Pros and Cons of a Whole Home Humidifier in Denver
In dry cities like Denver, the humidity is so low that it often has negative effects on our health, like a stuffy nose, itchy skin, scratchy throat and an increased risk of infection. While portable humidifiers help take the edge off, they will not raise the humidity of your entire home and they need to be filled regularly.
One of the best ways to increase the humidity of your home is with a whole home humidifier. These humidifiers are free-standing and often connect to your duct system, allowing humidity to be carried throughout the home.
Here are the biggest pros and cons to having a whole home humidifier instead of a small portable humidifier.
Pro #1: Humidity Control
With small humidifiers there is no telling how much it is raising the humidity in your room or household. With a whole home humidifier, the humidity is controlled with a humidistat and can be set to the desired level.
Pro #2: Minimal Maintenance
Whole home humidifiers have their own water supply so you do not have to worry about filling up a tank every time it runs out. With ducted humidifiers, all you have to do is change the evaporator panel (filter) once a year and lightly clean around the filter. This level of maintenance is unachievable with a small mobile humidifier.
Pro #3: Better Health
The air quality of your home has a huge impact on your health. With low humidity, your body is at a higher risk of allergies, respiratory conditions, and even infections. Here in Colorado, the humidity often drops below 20%, and the ideal humidity for your health is between 30% and 40%.
Con #1: Expense
There is no question that a small mobile humidifier is much less expensive than a whole home humidifier. While a decent quality humidifier will run between $30 and $100, a whole home humidifier will run between $400 and $1200 and that is not including installation. Thankfully, this is a one-time cost and as mentioned above, the unit requires almost no maintenance.
Note: We strongly recommend speaking to a professional if you are interested in installing a new unit as it requires HVAC, plumbing and electrical expertise.
Con #2: Mold and Mildew
Just like a small mobile humidifier, mold and mildew are always a risk with whole home humidifiers. With regular maintenance and cleaning this should not be an issue but could quickly become a health hazard if ignored. All it takes is a small amount of cleaning and a filter change once or twice a year to avoid this problem.
Are whole home humidifiers really worth it? In some parts of the country with higher humidity levels, there really is no need. In places like Colorado with extremely dry winters, low humidity is detrimental to your health and a humidifier is highly recommended. From the low maintenance to automatic humidity control, whole home humidifiers are far better than small mobile humidifiers.
If you are near us in Aurora, Colorado or anywhere in the Denver Metro Area, Grand Home Services would be happy to help you with a whole home humidifier. Contact us online or give us a call today to get started!
Companies are in business to make a profit. While most of them prioritize serving their customers as best as they can, some will cut any corners to get ahead and make a quick buck. If you are already aware of the most common HVAC repair scams, here are the best ways you can avoid a scam yourself.
Get a Second Opinion
Getting second opinions in the HVAC world is very common. If you have any reason to doubt the HVAC technician or their service estimate, always get a second opinion. Many services related to furnaces and air conditioners are quite expensive, so it’s in your best interest to get two technicians to take a look. This will not only save you money, but it will help you avoid the HVAC scam artists. If you are near us in Aurora, Colorado, give us a call for a second opinion!
Be Suspicious of “Free”
Maintain a healthy suspicion of “free” services or too-good-to-be-true deals. Whether you get a cold call from a telemarketer or you see an ad online promising a free service, always be suspicious of the bait and switch scam. Chances are they will strongly encourage you to pay for another service once they’re already in the door or say they’ve spotted a necessary repair.
Insist on a Written Agreement
Do not trust a service provider who does not provide a written agreement. Verbal agreements are neither professional nor reliable. The least you can do is demand written proof so you can take legal action if the technician completely scams or misleads you. This will not only save you from some scams, but it could save you money with a service or product warranty!
Read Reviews
Before you call a local Aurora or Denver area HVAC contractor that you’ve never worked with, do a quick search online and read their reviews. One or two bad reviews among many great reviews is nothing to worry about, but if there are consistent complaints about being scammed by the company or contractor, you should probably look elsewhere.
Ask for Proof
If your technician insists that you need a repair, simply ask for proof. They should be showing you exactly what is broken or dirty so you have no shadow of a doubt you are getting great service. If they cannot provide proof, turn to our suggestion above and ask for a second opinion. If the repair is absolutely necessary, providing proof should be very simple!
Grand Home Services in Aurora, Colorado is proud to serve all our customers throughout the Denver Metro Area. For over a decade we have established a reputation for excellent and trustworthy service! If you are worried about a scam or need a second opinion, contact us today.
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!
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.
7 Signs You Need to Install a Dehumidifier
Getting the right level of moisture in your home is important. Too much and you end up with a multitude of problems with your health and your home’s structure. Too little and your skin feels dry, your nose bleeds and your health suffers in general.
If you have too much moisture in your home there are several things you may notice occurring. If these signs are present it may be time to have a dehumidifier installed in your home.
- You have Mold and Mildew Build Up – If you have mold and mildew build up throughout your home that is a sure sign that you have a moisture problem in your home. Mold and Mildew can cause serious problems with the health of those living in your home so it is important to remediate the issue and prevent it from building up again.
- Condensation – If you see condensation build up inside or around your windows, or your windows are foggy this is a good indicator that there is too much moisture in your home.
- Musty Smells – If you constantly notice a mildew or musty smell inside your home, this generally occurs when there is mold or mildew build up. Maybe you haven’t noticed any mold or mildew but you have that musty smell. This means that mold or mildew could be hiding inside your home’s walls, floors or crawlspace.
- Water Stains – If you have unexplained water stains on your roof or walls this could be a sign of hidden water damage. Sometimes that water stain is caused by leaking pipes behind your walls. If this is the case it is important that the leak is fixed. You will then need help drying up the moisture in your home.
- Wood that is Rotting – If you notice furniture or wood around windows rotting, that is a sure sign there is a moisture issue. Rotting wood generally occurs from excess moisture in a particular area.
- Allergies – Excess moisture can cause mold spores, dust mites, and other allergens to multiply and spread. These airborne allergens can then cause allergy issues in your home. Without getting rid of the moisture these allergies will only get worse.
- Heavy Air – If the air in your home feels dense and heavy this is often due to too much moisture. High humidity in your home can leave your air feeling uncomfortable. It can also force you to turn your thermostat up and down more depending on the season.
If you have any of these 7 signs in your home, contact the team at Grand Home Services today. We can help install a dehumidifier so that you can start controlling the moisture levels inside your home.
