5 Things to Know About the HVAC System in Your Home

August 11, 2020

There are five things about your heating and cooling system you should know that will save you time and money. Every homeowner should learn these essential pieces of information so they know how to properly maintain their system, help it last as long as possible, and make an informed decision about when it needs to be replaced. 1. What Type of HVAC System Do You Have You should know what the different components of your HVAC system are, as there are many combinations. You may have a boiler for heating and an air conditioner for cooling. If you have a heat pump, it both heats and cools your home. Your equipment may use natural gas, electricity, propane, or some combination of these. 2. Your HVAC System’s Age HVAC systems inevitably deteriorate as they get older. Their energy efficiency goes down and they may lose some functionality. By knowing the age of your system, you’re better informed about what its problems may be and when it needs to get replaced. 3. What Filters Are in Your HVAC System The filters in your HVAC system need to be regularly replaced. There are many filters available, so you need to know which ones...

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Do I Need a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?

July 15, 2020

The temperature in your home is one of the most important parts of the climate. However, humidity can often be equally as important. Here is how you know if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier. Air Is Too Dry If the air is too dry, you need a humidifier. It’s very easy to tell when the air is too dry. Individuals with underlying health conditions such as asthma and allergies might be coughing uncontrollably. It will also feel like you are living at a high elevation although without the lack of oxygen. If you’re constantly applying skin products such as moisturizers, this is a serious sign that your air is too dry, and a humidifier is a better solution. Air Is Too Moist If the air is too moist, you need a dehumidifier. High humidity levels feel like you are walking around inside a rainforest. You’ll be sweating regardless of the temperature, and your clothing might stick to your skin. Down in your basement, you might notice puddles of water forming at seemingly random locations. Your pets will also be sweating and consuming much more water than usual. Ice Cube Test One test that is great for reaching a conclusion...

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Air Purifiers vs Air Filters

June 16, 2020

While both air filters and air purifiers clean the air, they are different products that serve various purposes. Every central heating and cooling system has an air filter, while air purifiers have an option for a filter. Here’s what you need to know about these products. Air Filters Air filters are installed in the return air ductwork in your home. They remove dust, dirt, pet dander, and other large particles to keep them away from your furnace and air conditioner. Their primary purpose is to protect your heating and cooling equipment, but they also keep dust and dirt from reentering your house. There are different types of air filters for your central system. The least expensive and effective ones are made of fiberglass. There are also pleated ones that pick up more particles than fiberglass air filters can. There’s a limit to how thick filters can be, though, as there needs to be sufficient airflow through them so as to not damage the furnace and air conditioner. Air Purifier Air purifiers capture smaller particles than air filters can. They, too, are installed in the ductwork and can capture fungus, mold, and bacteria. These devices use filters as well, but their...

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What Are The Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants?

May 13, 2020

Your Littleton, CO, home’s air could be more polluted than the outdoor air for a variety of reasons. Indoor air pollutants can cause short-term symptoms, such as a stuffy nose or a sore throat. However, they also cause long-term symptoms, including allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Knowing which air pollutants are the most likely to be in your home allows you to take action to improve your home’s indoor air quality. Mold Mold is a common indoor air pollutant that affects homes in Littleton. Mold growth can result from poor humidity control or a lack of ventilation. The mold spores quickly germinate when they have access to an organic surface and water or condensation. They also thrive in bathrooms that lack exhaust fans. A plumbing leak, or leaky AC condensate drain line, also encourages mold growth. Particulate Matter Particulate matter is an umbrella category for many different airborne particles that could be in your home. These are tiny, solid particles that are generated inside your home from everyday activities. They include dust, pet dander and skin cells. Particulate matter also comes from cooking, environmental tobacco smoke and burning candles. Particulates smaller than 10 micrometers can get deep into your...

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Home Energy Saving Tips for the Spring

April 16, 2020

You want to keep your energy bills low while cooling your home in the summer. Fortunately, there are various ways to do this, but it would be best to consider these ways while spring is still here. Have a Pre-Season AC Tune-Up Perhaps the most important step is to have the AC maintained annually. Most companies will perform what’s called pre-season maintenance, which means a technician will come over in the spring to inspect the system and determine if anything needs repairing. That way, the AC can be up and running as it should be by the time summer arrives. With maintenance comes clean ducts and coils, which means smooth airflow. Your AC won’t have to strain to do its job, which means lower energy costs. Maintenance can eliminate other issues that compromise cooling, such as overheating. Use the Programmable Thermostat Chances are that you own a programmable thermostat but rarely program it. You should know that having the optimum cooling schedule can save you some 10% on your bills. You can create this schedule around those times when the home is unoccupied and when everyone is asleep. Perhaps you don’t own a programmable thermostat. Here at Littleton Heating and...

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Should I Repair or Replace my Furnace?

March 17, 2020

There are no hard rules when determining whether you should repair or replace your furnace, but there are a number of significant factors that should contribute to your decision. In either case, you’ll want to be sure you are ready for the heating season with a safely functioning furnace that is up to the task. Here are some things to consider when determining whether to buy a new system. Carbon Monoxide Emissions If your furnace is creating excess levels of carbon monoxide, it should be replaced immediately to avoid a life-threatening situation. This substance is poisonous. High carbon monoxide levels could be a sign of a cracked combustion chamber within the furnace, and this is not something to take lightly. Age of the Furnace Older furnaces are not as efficient as newer ones. In general, furnaces are designed to last 15 to 30 years before they need to be replaced. Of course, this varies with the furnace manufacturer and quality of the build. Cost of Repair Versus Cost of Replacement Professionals generally recommend replacing your furnace when the cost to repair it is greater than 50% of the replacement cost. New furnaces typically cost between $2000 and $7000 based on...

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How To Light The Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater

February 13, 2020

If all you’re getting out of your faucet is cold water, it’s likely the pilot light has gone out on your hot water heater. In most cases, you can fix this situation yourself and get your hot water back in a few hours. Here are some tips to relight the pilot light. Find Controls on Your Water Heater Water heaters have a control knob on the outside located on the gas regulator valve. This is where natural gas pipes into your water heater. Turn the knob to the “off” position. You now need to wait five minutes so that any gas will dissipate. When you come back to the water heater, smell around it. While natural gas doesn’t smell on its own, gas providers add mercaptan so that it smells like rotten eggs when there’s a leak. If you smell this after five minutes, contact an HVAC professional at Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning. Lingering gas points to a huge safety problem that an expert needs to assess. Turn the Gas Back On If everything is safe, turn the knob to “pilot.” You then need to either press down on the knob or press a separate reset button. You will...

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Signs Your Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

January 6, 2020

You may know that it’s important to change the air filters in your furnace and air conditioning system routinely so that your equipment continues to operate efficiently. Did you also know that it’s important to clean your air vents and ducts regularly? Dirty air ducts can affect the quality of the air you breathe, which can have a negative impact on your family’s health. What Kind of Debris Builds Up in Air Vents? All sorts of particulate matter can get stuck in your air vents: Dust Dirt Ductwork insulation Pieces of old air filters This debris can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, spores, bacteria and viruses that can make you ill. Family members with asthma and other respiratory complaints can be triggered when fans switch on and circulate the air from your dirty ducts. Cleaning Air Ducts Cleaning your air ducts is an effective method of combating indoor air pollution. Grates will need to be cleaned thoroughly. Ducts will need to be vacuumed with high-pressure equipment because a conventional vacuum cleaner will not create enough suction to dislodge mold, mildew and spores. Ceiling grilles will need to cleaned, too, and it’s best to wear a mask while doing...

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Home Comfort Resolutions for 2020

December 18, 2019

With so many goals to meet in the year 2020, many people have already filled their New Year’s resolution lists. There is, however, one thing you can add to the list that will cover many other goals. You can knock multiple birds out with one stone by committing to getting your heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape. Servicing the air system in your home will save you money, protect your health, and improve the overall quality of your home. At Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning, we can help you to do just that. We have been serving Littleton, CO, and the Denver metropolitan area since 1972. Is Your HVAC Costing You Unnecessary Expenses? Doing an annual tune-up on your heating or cooling system can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Also, you may qualify for a rebate with the utility company for high-efficiency devices. At Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning, our technicians are NATE-certified. This authorization ensures that we are trained and educated on the latest HVAC advancements. If your home or business is using an outdated, energy-guzzling heater or air conditioner, our technicians will know right away. We will do a thorough inspection of your...

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How To Optimize Your Energy Efficiency This Winter

November 8, 2019

Littleton Heating and Air Conditioning is thrilled to meet all the heating needs for homeowners in Littleton and throughout the surrounding areas. That includes providing advice, and our customers often ask us for tips to save money in winter. Here are four essential points to consider. 1. Take Advantage of Localized Heating Sources Open curtains and lift shades to let in more sunlight. Consider fireplaces, space heaters and other local heating sources for the areas of the home in which you spend the most time. Doing so lets you target a lower temperature for the home overall, and even a 3-degree difference can have a substantial effect on your bill. 2. Hit Your Temperature Targets the Smart Way If you don’t already have a smart thermostat, invest in one. It is likely to pay for itself in the first year alone. Use the smart or programmable aspects to create temperature blocks, such as one temperature while you sleep and another while you are at work. Maintaining the same temperature throughout the day and night is wasteful and can easily cost you 10 percent or more. 3. Tune Up Your System and Keep It Clean Schedule a comprehensive inspection and tune-up...

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