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.
Gas vs Electric Furnace: 4 Differences
Gas and electric furnaces are both forced-air heating systems, which means they heat air directly and distribute that air through a series of ducts throughout your home. Both types of furnaces are popular throughout the Denver Metro Area, but there are a few key differences.
Below we break down the major differences between gas and electric furnaces. If you have questions or need some guidance in choosing a furnace, consult a professional! Everyone’s home and needs are a little different, and getting a custom recommendation is your best bet.
The Cost
Gas furnaces typically cost more to buy and install than electric furnaces, but electricity typically costs more than natural gas, so owners of gas furnaces will recoup their money over time. Even though they tend to last a few years less than electric furnaces, gas furnaces are less expensive over their lifespan. The only exception: a small home in a warm climate.
A small home in a warm climate will require far less heat than a large home in a colder climate like Denver, so the initial cost of a gas furnace may not be recouped over time. But, if you own a larger home in a colder climate, the better option almost always is a gas furnace.
Energy Efficiency
Gas furnaces use less energy and heat homes faster than electric furnaces. Electric furnaces take more time to heat up, so in climates like Denver with below freezing temperatures, electric heaters will take much longer to heat your home.
The Maintenance
All furnaces require regular cleaning and maintenance to perform efficiently. Gas furnaces tend to require more maintenance because of the burners, gas valves and igniter, but electric furnaces are prone to more wear and tear if they are warming a home in a colder climate.
Safety
Gas furnaces burn natural gas to heat your home which produces a small amount of carbon monoxide that is safely vented from your home. If your heat exchanger is cracked or your furnace is burning too much gas, carbon monoxide can leak into your home which can be very harmful. Therefore, electric furnaces tend to be the safer option, but in general, all furnaces are very safe if they are regularly cleaned and maintained.
As mentioned above, the cost, efficiency and maintenance of gas and electric furnaces heavily depends on the climate. Gas furnaces tend to be the better choice for homes in colder climates like Denver, but if your home is quite small or is in a warmer climate, the choice is not so simple.
In need of a new furnace in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado and provides HVAC services throughout Denver. Call or contact us online today!
Your furnace’s heat exchanger is not easily accessible, it cannot be repaired, it is an expensive part to replace and oftentimes requires an entire furnace replacement, so this is a popular scam among dishonest HVAC technicians. Below is more information about heat exchangers, how they become cracked, and the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
If you are told your heat exchanger is cracked, we always recommend getting a second opinion from another company!
What is a heat exchanger?
The heat exchanger is a thin metal piece between the combustion chamber and the blower. As the combustion chamber heats the exchanger, air is blown across the surface which heats the air. The warm air is then sent through your home’s ductwork to warm your home.
How does a heat exchanger crack?
Metal expands when it heats up and contracts when it cools down. Over time, this makes the metal more fragile which could lead to the metal cracking or breaking. The heat exchanger will typically last 15 years or more, but if your furnace is very old or poorly maintained, the chances of the heat exchanger cracking is higher than normal.
What are the signs of a cracked heat exchanger?
When the heat exchanger cracks, the most common problem is carbon monoxide leaking into your unit and throughout your home. You should have carbon monoxide detectors that will tell you if there is a leak, but if the leak is very small, you may notice your pilot light is discolored. Other signs include excess condensation coming from your unit, a strong odor, or a buildup of discolored soot.
Am I getting scammed?
If your furnace is fairly new and an HVAC technician tells you your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked and the unit is no longer under warranty, this may be a scam. If your furnace is over 10 years old, it is a bit more likely that your heat exchanger is cracked. We always recommend keeping an eye out for the signs above and getting second opinion, regardless of the age of your unit.
If you are in the Denver Metro Area and think your heat exchanger is cracked or need a second opinion, give Grand Home Services a call today. We are located in Aurora and provide HVAC services throughout the metro area. We will never pressure you to fix a repair or replace your unit! Call us or contact us online today.
Cost to Replace a Furnace Blower Motor in Denver
Replacing a failed blower motor is a major furnace repair and is one of the more expensive repairs homeowners face as their furnace gets older. Below we break down the average cost to replace a furnace blower motor for a Denver homeowner and why the price varies furnace-to-furnace, company-to-company.
Cost to Replace Blower Motor in Denver
The cost to replace your blower motor depends on whether your blower motor is variable-speed or single-speed, the brand of your furnace, and the repair company you hire to handle the repair for you. Unless you have a warranty for your unit, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to as much as $1,600 for a furnace blower motor replacement.
If a company tries to charge you less, they aren’t giving you all the benefits you get with the top companies in town. When you replace the blower motor in your furnace, the HVAC technician should replace the capacitor as well. A company that quotes $750 may not be including the additional $300 – $400 for the capacitor that needs to be replaced as well. Always make sure you get the complete quote upfront so you don’t get hit with an unexpected charge. As always, we recommend Denver homeowners work with an established HVAC company to ensure an honest and reliable repair.
National Replacement Averages
Larger websites like HomeAdvisor will give low quotes to pique your interest and give some business to the companies that use their site. These prices are very generic, typically don’t include every single charge that would come with a repair and are not based on your specific city. From the quality of the technician to the quality of service, paying more than these low national averages is for good reason. Long story short, you will not find a successful and reputable HVAC company charge these low prices.
Just Hire the Good Guys
When you find yourself getting quotes from several companies for a blower motor replacement, always ask if the estimate includes a capacitor replacement. If a company is unable to share a quote over the phone, not to worry, they may need to see the furnace in-person. Just make sure to get the full quote before they go to work.
Furnace Blower Motor Replacement in Denver
In need of a furnace blower motor replacement in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services would be happy to help. Call us or contact us online if you need more information or would like to get started!
4 Things to Check When Your Furnace Won’t Turn On
It’s cold outside and your furnace won’t turn on… now what? It’s easy to panic when your furnace isn’t turning on and the temperature in your home starts to drop. Before you run and call for an emergency furnace repair, there are a few things you can check yourself to rule out the possibility of a quick fix.
Check your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat could have lost power, be on a schedule, been reset from a power outage, or even accidently bumped. Always start with checking the thermostat to make sure your furnace is simply being told to not turn on in the first place.
Check your Circuit Breaker
If there is nothing wrong with the thermostat, make sure your furnace is getting power. A tripped circuit breaker can be an easy fix if your furnace won’t turn on. Check the breaker in your electrical panel that is associated with your furnace. If it’s in-between on and off, that means the breaker was tripped. Flip it to the off position and then flip it to the on position. If it continues to trip, you’ll need to replace the circuit breaker.
Check the Furnace Filter
If all things thermostat and electricity look good, it’s time to look at the furnace itself. A very common reason for a furnace to malfunction, have low airflow or not turn on at all is a dirty filter. A dirty filter inhibits proper airflow through the furnace, preventing the furnace from producing enough warm air to heat your home to your set temperature. Sometimes the filter is so dirty the furnace won’t even start up.
Check the Pilot Light
If you have a gas furnace, always check the pilot light. If the gas supply to your furnace has halted, the pilot light will go out and your furnace will not turn on. If the pilot light is discolored, we recommend calling an HVAC specialist immediately.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to call a professional. Not having a furnace during cold temperatures in Denver is uncomfortable and can become unsafe. Whether you have questions about troubleshooting your furnace or need a repair, Grand Home Services is here to help. Contact us online or call us to get help now anywhere in the Denver Metro Area.
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!
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.
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.
Most Energy Efficient Home Heating Sources
Here in Denver, we can experience some cold snaps during the winter months. These cold snaps make us think about our home heating and our energy bills. If you are looking for a way to heat your home that is the most effective and the most efficient, there are some choices that may be better than others. (more…)
