Blog Archives

Gas vs. Electric – Which Type of Furnace Is Right for You?

 

Many factors play into a consumer’s decision on which type of furnace to buy for their home.  Gas furnaces and electric furnace each have benefits and disadvantages.  Denver Heating and air experts will tell you that the factors to consider before investing in a furnace are upfront costs, long-term costs, energy efficiency, durability, maintenance, and more.  Location and fuel availability are other considerations that affect the type of furnace you select for your home or business.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces have a lower upfront cost in both materials and installation, making them an attractive choice for homeowners selecting a new furnace.  However, their decreased efficiency and higher fuel costs make them more expensive to operate in the long run with higher monthly utility bills.  This factor makes them a good choice for warmer climates.

Electric furnaces are also safer and quieter than gas furnaces.  Their lifespan of approximately 30 years is longer than that of gas furnaces as well.  The maintenance on electric furnaces is also simpler and they are considered safer than gas furnaces with less risk involved.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces may have a higher price tag up front for installation, but they are more energy-efficient than electric furnaces, leading to lower utility bills and a lower cost in the long run.  In addition, gas furnaces heat up immediately, unlike electric furnaces which take time to heat up.  These factors make gas furnaces the better choice for colder climates.  

Gas furnaces do not have a lifespan that is as long as that of electric furnaces.  In addition, because of the increased risk involved with gas, the maintenance is more complex, with troubleshooting and maintenance best left to professionals.  Gas furnaces are also noisier than their electric counterparts.  

Denver Heating and Air Decisions

When selecting between a gas and electric furnaces, reach out for the opinions of professionals who are familiar with the Denver climate, fuel costs, and fuel availability.  The team of experts at Go Green Heating and Air can assess your needs and help you choose the type of furnace that is right for you.  

How to Choose a Furnace Repair Company

 

If you live in the Denver area and experience problems with your home’s furnace, your family’s comfort and safety can be compromised, leaving you scrambling for a furnace repair company at the last minute.  Your home’s furnace system is one of the most complex in your home and should not be trusted to a random company selected from the Internet.  Your family and your home deserves a highly-trained and well-qualified furnace repair company that is familiar with the systems most commonly found in the Denver area, a company like Go Green Heating and Air who can ensure your family’s comfort and safety while protecting the investment you’ve made in your home.

Let’s look at some tips to assist you in choosing the best Denver furnace repair company.

Check the quality of their products

At Go Green Heating and Air, we only use the top-rated line of products from Carrier, to ensure that you experience limited repairs and service throughout the life of your system. Carrier furnaces and air conditioners have been rated top in the industry for reliability and durability for many years.  At Go Green Heating and Air, we will never cut corners by installing an inferior product.

Look for an honest, stable, and reliable company

We believe that honesty, reliability and quality are more important than cut-throat sales tactics or gimmicks. We want you to feel comfortable not only in your home, but also with your purchase for many years to come.

Many companies will advertise big discounts and rebates to catch your eye, yet at the same time they mark up their prices to compensate.

At Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning, we believe this is a dishonest business practice. We strive to be honest in all areas of our business because dishonest sales tactics usually mean dishonest service.

Although we do run special promotions from time to time, we believe in giving you our best price upfront, every time, without the gimmicks.

Check references, testimonials, and reviews

The business ratings Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide consumers with a benchmark to compare a company’s commitment to superior customer service to others in the same field.  At Go Green Heating and Air, we have an A+ rating at the BBB and are winners of the Gold Star Award, which is given to businesses for consecutive complaint-free years.

We have numerous testimonials from satisfied customers and are happy to provide you with references to contact in order to verify our commitment to excellence and honesty.

Go Green Heating and Air is here for you when you need a Denver furnace repair company.  Contact us today for assistance or for more information!

Easy Furnace Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

 

When winter is just around the corner, it’s time to perform some furnace maintenance to prevent any surprises or sudden repairs during the coldest months.  Many tasks are surprisingly easy and homeowners can do themselves. Performing these routine tasks only require a few tools and will keep your system running at its best while extending the life of the unit.

Before beginning any maintenance, it’s important that you shut off both the electrical supply and the fuel supply.  

Furnace Maintenance Tip #1:  CLEAN

Once the electrical and fuel supplies are turned off and the furnace has cooled, a thorough cleaning of the furnace is the first step to effective upkeep.  Remove the panels of the furnace and using the hose or extension of your vacuum cleaner, vacuum all the areas where dust accumulates including the burners, the furnace base, and the blower.

If possible, clean the blower fan blades carefully using a small brush and vacuum, but do not disturb the wiring or the counterweights.

Furnace Maintenance Tip #2:  CHANGE THE FILTER

A furnace filter should be changed every one to three months.  Read the user guide for your furnace model for any specific recommendations or instructions for the type of filter that is best for your furnace.

Furnace Maintenance Tip #3: INSPECT THE BELT

The belt on the blower should be inspected for tension, cracking, or fraying.  The belt may need adjustment to ensure adequate tension and will occasionally need to be replaced. Some models may not have a belt.

Furnace Maintenance Tip #4: LUBRICATE IF NECESSARY

Some furnace models motor bearings and shaft bearings that require oiling.  If you have such a model, clean around the area, remove the caps, and insert two to three drops of lightweight machine oil.  It’s important that you not overlubricate.  

Go Green Heating and Air Professional Furnace Maintenance

While handling your own furnace maintenance will save money and help keep your furnace running efficiently, a professional inspection and tune-up is still necessary to protect your investment and keep your system working at its best.   Call Go Green Heating and Air when expert maintenance or repair becomes necessary.  

 

You Are Preparing for Winter, Is Your Heater Ready?

 

Temperatures are turning colder in the Denver area, and many people are pulling out their ski jackets, prepping their snowboards, and prepping for a winter filled with outdoor activities. Throughout Colorado, residents love to be outside in any season, and with incredible ski, cross-country, and snowboard opportunities across the state, it’s no wonder why winter is just as popular to be outside as the summer.

There are hundreds of ways to get outside and enjoy the winter weather, but no one wants to invite that crisp, winter air into their Denver home. To keep the cold outdoors this winter, you should be checking more than your skis for damage and signs of wear and tear – your heater needs a quick set of inspections and maintenance as well. For the four things, you should check on your heating system before winter fully arrives in Denver, keep reading!

 

Inspect and Replace Your Heater Filters

The air filters on your heater are responsible for preventing the dirt and dust in your heater from circulating throughout your entire house. However, to effectively keep this debris from affecting air quality and the efficiency of your furnace or heater, the filters need to be replaced on a regular basis. Regular maintenance and replacement of your heater filters can help keep your family healthy throughout the winter and have a positive effect on the costs of your heating bill.

Heating and air conditioning professionals recommend you inspect these filters every couple of months and be prepared to change them four times a year. The actual need to replace an air filter fluctuates from household-to-household, but before winter is definitely the essential time to inspect the condition of these air filters.

 

Clean Burners and Other Dusty Components

As your heater sits idle during spring, summer, and most of the autumn it can collect a lot of dust and dirt. Failure to maintain and clean the heater’s components prior to use is the cause of nearly 75% of all heater failure in Colorado each winter. However, the accumulation of debris is often only visible on the inside of your heater.

If your heater has a gas burner it is important to check the burners for any debris and clean the component before the heat is switched on for the winter season. Not only will this increase efficiency, and this straightforward inspection can prevent serious heating problems, such as fires or a no heat situation.

Other areas on the inside of your heater can similarly accumulate dust and other debris. It can improve efficiency and the lifespan of your heater to keep the entire unit clean and clear of these small obstructions. However, it is important to select the right material for cleaning your heater, paper towels and similar products can rip or tear, which may lead to a bigger heating problem. For questions on what to use cleaning the interior of your heater, call a heating professional.

 

Check Components Outside Your Heater

The effectiveness of your heater relies on more than just the interior of this equipment, ventilation systems, returns, and air ducts ensure the hot air is transferred throughout your home. In preparation for a Denver winter, it is necessary to remove any objects that obstruct this air from reaching every room in your home. Check your air registers and returns for any obstructions.

All heaters push heated air through vents. These components are important for preventing dirt and dust from circulating in your household. When a heater isn’t in use these vents become havens for debris and are another part of your heating system that needs specific and careful attention before winter.

Lastly, before using your heater in any capacity it is essential to check the batteries on your carbon monoxide detector. It is possible that a defective heater will release carbon monoxide into your home. In high levels, carbon monoxide has detrimental health effects on the human body, which include a headache, dizziness, and nausea. In high doses, carbon monoxide can even cause death. This makes checking your carbon monoxide detector an essential step in your winter preparation.

 

Hire a Professional

The best way to complete an inspection of your entire heating system is by hiring a heating and air conditioning professional. The team at Go Green in Denver is prepared to provide a thorough inspection of your heating system and provide any necessary maintenance. Call us today at 303-731-4417 for your winter-ready inspection.

Summer Air Conditioner Repair in Denver

Summer Maintenance and Air Conditioner Repair in Denver

Air conditioners are simply amazing pieces of technology. Most of us don’t even need to set our thermostats anymore – smart thermostats adjust the temperature to our optimum comfort level and preferred electrical savings for us. We control the temperature inside our homes without even thinking about it.

Until it seems to be getting a bit warm inside. Then you suddenly realize that perhaps you haven’t changed the filter in a while. When was the last time routine maintenance was performed? If you can’t remember, you may have left your air conditioner at risk for potential repairs.

Air conditioner repairs increase during the summer months due to increased use. Small issues in the early summer may become big issues during the peak of summer heat. The one way to help prevent air conditioner repair in Denver during the summer months is to perform routine maintenance.

DIY Air Conditioning Maintenance

There are a few things you can do yourself to ensure your air conditioner is running at its best. There are many small details that can reduce the efficiency of your air condition – causing it to run harder and increase your cooling costs.

Adjust Your Thermostat – The U.S. Department of Energy reports homeowners save up to 10% per year on energy bills when thermostats are adjusted properly. This video explains how to set a smart or programmable thermostat for both comfort and savings.

Service the Filter – Cleaning or changing your air filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by up to 15% and improve your home’s air quality. You should change the filter once a month for a healthy AC system.

Clean Around the Unit – Inspect the area around your outdoor air conditioning unit at least once a year. Clear away overgrown plants and remind family members not to prop bicycles or toys against the unit.

Go Green Air Conditioner Maintenance

We provide convenient air conditioning maintenance in Denver and surrounding areas for parts of your AC’s annual maintenance that requires a professional touch.

Clean the Air Conditioner Unit – Cleaning the outdoor unit keeps your unit running efficiently. Cleaning the grill, fan blades, condenser and indoor evaporator coil allows air to cool easily and move freely.

Clear the drain – A clogged drain makes your unit work harder and produce less air. Checking the drain can be nearly as important as changing your air filters.

Checking the coolant – Studies reveal that a system 10% low on coolant can cost you up to 20% more on energy costs. A yearly check ensures your air conditioner coolant system is operating properly.

In addition to these key parts of our professional air conditioning maintenance, Go Green technicians also check the electrical systems, adjust belts, oil fan motors, monitor operating pressures and temperatures as well as identify any potential problems you may have during the summer months.

When to Call a Go Green for Summer Air Conditioning Repair

If you’ve changed filters and cleaned around your unit, yet your house is just not staying cool – it’s time to call a professional. The symptoms of a potential operating problem include:

  • Reduced cooling capabilities
  • Poor air flow
  • Icy coils
  • Excessive moisture around the unit
  • Strange grinding, squeaking or grating noises
  • Odd smells

Our 24-hour emergency service repair means that Go Green NATE Certified technicians are on their way to your home or business as soon as possible. Our fixed low fee for diagnostic services ensures that you know exactly what to budget. There are no surprises.

Once your air conditioner problem is properly diagnosed, our professional technician will give you a fixed quote for repair. Our service vehicles are fully stocked to quickly repair your unit, but we understand if you need to think about it. We offer upfront pricing and a written contract so that you never feel pressured or unsure about the service you receive.

Go Green Heating and Air Conditioner technicians pride themselves on customer service. We thoroughly explain all problems, work with you to prevent future repairs and leave you property clean and tidy. For more information on summer maintenance or to schedule an air conditioner repair in Denver and surrounding areas, contact us online or call us at 303-919-9292.