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Furnaces are a popular choice for home heating because they are efficient, relatively quiet, and durable. These appliances are the core component of your home’s heating system and can run on electricity, natural gas, propane oil, or wood. After heating the air, it’s transmitted all over the home through heating ducts creating comfortable temperatures.

If you are considering installing a furnace in Loveland, CO, you might wonder how long these machines will last. Here’s what you need to know.

Average furnace lifespan

The lifespan of a furnace is subjective. On average, a regularly serviced furnace can last between 15 – 30 years. However, some have been known to last up to 40 years. It’s hard to tell how long a furnace will last, as this is dependent on many factors such as use, installation, and more.

When your furnace reaches 15 years old, it’s a good idea to start looking at new models as you might need to replace it soon. This doesn’t mean your furnace can’t last longer, but learning about modern designs and more energy-efficient models is a good idea. This will also give you a rough idea of what getting a new unit will cost.

Factors that affect a unit’s lifespan

The life expectancy of a furnace can vary quite a bit. Before you decide to get furnace repairs, it’s important to know what can affect how long your unit will last.

Installation

How your furnace is installed can affect how well it works and lasts. Poor installation can lead to a poorly designed, sized, and sealed duct network that can impact the machine’s efficiency and your comfort. If the fuel lines or drainage system are also poorly installed, they can affect how the machine works and bring on premature breakdowns.

Regular servicing

As with most appliances, regular servicing can help identify and resolve minor issues that can negatively impact the lifespan of your unit. For instance, you can avoid dirt build-up on the burners, blades, or heat exchangers, which can affect how the unit works. They can restrict airflow, imbalance the fans, affect the motor and make the furnace less efficient since the components have to work harder.

Thermostat settings

The great thing about a furnace is you can set your comfort preferences. However, how high or low you set this can directly impact your furnace’s lifespan. Setting it at a steady temperature helps reduce fuel consumption and overworking your unit.

Furnace size

It’s imperative to get the right-sized furnace for your home. If the system is too small, it will have to work twice as hard to provide heating, which can quickly wear it out. If it’s too large, it will turn on and off too quickly, leading to damage.

How long your furnace will last will depend on how well you take care of your unit. Ensure to get the right sized unit properly installed by an HVAC professional in Loveland, CO. Additionally, service it frequently to remove build-up and ensure the components are working well.

Furnaces are the backbone of your home’s heating system. As a central component of your HVAC system, it generates heat by combusting a fuel source and transmitting the heat to different areas in the house. Furnaces are installed to provide heat to your home, either as warm air, steam, or hot water. Modern furnaces are available in a variety of types and sizes in Greeley, CO. Here’s a look at some of them.

Natural gas furnaces

These are the oldest and most common types of furnaces you will find. They use a gaseous mixture of carbon and hydrogen as a fuel source. They are very sturdy and don’t wear out quickly, which means fewer maintenance costs. They can last up to 25 years with proper care. Since they use natural gas, they can cut your electricity costs while generating enough heat for your needs.

Oil furnaces

These use oil as their fuel source and are also pretty robust. Since you need oil to run the furnace, you need to have a stash of oil close so you can refill the tank regularly. Their maintenance is fairly easy but beware of the soot and dirt build-up, which can lead to breakdown requiring furnace repairs. When properly serviced, they can last for nearly 30 years.

Electric furnaces

These run on electricity and are quite popular since they don’t use gas. That said, they are more costly to operate than the first two types, but the benefits they offer outweigh this drawback. These furnaces consist of a cabinet with a heating coil and blower motor. When current runs through the heating coils, they become hot, producing the heart needed.

Propane furnaces

This furnace is powered by propane. The liquid propane is converted into gas, and it transfers heat to a heat exchanger. This model is quite popular in homes since it is safe, economical, and doesn’t require a gas line.

Wood-burning furnaces

These furnaces are great for places where firewood is locally available. They consist of a metallic firebox lined with firebrick and an air control system. As the wood burns, the heat is transmitted through the ducts to the rest of the house. While they are easy to work, they can be limited, especially since you need to be close to the furnace to keep feeding in firewood.

No matter what type of furnace you have, contact an HVAC professional for furnace repairs if it breaks down or isn’t working as intended. If you are in Greeley, CO, you can contact Christophers and get the best service available.

Air conditioners are an essential part of every home. These appliances help maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. They work hard, and just like every appliance, they are prone to wear and tear. To prevent premature breakdowns, regular servicing is a necessity; however, how often should you service your AC?

When should you service your Air conditioning unit?

Most HVAC professionals recommend yearly servicing, especially during spring. The weather is warm enough to run your AC without causing too much discomfort. Regular maintenance ensures delicate parts such as the coils and filters are working as they should.

Do not schedule servicing during winter or summer. These are the two times you need your sc the most. Servicing in winter is not recommended as it’s too cold to perform proper maintenance. Additionally, the oil in the AC unit can freeze up, making it inherently harder to ensure your unit is working well. Summer is often the busiest time for HVAC professionals, as most people require repairs or servicing. To beat this rush, don’t schedule your servicing in the summer.

Benefits of yearly maintenance

Regular servicing of your air conditioning unit in Windsor, CO offers the following benefits:

Fewer unexpected repairs since the frequent tune-up can prevent breakdowns.

Your unit runs more efficiently and uses less electricity to produce desired results which can positively impact your utility bills.

You are more comfortable throughout the year despite the season. With a single yearly servicing schedule, your unit can maintain proper temperature throughout the home without creating hot or cold spots.

You maintain your warranty since many manufacturers often void warranties if regular servicing isn’t performed by a professional. These warranties can save you lots of money in case you need repairs or to keep your parts renewed for as long as possible.

You lengthen the lifespan of your AC unit and the intervals between replacements.

Signs you need to get your AC serviced

AC servicing can help identify small issues that could develop into bigger problems later on. Here are a few signs that you need to service your AC unit.

1. The thermostat is not working
2. The unit is blowing warm air
3. Little to no air is blowing from the vents
4. Strange odors are coming from your unit
5. Your AC is making loud noises
6. You are finding water or freon leaks around your AC

If you notice any of these signs, contact an HVAC professional immediately.

Regular servicing of your air conditioning unit ensures you get the best from it. If you have a newer unit, you can get away with servicing it every two years but remember, the longer you wait, the less effective it will work. If you are in Windsor, CO, make sure to contact HVAC professionals if you need your AC serviced.

Your air conditioning system keeps your home comfortable. If it’s too cold outside, you can turn up the AC and warm up your house. If it’s too hot, you can cool your rooms down. And if you’re in Colorado, having an AC is a must. Winters mean snow. You need your HVAC system to ensure you and yours are warm and toasty when cold weather hits. It also keeps you cool when the weather turns hot and humid during the summer.

Why Do You Need Your AC Serviced?

Is your AC relatively new? Even if it is, you need to have the unit serviced. That’s the only way to catch minor issues and nip them in the bud. Do you want any of those problems to snowball into bigger ones? If not, have your air conditioning in Greeley, CO, serviced by pros. And if your unit is already a few years old, hire a service technician. AC parts and components should already show signs of wear. Routine service checks are a must if you want to extend your AC’s lifespan.

How Often Should Your AC Be Serviced?

The general rule of thumb is to have your AC units serviced once a year. However, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. A thorough system check once a year won’t be enough. Think about where you live and the outdoor elements you’re subjected to. If you live near the road, for instance, or somewhere dusty, you’ll need to have your AC air filters replaced more frequently. Also, if you’ve been paying for more and more repairs, you need more service checks to prevent system problems and keep the current ones from escalating.

When Should I Have My AC Serviced?

If you’re calling service technicians for air conditioning in Greeley, CO, make sure you pick the best time. It’s ideal to get your unit serviced before summer. If you don’t want your AC cranky and compromised when the weather is sweltering, you get pros to service the unit in spring. And if winter had a few storms, you’re worried about damage that your AC may have sustained.

Where Do I Get My AC Serviced?

Choose a trusted service provider. Consider the experience of the company. Has it been around for decades? Does it specialize in providing AC services? What kind of reputation does the company have? If it’s a family business, that’s a good reason to give the company a try.

Is your AC giving you grief? If yours isn’t blowing cold air into your room, that indicates a problem. Read on to learn more about common AC problems and their solutions. That way, you’d at least have an idea about what’s wrong when you make an appointment with an AC repair service.

Leaking Refrigerant

The refrigerant may be broken if your AC doesn’t blow cold air into your room. It could also be caused by low refrigerant levels. Find out what’s causing the problem by hiring service technicians for air conditioning in Loveland, CO.

Dirty or Clogged Filter

How long has it been since you replaced or cleaned the filter in your air conditioning system? If you can’t remember, that means that replacement is long overdue. Look for pros to install or replace your air filter. A skilled AC technician in Loveland, CO, can make that happen.

Blocked or Clogged Registers

The air filters aren’t the only likely cause of the problem. You may also have clogged or blocked registers or vents. If there’s a problem with the vent, that’s another factor to consider.

Thermostat Problem

Don’t forget to check your thermostat. Try replacing the batteries. Did that work? If it doesn’t, the problem will require tools, expertise, and knowledge. Leave it up to the repair technician to determine the cause.

Zero Maintenance

If you don’t have your AC system serviced regularly, it won’t last you for long. A poorly maintained air conditioning system could be one of the reasons for your unit’s poor performance. You could sign up for a maintenance plan to turn things around. Find out if that’s still possible.

Condenser Unit Trouble

Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit may be malfunctioning. That could be one of the many reasons for your AC’s poor airflow. A clogged condenser can easily stand in the way. If you want your air conditioning system to work, reach out to a repair technician. Get them started on fixing your unit’s condenser problems. The sooner repair technicians fix the problem, the sooner you can get your AC system back up and running.

Outdated Air Conditioning

How old is your AC system? If it’s older than a decade or so, it may already be outdated. The poor airflow is a sure indication that the unit isn’t performing optimally. If the replacement parts and repairs are much too expensive, it makes better financial sense to buy and have a new AC installed.

Keep your water heater running without any problems. Here are tips to help you maintain your heating system so you can save on replacement costs. With these tips, your water heater can last for years.

Hire Maintenance Pros

Make sure your hot water heater in Loveland, CO, is regularly serviced. Hire pros to maintain your system and perform routine checks and tune-ups. That will nip problems in the bud and prevent issues from getting out of hand.

Ensure Timely Repairs

Can you tell if there are problems with your water heater? Are you familiar with the signs? Call for a water heater service in Loveland, CO, as soon as you see the signs. Waiting too long or putting off repairs will only lead to worse problems. If you find an issue, get pros to fix it right away.

Insulate the Heater

Insulate the pipes to reduce heat loss. That saves you money. In addition, it extends the service life of your water heater. You can go with a DIY approach and wrap foam pipe insulation around your pipes before you connect them to the hot water tank.

Flush Yearly

Get the sediments out. That will keep your water heater working without a hitch. There are likely calcium and sediment buildups in your water tanks. Flushing the tank even once a year gets those sediments out of the system, so they don’t damage the inner walls of your heater. That’s another way to extend the service life of the heater.

Replace Air Filters

A clogged air filter in your home AC can compromise the quality of your indoor air. It also leads to poor airflow. If it’s cold in your home, that affects the condition of the pipes, so your water heating system will take longer to work. Eliminate the problem by having a new air filter installed.

Clear the Area

Make sure the heater isn’t surrounded by clutter, gadgets, or furniture. It must always maintain a 2-feet clearance surrounding it. That helps the unit take in more air.

Fix the Setting

If you’re spending a few days on vacation, make sure you pick the right setting for your AC. If you’re leaving town, switch the machine or system to vacation mode. Don’t leave your AC on while you’re not there, even if it’s only on low. You can always program the thermostat to turn on when you’re an hour away from getting home.

Air filters

What is the best air filter? Should I use disposable or a reusable type of filter? Is there any way I can actually get CLEANER air?
This is a subject that is talked about widely in the HVAC industry. Between the experience and endless hours of training that my family has gone through, I believe we have a great grasp on air filtration. One of the common misconceptions that we see is when people think that buying more expensive filters means they do a better job. Unfortunately, all this does is hurt your wallet as well as your heating and cooling system. The more restrictive (and expensive) some brand name filters are, especially ones bought at home improvement stores,the more they can hurt components in your system. The RIGHT filter and or filtration, is the one your system can handle. We see most systems struggling to return air, and then when someone wants cleaner air due to dust or construction debris, they may buy more expensive filters. This not only can damage your Blower, but it can also hurt other parts of the system like your blower wheel, heat exchanger, or outdoor AC compressor! The true way to find out what filter you need is by having a trained technician perform a static pressure test. It’s kind of like blood pressure, if it’s too high, it will make companents run harder and in time prematurely fail.

Reusable filter or disposable?

Again, there isn’t just one easy answer for this. If there was, everyone would use the same filtration. Personally, in my house, I use a disposable filter, but with added IAQ instruments. I added an ionizer to mine to weigh down particles in the air and it actually works. I know this because I can see the difference in both cleaning my house and when I change my filters. On the other hand, my brother has an electronically charged filter. It is more expensive, but in the right set up like his, more effective and efficient. Then there is the outdated technology of Electronic Air Cleaners, in which you would use static electricity which would dirty up bulky metal cells that you would remove and have to clean in a bathtub or outside with a garden hose; not ideal in the busy lives we live. I would steer away from those and lean towards disposable media.

How do you actually get CLEANER air?

This is a sensitive subject to me for multiple reasons. One reason is because duct cleaning is a great start to get cleaner air in your house. But unfortunately, there are a lot of “duct cleaners” in our industry that just don’t do justice when doing this procedure. The best way to clean the duct work is to create a large negative pressure with a duct cleaning unit, which would be a truck mounted unit or trailer unit. if someone is bringing in a “duct cleaning machine” into your house, it’s just a glorified shop vac. In the past year, I’ve seen a handful of systems fail because the customer had recently just had the “ducts cleaned ”. We scope out the system with long cameras and see how they did a very poor job or flat out didn’t try. In some cases we’ve seen the furnace and indoor AC coil get dirtier due to this and it’s frustrating. Once the duct cleaning process is done right, there are different pieces of equipment to add onto your system that can definitely help. Personally, we steer away from UV lights because they just don’t get used to their full potential in our desert-like Colorado climate. They are more useful in humid climates in my opinion, so I prefer ionizers.

With all that being said, I hope you gained some knowledge on air quality options and if you ever have questions or would like us to access your air filtration in your home or business, please call us at 970-482-7520