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7 Signs of an Improper Air Conditioner Installation

An improper air conditioner installation can cause a variety of issues that can affect the comfort of your home, efficiency of the unit, and even the unit’s lifespan. Here are some of the most common signs that indicate your air conditioner was improperly installed.

If you suspect an improper AC installation, always contact a second HVAC company to take a look.

1. Poor Cooling Performance

If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly, it may be a sign of an incorrect refrigerant charge, improper sizing of the unit, or poor installation of the ductwork. The cooling performance of a brand-new AC unit should be significantly better, so if it seems to have gotten worse, get a second opinion as soon as possible.

2. Frequent Breakdowns

If your air conditioner breaks down frequently, it could be a sign of incorrect wiring, improperly sized electrical components, or poor installation of the system itself. Frequent breakdowns equal frequent repairs, making the initial installation a possible scam. Contact a second HVAC tech to inspect the unit.

3. High Energy Bills

Higher energy bills can be the result of an incorrectly sized unit, poorly installed ductwork, or incorrect refrigerant charge. If your energy bills are significantly higher than normal, we suggest getting a second opinion.

4. Uneven Cooling

If some rooms in your home are significantly cooler than others, it may be a sign of poorly installed ductwork or an improperly sized unit. Uneven cooling is a fairly normal problem, but if it is worse after a new AC unit has been installed, it was likely installed incorrectly.

5. Excessive Noise

An excessively loud air conditioner or a unit making strange noises can be the result of improperly installed components, loose connections, or improperly sized ductwork. Loud or excessive noises are not normal and could cause more damage, so it is important to call for a repair as soon as possible. Click here to see what the 5 most common AC noises are and what they mean.

6. Short Cycling

Short cycling—when your air conditioner turns on and off frequently—can be a sign of incorrect sizing of the unit, improperly installed ductwork, or an incorrect refrigerant charge. Short cycling has many other causes, so if this is your only issue, be sure to get your unit checked before assuming an improper installation. Click here for other causes of a short cycling AC unit. Click here for more causes of a short cycling unit.

7. Leaks or Moisture

Leaks or moisture around your air conditioning system can be caused by improperly installed refrigerant lines, ductwork, or drain lines. Leaks are not to be taken lightly, so we suggest calling for an emergency AC repair. Click here for more causes of an AC leak.

When in doubt, always get a second opinion. An improperly installed AC unit will cost you much more in the long run if left running and undiagnosed. Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC repair, tune-up, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us today!

4 Common AC Evaporator Coil Issues and How to Address Them

The air conditioner evaporator coil is a critical component of your AC system, responsible for removing heat from the air and cooling your home. However, like any other part of your air conditioner, the evaporator coil is prone to wear and tear. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common issues that can arise with the evaporator coil and what you can do to address them.

Note: issues with the evaporator coil should not be taken lightly as it handles refrigerant and is one of the most expensive parts to replace in an air conditioner.

1. Dirty or Clogged Evaporator Coil

A dirty or clogged evaporator coil can cause your air conditioner to function less efficiently, leading to higher energy bills and reduced cooling performance. Eventually, this could lead to the AC unit running constantly or a complete system failure. If you notice that your AC system isn’t cooling your home as well as it used to, a dirty evaporator coil may be to blame.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil

If your evaporator coil freezes over, your AC system will stop working altogether. This can occur if the coil becomes too dirty, if the refrigerant level is low, or if there’s an issue with the blower fan. To fix a frozen evaporator coil, you’ll need to turn off your AC system and let the coil thaw completely before calling a professional to diagnose the underlying cause of this freeze-up.

3. Corrosion or Leaks

Over time, the evaporator coil may develop leaks or corrode, leading to a loss of refrigerant and reduced cooling performance. If you suspect that your evaporator coil is leaking, you’ll need to have it replaced by a professional HVAC technician. A repair is almost never an option with evaporator coils. This should be taken care of as soon as possible; refrigerant is extremely dangerous and can lead to long-term health problems.

4. Improper Size

If your air conditioner’s evaporator coil is too small, it may not be able to cool your living space effectively. Conversely, if the coil is too large, it may cause your AC system to short cycle, leading to reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear. This issue only arises if your evaporator coil has been replaced and the wrong size was installed. You’ll need to have a professional HVAC technician recommend the appropriate size for your evaporator coil.

The evaporator coil is a critical component of your air conditioner, and any issues with it can lead to reduced cooling performance and increased energy bills. If you suspect your evaporator coil is dirty, frozen, leaking, or improperly sized, address the issue as soon as possible.

Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides AC inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you just need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.

How Often Should I Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up?

Your air conditioner is a valuable investment in your home’s comfort and well-being and requires regular maintenance to ensure that it runs effectively and efficiently. Regular air conditioner tune-up services can help extend the lifespan of your AC system, improve its energy efficiency, and reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns or repairs. But how often should you get your air conditioner serviced?

The rule of thumb is to get an air conditioner tune-up once per year, preferably during the spring season, but there are several factors that determine how often you should get an AC tune-up. Below we discuss some of these factors and when you should consider getting tune-ups more often. When in doubt, ask your HVAC technician what they recommend!

1. Age of the AC Unit

If your AC unit is less than five years old and has been well-maintained, it is recommended you get the unit serviced once a year. However, if your air conditioner is older than five years, it should be serviced twice a year. This ensures that it is functioning at its best and will prevent repairs.

2. Frequency of Use

If you live in an area with hot and humid summers and rely heavily on your air conditioner, it’s recommended to have it serviced twice a year. Here in Denver, our summers are quite mild, but some years are much hotter than others. If you find that your AC unit is running 24/7 for an extended period of time, a mid-season AC tune-up should be considered. Frequent use of your AC system can cause wear and tear, and regular tune-up services can help prevent breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your unit.

3. Maintenance History

If you’ve neglected regular air conditioner maintenance in the past, you may need to have it serviced more frequently. This will help to address any underlying issues that may have developed. Your HVAC technician can assess the state of your AC unit and recommend the appropriate tune-up schedule.

4. Warranty Requirements

Some HVAC manufacturer warranties require regular maintenance as a condition of coverage. Be sure to check your warranty documents to determine the recommended tune-up schedule to maintain your warranty coverage.

Regular air conditioner tune-ups are an essential part of maintaining your AC unit. If you have questions about AC tune-ups, you’d like a professional HVAC technician to assess the state of your AC system, or you need to schedule an AC tune-up, contact Grand Home Services today! We are located in Aurora and provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area.

5 HVAC Myths Busted

When it comes to home appliances, there are plenty of age-old myths that promise less maintenance, better performance, and money saving. The same can be said for air conditioners and furnaces. While many of these myths come with good intent, some are downright terrible practices to follow.

Below are 5 common HVAC myths and why each myth could actually be costing you money and hurting your AC unit or furnace.

Myth #1: Cranking the thermostat will heat or cool your home faster.

If you crank your thermostat up to a very high temperature or down to a very low temperature in hopes it will heat or cool faster, this will not actually accomplish anything. Your AC unit or furnace will reach your desired temperature as fast as it can without overworking. If the unit shuts off before it reaches your temperature, it likely means it is shutting off to prevent the unit from overheating and will resume when ready.

Myth #2: The best unit is the biggest and most expensive.

Bigger is not always better when it comes to air conditioners and furnaces. An oversized unit will often short-cycle, which will decrease the lifespan of the unit and require more repairs than usual to keep it going. Your monthly utility bills will also be much larger than necessary. From purchasing the unit to maintaining it, you will be overpaying.

It is important to note that an HVAC professional selling you a larger unit than necessary is a common HVAC repair scam. There are dishonest contractors who will recommend you choose the biggest unit with no regard for the type of unit or size of your house/building. Units that are oversized are more expensive to install so the contractor can charge more for the job. They are also more expensive to run in the long term and will cost more in service and maintenance. Click here to see our full list of common HVAC repairs to keep an eye out for.

Myth #3: If my unit is working, I don’t need a cleaning or tune-up.

Just because your unit is running does not mean it is running at peak efficiency, does not need to be cleaned, or every part is in perfect condition. Furnace and AC maintenance should be proactive, meaning it should happen before a breakdown takes place. Furnace tune-ups will keep your unit running longer and more efficiently, saving you money on your monthly bill and keeping you from replacing the unit prematurely.

Myth #4: Closing vents will save you money.

When you close vents in a room because it is rarely used or too hot/cold, the closed vent creates pressure in the air vents and an imbalance in the unit. In general, your system pulls in as much air as it needs to heat or cool your home. When you close some vents, your unit is pulling in more air than it is pushing through the ducts, thus creating pressure on the unit. This pressure can cause leaks in your ductwork and unnecessary wear and tear on your system’s blower. It’s best to keep your vents open and keep the air circulating throughout your home.

Myth #5: The filter only needs to be replaced once every year.

Changing your filter once per year might be correct for some units and filters, but this is definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some manufacturers will recommend changing your filter several times a year at a minimum. In addition, if you have several pets in your home, you should change your filter more often than a pet-free home. Always check with the manufacturer recommendations, and make sure to check your filter from time to time.

There are plenty of HVAC myths out there, but we always recommend taking HVAC maintenance advice from a professional. Every HVAC system is different; something that works great for one system could be detrimental to yours.

Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides HVAC inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.

3 Signs of a Faulty Furnace Gas Valve

A furnace gas valve allows natural gas or propane to flow into your unit. Occasionally these valves will stop opening and closing properly due to an obstruction, rust, or old age. If this valve malfunctions, it could be a hazard to your health and home as gas or propane will freely flow from the furnace without combustion.

Below are the 3 common signs of a faulty furnace gas valve to keep an eye out for as a faulty valve could be creating an unsafe environment. When in doubt, always call an HVAC professional.

FYI: When the valve stops working, it needs to be replaced as a repair is often more costly than a replacement. Typically, a gas valve replacement costs anywhere between $400 and $1000, making it one of the most expensive parts in a furnace to replace.

Gas leak

Sometimes a gas valve will get stuck open, allowing too much gas into your furnace while it is running, or allow gas to leak into your furnace while not running. Not only is this gas a fire hazard, but inhaling gas is very bad for your health. If you smell gas in your home, open your windows, exit your home, and call 911 immediately.

System failure

If your furnace is not heating your home or having trouble starting, this could mean your gas valve has malfunctioned and is not supplying enough—if any—gas to the unit. This means the ignitor will not work, your furnace will not be transferring any heat, and the system will stop blowing warm air. If the furnace is not running or it is not blowing warm air, call for a repair.

Though a system failure could be the result of a faulty furnace gas valve, there are many other possible culprits. If your unit is not blowing warm air, there are many other possible causes. Click here to learn more.

Furnace cycling

Similar to a system failure, when your furnace does not receive enough gas, it may continuously cycle to try to reach the temperature set on your thermostat. When the thermostat does not read the correct temperature, it will continue to tell the furnace to run. Regardless of the cause, a constantly cycling furnace could result in an overheated blower motor or other avoidable repair. If your furnace is cycling, shut the unit off and call for a repair.

In need of a furnace repair or inspection? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado provides furnace inspections, repair, cleaning and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Whether it is an emergency or you need some guidance, do not hesitate to reach out to us! Contact us online or call us today.

What to Expect from an AC Tune-Up

Many HVAC companies will say you need regular AC tune-ups, but what is actually taken care of during a tune-up and why are tune-ups so important? Besides the regular cleaning, inspecting, and replacing faulty parts throughout the entire unit, here’s what you can expect from a traditional AC tune-up.

Check thermostat

The health and settings of your thermostat are more important than you think. An improperly installed thermostat or thermostat with incorrect settings can force your AC unit to work harder, increase your monthly bill, and even shorten the lifespan of the unit. If you get a furnace or AC tune-up, the HVAC technician will check that your thermostat is correctly set to save you money in the long run.

Clean evaporator and condenser coils

Over time, dust and debris will collect on the evaporator and condenser coils. This will force your AC unit to work harder and eventually could cause a freeze-up. It is important these coils get cleaned regularly to keep your unit running efficiently.

Check coolant levels

The coolant—or refrigerant—runs through the interior coils in your air conditioner, absorbs the heat and cools the air. If the coolant is low, there is likely a leak which the tech will check for, but this also means your unit will not run efficiently and could freeze-up. Your AC unit needs the right amount of coolant to run correctly.

Inspect condensate line

Air conditioners tend to dehumidify the air, and that moisture builds up on the condenser coils. This water either evaporates or falls into the drip pan and is brought outside of the home through the condensate line. If this condensate line becomes clogged by dust or ice, this water stays in your unit and can cause a freeze-up, rust in the unit, and leak in your home.

Check blower motor and blower belt

During the heat of the season, your blower motor may run for many hours on end without rest. It is natural for this part—along with the blower belt—to eventually need replacing, but with proper maintenance from the HVAC technician during a tune-up, this part should last as long as the unit itself. Without the blower motor, the unit cannot function.

In need of an AC tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide AC tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.

How Often Should I Get a Furnace Tune-Up?

We are sure you’ve heard you need regular furnace tune-ups, but your furnace runs just fine without one. Are they really necessary?

Technically speaking, furnace tune-ups are not necessary, but they are strongly recommended and worth every penny. Furnaces experience wear and tear throughout Winter, and having it checked before the next Winter season comes with a variety of benefits.

So, how often should you get a furnace tune-up and what are the benefits?

Frequency of Furnace Tune-Ups

More often than not, HVAC technicians and manufacturers will recommend annual furnace tune-ups, ideally right before the Winter season. If your furnace is brand new, you may get a recommendation of biannual tune-ups, but here in Colorado where your furnace will run for months on end, annual tune-ups are recommended. If you happen to get a furnace repair, this does not count as a tune-up. The entire furnace needs to be cleaned and inspected, not just one part replaced.

Keep in mind, many furnace manufacturers require annual tune-ups to maintain your warranty. In this case, a tune-up should never be missed. Maintaining a furnace warranty could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Benefits of a Furnace Tune-Up

Reduces Heating Costs

Furnace tune-ups ensure your unit is clean and running at peak efficiency, saving you money on your monthly heating bill. From cleaning the blower compartment to lubricating moving parts, a tune-up will allow your furnace to run smoothly and effectively. This way, your furnace will reach your desired temperature with as little run-time as possible.

Preventative Care

During a tune-up, HVAC technicians will check for any necessary repairs, inspect the electrical, lubricate moving parts, and most importantly clean the unit, all of which help to prevent parts from breaking and extend their life. If your furnace is not cleaned and inspected regularly, your furnace will definitely require repairs that could have been prevented.

Click here to see what is typically taken care of during a furnace tune-up.

Maintains your Warranty

Many popular furnace manufacturers make it clear you need regular maintenance by an HVAC professional to retain the warranty. Without this regular maintenance, the manufacturer has the right to deny you a part replacement, forcing you to pay for the part, service, and all subsequent services out of pocket.

In need of a furnace tune-up or have any questions? Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is here to help. We provide furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacements throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.

What to Expect from a Furnace Tune-Up

We all know the importance of calling an HVAC technician when our furnaces stop working, but many of us don’t realize the importance of regular maintenance. Furnace tune-ups are not just about making sure things are running well. Tune-ups are all about inspecting, cleaning, repairs (if necessary), and ensuring your unit is running at peak efficiency. v Keep in mind, this is just scratching the surface! These are all common and typical, but depending on the age, manufacturer, and general state of your unit, additional items will need to be taken care of.

Clean blower compartment

This is one of the more important tasks taken care of during a furnace tune-up because blower motors and capacitors are one of the most expensive parts to replace. When the blower compartment goes uncleaned for many years, it must work harder to push warm air throughout your home which shortens its lifespan.

Inspect wiring

Inspecting the wiring ensures your furnace runs safely and prevents an untimely repair. If something goes wrong with the electrical, you may have to replace the circuit board, another very expensive part to replace.

Clean burner

Oftentimes the burner will get dirty from dust and debris, and as it burns natural gas, it will also burn everything around it. For safety, air quality and longevity, it is important the burner gets cleaned from time to time.

Inspect heat exchanger

The heat exchanger rarely needs much attention besides an inspection, but this inspection is a critical safety measure. If your heat exchanger is cracked or broken, carbon monoxide will leak into your unit and throughout your home.

Filter cleaning or replacement

Regularly changing or cleaning your furnace filter is absolutely necessary! A clean filter will keep all other parts in the furnace clean and running properly. This is something you can and should be doing as often as your manufacturer suggests, but an HVAC technician will take care of this for you during a furnace tune-up.

Pilot light inspection

Your pilot light indicates whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. The pilot light is a great way to tell if multiple parts within the furnace are doing their job.

Lubricate moving parts

Lubricating all the furnace’s moving parts will reduce friction. When there’s friction, the motor must work harder to reach your desired temperature, which requires more gas/electricity, and it could result in a premature failure.

Advice and tips

When you get a furnace tune-up, you may receive some advice on things you can maintain yourself, things you may need to do differently, and things you need to look out for. This advice is indispensable and will save you money in the long run.

Additional items taken care of during a tune-up include:

• Check duct connection and airflow
• Inspect the thermostat
• Inspect condensate line
• Test safety controls
• Inspect the belts

It might go without saying, but we believe tune-ups are very important! Are you in need of a furnace tune-up? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and provides furnace tune-ups, repairs, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today.