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Sizing A Central AC System

When shopping for a central AC unit for your home, one important factor that you might not have considered is unit size. The fact of the matter is that the size of your AC unit is of vital importance when it comes to ensuring that your home is properly cooled and your family is comfortable. Running an AC unit is expensive thanks to the cost of electricity today, so you don’t want to waste money running a unit that is bigger than it needs to be. On the other hand, if your unit is too small, it won’t have the power to cool your house adequately no matter how much you run it.

Here are some factors to keep in mind that will help you make a decision when purchasing an AC unit.

What Does “Size” Mean?

You might think you already know what the term “size” refers to in the HVAC world—and perhaps you do! But it’s an important detail to get right. When we talk about the size of an AC unit, we are not talking about its physical dimensions. You can’t tell by looking which AC unit is the biggest and which is the smallest. Rather, AC units are measured by their ability to produce cold air, marked in BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour. The higher the BTU, the bigger in size we say the unit is. And a unit with a high BTU will be capable of providing more cooling energy.

Factors that Affect Your AC Unit Size

Before selecting an AC unit, it’s a good idea to consult with an expert and make sure you’re choosing the right size. Your expert will analyze your home and consider the following factors before making a recommendation:

The volume of your home—all the living space that must be cooled. This is more than just square footage. The height of your ceilings matters too. A small room takes less energy to cool than a spacious one.
How many exterior walls are exposed to sunlight—and how big those walls are. Exposure to sunlight increases the ambient heat in your home.
Your window quality. Do your windows leak? Do they face the sun?
The age of your home. Older homes have more trouble retaining cold air.
The ventilation and ductwork, and whether these factors are set up in your favor already.
Whether your home is receiving shade from nearby trees and bushes.

If you need help deciding what AC unit to buy, contact us today!

Does Your AC System Need to be Replaced?

Air Conditioners Denver

Air Conditioners Denver Residents Need

Technological improvements in every field seem to be advancing at the speed of light. The same is true for air conditioning systems. With summer temperatures upon us, it’s time to ensure your AC system is working at its full and peak capacity. If it is not, it may be time to take advantage of some of those advances in technology and replace rather than repair your air conditioning unit.

At Go Green Heating and Air, we can guide you through the process of replacing your AC system. Homeowners should consider several factors when determining whether to replace their AC unit rather than attempting a costly repair.

Age of the Air Conditioning System

The most important factor to consider when deciding whether to replace or repair your unit is the age of the system. The average lifespan for most HVAC units is ten years.

If the unit is above ten years old and the cost of the repair is significant, replacing the entire system is considered more cost-effective.

Advances have been made in the energy efficiency of HVAC units and if your unit is over ten years old, it will not be taking advantage of that increased energy efficiency.

Energy Efficiency Concerns

Perhaps your unit is just not as efficient as it once was. Maybe your energy bills are higher or your rooms are not cooling or remaining cool as they once were. A new system with the latest in energy-saving technology can rectify your energy inefficiency, saving you money on cooling bills in the process.

Some systems that are less than ten years old may still not be the most energy-efficient. Look for the energy efficiency rating on your mid-age units (5-9 years old). If you are struggling with energy efficiency, consider replacing your air conditioning system with a more energy-efficient model. Inconsistent room temperatures, as well as high levels of humidity, could be indications that your unit needs to be replaced due to inefficiency.

Check Your Unit’s Size

If your home is not cooling properly, it could be that your air conditioning system needs to be replaced with one that is more properly sized for your square footage. A licensed HVAC technician such as the experts at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning can do a load calculation to determine if your current system is large enough to adequately and efficiently cool your home or business. For air conditioners Denver homeowners find are too small, replacing it with a larger, energy-efficient unit can save money on cooling costs as well as make your home more comfortable during the summer months.

Repeated Repairs

One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioning system is if your system is constantly malfunctioning or you repeatedly experience the need for repairs. Rather than continuing to pour money into repairing an aging system, consider replacing it with a highly efficient, more advanced unit. While the initial outlay may be more than the repairs, the cost savings will appear in lower utility bills and less frequent repairs.

Need assistance selecting a new air conditioning system? Contact the professionals at Go Green Heating and Air, your source for air conditioners Denver trusts.

How to Tell if Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair Before Summer

AC Repair Denver Residents Need Before Summer

Once the heat of summer arrives in full force, it’s sometimes difficult to tell if your air conditioner needs to be repaired or if it’s just a figment of your imagination due to the heat! Sometimes homeowners know their air conditioner is not working as well as it should, but they put off minor repairs until the system stops working completely. This strategy can sometimes lead to costlier, more extensive repairs.

Determining if your AC system is in need of maintenance prior to the brutal summer season can save money and time in the long run, but how do you tell if your air conditioner needs repair before the warm weather really arrives?

Blowing Warmer Air

If your unit is no longer blowing air that feels at cool as it once did, you may have found the first sign of a problem with your air conditioner. Lack of cool air can stem from a shortage of freon, a malfunctioning compressor, or other causes. If your air conditioner is no longer performing its main function, which is providing cool air for your home, it’s a sign that it needs to be evaluated by a professional such as the team for AC repair Denver residents trust, Go Green Heating and Air.

Weak Air Flow

If you turn on your air conditioning system and the air is coming out more weakly than usual, that could indicate a problem as the air will not circulate to all regions of the home. This symptom could also signal that the compressor is no longer working correctly or it could signify a problem with the ducts in the house. Cleaning or repairing your ducts can rectify the problem.

Unusual Noises

A grinding, squealing, or grating sound coming from your air conditioner can indicate a condition that is best handled by an HVAC professional. Strange sounds could indicate a loose belt or that a metal part is in need of additional lubrication. Additionally, unusual noises can indicate a problem with your air conditioning system’s motor bearings.

Age of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Simply the age of your air conditioner can be sign that it’s time to consider replacement. Most air conditioning units have a life span of ten to fifteen years. If your system has reached the ten year mark, it’s time to have it evaluated by a professional in order to determine if it is still functioning efficiently. A decade is sometimes considered the high end of what is considered a reasonable lifespan for most AC unit brands.

Strange Smells

Your air conditioner should not smell badly. If your unit is emitting a strange odor, it could signal a more serious issue. Perhaps a wire has burned out, leaving a particularly pungent smell behind, or a musty smell could indicate that mold or mildew is accumulating in your unit or ducts. An odd smell could also mean something as simple as the filter needs to be replaced.

Experiencing any of these symptoms or signals? For AC repair Denver trusts us. Contact your trusted experts at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning.

What Are Hybrid Heating Systems?

Consider Your Heating System and Climate

Every home and its energy requirements are unique, so when considering a new heating system, many factors should be considered, including:

What fuel options are readily prevalent and available in your area? What are the current markets and how will they effect the costs associated with the fuel option?
Consider the climate in your region. Winters are usually harsh in Colorado, requiring a heating system that can withstand the burden.
How long do you plan to be in your home? Compare the cost of investment in a new heating system with the cost savings in long term energy costs.

When considering a new heating system for their home, many people only consider two options: a heat pump system or natural gas. However, a third option, a hybrid heating system, might be the best choice for heating your home.

Hybrid Heating Systems

A hybrid heating system has the best of both worlds of heating systems. Hybrid heating systems are also called dual-fuel systems. They are not usually considered in our area due to the colder weather climate in the Colorado region. However, hybrid heating systems can be an excellent alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, even saving you money in the long run.

The hybrid heating system, or dual fuel system, combines the best of both a heat pump system and a natural gas system. A hybrid heating system is comprised of several components and requires specific controls in order to operate the most efficiently. The heat pump is installed on the exterior of the house. The evaporative coil and natural gas furnace are located on the inside. The dual fuel thermostat is also a key component that is located inside and controls the system.

The heat pump will function in the same manner as a traditional central air conditioning condenser when used for cooling in the summer. The difference between a heat pump and an air conditioner is that a heat pump has the ability to reverse the flow of refrigerant and absorb heat from the air outside. It will transfer the heat and release it into the duct work in your house. It should be called a “heat and cool pump” if named accurately, as it does both with one unit.

The amount of BTUs or heat that it will transfer directly depends on the temperature of the outside air. The warmer the air, the more efficient the heat pump is. The heat pump can even be efficient at absorbing and transferring heat at temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Every heat pump system uses a secondary or auxiliary source of heat. In some climates, electric strips are used. In a true hybrid system, a gas furnace is used. A gas furnace is a much more efficient secondary source than electric strips.

A dual fuel thermostat, with an outside sensor installed, are necessary to control the hybrid heating system. There is a set point which determines at what temperature the system switches over to gas and then back to the heat pump. This set point can be changed at any time depending on current gas and electrical rates.

The Bottom Line for Hybrid Heating Systems

A hybrid heating system will automatically use whatever source is the most efficient to heat your home throughout the day. Generally it will use the heat pump during the day and the gas furnace in the morning and the night. You will use less natural gas and save money at the same time. Hybrid systems are a very “green” way to heat your home and cut down on fossil fuel sources.

While a hybrid system, may cost more in initial equipment and installation. The system will normally pay for itself in three to five years through energy cost savings.

Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning is experienced with the installation and repair of hybrid heating systems. Make sure that a heat loss and heat gain load calculation is performed to properly size a system for your home! Call for a more detailed explanation and for the best pricing and customer service in the Denver area.

Spring Is in the Air – Time for Air Conditioner Repair!

Toward the end of fall, your air conditioner system may have stopped cooling the way it once did. Perhaps your utility bills were a little higher than usual. You may have pushed thoughts of your air conditioner repair to the back of your mind since winter was just around the corner.

Springtime Is Here!

With the arrival of spring, our reliance on the cooling system in our home increases in our region. Warmer temperatures mean it’s time to start thinking ahead to the status and upkeep of your home’s air conditioner. If you were experiencing problems last year, it’s time to face them this spring. If your air conditioner was working flawlessly at the end of summer, it’s time to perform routine maintenance, inspection, and upkeep to ensure it continues to function through the hot summer months.

Planning Ahead for A/C Repair and/or Installation

Maintaining the A/C system for your home, your greatest investment, begins with an inspection and/or consultation. The professional team at Go Green Heating and Air will come to your home at your convenience and inspect and evaluate your existing air conditioning system, searching for weak spots, damage, and inefficiencies.

We will present you with your options and guide you through the repair, maintenance, and/or installation process. Our experts will ensure your system is in top shape to keep your family comfortable throughout the year.

Common Air Conditioner Repair and Problems

Many common issues with your home’s cooling system are easy to troubleshoot and resolve. Problems such as dirty filters or a dirty condenser coil are simple to recognize and inexpensive to fix. In addition, a dirty indoor coil is a common problem that is simple to handle. These ordinary issues can be discovered and handled through a routine inspection in the spring before they begin to seriously damage your cooing system.

Regular A/C Replacement Installation

Every 10 years, your home’s HVAC system should be replaced. Ten years is the normal lifespan for the average system. Even if your system is still working properly, in ten years, many advances in energy efficiency and technology will have occurred. Planning for your installation every ten years allows you to save up for a model that has the features you desire. Go Green Heating and Air can assist you in selecting the system that is the best choice for your home and is within your family’s budget.

Do Not Delay

Do not wait for the problems to arise in the heat of summer. Your home’s air conditioner lay dormant through the winter months. Numerous problems can occur, even as your system was not being used Plan ahead for the summer heat by troubleshooting your A/C system in the spring. Contact the professionals at Go Green Heating and Air to schedule your system’s inspection and maintenance. Discovering and resolving problems early in the spring will prevent further damage and, more importantly, will ensure that your family does not experience the discomfort of living without air conditioning during repairs in the summer months.