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!

The 4 Types of HVAC Filters

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

Pros and Cons of a Whole Home Humidifier in Denver

In dry cities like Denver, the humidity is so low that it often has negative effects on our health, like a stuffy nose, itchy skin, scratchy throat and an increased risk of infection. While portable humidifiers help take the edge off, they will not raise the humidity of your entire home and they need to be filled regularly.

One of the best ways to increase the humidity of your home is with a whole home humidifier. These humidifiers are free-standing and often connect to your duct system, allowing humidity to be carried throughout the home.

Here are the biggest pros and cons to having a whole home humidifier instead of a small portable humidifier.

 

Pro #1: Humidity Control

With small humidifiers there is no telling how much it is raising the humidity in your room or household. With a whole home humidifier, the humidity is controlled with a humidistat and can be set to the desired level.

 

Pro #2: Minimal Maintenance

Whole home humidifiers have their own water supply so you do not have to worry about filling up a tank every time it runs out. With ducted humidifiers, all you have to do is change the evaporator panel (filter) once a year and lightly clean around the filter. This level of maintenance is unachievable with a small mobile humidifier.

 

Pro #3: Better Health

The air quality of your home has a huge impact on your health. With low humidity, your body is at a higher risk of allergies, respiratory conditions, and even infections. Here in Colorado, the humidity often drops below 20%, and the ideal humidity for your health is between 30% and 40%.

 

Con #1: Expense

There is no question that a small mobile humidifier is much less expensive than a whole home humidifier. While a decent quality humidifier will run between $30 and $100, a whole home humidifier will run between $400 and $1200 and that is not including installation. Thankfully, this is a one-time cost and as mentioned above, the unit requires almost no maintenance.

Note: We strongly recommend speaking to a professional if you are interested in installing a new unit as it requires HVAC, plumbing and electrical expertise.

 

Con #2: Mold and Mildew

Just like a small mobile humidifier, mold and mildew are always a risk with whole home humidifiers. With regular maintenance and cleaning this should not be an issue but could quickly become a health hazard if ignored. All it takes is a small amount of cleaning and a filter change once or twice a year to avoid this problem.

 

Are whole home humidifiers really worth it? In some parts of the country with higher humidity levels, there really is no need. In places like Colorado with extremely dry winters, low humidity is detrimental to your health and a humidifier is highly recommended. From the low maintenance to automatic humidity control, whole home humidifiers are far better than small mobile humidifiers.

If you are near us in Aurora, Colorado or anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would be happy to help you with a whole home humidifier. Contact us online or give us a call today to get started!

 

Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter

It’s not uncommon to simply turn on your furnace for the first time in months and do nothing to get it ready for the Winter season, but is that recommended? Yes, your furnace will still function, but with a few simple tasks you can keep your monthly heating bill low, prevent a breakdown and even prolong the life of the unit.

Here are 4 simple ways to get your furnace ready for winter. If you have any questions or concerns about your furnace, always consult an HVAC technician!

1. Change the filter

At an absolute minimum, your furnace filter needs to be changed before the winter season. Changing your furnace filter before the season could save you up to 15% on your energy bill. These filters are very inexpensive and could be saving you hundreds of dollars per season. In addition, changing your filters on a regular basis prolongs the lifespan of your system prevents breakdowns, and keeps your furnace and vents clean.

2. Get a tune-up

Getting a professional tune-up is the most efficient way to get your furnace ready for the winter season. The technician will make sure the unit is clean, check for any necessary repairs, lubricate the blower motor, and get your unit running at its peak performance to save you money on your monthly bill. Every other tip on this list is taken care of during a standard furnace tune-up. Click here to see what you can expect to be done during a furnace tune-up.
If the furnace is more than 15 years old, we highly recommend having an HVAC technician take a look at the unit before you run it for a full season. The older your furnace gets, the more repairs and cleaning it will need to keep up. A technician can clean the system and take care of any repairs to prevent an even more expensive repair or complete breakdown.

3. Test your thermostat

If you live in a city like Aurora, Colorado, chances are you have already switched between your air conditioner and furnace a few times before Winter hits. When you turn on your furnace for the first time in several months, make sure the flame ignites and is burning the gas being pumped into the unit. If there is no flame but the furnace is on, turn off your furnace immediately and call an HVAC technician.

4. Clean around and inside the unit

Make sure there is nothing being stored around the furnace and the area is free of dust and debris. Furnaces get very hot and having anything within 30 inches is a fire hazard.

Cleaning the inside of the unit is much more complicated, so if you’ve never done it before, we recommend talking to a professional. Keeping things like the blower motor, ignitor and sensor clean help your furnace run efficiently. If you have several pets or someone in your home has a compromised immune system, keeping the inside of the furnace clean is even more important.

 

Here in Colorado, we experience below freezing days and really put our furnaces to the test. Make sure your furnace is ready for the Winter season! Contact Grand Home Services online or give us a call for a furnace tune-up, cleaning, or even emergency repair.

6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

Your furnace is showing signs of aging and use, but is it time for a replacement? Here are 6 common signs it might be time to replace your furnace. Separately these signs may not be enough reason to replace your furnace, but the more signs that you see, the more likely you need a new unit.

1) Your furnace is more than 15 years old

If well maintained, furnaces last between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, chances are high it is nearing the end of its life. There is no reason to replace a functioning furnace that is just old, but if you are also seeing signs we list below, it may be time to get an estimate from an HVAC expert.

2) Your furnace frequently needs repairs

When furnaces are not well maintained or they are getting old, they will need more and more repairs as they near the need for replacement. If you’ve had several costly furnace repairs in one season, it’s probably time for a new unit. Before you enter another season full of repairs, add up the repair costs over the last two years and see if it’s cost efficient to buy a new furnace.

3) Your heating bill continues to increase

A variety of problems could be causing an increase in your energy bills, but if you get regular maintenance on your furnace, your bill should not be steadily increasing. A steady or sudden increase in your heating bill is often a sign of a furnace that is old and ready for replacement. Have an HVAC expert take a look at your furnace to determine whether you need a repair or replacement. In the long run, you could save a lot of money by keeping your monthly utilities bill low with a newer unit.

4) Your thermostat doesn’t seem to work

It might be time for a new furnace if you notice some spots in your home are much cooler than others and the thermostat doesn’t seem to match the temperature of your home. Furnaces are not only responsible for producing heat, but they should distribute heat throughout the home according to the temperature you set. This could also mean your ducts need cleaning or you need a new thermostat, so be sure to have an HVAC technician take a look.

5) Your furnace makes strange noises

Old furnaces tend to make noises when they run, but if they are unusual and loud, you should get the system checked out as soon as possible. Sometimes this can be fixed with a simple repair, but other times the repair is very expensive and a technician might recommend a new system.

6) Something looks wrong

If there is excess dust around your furnace or in your home, you see cracks or corrosion on the unit itself, or the flame in the furnace is yellow and not blue, it could mean you need a new unit. Signs like this depend on the age and maintenance of the unit, but often they mean an expensive repair or the need for a new furnace. In addition, all of these signs could signify a health hazard, so be sure to get an HVAC expert to take a look.

 

Replacing your furnace is quite expensive, so we recommend one cleaning/tune-up per year from a trained HVAC technician to prolong the life of the unit. If you see more than one sign listed above, it could be time to get a new unit. If you are not seeing these signs but a technician says you need a new unit, always get a second opinion! Click here for information on HVAC scams you should avoid.

In need of a furnace repair, tune-up or replacement in Aurora or the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is here to help! Contact us online or give us a call to get started.