cost of a brand-new system. When an AC compressor needs to be replaced, the real question is whether or not to replace the entire unit. Below we break down the factors that will help you decide.
Is your unit under warranty?
If your AC unit is under warranty, you shouldn’t have to pay for a compressor replacement. Many manufacturers offer a 5 or 10-year part warranty and a 1-year labor warranty, meaning all parts of the unit are covered. If you do not have a labor warranty, you have to pay for the installation, but this is not a simple part to install. When a compressor is under warranty, they only cover the compressor itself. Other services or parts are not covered, including an acid wash, a refrigerant line flush, and the refrigerant itself. You can still expect to pay a reputable contractor around $1,500 for the labor and other parts.
Is your unit more than 10 years old?
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, usually the best route to take is a completely new unit. When you replace an AC compressor in an older unit, you are still going to need to replace the unit in a few years. You will end up saving money in the long run with a completely new system.
Is your unit not under warranty and less than 10 years old?
This is the gray area where a licensed technician should help you make your decision. If your unit is not under warranty but your unit is not old, you will need to evaluate the condition and performance of the air conditioner. An expensive repair may or may not be worth it. Are your cooling bills increasing? Is the unit requiring more frequent repairs? Is the unit cooling your home as desired?
AC Compressor Replacement in Denver
If you need a new AC compressor in the Denver area or you would like some advice, call Grand Home Services today. We are in Aurora and provide AC replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
Cost to Replace a Furnace Blower Motor in Denver
Replacing a failed blower motor is a major furnace repair and is one of the more expensive repairs homeowners face as their furnace gets older. Below we break down the average cost to replace a furnace blower motor for a Denver homeowner and why the price varies furnace-to-furnace, company-to-company.
Cost to Replace Blower Motor in Denver
The cost to replace your blower motor depends on whether your blower motor is variable-speed or single-speed, the brand of your furnace, and the repair company you hire to handle the repair for you. Unless you have a warranty for your unit, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $1,600 for a furnace blower motor replacement.
If a company tries to charge you less, they aren’t giving you all the benefits you get with the top companies in town. When you replace the blower motor in your furnace, the HVAC technician should replace the capacitor as well. A company that quotes $750 may not be including the additional $300 – $400 for the capacitor that needs to be replaced as well. Always make sure you get the complete quote upfront so you don’t get hit with an unexpected charge. As always, we recommend Denver homeowners work with an established HVAC company to ensure an honest and reliable repair.
National Replacement Averages
Larger websites like HomeAdvisor will give low quotes to pique your interest and give some business to the companies that use their site. These prices are very generic, typically don’t include every single charge that would come with a repair and are not based on your specific city. From the quality of the technician to the quality of service, paying more than these low national averages is for good reason. Long story short, you will not find a successful and reputable HVAC company charge these low prices.
Just Hire the Good Guys
When you find yourself getting quotes from several companies for a blower motor replacement, always ask if the estimate includes a capacitor replacement. If a company is unable to share a quote over the phone, not to worry, they may need to see the furnace in-person. Just make sure to get the full quote before they go to work.
Furnace Blower Motor Replacement in Denver
In need of a furnace blower motor replacement in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services would be happy to help. Call us or contact us online if you need more information or would like to get started!
4 Things to Check When Your Furnace Won’t Turn On
It’s cold outside and your furnace won’t turn on… now what? It’s easy to panic when your furnace isn’t turning on and the temperature in your home starts to drop. Before you run and call for an emergency furnace repair, there are a few things you can check yourself to rule out the possibility of a quick fix.
Check your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat could have lost power, be on a schedule, been reset from a power outage, or even accidently bumped. Always start with checking the thermostat to make sure your furnace is simply being told to not turn on in the first place.
Check your Circuit Breaker
If there is nothing wrong with the thermostat, make sure your furnace is getting power. A tripped circuit breaker can be an easy fix if your furnace won’t turn on. Check the breaker in your electrical panel that is associated with your furnace. If it’s in-between on and off, that means the breaker was tripped. Flip it to the off position and then flip it to the on position. If it continues to trip, you’ll need to replace the circuit breaker.
Check the Furnace Filter
If all things thermostat and electricity look good, it’s time to look at the furnace itself. A very common reason for a furnace to malfunction, have low airflow or not turn on at all is a dirty filter. A dirty filter inhibits proper airflow through the furnace, preventing the furnace from producing enough warm air to heat your home to your set temperature. Sometimes the filter is so dirty the furnace won’t even start up.
Check the Pilot Light
If you have a gas furnace, always check the pilot light. If the gas supply to your furnace has halted, the pilot light will go out and your furnace will not turn on. If the pilot light is discolored, we recommend calling an HVAC specialist immediately.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional. Not having a furnace during cold temperatures in Denver is uncomfortable and can become unsafe. Whether you have questions about troubleshooting your furnace or need a repair, Grand Home Services is here to help. Contact us online or call us to get help now anywhere in the Denver Metro Area.
5 Common AC Noises and What They Mean
Nothing is worse than hearing a terrible noise from your air conditioner and having no idea what it means. Will it go away on its own? Should you turn off the unit and call for an emergency service? Is it something you can fix yourself?
Here are the most common air conditioner noises, what they mean, and what you should do next. When in doubt, always call an HVAC contractor. A loud and unfamiliar noise coming from your AC unit is never a good thing.
1. Screaming/Hissing
If you hear a loud, high-pitched hiss or scream coming from your air conditioner, you should shut off the unit immediately. A common culprit is a refrigerant leak or problem with the compressor. This should not be ignored as refrigerant can me harmful to your health and seriously damage your unit. If the leak is large enough, you may hear a gurgling noise as well.
2. Squealing
Just like cars, your air conditioner can make a squealing noise when the fan belt is damaged or misaligned. This does not inhibit the unit from cooling your home so you can keep your unit running if you hear this noise, but we recommend calling for a repair as soon as possible. This problem could lead to a domino effect of other repairs, so don’t wait!
3. Buzzing
A buzzing or humming noise could mean an issue with the compressor, electrical wiring, refrigerant line, or a loose part. Because the problem is not obvious, it is always best to call an HVAC contractor to take a look. Especially if it sounds less like a rattle and more like a buzz, it could be a very serious problem.
4. Clicking
It is normal to hear clicking when the AC unit starts, but if the clicking continues after startup, start by cleaning the outdoor AC compressor. There might be debris making this clicking or rattling noise. A clicking noise can also indicate a bent fan blade or an electrical issue, so if you do not feel comfortable fixing it yourself, call an HVAC technician.
5. Banging
A banging noise is usually a sure sign of a loose or broken part, oftentimes being the compressor, fan, connecting rod, piston pin or crankshaft. Sometimes the part simply needs to be tightened, other times the part will need to be replaced. We recommend calling an HVAC contractor to inspect the unit as a loose part banging around could be causing more damage.
If you are near us in Aurora or live anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would be happy to answer your questions or help you with your AC unit. Call 720-365-1187 or contact us online today!
HVAC filters keep your HVAC units running efficiently and even extend their life simply by removing air particles and impurities. There is no question how important it is to change your filters on a regular basis, but what type of filter do you choose?
Below we walk through the four types of air filters you can choose from and why you might not want to buy the cheapest option available.
Throughout this article, we talk about a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. This rating indicates how effective air filters are at trapping airborne particles. The higher the rating, the fewer particles can pass through the filter.
Flat-Paneled Fiberglass Filters
This is a very common low-cost air filter. These are disposable filters and have a low MERV rating—usually between 1 and 4—so you will have to change your filter more often and get your unit professionally cleaned from time to time as it is not made to filter out the smaller air particles. If you are trying to improve your indoor air quality, we do not recommend a flat-paneled fiberglass filter.
Reusable Air Filters
Reusable air filters are very similar to flat-paneled fiberglass filters with a MERV rating between 1 and 4. These filters are more expensive upfront but can be washed and reused. If you do not properly dry these filters, they can attract mold and mildew, so always make sure they are completely dry before reinstallation!
Pleated Media Filter
Pleated media filters usually have a MERV rating between 5 and 13 which meets the recommended MERV rating of many HVAC manufacturers. This rating means the filter can trap smaller particles, and because the surface is pleated, it has a larger surface area and will last longer than the flat-paneled fiberglass filter. Most HVAC manufacturers and contractors recommend pleated media filters as they tend to check the most boxes and are a fairly affordable option.
HEPA Filter
High Efficiency Particular Air (HEPA) filters have the highest MERV rating between 17 and 20. These filters can filter particles as small as 0.3 microns, which means it can filter out bacteria and even tobacco smoke. Though these filters have a high MERV rating, we recommend speaking with an HVAC contractor before buying one and installing it yourself. Installation is not always easy with these filters, and some units cannot work with a filter with this high of a MERV rating. Sticking with a MERV rating recommended by your HVAC manufacturer is best.
Always check what your HVAC manufacturer recommends for a filter MERV rating. Chances are this rating is between 5 and 12, so your best bet is a pleated media filter. If you have a much larger rating or a commercial building, we advise getting a professional opinion from an HVAC contractor.
If you are near us in Aurora or live anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would be happy to answer your questions or help you with an HVAC unit. Call 720-365-1187 or contact us online today!
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Water Heater
Unfortunately, water heaters were not made to last forever, and they need to be replaced more often than we would like. From rust in your water to a higher monthly electric bill, a water heater that needs to be replaced is going to do nothing but cause problems.
Here are 5 common signs it is time to replace your water heater. If your water heater is showing one or more of these signs, call an HVAC contractor for an inspection as soon as possible.
1. The Age of the Water Heater
The average lifespan of a tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. Tankless water heaters (also called “on demand” units or an instant hot water heater) have an average lifespan of 20 years. With little to no maintenance, it is unlikely these water heaters will meet their life expectancies. If your water heater is nearing this lifespan and you notice any of the other signs below, there is a good chance it needs to be replaced.
2. Less Hot Water Than Usual
If you notice your hot water is not lasting as long–for example, in the morning when showers are happening back-to-back–this is a sign your hot water heater may need to be replaced. This could also be a sign of sediment build-up in the tank which is taking the place of hot water. An HVAC contractor can take care of this by flushing your water heater.
3. Rising Electrical Bill
If you have a gas furnace, your water heater typically makes up most of the electrical bill during the winter and comes in second to central air conditioning during the summer. If you notice your electric bill is rising, always have an HVAC contractor inspect the possible culprits. If your water heater needs to be replaced, it will run inefficiently and make you pay for it.
4. Rusty Hot Water
If the water coming from your hot water heater is rusty but the water coming from the cold side is clean and crisp, your water heater is likely rusting and will need to be replaced. This corrosion will eat through your hot water tank or pipes, leading to a water leak. Rust in the water could also mean rusty pipes, which can be determined by draining several buckets of hot water from the tank. If the water continues to come out rusty by the third bucket, it is the tank, not the pipes.
5. Continuous Repairs
Just like any appliance, more and more repairs mean your water heater may need to be replaced. If your water heater needs repairing more than twice every year, there is a good chance this will continue until you get it replaced.
If you see one of more of these signs from your water heater, we strongly recommend calling for a water heater inspection. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides water heater replacement and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Give us a call or contact us online today!
Gas Furnace Replacement and Installation Cost in Denver
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 75% of Colorado homes are heated with natural gas, making Colorado the fourth highest state to rely on gas heating. If you are in the Denver area and need a new gas furnace, here is what you can expect to pay, from the cost of the furnace to the cost of installation.
Average Cost of a New Furnace in Denver
In Denver, the average furnace replacement cost–including the cost of the unit and installation–is around $4,000. The price of a new furnace varies by city and state, but the biggest factors that affect the cost are the type, brand, output, and efficiency (see below) of the furnace. For a high-efficiency gas furnace in a larger home, a new gas furnace can run you $10,000, whereas an average-efficiency gas furnace in a small home can cost less than $3,000 (always be weary of unusually low prices).
Most HVAC contractors charge similar rates for furnace 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 furnace infrastructure and efficiency wants/needs.
Gas Furnace Output: What Do You Need?
You need a furnace with the appropriate heat output–measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs)–for your square footage and climate. The more BTUs, the more heat your furnace can generate. Larger multi-level homes in cold climates need more BTUs than smaller ranch-style homes located in warm climates.
You can roughly calculate the load for your furnace based on your home’s total square footage of finished, heated space and the region or climate your house is located in. For Denver, you will need 45 to 50 BTUs per square foot. That means a 2,000 square foot home in Denver will need a furnace capable of 90,000 BTUs.
Energy Efficient Furnaces: How Much More Do They Cost?
The second metric to pay attention to is the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). A standard efficiency furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, meaning 20% of the energy produced by natural gas is expelled as exhaust. A highly efficient unit has an AFUE rating of 90% or more.
A high efficiency furnace costs 50% to 100% more than the standard model. Depending on the location of your furnace, insulation of your home and your budget, an HVAC professional will recommend a unit with the appropriate AFUE.
New Gas Furnace in Denver
If you need a new gas furnace in the Denver area, call Grand Home Services today for a quote. We are located in Aurora and provide furnace replacement, installation, and repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
Furnace vs Heat Pump in Colorado
Until recently, heat pumps were not a viable option for homes in colder climates, even places like Denver with mild winters. Now heat pumps can be used anywhere in the country, so the question is, do you choose a furnace or a heat pump?
Unfortunately, there is not a clear answer as to which system is better. Every home is different and the pros and cons of each system could sway your decision. Below are the most important factors to consider when choosing between a furnace and a heat pump for your Colorado home. We highly recommend speaking to an HVAC professional like Grand Home Services for a personal recommendation!
Gas vs. Electric
If your home does not have a gas line, then you cannot get a furnace. Furnaces run on natural gas and heat pumps run on electricity. It is very uncommon to have a home in Colorado without a gas line, so chances are you can still choose between both systems. If you have both gas and electricity, you have the opportunity to have a dual fuel system.
Dual Fuel System
If your home has access to both electricity and natural gas, you might want to consider a dual fuel system. Heat pumps are most efficient above freezing and can both heat and cool your home, and gas furnaces are much more efficient below freezing. Keeping both units running in their ideal temperature range allows you to keep the lowest possible operation cost during the winter.
A dual fuel system is best for those who do not have an air conditioner and already have a functioning gas furnace. If you do not have a heat pump or a furnace, a dual fuel system is not recommended.
No Air Conditioner
If you do not have an air conditioner, a heat pump will kill two birds with one stone as it can both heat and cool your home. If you do have an air conditioner, it is likely more cost effective for you to get a furnace.
Cost
The initial cost of a heat pump is typically more than a furnace, but keep in mind the unit runs year-round for heating and cooling. Because the unit runs year-round, it tends to have a shorter lifespan at about 10-15 years. Furnaces average a lifespan of 15-20 years. With regular maintenance and cleaning, it is not hard to have a heat pump for 15 years.
The operating cost for a heat pump tends to be more expensive when not coupled with a furnace as a dual fuel system. It’s not uncommon to have below freezing nights here in Colorado, and between the low cost of natural gas and efficiency of furnaces running below freezing, furnaces are typically the best choice for single unit heating.
As mentioned above, if you do not have an air conditioner and you have a functioning furnace, getting a heat pump would be the most cost-efficient in terms of operating costs. The heat pump would run on electricity in the summer just like an air conditioner and the furnace would run below freezing temperatures.
Everyone’s home, wants and needs are different. Please speak to one or two HVAC professionals to get a recommendation perfect for your situation. If you are near us in Aurora or anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services is here to help. We repair and install furnaces, heat pumps, and dual fuel systems. Contact us online or give us a call today to get started!
