5 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Smart Thermostat

November 20, 2023

One of the best ways to control the costs of heating and cooling your Littleton, CO home is by upgrading your thermostat. If you have a standard thermostat, you’re missing out on an easy opportunity to reduce energy waste. While programmable thermostats allow for pre-programmed temperature changes, smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled learning devices. The following are five reasons to have one installed. 1. Enjoy App-Based Temperature Management Smart thermostats come with branded apps that homeowners can download onto their tablets or mobile phones. These platforms are simple and intuitive, and they make it easy to leverage all of a smart thermostat’s available features and functions. They also allow homeowners to maintain control over their thermostats everywhere they go. 2. Lower Your Home Energy Bills Smart thermostats provide energy tracking and reporting to help consumers know how much energy they’re using and identify the most likely causes of energy waste. These devices also make it easy to make seasonal, daytime, and nighttime temperature adjustments to cut costs, such as by raising or lowering thermostat settings by just two degrees. As per the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), correctly leveraging thermostats can cut a household’s annual energy costs by up to 10%....

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A Quick HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Colorado Residents

October 20, 2023

Staying warm and cozy this winter in Colorado requires staying on top of HVAC maintenance, particularly your furnace. Take advantage of this checklist now to ensure that your heater will function properly during the cold months. 1. Change the Air Filter Replace or clean the furnace air filter. Create a calendar reminder to replace the filter every 30 to 60 days throughout the cold season. 2. Maintain Tidy Vents and Registers Go from room to room and clean the air vents and registers as you go. If the vents are dirty or obstructed, the heater will have to work harder to circulate air. 3. Check the Thermostat’s Calibration Adjust the temperature to 75 degrees. Use a handheld thermostat to check the temperature in different rooms throughout your home to see whether the temperatures match. When the two numbers are almost equal, you know your thermostat is set correctly. If the difference is significant, have the thermostat calibrated. 4. Seal Drafts and Air Leaks Get a professional to look for air leaks in your home’s ducting. If you want your heater to work better and more efficiently, the technician needs to fix these leaks and seal any drafts. 5. Check the...

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What You Need to Know About AC SEER Ratings

September 21, 2023

The SEER abbreviation stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which is a rating air conditioners receive that designates their overall efficiency. A system’s SEER rating is determined by dividing its cooling output throughout a warm season by the energy used. The less electricity the system requires, the higher its SEER rating. It’s important to note that the SEER rating is the system’s maximum possible efficiency and can be lowered depending on various factors like lack of maintenance. Importance of SEER Air conditioners that are between 10 to 15 years old often have SEER ratings no higher than 10. You can find your system’s rating by checking its EnergyGuide sticker or by researching the model and brand. Today, new air conditioners are federally required to have at least a 14 SEER rating, with some advanced units going as high as 21. When you opt for a higher SEER rating, you’re able to take advantage of exceptional energy efficiency and greater indoor comfort. You’ll also be more environmentally friendly as these systems have smaller carbon footprints. What Is SEER2? If you’ve recently shopped for air conditioners, you may have noticed they come with a SEER2 rating rather than a traditional SEER designation....

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A Comprehensive Guide to Common Indoor Air Pollutants and Their Origins

August 21, 2023

Indoor air pollutants are substances found in the air inside buildings and homes and can adversely affect human health. Understanding these common pollutants and their sources is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Particulate Matter (PM) Particulate matter refers to tiny solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles can be of various sizes, and the smaller ones, such as PM2.5 and PM10, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing respiratory issues. Common sources of particulate matter indoors include cooking activities, tobacco smoke, dust mites, pet dander, and outdoor air pollution that infiltrates buildings. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) VOCs are organic chemicals that can vaporize and easily become gases. They are emitted from various products and materials, including paints, cleaning agents, furniture, carpets, and air fresheners. VOCs can contribute to indoor air pollution and lead to headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat. Some VOCs can even have long-term health effects, including liver and central nervous system damage. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations. It is produced by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels in gas stoves, heaters, and fireplaces. CO binds...

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Is It Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning System?

July 17, 2023

Air conditioning is a must for summers in Littleton, CO, but no air conditioner will last forever. There will come a time when you will need to replace your own AC with a newer model, and that time shouldn’t be when your current system completely breaks down. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to know when to replace an air conditioner. All you need is to look for the following signs and give a call when the time has come. 1. Higher Utility Bills One good way to know if you need a new air conditioner is to look at your monthly utility bills. If they’ve been higher than usual lately, it could be due to an air conditioner that is working harder than it should. It uses more energy, which costs you more every month. The issue will only get worse, so contact about getting a replacement. It will save you money in the long run. 2. Frequent Repairs If you find that your air conditioner breaks down and requires repairs frequently, it’s almost certain that you will need to buy an upgrade soon. Buying a new air conditioner and having it installed is expensive, but so is having a...

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Why You Need to Consider Hiring a Licensed HVAC Contractor

March 18, 2022

Finding a licensed HVAC contractor in your area is important if you need any repairs or maintenance performed on your heating or cooling system. Working with experienced professionals is a great way to ensure that the job is done right and that you are more than happy with the results. Here are a few of the main reasons why you need to hire a licensed HVAC contractor. Increase Safety Hiring someone who is not licensed to work on your HVAC unit is a big safety risk. A few simple mistakes can lead to deadly consequences for you and your family. Working with a licensed contractor is always worth it, even if it costs you more money. Meet Compliance Standards Keeping up with the latest rules in the HVAC industry is essential for a licensed contractor. Making sure that you stay in compliance with the local rules and regulations will help you avoid expensive fines while also saving you from a lot of stress. On the other hand, hiring an unlicensed contractor is a risk that is not worth taking for homeowners. Improve Efficiency Another reason to consider a licensed contractor is that they can often improve the efficiency of your...

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What’s the Difference Between Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers?

February 15, 2022

Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are often described in similar ways when marketed. They both benefit the home but have completely different functions that should be considered before purchasing either one. Air Purifier Air purifiers pull the air around your home through several filters that remove contaminants. These filters work like the filter on your furnace, essentially cleaning the air and improving the air quality on a smaller scale. They can remove dust, allergens, dander, and other particulates that may cause irritation and illness. Dehumidifier A dehumidifier lowers your home’s humidity level. Wet environments often have a lot of moisture in the air, which can lead to increased mold and mildew spores. Dehumidifiers remove the moisture from the air and collect it in a container inside that you can empty when it’s convenient for you. This appliance can remove harmful spores from the air but doesn’t filter the air or directly improve air quality. Benefits of Using Both Dehumidifiers and air purifiers are great additions to any home. If you have younger children or sick family members, an air purifier in their bedrooms could improve their ability to breathe and relieve congestion and irritation. Dehumidifiers are great for basements to keep...

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Make These 3 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Heating System

January 11, 2022

When the calendar changes from one year to the next, many people sit down and make a list of New Year’s resolutions. Some of the most common resolutions relate to personal habits and lifestyle changes, such as exercising for 30 minutes per day or decreasing time spent on social media. When considering how to make your life better in 2022, don’t forget home improvements and maintenance. Here are three great New Year’s resolutions to make for your home’s heating system. 1. Check the Air Filter Monthly Your heater’s air filter plays a big role in the system’s energy efficiency and performance. It also impacts your home’s air quality. Slide the air filter out of its housing once per month to inspect it. Clean or replace it when it’s dirty. We recommend changing it at least every three months. 2. Program Your Thermostat Take advantage of the energy-saving features offered by your programmable or smart thermostat. If you still have a manual system, make 2022 the year you upgrade to a smart unit. Smart thermostats offer apps and allow you to control your home’s temperature with your smartphone. 3. Schedule an Annual Tune-up Your heating system needs an annual tune-up. During...

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How Do You Determine the Efficiency of Your Furnace?

December 20, 2021

The efficiency of your heater is essential for the comfort and safety of your home. Here is how you can tell if your heating system in Littleton, CO, is efficient. Check the Furnace’s Efficiency Rating AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the rating that determines the efficiency of air-forced heating systems. It defines the amount of fuel your furnace consumes against its output in heat energy. Older systems usually have an AFUE rating of between 60% and 80%. However, the most recent models have efficiencies of over 90%. The heat pump’s cooling efficiency is measured in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ration). The heating component is given by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). You can find the specifications for your system in the manufacturer’s manual. Review Your Home’s Energy Consumption Even if your heating system has a high-efficiency rating, its performance can deteriorate with time. Your system will need more fuel to heat the room to the desired temperature. One sign that your heater is losing efficiency is a high utility bill. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in your utility bills, call Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning in Aurora for an evaluation. The Impact of Aging on Your Furnace You...

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3 Reasons Your Furnace Is Leaking

November 20, 2021

It’s alarming to come home and discover a puddle of water under your furnace. This is a sure sign that something’s amiss with the furnace and will quickly lead to problems like mold and mildew growth if it’s not addressed right away. While this situation can be a headache for homeowners, Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning will help you troubleshoot the issue and make sure it’s fixed right away. During our 40+ years providing furnace services in Littleton, CO, we’ve seen—and fixed—many common issues. Here are some of the most common causes of a leaky furnace: 1. Condensation Leak Condensation leaks are by far the most common cause of furnace leaks. High-efficiency furnaces have a cool exhaust which produces condensation. If you have this kind of furnace, you’ll see a white PVC pipe leading to a drain in the ground. If the floor drain becomes blocked or clogged, it could result in condensation accumulating on the floor. Additionally, cracks in the PVC tubing can also cause water to leak out. 2. Faulty Heat Exchanger The heat exchanger is also common with modern, high-efficiency furnaces. This component circulates heat that would otherwise be wasted; as a byproduct of this exchange, it...

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