Spring is here and that means another summer is just around the corner. This is also the time of year people start thinking about adding or replacing the air conditioner to make sure this summer is more comfortable than last year was. But where do you begin? How do you know you are making the right choice for your home? Most importantly, how do you make sure you don’t get ripped off? These are all great questions homeowners ask all the time.

Choosing the right contractor

The first and most important thing is your contractor.  Do your research.  On line reviews are great, but look for an recommendation from someone you know who used that company.  Not all contractors are the same and neither are the technicians.  Make sure you feel comfortable.  Here are some good questions to ask and things to look for.

• Do they have the required MECH IV licensing to perform service here in the Pikes Peak Region?  This is a special license to our region.  The high altitude has dramatic effects on both your furnace and the air conditioner.
• Is the technician in your home NATE certified?  This is a technical certification of competence that requires regular ongoing training to maintain.  While it is no guarantee of quality or skill, it can demonstrate a solid baseline of knowledge.
• Will the person providing you with an estimate be involved with the installation?  Generally, the larger companies have completely separate install crews.  That can mean broken promises and later upcharges for “unforeseen issues”.  If the person generating your estimate will also be involved with the installation, it can make for a much smoother process with fewer surprises.

What you need to know about equipment brands

Next up is the age old question:  Who makes the best unit?  Are you ready for the answer to a question that has baffled home owners for eons?  The answer is “Whatever the preferred brand is of your trusted, licensed and vetted contractor”!  That’s it.  The truth of online reviews for heating and cooling products is that people’s overall happiness is in most cases determined by the quality of the install rather than the quality of the equipment.  I like Trane equipment.  Bob likes Carrier Equipment.  Homeowners like working equipment.

Ok folks, stay with me now…  It’s time for some technical stuff.

Terms you need to know before talking to a contractor

SEER – This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.   It basically goes like this.  The Higher the SEER rating, the lower the cost of operation but the higher your initial investment.
TONS – Technicians and contractors will often refer to the TON size of your outdoor condensing unit.  This is short hand for the BTU rating, or amount of cooling created, of your system.  12,000 BTUs equals one TON of capacity.  In very general terms, you need 12,000 BTUs of capacity for every 600 sqft of conditioned space.  There are many other conditions that contribute to the proper sizing of your unit.  A quality contractor will perform a load calculation to ensure the right fit.
Single Stage, Two Stage and Variable Speed – Modern air conditioning units come in a number of configurations these days.  A single stage unit is the AC we are all familiar with.  It comes on, it goes off.  Two stage units will operate at half their capacity during the cooler parts of the day.  This makes for more consistent temperatures inside your home without the hot and cold spikes most people are familiar with and does it all while using much less energy.  Variable speed units are the Rolls Royce of AC, allowing you to maintain exact temperature controls at all times while using far less power and much quieter operation.

Furnace replacement

The last question I get asked a lot is “Do I have to replace my furnace too”?  The answer is, not always.  But if your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely that the added work and stress of running the AC will shorten the life span of your furnace.  You can generally save money when installing both at the same time too.  So if your furnace is less than 30 years old and your contractor tells you you MUST replace the furnace too, get a second opinion just to be safe.

Getting the best deal possible

Here is my last tad bit.  Want to know the best time to get a deal on a new AC unit?  It’s now in early springs.  While the temps outside hover right around perfection, no one needs us.  So in order to entice homeowners to do their planned upgrades now, many contractors will offer special promotions and discounts.

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If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? Pollen.
They bring pollen… and with that seasonal allergies.
You don’t have to accept a spring filled with itchy eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing.
Air purification is your solution.
Modern technology has done wonderful things and air can actually be purified as it circulates through your house through your existing HVAC system. Air purification systems can remove 99% of airborne particles, allergens, bacteria and even viruses in your home.

Top Air Purification Systems: 

Trane CleanEffects System Trane CleanEffects is a patented specialized filter that removes more allergens and bacteria than ever before, including: dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria.  It offers quiet operation and and an easy to clean reusable filter.  Trane Clean Effects is 100 times more effective than a traditional 1-inch filter and can remove 99.98% of allergens and pollutants from any air that passes through it.

REME® Halo In Duct Air PurifierThe REME® Halo is installed inside of your duct work.  It actively sends a Hydro-Peroxide plasma through the air, which breakdown and destroy any pollutants they come in contact with.  By installing directly into the ductwork, your entire HVAC system works to combat dust, dander, pollen, and mold spores throughout your house.  The REME® reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.   Air purification is a must for all families, especially those with allergies!To find out more schedule a free consultation at 719-551-2232 and get the right fit system for your home, budget and lifestyle!Stay Cool. Stay Cozy. Stay Allergy Free!

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My A/C is broken! what to check before you call!

It is that time of year again. That time of year where everything is fine until you finally break down and turn on the A/C. If you find yours isn’t working when you fire it up, here is what you should check.

Check Your Filter

Dirty filters cause the majority of A/C problems. Your filter is located in your furnace and your air conditioner relies on the furnace to blow the cold air. When the filter is dirty the air can’t get through. If your filter IS dirty, often this can cause the unit to ice up. If you see ice, turn your A/C to off, and turn your fan to on. Allow it to thaw before using it with a clean filter.

Check the breaker

If your A/C isn’t running at all, check the breaker. Keep in mind some houses have more than one breaker box and it could be in a secondary box as well. A tripped breaker can indicate a problem, so if it happens repeatedly, have it checked by an expert.

Check the outside unit

First of all, if the house is new to you, be sure you have A/C and check for the outside unit. Many houses in Colorado do not have A/C by default as in many other states and it can be an unpleasant surprise for new home owners. If you do find an outdoor unit make sure it is not covered in debris and that air can circulate through it easily. This may require a quick rinse with the hose or removal of weeds.

Call Us

If all of the above fails, just give us a call 719-551-2232 or schedule online here and we can help get you cool! Stay Cool Colorado Springs!

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Why is an in home consultation important?

The top of our frequently asked questions list is “Can’t you just give me a ballpark?” The honest answer is yes, but that ballpark is several thousand dollars wide and might not help you budget at all.

There are dozens of variables that can affect the size and options available to you, keep reading to find out more.

We are we looking for?

When our technician comes to your home we are taking many variables into account to make sure your estimate is as accurate as we can make it.

We are looking at:

The size of your home The amount of air that flows through your home is to some degree determined by the square footage. The layout/design of your homeHomes with unique layouts, vaulted ceilings and lots of windows have unique challenges since they may affect the amount of air that needs to be heated/cooled or like in the case of older windows make it a more difficult job. Your existing equipment and ductworkWe may be able to continue utilizing some of your existing equipment.  If you are adding A/C for example, your furnace may be in fine working order, or it may not be able to handle the proper air flow.  Some homes have sufficient duct work for all their system needs.  Others may be in poor condition and need to be adjusted or even replaced. Your electrical set upSome homes are pre-wired for A/C, others it is added easily, while still others need an entire electrical upgrade. MeasurementsWe need to know the size of the space where the equipment will be installed to make sure your system is the right size and we have enough materials to get the job done right and efficiently. It is important to us that all of our customers understand what they are buying before they buy it.  A one size fits all, never fits everyone the same and we want to make sure you are involved in the process of creating your ideal system.  Once we have evaluated your home, we will provide you with available options to meet your immediate needs.

Then there are the options.

Just like when purchasing a new car, your heating and cooling systems all come with options. Below are a few: EfficiencyYou hear this word time and time again.  Is it efficient?  Efficiency is a tricky subject depending on what it means to you.  Is your goal a lower electric bill? a greener system? A tax credit?  Your answer to these questions will change your options. ThermostatsTraditional single use thermostats are a thing of the past.  Now they are able to control smart houses, link up to security systems, utilize apps to manage temperatures when you are away from home, and so much more.  There are several options available so we can make sure to get you the best match for your needs and lifestyle. To Upgrade or Not to UpgradeOften replacing multiple pieces of equipment at the same time are much less expensive than replacing them individually over the course of a few years.  It is important to consider this when adding new equipment to significantly older less efficient equipment. Humidifiers With the dry air in Colorado these are in high demand and can often be installed at deep discounts when combined with a system Air Purification SystemToday’s are purification systems can eliminate allergens, dust, bacteria and virus at a stunning 99.9%.  Systems include extreme filtration and even UV lights installed directly into duct work. Accurate estimates provided during in home consultations are key to a no surprises installation that is exactly what you need to keep your family and wallet comfortable all year long. Consultations are always free and can be scheduled by calling or texting 719-551-2232.

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What is an A/C Tune Up?

An A/C tune up is basic maintenance for your AC system. We are used to maintaining and tuning up our cars to increase their life spans and catch problems before they happen. The same is true for your A/C.
A/C Tune Ups should be done once a year. They keep your system running at peak performance and help find problems before they happen so you aren’t stuck mid-summer sweating it out!

During our A/C Tune Up your technician will:

Inspect your coil

Test and measure outputs on components that more commonly fail over time

Inspect your filters

Tighten components and terminals that become loose over time

Check all safety controls

Inspect refrigerant lines and insulation

Test refrigerant pressures and temperature

Verify the air output at the vents

Clear debris

Calibrate thermostat

At the end of your tune-up you will receive an easy to read score sheet to keep that will go over everything about your system and give a clear picture of its performance.

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Kill 99% of germs within 3 feet of a sneeze – the best air purification in the industry

If you are anything like me, you hate germs!  Especially those that keep your kids home from school and your whole family feeling awful!  Finally, there is a solution, the ​REME HALO®.  The HAlo not only eliminates viruses and bacteria throughout your air and on surfaces in your home, it also causes allergens and other particulates to bunch together to easily be caught by your filter, making your home germ, allergen and odor free.  That’s right… I said odor free.  In studies, pet odors were reduced by 72% within the first 24 hours of use! Wondering how it all works?  Check out the video below.​Ready to get yours now?  Request an estimate or give us a call or text at 719-551-2232 to get your quote now!

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Getting Your Furnace Ready for winter

Pumpkin spice is on every corner, leaves are already turning and temperatures are dropping. Fall is definitely here and winter is on the way. In Colorado, we all know it is time to get ready for the cold. We blow out our sprinklers, dig out the snow tires, make sure the ice scraper is in the car, and disconnect the water hose… But sometimes we forget about the one thing we don’t really think of until it fails… the furnace. When winter comes your furnace likely hasn’t been use in months. Not only could there be dust built up or pests that have found it, but there could be genuine safety concerns as well. The best way to protect yourself from a cold winter night with a non-working furnace is to have a Furnace Tune Up completed before you need it. Not only will it extend the life of your furnace, but common issues can all be handled in advance with just a little maintenance. During your furnace Tune Up your technician will: Inspect your filter, blower, combustion chamber, flue and control module Test and measure outputs on components that more commonly fail over time Clean gas burners​Tighten components and terminals Check all safety controls Test for gas leaks Clean the flame sensor At the end of your tune-up you will receive an easy to read rating sheet to keep that will go over everything about your system and give a clear picture of its performance and ensure you are ready for anything winter has in store To schedule your tune up today click the link below https://www.SoCoheatingandcooling.com/contact/schedule-service

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dry winter air is coming… what can you do?

As winter is fast approaching, it is time to talk about something important… Humidity.  We all know Colorado is famous for it’s dry air, but Colorado winters can wreak havoc on your skin and your health.

In summer months the air is warm and able to hold more moisture.  As the air cools it becomes less humid, making winter the peak season for low humidity… and in Colorado indoor humidity frequently drops into thesingle digits which is a far cry from the recommended 40-60%.  Adding dry furnace air to this already low humidity only makes matters worse!

What does low humidity mean for you?

Dry Skin
Ugh, dry winter skin… and not just add-a-little-extra-lotion dry, but a there-isn’t-enough-lotion-in-the-world-to-help-my-skin kind of dry.  And along with it comes that itchiness that doesn’t go away until summer comes back.

Higher Susceptibility to Viruses
Yep,  That’s right.  Viruses, in particular the flu, can survive longer in low humidity.  Since they are harder to kill they also spread more easily.  Not only do they live longer, but over time dry air can dry out the mucus membranes of your respiratory tract which will make you more susceptible to any you come in contact with.

Itchy Eyes, Sore Throats and Bloody Noses
Dry air can really mess with your eyes and sinuses.  It can increases the evaporation of tears, leaving eyes itchy and  cause you to loose moisture from your mucus membranes in your nasal passages and throat which can become  become irritated leading to sore throats and nose bleeds.

What can you do about it?
There isn’t much you can do about outdoor winter air, but you can help yourself at home by installing a whole home humidifier.  Unlike typical room humidifiers, they don’t require work lugging water room to room and offer years of winter relief. Installed next to your furnace, they introduce additional humidity into your air. Literally at he touch of a button, you can set your home to perfect humidity and leave winter dry air troubles behind.

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Furnace Filters: How and why you should change them

It seems minor, but filters are easy to forget about and important to your furnace’s ability to keep you warm.  Changing filters is crucial to a healthy furnace and a comfortable winter.
The function of the filter is to protect  you and your furnace components from dirt and debris that may be floating in your air.  Internal parts of your furnace can be very sensitive to particles and keeping your furnace clean can significantly extend the life of your furnace.
A dirty filter not only causes long term damage from particles, but can cause your furnace to work harder.  Since air flows through the filter to warm your home, dirty filters block that air flow making your furnace work harder to push air through.  A furnace that is working harder will wear faster and can even have short term damage and part failure from over work even in a brand new unit.How often should you change a filter?
For the average home, you should change your furnace filter once a month.What size is your filter?
Filters come in several sizes.  To find the size, open your filter box in your furnace.  The size of your filter should be written on the side of your old filter.  Sometimes locating the filter box can be tricky.  If you have any trouble locating it give us a call and we can help.Are filters expensive?
No.  Most systems don’t need anything fancy and a filter should only cost a few dollars.

How do I change it?
Locate and open your filter box.  Slide out the old dirty filter.  Slide in a fresh clean one.  It is that easy!

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5 signs it might be time for a new water heater

It is no fun when your water heater isn’t working, but how do you know if you will just need to have it repaired or if it is time for replacement? Check out these 5 signs below to know if yours may need to be replaced.

Age

One of the greatest factors to consider is the age of your water heater. Life expectancy for most is 8-10 years. As it ages failures occur more frequently. Sometimes, you may need to weigh the cost of a repair against the cost of replacement when a water heater is towards the end of its expected life.

What that is discolored or tastes or smells strange

Often discolored water or water that tastes or smells metallic occurs as a result of rust. Rust particles can break loose and end up in your water. This can also occur within your pipes. If the discoloration, smells or taste only occur in your hot water and not the cold water, you may want to consider replacement.

Strange noise in your

Sediment can build up inside of the tank. This can cause strain on the heating element and the tank in general with extended heating periods. This can cause strain on the tank and metal can crack and break. If your you hear any rumbling it is a good idea to have it checked out.

Leaking

While not all leaks mean your water heater needs to be replaced, leaks should never be taken lightly. Water can do a lot of damage to your home and any leaks should be investigated. Leaking components can often be repaired, but a leak in the tank would require replacement.

Water not heating

If your water heater isn’t heating anymore at all or not heating as well as it used to, you may need a new water heater.  More often than not a simple repair is need, but on occasion issues can be irreparable.

If you are concerned about your water heater, we are here to help.  If you are in need of repair or would like an estimate for a new water heater, call our office at 719-551-2232 or schedule online now.

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