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.
When your air conditioner or furnace stops functioning and needs repair, you put your full trust in a local HVAC contractor to fix the problem efficiently and honestly. Unfortunately there are some technicians that do not operate their business in the most ethical way.
Below are 8 of the most common HVAC repair scams that you should look out for. Click here to see the best ways you can avoid these scams.
1. Bait and switch
Dishonest HVAC companies will generate more business by making amazing offers that are hard to refuse. Once they are in the door, they will take advantage of this time to sell you on other services, or mislead you on the condition of your unit to sell you more than you expected. Whether it be a cold call offering a service you “need” or a technician offering a service that’s “free”, be weary there is a catch.
If you get a quote from an HVAC contractor that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always get a second opinion if you think the technician is scamming you.
2. Refrigerant recharge and overpayment
If your unit is short on refrigerant, it means there is a leak. Refrigerant runs through a closed system and should never run low. The “recharging” scam is a dishonest technician’s way of unnecessarily billing you for refrigerant you shouldn’t even need. The leak is the source of your problem, and your technician should tailor their service accordingly. If the technician only tops off the refrigerant, they are putting off the repair that really needs to happen and thus you will be paying for the refrigerant more than once. They will likely call you again to offer another recharge because they know you will need it.
Another popular air conditioner scam is charging for more refrigerant than you received. If you think you are being scammed, try to supervise the process. The technician should be charging you by weight, measuring the difference in the refrigerant container before and after they filled your unit.
3. R-22 is illegal
This is a very recent scam and a hard one to decipher. Some contractors are telling customers that R-22 is illegal because it is being phased out and cannot be used anymore, and this is not true. As of January 1, 2020, it is no longer legal to produce or import virgin R-22 in the United States. That does not mean R-22 refrigerant is unavailable, more expensive, or illegal. It just means systems that use R-22 will have to rely on existing stocks of virgin refrigerant or use reclaimed refrigerant, both of which are readily available.
4. Cracked heat exchanger
Furnace heat exchangers do eventually crack if not properly maintained or installed, but this also happens to be a popular furnace repair scam. If a technician says your heat exchanger is cracked and you need to get it replaced immediately, you may want to get a second opinion or ask for proof. This repair is quite expensive and you should not give the green light without seeing the crack yourself. Also ask if your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide. A reliable HVAC technician will have combustion analyzers and ambient carbon monoxide meters with them.
5. Replacing parts unnecessarily
A service technician may tell you a part needs to be repaired or replaced when it is perfectly fine. If this is the case, chances are the part is very expensive and the cost of replacing the entire system is not far off from the repair cost. This includes a contractor saying you need to replace equipment just because it is old!
A big red flag is when a technician suggests you need to replace several parts. This is very rarely the case. In the vast majority of air conditioner and furnace failures, one defective part compromises the integrity of the whole unit. Though it is rare, you will see several parts fail if the unit is poorly maintained or the initial repair needed to happen a long time ago. Always get a second opinion!
6. Oversized unit
Bigger is not always better when it comes to air conditioners and furnaces. There are contractors who will push the biggest unit they have 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.
7. No price breakdown
A common scam we see here in Aurora, Colorado is contractors not giving a cost breakdown and saying the repair is very expensive, sometimes so expensive that the unit should be replaced. You should always confirm what is wrong with the unit, what needs to be replaced or repaired, and ask for the price breakdown (service fees included). An honest HVAC technician should be able to give you those numbers without question. If something does not seem right, do a little research and ask for a second opinion.
8. Upfront cash payment
No reputable HVAC company asks for payment before providing you with any services. If a repairman asks for payment up front, he or she might try to take your money and run. There is no reason for air conditioning or furnace repair companies to employ this policy unless they are hoping to get away with something.
Grand Home Services in Aurora has been helping homeowners and property managers throughout the Denver Metro Area for over a decade. We know an HVAC scam when we see one and we would be happy to give you a second opinion if you have any suspicions. Contact us today for all your Aurora furnace and air conditioner repair, maintenance, inspection, and installation needs!
Companies are in business to make a profit. While most of them prioritize serving their customers as best as they can, some will cut any corners to get ahead and make a quick buck. If you are already aware of the most common HVAC repair scams, here are the best ways you can avoid a scam yourself.
Get a Second Opinion
Getting second opinions in the HVAC world is very common. If you have any reason to doubt the HVAC technician or their service estimate, always get a second opinion. Many services related to furnaces and air conditioners are quite expensive, so it’s in your best interest to get two technicians to take a look. This will not only save you money, but it will help you avoid the HVAC scam artists. If you are near us in Aurora, Colorado, give us a call for a second opinion!
Be Suspicious of “Free”
Maintain a healthy suspicion of “free” services or too-good-to-be-true deals. Whether you get a cold call from a telemarketer or you see an ad online promising a free service, always be suspicious of the bait and switch scam. Chances are they will strongly encourage you to pay for another service once they’re already in the door or say they’ve spotted a necessary repair.
Insist on a Written Agreement
Do not trust a service provider who does not provide a written agreement. Verbal agreements are neither professional nor reliable. The least you can do is demand written proof so you can take legal action if the technician completely scams or misleads you. This will not only save you from some scams, but it could save you money with a service or product warranty!
Read Reviews
Before you call a local Aurora or Denver area HVAC contractor that you’ve never worked with, do a quick search online and read their reviews. One or two bad reviews among many great reviews is nothing to worry about, but if there are consistent complaints about being scammed by the company or contractor, you should probably look elsewhere.
Ask for Proof
If your technician insists that you need a repair, simply ask for proof. They should be showing you exactly what is broken or dirty so you have no shadow of a doubt you are getting great service. If they cannot provide proof, turn to our suggestion above and ask for a second opinion. If the repair is absolutely necessary, providing proof should be very simple!
Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is proud to serve all our customers throughout the Denver Metro Area. For over a decade we have established a reputation for excellent and trustworthy service! If you are worried about a scam or need a second opinion, contact us 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!
What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?
It almost seems counter-intuitive that an air conditioner could freeze over, especially when your air conditioner is running during hot summer days. Air conditioner freeze-ups are actually quite common and there are a number of possible culprits. Below are 4 of the most common causes of an air conditioner freeze-up.
Blocked Airflow
Air conditioners need to have constant airflow so humidity doesn’t settle on the coils and freeze. This humidity can even collect in dry climates like Colorado. Here are the common culprits of a lack of airflow in an air conditioner:
Dirty Filters
If your air filter is dirty and becomes clogged, airflow is restricted which disrupts your air conditioner’s functionality and increases the risk of an air conditioner freeze-up. Thankfully, air filters are inexpensive and keep your air conditioner running at peak performance, saving you money on your electricity bill. You should be changing your filter every month even if it says every three months.
Closed or Blocked Vents
Closing or blocking too many vents in your home is a quick way to cause an AC freeze-up. If you have something in front of a return, you want at least 6 inches of space. If you decide to close some of the vents in your home, make sure they are not near your thermostat and you are only closing a few.
A lack of airflow can also be caused by a collapsed duct, a bad blower motor, or low voltage to the fan, so if your filter is clean, you are not blocking your vents and you are still experiencing AC freeze-ups, contact an HVAC expert as soon as possible.
Overworking the System
This means a consistent runtime of more than two hours. Here are the two most common ways to overwork your air conditioner:
Setting the Temp Too Low
If you set your temperature too low and your air conditioner can’t keep up with the heat load, it will freeze over. You are making your air conditioner try to change the temperature of a large area too quickly, making it run longer than two hours. Make sure you lower your thermostat slowly to give your system a break, and don’t forget to rely on your other appliances like fans to cool the air as well.
Cool Weather
For places like Denver where the Spring and Fall seasons bring warm days and cool nights, it’s not uncommon to have an AC freeze-up when your home is a lot warmer than the temperature outside. Air conditioners are designed to function in a specific temperature range. If you are running your air conditioner for more than 2 hours when the outside air is below 62 degrees, the pressure inside of your system will drop causing your air conditioner to freeze up. Try not to rely on your air conditioner when it’s cooler outside.
Dirty Coils
Another common cause of AC freeze-ups is a dirty air conditioner coil. Air conditioners tend to dehumidify the air, and that moisture builds up on the condenser coils. When the water builds up on clean coils, it evaporates or falls into the drip pan. If the coils are dirty, that layer of dirt and dust holds onto the water causing a freeze. Bi-annual checkups from your local HVAC professional can keep your AC’s coils clean.
Low/Leaking Refrigerant
In order for the refrigerant in your air conditioner to absorb heat and cool the air, it transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid and back to a low-pressure gas. If there is a refrigerant leak or the refrigerant is too low, this causes a drop in pressure allowing the refrigerant to expand more than usual and become too cold. If there is a refrigerant leak, an HVAC expert can help you fix this but may recommend investing in a new air conditioner.
Though these are the most common culprits of an air conditioner freeze-up, there are a variety of other things that could cause this problem. 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!
When to Call for an Emergency Air Conditioning Repair
When your air conditioner stops working, not only does your home become uncomfortable, but it can be stressful not knowing if the system requires a minor or major repair. Knowing when you need an emergency air conditioner repair is very important and could save you money by preventing further damage.
So, what constitutes an air conditioning emergency and when should you be calling an expert for an emergency AC repair?
Your Air Conditioner Simply Doesn’t Work
Complete air conditioner breakdowns occur when you cannot get your AC unit to turn on or blow cool air. If your air conditioner isn’t working, you should immediately check your circuit breaker and your thermostat. If your AC unit is receiving power and the thermostat is set lower than the ambient temperature of your home, it’s a situation where you should call for an emergency AC repair. The longer you wait, the more uncomfortable your home will become in the summertime heat, especially in sunny Colorado.
Your Air Conditioner Is Causing Water Damage
Water can quickly spread and cause major property damage, damage to the unit itself, attract pests and even promote mold growth within 24 hours. The most common causes of water damage stemming from an air conditioner include:
- Clogged or disconnected drain
- Dirty condensate pump
- Clogged air filter
- Dirty evaporator coil
- Cracked drain pan
- Low refrigerant
- Condensation buildup within ductwork
All of these problems should be addressed by your emergency AC repair contractor as soon as possible.
Your Air Conditioner Is Experiencing Electrical Issues
If you suspect there is an electrical problem, you should not wait to call a professional. Some common signs of air conditioning electrical problems are a tripped breaker, a burning smell, or a flickering/dim pilot light. Electrical issues are very serious and not something you should attempt to take care of yourself as there is a risk of a serious home electrical issue like a blackout or fire. An HVAC contractor has the experience and the technical knowledge needed to identify the problem and solve it quickly to get your air conditioner back to normal.
If you are near Grand Home Services in Aurora or anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, please give us a call. We offer 24/7 air conditioning emergency repair services.
6 Ways to Increase Furnace Efficiency
Furnace efficiency, helping your furnace last longer, and saving money all go hand in hand. Like any other machine or system, your furnace is subject to wear and tear, and the less you run it the longer it will last. If your furnace lasts longer, you won’t have to replace it as often.
Here are 6 simple tips to increase furnace efficiency. For tips on how to increase air conditioning efficiency, click here.
1. Make Sure the Filter is Clean
The purpose of the furnace filter is to prevent dust and debris from clogging your furnace. When the filter has been in place for a while, your furnace has to work harder to pull air through the densely packed filter. How often you clean, whether or not you have pets, and recent renovations can all make a difference in how often the filter needs to be cleaned, so a good rule of thumb is to check the filter monthly for debris. If you can see hair and dust on the surface, then replace the filter or wash it if it’s reusable.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways of reducing your monthly bill, and they often pay for themselves in one year. They also reduce wear and tear on your furnace. A simple 5-day/2-day programmable thermostat is not expensive, and it will allow you to set up a schedule for weekdays and weekends that will lower the temperature when you’re away from home. You should also close the vents in unused spaces and turn the thermostat down when you plan on being away for more than one day.
3. Make Sure Vents are Open and Free of Debris
A furnace needs to be able to freely circulate air around your home to run efficiently. Make sure none of your vents are blocked by furniture or have trapped dust in the cover. Be careful when purchasing decorative vents; they might look great, but they can restrict as much as 50% of the air flow making your furnace work harder to heat your home.
4. Keep the Area Around the Furnace Clear
Most furnaces are kept in the basement, where we also love to store extra belongings. It’s important to keep a three to five-foot area around your furnace completely clear of stored items. This is not only a safety issue because there is burning gas in the furnace, but it helps the furnace run smoother as the air can circulate freely.
5. Utilize Curtains and Blinds
Strategically using your curtains can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill. Opening them in the day on south or west-facing windows allows warm sunlight to enter and heat the inside of your home, just like with a car left in a parking lot.
6. Get Regular Furnace Tune-Ups
Furnace manufacturers strongly recommend that you have your furnace inspected and tuned up every year to ensure it is running at peak efficiency. One faulty part can place strain on the rest of the system and can lead to sudden breakdowns. A professional HVAC expert may also tell you whether or not your furnace needs to be cleaned to run more efficiently. Click here to see what you can expect from a furnace tune-up.
If you are near us in Aurora or anywhere throughout the Denver Metro Area, we would be happy to help you make sure your furnace is running efficiently and give your furnace a tune-up. Contact Grand Home Services today.
8 Ways to Increase Air Conditioning Efficiency
According to the Department of Energy, over half of your energy expenses go towards your air conditioner and furnace. Improving your HVAC’s efficiency will not only save you money on your monthly bill, but you will save money in the long run by extending the life of your system.
Here are 8 ways you can increase your air conditioner’s efficiency. Make sure to contact a professional if you think your air conditioner is not running at peak performance. Click here for 6 ways to increase your furnace efficiency.
1. Change and Clean your Air Conditioner Filter
Check air filters to ensure they are clean as dirty filters slow air circulation. If dirty, first try cleaning filters, and make sure to replace your filter at least once per pear and clean the filter on a monthly basis.
2. Program your Thermostat
Programming your thermostat to different temperatures for different times of day is key to increasing your air conditioning efficiency. If your home is empty every weekday for a certain number of hours, program your thermostat to let your house be a bit warmer and cool off before you get home. Don’t forget to adjust your thermostat for vacations as well!
3. Don’t Cover your Vents
If there is a room like a guest room that is mostly unused, these vents should be covered to push the air to the rest of the home. Otherwise you should keep items like blinds and furniture away from blocking the vents to help maintain steady airflow from your system. Vents are often placed underneath windows, and if that window is covered by a curtain, the air gets blown near the hot window and doesn’t cool the room. Try using a deflector to help your AC unit cool your home.
4. Keep the Space Around the Outdoor Condenser Unit Clean
Make sure your outdoor air conditioner condenser is free of debris and dirt. These can get lodged in the unit and prevent it from running properly. Also, ensure all plants are trimmed back for your unit to operate properly.
5. Keep Heat Away from your Thermostat
It’s very important to keep things away from your thermostat that create heat. Having a lamp near your thermostat will make it kick your air conditioner on far more than necessary.
6. Check the Temperature Outside
Before you set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, make sure you check the weather outside to see if it’s cooler. Especially here in Colorado, it is very sunny making your home hot and making you think it’s even hotter outside, but sometimes it’s actually cooler. Check the weather before you go to bed as well!
7. Close Blinds and Curtains
The windows that are in the late afternoon sun bring in the most heat. Covering those windows with blinds and curtains will help keep your home cool and give your air conditioner a break.
8. Contact a Professional
If you have not had an air conditioning tune-up in a while or you think your unit could be more efficient, make sure to contact a professional. From a leak in the ductwork to a simple system cleaning, a professional will make sure your unit is running efficiently and save you money on your monthly electric bill. Air conditioner manufacturers recommend having the system serviced yearly before the first use in Spring.
If you are near us in Aurora or live throughout the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would be happy to help you with your air conditioner efficiency. Contact us today.
