4 Most Expensive AC Repairs and How to Avoid Them
Having your air conditioner break down is inconvenient and can be very expensive to repair. A lot of these repairs can be avoided with regular inspections and cleaning. These inspections catch small problems before they become larger, more expensive problems to fix.
Here are 5 of the most expensive AC repairs and how they can be avoided. Keep in mind, that these estimates greatly depend on the manufacturer of the unit, the age of the unit, and how well the unit has been maintained.
Replacement Evaporative Coil: $2,000 – $3,500
If your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant, chances are it is due to the evaporative coil. Refrigerant runs through the coil and as air passes over it the heat is absorbed. If there is a leak or it no longer functions, it will take a long time for the system to cool your home, if at all.
Unfortunately, repair isn’t an option. Evaporative coils are large components full of tiny dips, curves, crevices, and hard-to-see, hard-to-reach areas. A leak is like a needle in a haystack.
How to avoid: annual cleaning and refrigerant recharges. If refrigerant gets low, the unit will have to work harder which will increase the risk of failure.
Compressor Replacement: $1,850 – $2,800
Your air conditioner’s compressor moves the refrigerant through your system to remove heat and humidity. When the coils are dirty, the system must work harder to expel heat which leads to overheating and a system failure.
Compressor replacement is one of the most expensive, time-consuming AC repairs. This repair could be less than $1,850 depending on the warranty of your AC unit, but unfortunately, the average repair fee lies within the above range.
How to avoid: annual cleaning. Compressor failure is usually the result of dirty coils that make the system work extra hard to expel heat.
Condenser Fan Motor: $500 – $1,500
The condensing unit fan is responsible for pulling air through the coils of the condensing unit. When the system is dirty or has been idle for too long without cleaning, the fan will not run, run intermittently, run slowly, or make unusual noises.
During the winter this fan sits idle until the air conditioner is turned back on in the spring when temperatures begin to rise. This can be a problem for the condenser fan motor. Sitting all winter without any motion, the bearings and shaft in the air conditioner motor can seize up or rust.
How to avoid: Spring inspection, cleaning, and keeping up with air filter replacements. The air conditioner motor must be inspected and cleaned to ensure it is running at full power.
Refrigerant Leak Repair: $300 – $1,500
If you are experiencing a refrigerant leak and the leak does not require a new evaporative coil, the repair is a bit cheaper but—depending on the source—can still be expensive. Sometimes the leak occurs at the end of the evaporative coil where the copper bends, other times it can be as simple as a rubber seal. No matter the source, it’s important to get a refrigerant leak repaired as soon as possible. A leak can cause further problems and quickly get expensive.
How to avoid: consistent inspection and cleaning. When an HVAC professional inspects your air conditioner, they might be able to see a leak is coming if there is deterioration. Just like visiting the dentist, it’s important to take preventative measures with your AC unit.
With all these expensive AC repairs, many can be avoided with consistent inspections and cleaning from an HVAC professional. It’s easy to forget about the unit when it’s working in the background, but you’ll wish you had taken preventative measures when a problem arises.
Are you in need of an AC inspection, cleaning, recharge, or repair in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado, and provides HVAC services throughout Denver. Contact us today!
4 Most Expensive Furnace Repairs and How to Avoid Them
Winters in Denver can be hard, especially when your furnace is not heating your home correctly. If you turn on your furnace only to find that it is not working, is not heating your home correctly or it is making strange noises, you will want to call for furnace repair.
Some furnace repairs can be quite costly. Here are four of the most expensive furnace repairs and how you can avoid them.
Blower Motor and Capacitor: $500 – $1,500
Simple blower motor repairs might run $150 to $450 while complete replacement could cost $1,500 depending on the brand. This motor and fan, known as a squirrel cage fan, pushes the air through your ducts. Lack of regular cleaning leads to unbalanced or damaged blades.
How to avoid: Regular inspection, cleaning, and keep up with air filter replacements. It is important that the blower motor be inspected and cleaned every so often to ensure it is running at full power.
Draft Inducer Motor: $500 – $1,500
A simple fan wheel in the draft inducer motor is inexpensive to replace, but replacing the entire unit can cost up to $1,500, depending on the model and brand. The draft inducer motor pulls the combustion gasses through the heat exchanger and pushes those gases out the flue to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, so it’s very important to fix if broken.
How to avoid: Regular inspection and a reliable carbon monoxide monitor.
Circuit Board: $500 – $1500
Replacing a furnace circuit board can cost up to $1500 depending on the brand and age of the unit. The circuit board is responsible for operating every component in the furnace and without it your furnace will not function. High efficiency models will cost quite a bit more while single-stage models may be less than $1000.
How to avoid: Regular inspection and cleaning. Unfortunately, a circuit board is a piece of technology and simply fails sometimes, but if the furnace is not well maintained, the circuit board’s lifespan shortens.
Gas Valve: $400 – $1,000
A furnace gas valve allows natural gas or propane to flow to your unit. Furnace gas valves occasionally stop opening and closing properly with age. If this valve does not function, it could be a hazard to your health and home as gas or propane will freely flow from the furnace without combustion. Gas valves are rarely repaired because the labor cost surpasses the cost of a new part.
How to avoid: Regular inspections and cleaning. If there are particles interfering with the gas valve’s ability to close completely, gas could be leaking into your home.
It is very important to take preventative measures with a furnace because one small issue can cause many more. Many of these issues can be prevented with regular inspections and cleaning.
Are you in need of a furnace inspection, cleaning, or repair in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado, and provides HVAC and heating services throughout Denver. Contact us today!
8 Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair
As the days get longer and hotter, your AC unit works hard to keep your home comfortable. From old age to having a dirty filter, a number of things can keep your unit from running efficiently. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your unit needs repair before one problem causes another, or worse, you need to replace the AC unit. Here are 8 common warning signs you may want to look for:
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AC unit is old
If your air conditioner is older than the average life expectancy of AC units in homes today—between 15 and 20 years—it likely needs attention. It’s not a bad idea to start shopping for a replacement just in case of an emergency, but it’s important you get an older AC unit inspected and cleaned to prolong its life. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, we can help you with this.
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Your electric bill has gone up
It’s normal for utility bills to fluctuate, but a significantly higher than normal energy bill means your air conditioner is running inefficiently. This could be due to a clogged air filter, a broken motor, or something more serious. It’s best to get your AC unit inspected before the problem worsens and you continue to run up your energy bill.
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Unit is releasing a bad odor
It is not a good sign when your AC unit gives off a bad smell. An unpleasant odor can mean there is an issue with the filter, a buildup of dirt, or even mildew. No matter the culprit, the smell means something is wrong and could be bad for your health. It’s best to contact an HVAC contractor for a quick diagnostic and a full cleaning of the system.
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Warm air
If your unit is running but the air is coming out warm or your home isn’t cooling down, there is likely an issue with your refrigerant. Your homes AC system should keep your home comfortable and is designed to cool your home to the temperature you set via the thermostat. However, a loss of refrigerant can cause your system to stop cooling effectively, making your home uncomfortable.
There is also a chance the lack of cold air is due to the AC compressor. When the AC compressor stops working, your air conditioning system essentially becomes a large central fan with no ability to cool the air that flows through it. This can be a very technical and challenging fix–requiring the assistance of an HVAC professional. -
Insufficient airflow
If your air conditioning unit is not pushing out as much air as usual, this is usually a sign the air compressor is failing. It can also mean the AC air ducts are clogged. Even if the air that is coming out of the unit is cold, your air conditioner will only work overtime to compensate which can quickly lead to an AC burnout.
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Frozen AC coil
One of the most common causes of air conditioner coils needing repair or replacement is frozen pipes as a result of a dirty or blocked air filter. When your filter becomes too dirty, your air conditioner’s air flow is decreased, causing it to work harder, and occasionally, for the refrigerant coils to freeze. We can repair or replace your fan coil unit to get your air conditioning system back up and running.
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Loud and persistent noises
Loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Pay attention to the sounds you hear and, if possible, describe them to your HVAC contractor. Squealing and whistling noises may come from belt or fan issues while banging noises can mean broken and loose internal components that can cause more problems. All these noises are signs that your furnace needs to be repaired.
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Refrigerant is leaking
When your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant or freon, this can cause your system to stop cooling your home or even freeze up. These leaks can occur throughout the unit including the valve cores, weld joints, filter canisters or system’s tubing. Finding a leak in the unit can be a complicated process, so it is best to have an expert detect and perform air conditioner refrigerant leak repair on the system.
Contact us for AC repair in Denver, Colorado
Located in Aurora, we provide air conditioner repair services throughout the Denver Metro Area. If you need AC repair, inspection, cleaning, replacement, or emergency service, contact our team today.
8 Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair
When the weather gets cold, you rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortable and to prevent seasonal issues like bursting pipes. It is very common for your furnace to need repair when it is working hard for half the year, and even more common if your furnace is old or hasn’t been properly maintained.
To prevent more issues and extend the life of your furnace, it’s important to know what warning signs to look for. Here are 8 common warning signs your furnace needs repair and what they mean.
1. Your furnace is old
If your furnace is older than the average life expectancy of furnaces in homes today—between 16 and 20 years—your furnace likely needs attention. It’s not a bad idea to start shopping for a replacement just in case of an emergency, but it’s important you get an older furnace inspected and cleaned to prolong its life. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, we can help you with this.
2. Water is pooling around the furnace
If water is pooling around your furnace, it’s important to figure out why rather quickly to keep your house warm. Pooling water is usually caused by a clogged condensate drain line. This drain line removes water that is released when the evaporator in the unit converts refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. Fixing the problem is not as simple as just unclogging the drain line, so it’s best to work with a professional who has HVAC and plumbing expertise.
3. You smell gas
If you smell gas, turn off your furnace immediately. Then, look for a gas supply valve on the gas pipe near the furnace and close the valve. Make sure to call a local HVAC contractor as soon as possible to get the gas leak fixed.
4. It’s making persistent and strange noises
No furnace is silent, but loud and persistent noises can indicate a serious problem. Pay attention to the sounds you hear and, if possible, describe them to your HVAC contractor. Squealing and whistling noises may come from belt or fan issues while banging or groaning can result from broken and loose internal components. All these noises are signs that your furnace needs to be repaired.
5. Air blows weakly
From a minor problem with fans to a major problem with belts and motors, weak air flow can be caused by several things and can cause other problems if not fixed. Because the cause can be difficult to identify, it’s important to call a professional.
6. The thermostat is not working
If you have to turn your thermostat higher and higher to get heat, it’s definitely a sign your furnace needs repair. This malfunction is likely caused by an electrical issue like blown fuses, loose wiring, or tripped circuit breakers. Because it is likely an electrical issue, it can be dangerous to fix if you haven’t had any formal training. Call a trained HVAC professional you trust.
7. Your bill rises
As furnaces age, it is very common for them to lose their efficiency, especially if they have not been consistently maintained. As a result, your furnace will have to work harder and longer to provide the same amount of heat causing your gas & electric bills to go up. If you get your furnace repaired or replaced, you will likely save a lot of money in the long run.
8. The pilot light is discolored
A healthy pilot light usually appears blue. A pilot light of a different color, especially yellow, can indicate a ventilation problem like the carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should. This is not only a health hazard for you and your family, but it can make your unit more combustible if not addressed.
If you notice any of the above warning signs or your furnace is not working as it should, give us a call. We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout the Denver Metro Area and have a lot of experience inspecting, repairing and installing furnaces.
Are Ductless Heat Pumps a Good Option in Colorado?
If you are considering the best way to heat your Colorado home, you may have come across some information about ductless heat pumps. These heat pumps can be incredibly efficient and make heating your home easy, however, do they really work well when the weather gets below freezing?
About Ductless Heat Pumps
Ductless heat pumps do not require air ducts. They are a system that consists of indoor air handling units that push the heated air into your home and an outdoor compressor unit. This means the heated or cooled air does not have to move through a serious of pipes and ducts, making it a lot more efficient and effective.
They produce heat by extracting heat from the air outside, the air passes through coils and refrigerant helps to heat it up to the desired temperature. This is a very efficient way to move heated air in and around your home.
You are probably wondering, doesn’t it have to work harder when the air is colder outside?
What Happens When It’s Freezing Outside?
Many years ago any type of heat pump was not the best choice for colder climates as they would have trouble heating air that was 40 degrees or below. Thanks to technology this has changed. The new systems work extremely well to extract and produce heat from even the coldest of air. Refrigerant, coils and compressors have all been upgraded and manufactured to make the process of heating and cooling the air easier and this gives you a great heating system that can save you a whole lot on energy costs.
Another bonus to these systems is that they are much easier on the environment. This is great for Colorado and especially the Denver area where we have seen a huge increase in people moving to the state, meaning more houses and more pollution.
Creating A Dual System
We all know here in Colorado that we can see that Arctic air settle in during the winter months. If you are concerned that the heat pump won’t keep your home comfortable you can always have a backup system. You most likely have this already in place but you are looking for something more efficient, or you are looking for zoned heating. If you do already have a furnace in place you can keep the furnace as a backup system. This way if you really feel the ductless heat pump is not cutting it, you can switch on the furnace for those short periods of time.
Want More Information on Ductless Heat Pumps?
If you have questions about how well a heat pump could work for your Denver or Aurora area home, contact the experts at Grand Home Services. We are here to help keep your home comfortable year round.
Tips To Choosing A Reliable HVAC Company In Denver
This summer, your AC unit will be an integral part of your home. Without it, those hot summer days will seem much hotter and you may find yourself sweating through the warm months. If you’re in need of a repair or replacement, a professional HVAC company can help. Finding the right company for the job is just as important as the job itself.
When first beginning your search for an HVAC contractor, consider speaking with those closest to you. Your friends and family members have probably worked with companies in the past. Based on their recommendations and warnings, it’s much easier to find a trustworthy service. You can also check the reputation of a specific company by using a third party review site or the Better Business Bureau.
Once you have a list of a few prospective HVAC companies, it’s time to start calling them and setting up consultations. Most HVAC companies will offer a free on-site assessment. If any company attempts to give you an over-the-phone bid instead of visiting your home, beware. Without properly examining your system, there’s no way to provide an accurate estimate.
In the event that your system needs to be replaced, your chosen contractor should present a few different options for your consideration. While they could replace your old unit with the same make as before, they should be willing to explore other options to ensure that you are installing the most energy-efficient model for your budget.
Speaking of your budget, don’t base your decision strictly on money. It’s important to choose a contractor who is experienced but still up-to-date with the latest technology. Rock-bottom prices don’t always equate quality service. Instead, look for a contractor who is licensed, insured, and qualified.
Requesting bids and comparing prices is a great way to find the right contractor. It allows you to meet each worker face to face and learn more about how they do business. Once you have a written bid, it’s easier to compare prices with other companies and find quality craftsmanship that fits within your budget.
At Grand Home Services, LLC, it’s our job to keep your home at the right temperature. Whether you have a heating issue or damaged AC unit, our technicians are trained and qualified to help. Our affordable services have made us the popular choice of homeowners in the Denver, Highland Ranch, Centennial, and Littleton areas.
Contact us today to get started with the right HVAC company!
Why You Should Hire Experts for AC Installation
With the Internet and videos on how to do just about everything, doing it yourself has become a byword. However, there are things that you should always have a professional do — installing an AC unit is one of those things.
Regardless of size, all AC units are heavy. It’s not worth risking your back or dropping a unit to save a few dollars. In the long run, it might cost you more to do it yourself. After all, your time is important, and do-it-yourself projects generally take longer than having professional installation. If you get a unit that is too small to cool your space, you will end up working the unit harder, spending more energy and decreasing the lifespan of the unit. More importantly, you won’t be comfortable because the AC won’t be doing what you want it to do.
A good AC unit that will supply your needs for the entire home may need its own concrete slab. Doing it yourself could void any warranty on the equipment. If something goes wrong, you will have to pay for the repair or replacement yourself. Professional installers will often provide a guarantee of work done, and because they are authorized to provide installation, you can be certain that the warranty will remain in full force. If you need an air conditioner, it is probably because you want to stay comfortable during the hot summer months. A good AC installer will make sure that you get the right unit for the space you’re trying to keep cool.
At Grand Home Services, LLC, we understand that you have concerns about your budget and your time. Hiring us means that you will save both when you are installing a new air conditioner. We promise to arrive at the appointed the time and get your AC unit installed quickly. You get all the advantages of our expertise and experience, which means your warranty will be valid and you won’t have to worry about anything other than keeping it cool. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to making sure your summer months are more comfortable for you and your family.
Should I Have New Airducts Installed With My New AC?
If you are in need of a new AC system you may also wonder whether your duct work also needs to be replaced. Whether you need to replace your air ducts or not will depend on a few things and should be discussed with a trusted cooling specialist.
Reasons You May Need New Ducts
While ducts shouldn’t need to be replaced every time you get a new AC system there are times replacing your ducts is recommended.
- Mold – If you have mold in your air ducts, completely eradicating the problem from your current ducts is nearly impossible. When mold gets into your air ducts it can cause problems with your families health and although costly it is always better to start from scratch in this circumstance.
- Uneven Cooling – If your current AC system cannot cool each room or area of your home evenly it may be that the ducts are damaged or they are just insufficient for getting enough cooled air into your home. If you have hot spots throughout your home in the summer you may want to consider upgrading your ducts with your new AC.
- Bigger AC System – If you are installing a larger AC system to meet the demands of your home, new ducts will help increase the airflow throughout your home.
- Damaged Ducts – If your old ducts have cracks, aren’t sealed correctly are rusty and they are leaking cooled air, updating your original ducts can help keep your energy costs low and the air inside your home cleaner.
If any of the above issues are happening with your AC system and air ducts you may want to replace the ducts for a more efficient and effective cooling system.
AC and Duct Installation in Denver
If you are looking for a new AC system and you are considering installing new ducts to get the most out of your new system, the team at Grand Home Services in Denver can help.
We work across the metro Denver area helping our clients keep their homes comfortable throughout the year.
We will provide you with an honest quote as the whether your ducts need replacing so that your new AC system can do it’s best to keep your home comfortable.
Contact Grand Home Services Today
Call or contact us today for a free estimate on a new cooling system for your home and stay comfortable year round in your home. We offer a one year warranty on all heating and cooling work we do and our home comfort experts are all trained and certified to make sure you get only the best.
Fall Furnace Inspection In Denver
Now that the fall season is here, temperatures are going to begin dropping steadily. This means that you’re most likely going to begin using your furnace on a much more regular basis. To ensure that your furnace is ready to go for when winter hits, you should schedule a fall furnace inspection.
Fall Furnace Inspection
The following are the steps our HVAC technicians will take in order to thoroughly inspect your furnace for potential issues:
- They will clean the combustion chamber – The combustion chamber is where fuel and air combine and are ignited in order to generate heat. Soot can build up during this process, which can cause the chamber walls to corrode. The carbon that’s built up needs to be scraped out to help prevent corrosion.
- They will inspect the flue pipe – The exhaust flue will be carefully inspected for any holes or damage. The presence of holes can result the leaking of carbon monoxide. Holes can be patched, but flues that have corroded will need to be replaced.
- They will replace the oil filter – The oil filter helps to prevent impurities from clogging the oil-burner nozzle. A dirty filter makes the furnace run less efficiently and will need to be replaced with a new one.
- They will test the efficiency – The technician will use a combustion analyzer in order to measure the gasses in the exhaust flue. This will help the inspector determine how efficient the furnace is. The technician will also adjust the air gates of the burner to ensure the proper ratio of fuel to air. Additionally, the technician will inspect the color of the flame and the shape of the igniter while also replacing the oil nozzle.
Signs You Need a Furnace Inspection
During the basic inspection, the HVAC technician will identify if there’s a need for repairs or replacement. Even though it’s a good idea to have your furnace inspected every fall, you should make sure to schedule an inspection as soon as possible if you spot any of the following signs:
- Your heating bills are too high – If your energy bills skyrocket once you begin using your furnace, there’s a problem with its efficiency.
- Your furnace isn’t producing heat – Whether your furnace isn’t working at all or isn’t producing heat at the level you need, there’s most likely one of several problems at the source.
- Your furnace is making strange sounds – Your furnace should be relatively quiet during operation. Strange sounds are a sign that a component has broken or is about to break.
- The pilot light is yellow – The pilot light should burn blue. If it burns yellow, there’s an issue with the combustion process.
- Your furnace keeps cycling on and off – There could be a number of problems causing your furnace to keep turning on and off.
To ensure that your furnace runs efficiently, effectively and safely, schedule a fall furnace inspection in Denver or the surrounding areas by contacting us at Grand Home Services today.
Is a Heat Pump Reliable in Denver, CO?
The Denver area certainly has some weather extremes, from freezing cold winter snaps to the hot, hot sun beaming in your home all summer long. When it comes to heating and cooling and your home, many people feel that a traditional HVAC system is the only way to stay comfortable. What about a heat pump?
Heat pumps have a reputation as only being reliable in very mild climates, due to technology this is not true anymore.
Is a Heat Pump Reliable in Denver, CO?
Heat pumps are a great way to both heat and cool your home. Yes, they do both, you can have one system that will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and do this efficiently.
In winter your heat pump will draw heat from the heat molecules in the air outside, this will then be heated to the right temperature and pumped into your home.
In summer, your heat pump works in reverse by pulling heat out of the air and dispersing it outside. This method can be really effective in keeping your home comfortable.
So does this process work in Denver CO? Absolutely, thanks to the fact that the dry air in our area cools off at night and in the morning, drawing heat from the air inside your home can really work. Especially if you keep your windows open at night to let that cool air in as a base.
In winter we can get very cold days, a good heat pump, noticed I said good, can work well in place of a furnace. The key here is to install the right heat pump. Some heat pumps will not work well in a colder climate, however installing the right brand or model can certainly make a difference in your home in the winter months.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump
As mentioned above, choosing the right heat pump can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable. If you are thinking about installing a heat pump in your home, the team at Grand Home Services can help! We will talk about your home’s needs, your budget and what expectations you have from the heating and cooling systems in your home. We will then help you install the right system in your home.
Contact us at Grand Home Services today. We can help you keep your home comfortable all year long without breaking your budget.
