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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When Is it Time to Replace the Ductwork in Your Home?

October 19, 2021

If you’re wondering when to replace the ductwork in your home, our team has compiled a few questions and answers that may help you establish a timeframe. Whether your ductwork needs a good cleaning or replacement, there are definite benefits to keeping it in good working condition. How Old Is the Ductwork? If you know the ductwork in your home is more than 15 years old, it may be time to plan for future replacement costs. On the other hand, if you have no issues with your ductwork and the air quality in your home is excellent, you are probably okay with regular cleanings and inspections for now. Do Your Utility Bills Keep Going Up? If you can’t figure out why your utility costs keep going up, it could be because you have damaged ductwork. Consider getting your ductwork inspected so that you can know for sure if that is why your utilities keep getting higher. You may need repairs or a total replacement if you have a lot of damage. How Is the Indoor Air Quality? If you notice that your allergies increase as you enter your home, you may have an issue with the ductwork. Your home’s air...

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How to Clean Your Filters

September 20, 2021

Now that the seasons are changing, it’s important to add cleaning your filters to your to-do list. Clearing your air conditioner filter of the particles that have accumulated throughout the season will help ensure the energy efficiency of your system. There are five easy steps that will allow you to fully clean your filters in less than two hours. 1. Turn Off the AC This first step is simple but very important. Make sure your air conditioner is off before you clean your filters. The dust and other particles your filter would usually prevent from entering your home can come in unfiltered once the filters are removed. Having your system off prevents damaging your air quality while you clean. 2. Observe the Filter Next, you will remove your filter with a screwdriver. Some systems have multiple filters, so check with your owner’s guide to locate all of them. Once you’ve got them, observe your filters and look for any signs of damage. Any rips, tears, or anything that would indicate the filter is no longer serving its purpose is a sign that you should replace rather than clean it. 3. Vacuum Before vacuuming your filter, remember that they tend to...

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How to Choose the Best AC System for Your Home

August 2, 2021

When it comes to cooling your home, you can choose between four main air conditioning systems. Each of them has its pros and cons to consider when deciding which one is best for your home. Window AC Unit Window air conditioners are relatively affordable and easy to install. You can fit them into single and double-hung windows. Modern ones are much more efficient than ones from even a decade ago. Window AC units can only cool a single room. They block your view through the window and can be noisy. Portable AC Unit Portable AC units are like window ones, but even easier to get up and running. They have an exhaust hose through which warm air in your home is vented outdoors. They have the advantage of not blocking your view when in use. The major problem with portable air conditioners is that they don’t have much cooling capacity. They’re more expensive than their window counterparts and less efficient than them. They can also be noisy, and you need to drain their water reservoirs. Ductless Mini-Split AC Systems A mini-split AC system is comprised of an outdoor unit and up to four interior units. They’re very efficient as they...

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How to Reduce AC Noise

July 26, 2021

Can you hear your AC unit running while you’re inside of your house? Do you have to shout over the buzz when you have guests over? Noisy air conditioners are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer all summer. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common causes of noisy air conditioners and easy ways to solve them. 1. Plant Shrubs or Bushes Near Unit If there isn’t anything mechanically wrong with your AC unit, then you’ll have to get creative with blocking the noise. One popular way homeowners do this is by planting vegetation near the air conditioner. Shrubs, bushes, or a nice hedgerow will naturally dampen the sound. If you do decide to go this route, keep in mind that the bushes will need to be well-trimmed so that dead leaves don’t make their way into the unit. 2. Install a Smaller AC Unit An air conditioner that’s too large for your house’s square footage will generate noise due to its oversized condenser. By cooling your home down too rapidly, it gets stuck in a constant cycle of turning on and off again. Not only is this noisy, but it also wears out...

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