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.
When to Get a Second Opinion for an HVAC Repair
Reputable HVAC professionals do their best to provide the most honest and trustworthy solutions, but there are some scenarios where having another company check your unit is always helpful and will give you peace of mind. You may even talk to two very reputable companies and one tells you your unit needs to be replaced while the other says you only need a repair. Every HVAC company runs a little differently, so second opinions are even more important in knowing what the problem is, if any, and knowing what your options are.
It can always feel a little awkward telling an HVAC technician you would like to get a second opinion, but most reliable HVAC companies will understand, and some even encourage them. Here are four common scenarios where you should consider getting a second opinion.
You’re getting a cleaning/tune-up and now a repair is “necessary”
Some unethical companies will offer very inexpensive tune-ups or very limited time specials just to get in the door. Once they are looking at your unit, they can say any part needs replacing. If it’s inexpensive and they can prove your unit needs a repair, a second opinion is not necessary. If it’s portrayed as an ‘urgent’ repair and it’s very expensive, it might be worth getting a second opinion.
The repair or replacement cost is shockingly high
When you are told a repair will be extremely expensive, it is always best to get a second opinion. This could be an unnecessary repair, price gouging, or simply an expensive part that really does need replacing. It’s always best to get a second opinion so you can ensure this repair is necessary and really is this expensive. Worst case, you get a similar or more expensive estimate from another company, but now you know the repair really is necessary. You may even get a cheaper estimate from another company.
Take a look at the 4 most expensive furnace repairs and 4 most expensive AC repairs. With all these repairs, you can expect a high repair estimate.
Your unit is fairly new and the cost to repair is high
The most expensive furnace and AC repairs are common among older units and very uncommon among new units. If your unit is new and you are told your unit needs a very expensive repair, always get a second opinion. Depending on the age of the unit, you may be under warranty.
You’ve never noticed an issue
When an expensive HVAC part needs to be repaired or replaced, chances are you have seen, heard, or even smelled a sign that something is wrong. If you are told something needs to be repaired and it is expensive and urgent, we recommend getting a second opinion. Though furnaces and AC units are complex and there are a lot of moving parts, when something malfunctions, there is usually a sign.
When in doubt, get a second opinion! You could save yourself hundreds of dollars, and you may even save yourself from a scam. If you are still unsure, do a little research online. There are plenty of resources available online that will give you typical repair and replacement costs.
In need of a second opinion in the Denver Metro Area? Grand Home Services is located in Aurora and we’d be happy to provide a second opinion. Unfortunately, HVAC scams are quite common, and we see and hear about them all the time. Please do not hesitate to call us, contact us online, or call another professional HVAC company to get a second opinion.
What the Color of Your Furnace Pilot Light Means
Your pilot light provides a small flame that remains lit inside your furnace to light the gas coming out of the main burner. This pilot light will indicate whether your furnace is receiving the right amount, too much, or too little natural gas, or there is something else burning altogether. Here are the typical colors of a furnace pilot light and what they each mean. When in doubt, call a professional!
Blue = Normal
When your pilot receives the correct amount of natural gas, the flame will be a bright blue color. The largest component of natural gas is methane which burns blue. The tip of the flame may appear orange or yellow, but this is normal. It’s best to check your pilot light from time to time and make sure it remains blue.
Flickering Yellow = Too Much Air
If your pilot light is flickering yellow, there is too much air in the gas line. This could be caused by a damaged tube or loose connection which is allowing air into the gas line, or the furnace’s thermocouple could be damaged. The thermocouple is responsible for opening and closing the main gas line and regulating the amount of gas feeding into the pilot. If it is not letting in enough gas, the flame may burn yellow. Because the two likely culprits that are letting in too much air could also be leaking gas, we recommend shutting off the furnace and calling for a repair.
Bright Orange = Too Much Gas
A bright orange pilot light is the most dangerous colored pilot light. When the flame is burning orange, this means too much gas is feeding the flame. If there is a gas leak from a damaged gas line or damaged thermocouple, the pilot light will not be able to fully burn all the gas and the flame will be orange.
Too much gas going into your furnace could pose a serious health risk by allowing gas to leak into your home through the vents. You will first smell the gas near your furnace and eventually throughout your home. The excess burn-off of the gas can also lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide. If you see a bright orange pilot flame, contact an HVAC contractor immediately.
Any other color?
If your pilot light is any other color like red, green, or some other combination, that means something other than methane—such as tar, oil, rust flakes, or dust—is burning. This could mean harmful chemicals are being pumped into your home along with the warm air your furnace is creating. You will need to shut off the furnace from the breaker box, shut the gas line, and call a professional for a repair.
If you think your pilot light is discolored or you have a question, it is always best to heir on the safe side and call an HVAC professional. Grand Home Services is located in Aurora, Colorado, and provides furnace repair, cleaning, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
Gas furnaces run for months at a time, and they need regular cleaning and maintenance to provide reliable heating for your home. Hiring a professional for a furnace tune-up and cleaning is a great way to take care of your furnace before the winter season. A professional furnace cleaning ensures your furnace runs efficiently, reduces the chance of an emergency repair, and extends the lifespan of the unit.
The average cost of a professional furnace tune-up is between $100 and $200. The final cost will depend on the size of your furnace, fuel type, age, and level of service required. Click here to see what you can expect from a furnace tune-up.
We highly recommend hiring a professional to clean your furnace, but if you are in a pinch or would like to clean your furnace in between professional tune-ups, here’s how. If this is your first time cleaning your furnace, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional!
Note: Before you start taking your furnace apart, always make sure you shut the power off from the breaker box and shut the gas valve.
Replace the Filter
The simplest way you can—and should—prepare your furnace for the winter season is by replacing the filter. A dirty filter will inhibit airflow making your unit work harder to heat your home. A dirty filter will also not clean the air properly, creating dust and debris buildup and increasing your chances of needing a repair.
Clean the Blower Unit
This is one of the more complicated parts to clean in a furnace, and we strongly recommend leaving this to a professional. The blower motor has counterweights and wiring that are easy to disturb and this is one of the more expensive pieces to replace.
To clean the blower unit yourself, remove the control panel if it is in the way, then carefully remove the blower unit. Gently vacuum all dust and debris and use a small stiff brush to remove tough deposits of dirt. It’s important to clean the blower unit slowly and evenly.
Clean the Pilot or Igniter
Using compressed air or a drinking straw, carefully blow any dust off the pilot. If you have a newer furnace, you may have a hot surface igniter. Use condensed air or a straw to remove any dust, but do not touch this part as it is very fragile.
Clean the Flame Sensor
A furnace flame sensor is very important for safe operation of your furnace. The flame sensor detects the presence of a flame when the gas is on, then shuts down the system if no flame is detected.
Located on the burner assembly, it looks like a metallic rod. The flame sensor can be pulled down and out of the bracket gently for cleaning. Take an emery cloth and gently clean the surface of the flame sensor. Then slide the part back into place.
When you get a tune-up and cleaning from a professional, they will also check for any necessary repairs. This will reduce the chances of you needing an emergency furnace repair and ensure your furnace is running at peak performance.
In need of a furnace tune-up and cleaning 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!
4 Furnace Noises and What They Mean
There are a number of furnace noises that are normal, especially when the furnace is just starting up. But, if the noises are excessive, loud, or out of the ordinary, we recommend shutting off the unit and calling a professional. Here are 4 common yet problematic furnace noises and what they typically mean.
1. Loud bang or boom
A loud bang or boom should never be coming from your furnace. This sound may be caused by your furnace having trouble igniting, creating a gas buildup in the combustion chamber which causes a small gas explosion when the furnace finally ignites. A gas burner that is having trouble igniting is an indicator of a clog, gas pressure problem, or a very dirty furnace. This is not something you should try fixing yourself. If you hear this noise, shut off your furnace and contact a licensed technician.
2. High-pitched squealing
If your furnace is making a high-pitched squealing noise, this is usually an indicator of a worn-out blower motor bearing. The bearings wear out from continuous friction from the blower motor during operation. High-pitched squealing can also be caused by insufficient lubrication or a damaged belt. Compared to other furnace repairs, these repairs are pretty minor and inexpensive, but if you are not familiar with the tools or equipment, call a professional.
3. Rattling or rumbling
A loose or broken part inside of your furnace will create a rumble or rattle. As this broken or loose part bangs into other components inside the furnace, it will cause more damage and require additional repairs. Be sure the cause is not as simple as a loose door cover, and if not, shut the system off and call for a furnace repair. Even if you know how to replace the broken part, it is best to get a full unit inspection.
4. Whistling
When your filter is dirty and the airflow running through your furnace is restricted, the air may make a whistling sound as it passes through the narrow openings. This not only creates an annoying sound, but your furnace must work much harder to reach your desired temperature. You’ll be paying a higher-than-necessary utility bill and you are shortening the lifespan of your unit. Always be sure to replace the filter as often as the furnace manufacturer recommends.
Loud or odd noises coming from your furnace are rarely a good thing. It’s always best to heir on the safe side and talk to a professional HVAC specialist. 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.
My Furnace is Running but Not Heating
Is your furnace running but not creating warm air and heating your home? If so, below is a list of possible culprits that you can check yourself before calling an HVAC technician. Some of these you can fix yourself, others you will need to consult a professional.
Check the Thermostat
It might seem too simple, but if your furnace is not creating heat, always start with checking the thermostat. The batteries might be dead or an adjustment could have been made without you knowing and the fix is as quick as a setting change.
Check the Filter
A dirty filter can wreak havoc on your furnace. Not only will it obstruct airflow, but it will not clean the air before it runs through the unit and inhibit the unit from doing its only job. If your filter is dirty, replace it or clean it and test your furnace.
Inspect the Pilot Light
Gas furnaces rely on a standing pilot light to operate. If the pilot light somehow goes out, the fan may run but the furnace will not warm the air. If you don’t see a blue flame near the bottom of your furnace, you will need to access the reset switch and use a lighter to light the pilot again. If this happens multiple times, you should call an HVAC pro.
Check the Condensate Line
High-efficiency or condensing furnaces produce condensation during combustion. This excess moisture falls onto a drip pan and is drained outside of the home through a condensate line. These condensate lines can become clogged with dirt and grime, especially if you do not keep up with furnace maintenance and filter changes. If the line becomes blocked, the water will end up back in the furnace, which will trip the overflow kill switch and shut down your furnace. Your furnace will either not turn on or simply blow cold air.
Inspect the Burners
The burners on gas furnaces are responsible for delivering and adjusting the flow of gas to keep it lit when running. If your furnace has not been cleaned in a while, dirt and debris can collect on the burners, preventing your furnace from getting enough gas to burn and warm the air. This is a fairly simple repair, but always consult a professional if you are not familiar with the equipment.
In many cases, cold air blowing through your vents is an easy problem to fix that you can do yourself. If you cannot figure out why your furnace is running but not heating the air, it is time to call an HVAC expert to diagnose your furnace.
In need of a furnace diagnosis, cleaning, repair or replacement? Grand Home Services in Aurora provides all these services and more throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
5 Ways to Prepare Your AC for Summer
Your air conditioner will likely work when you turn it on for the first time in months, but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing and leave it be. When your air conditioner sits for months, dust and debris collect and that should be cleared before it runs consistently. This ensures the unit runs at peak efficiency, prevents unnecessary repairs, and extends the lifespan of the unit.
Below are 5 ways to prepare your air conditioner for summer. If you aren’t comfortable taking care of any of these steps or need some extra guidance, always call a professional!
1. Safety First
Before you do anything, make sure to cut the power to the air conditioner. This ensures the unit does not turn on when you’re working on it, keeping you and the unit safe. Most air conditioners have a switch near the outdoor unit, usually in a metal box.
2. Clean or Replace the Filters
At an absolute minimum, your AC filter needs to be changed before the summer season. Changing your filter before the season will undoubtedly lower 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 AC unit and vents clean.
3. Clean and Clear Debris
While our winters are quite mild here in Aurora, Colorado, it is inevitable our outdoor units will accumulate leaves, dust and debris throughout Winter. It is very important you clear any debris that may get into the unit. You can spray the sides of the unit and the area around the unit with a hose, wipe the fan blades with a damp rag, and vacuum the coils with a vacuum brush attachment. This simple step will keep your unit running efficiently and help prevent a freeze-up.
4. Program your Thermostat
Another great way to get your air conditioner ready for Summer is to program your thermostat beyond simply setting the temperature. It’s best to set the temperature a few degrees higher during the day, helping your unit not work so hard to cool your home when the outdoor temperature is at its highest. Many thermostats now allow you to set an “away” temperature, which should be a few degrees higher than your “day” temperature. This can be used when you are gone for days at a time, or even during a normal weekday when no one is home.
5. Talk to a Pro
While this is not absolutely necessary, it is always a good idea to have a professional inspect, clean and tune-up your AC unit. A professional HVAC technician will ensure the unit runs at peak efficiency throughout the summer season and does not need any repairs. Even better, they can provide tips on maintaining the unit yourself.
Here in Colorado, we experience some very high temperatures and really put our air conditioners to the test. Make sure your AC unit is ready for Summer! Contact Grand Home Services online or give us a call for an AC tune-up, cleaning, or even emergency repair. We are located in Aurora and service the Denver Metro Area.
My Air Conditioner is Running but Not Cooling
Is your air conditioner running but not lowering the temperature in your home? If so, below is a list of possible culprits that you can check yourself before calling an HVAC technician. Some of these you can fix yourself, others you will need to consult a professional.
Thermostat
It might seem too simple, but always start with checking the thermostat. An adjustment could have been made without you knowing and the fix is as quick as a setting change.
Filter
A dirty filter can wreak havoc on an air conditioner. Not only will it obstruct airflow, but it will inhibit the unit from doing its only job and not clean the air before it runs through the unit. This will make the rest of the components dirty and could cause your coils to freeze. If your filter is dirty, replace it or clean it and test your air conditioner.
Evaporator coil
The evaporator coil in your AC unit absorbs the heat and any humidity evaporates from these coils. Sometimes this humidity accumulates and freezes on the coils. As mentioned above, frozen coils could be caused by a dirty filter, but that is not always the case. If your AC is running but not cooling the air, turn off the unit and check to see if the coils are frozen. If so, you will need to call an HVAC technician for a repair.
Condenser
Central air conditioners have an outdoor unit called a condenser. The condenser contains coils with closely spaced fins, making it easy for dirt and debris to build up and clog the coils. This will cause your unit to work much harder than usual to cool your home, and—if it’s bad enough—inhibit the unit from creating cold air and possibly shutdown. You can gently clean the condenser yourself with a vacuum or hose. If your air conditioner is still struggling to create cool air, call an HVAC professional.
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, resulting in a freeze-up and your unit will not be able to create cool air. If there is a refrigerant leak, an HVAC expert can help you fix this but may recommend investing in a new air conditioner.
Is your air conditioner running but not cooling? Grand Home Services in Aurora is here to help. We provide air conditioner maintenance, cleaning, repair, and replacement services throughout the Denver Metro Area. Call us or contact us online today!
Is an Annual AC Tune-Up Necessary?
You may hear your HVAC technician mention an air conditioner tune-up and wonder if it is even necessary. Air conditioners run just fine without annual tune-ups, and your unit(s) thus far have been just fine without them. So, is an AC tune-up really necessary?
The short answer is no—AC tune-ups are not absolutely necessary, but they are encouraged. No, your air conditioner will not burst into flames if you do not get an annual tune-up, but if you have the means to get a tune-up annually or even every few years, we strongly recommend doing so. There’s a reason this service exists in the first place, and all reliable HVAC companies offer the service.
Here are the most important reasons annual AC tune-ups are encouraged and even exist.
Saves You Money
A tune-up ensures your unit is clean and free of necessary repairs. This ensures it runs at peak efficiency, saving you money on your monthly cooling bill. Regular tune-ups also prolong the lifespan of your air conditioner. A poorly maintained unit that only gets repairs when necessary will certainly not live as long as a unit that gets regular tune-ups.
Preventative Care
Just like going to the dentist for a cleaning, AC tune-ups are a form of preventative care. During a tune-up, HVAC technicians clean the unit, check for necessary repairs, and get your air conditioner in the best condition possible before it runs for months on end. Having a technician look at your unit before it starts running consistently will prevent a broken part from causing more problems and repairs further down the road. A tune-up could even prevent a repair altogether.
Safeguarding Your Warranty
Several popular AC manufacturers—including Lennox and Trane—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 and service out of pocket.
No, AC tune-ups are not absolutely necessary, but they are sure to save you money in the long run. If you are in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services in Aurora would be happy to provide you with an air conditioner tune-up. Click here to learn more about our tune-up service, and call us or contact us online to get started!
