Your central air conditioning system has an important role to play, especially in the sweltering summer months. Without it, heat and humidity can creep in and make your home uncomfortable. Don’t risk an unexpected AC breakdown. Learn about the average lifespan of an AC system and signs of an impending system failure. 

Average Lifespan

Expect most central air conditioners to reliably function for an average of 10 to 15 years. Some systems might serve you for much longer. And others may break down much sooner. 

What factors can affect a system’s lifespan? It mostly comes down to usage and maintenance. If you rarely use your system but keep up with routine maintenance, it’ll likely last beyond the average lifespan. On the other hand, a system that is frequently running at full power will likely wear down faster. And if you skip routine cleaning, inspections, and repairs, you’ll only shorten the system’s life. 

Signs Your Central AC Needs Replacing 

If your current system is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement. But age isn’t the only factor to keep in mind. The following signs indicate that your AC is in need of repair or replacement. 

Unusual noises. If your system is noisier than it used to be, there’s a chance that components are starting to fail. 

High energy bills. Keep an eye on your monthly energy bills. If you notice an unusual spike, it could be a sign that your system is no longer in prime condition. It’ll be working harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.  

Dust. Noticing excessive dust in the ductwork? This is a sign that leaks are present, which means your system isn’t working at full efficiency. 

High humidity. Your system should be able to control indoor temperatures and reduce humidity. If that’s no longer the case, a replacement may be needed.  

Frequent repairs. If you find yourself frequently having to call a repair service, that’s a sign that something’s wrong. A reliable technician will encourage you to replace your system, rather than keep spending money on repairs. 

Refrigerant Concerns 

If you own an older system, another factor to keep in mind is refrigerant production. R22 Freon is a refrigerant that older HVAC systems rely on for cooling functionality. However, starting in 2020, production of R22 was banned in the U.S. 

So, although you can continue to use your system, it’ll be harder and more expensive to obtain the refrigerant it needs to operate. The best course of action is to update to a newer system. A newer system will be better for the environment and more efficient in cooling your space. In the long run, updating your system will save you money when it comes to energy bills.

Time to replace your HVAC system? When it comes to heating and air conditioning, Denver residents can turn to Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning for system repair and installation. Reach out today for quotes and scheduling.

Heating your Denver home through the winter often consumes a lot of energy. Fluctuating temperatures can have you freezing one second and sweating the next. Luckily, there are ways to keep your home at a stable temperature throughout the winter months. Finding the right comfort level doesn’t require constant adjustment of thermostat settings. Learn how to take control of your indoor temperature settings while saving money with these quick tips.

Ideal Indoor Winter Temperature

Managing energy usage is a big deal for the common homeowner. It doesn’t just save you money, but it’s also recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy. Yes — finding that sweet spot on your Denver heating bill is also better for the environment!

The ideal indoor temperature for Denver homeowners is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. However, adjusting your thermostat when you aren’t home or when you’re sleeping is key. This also helps everyone in your household feel comfortable during waking hours or when home. Use this guide as a reference for winter thermostat settings.

• At home: keep thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• At work: keep thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit
• When sleeping: keep thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit

You can save more money on your energy bill by adjusting the temperature further. Do this 5 degrees at a time until you’ve found a comfortable setting.

Different Temperature Zones

Of course, there are certain rooms that get more use than others. A multi-zone Denver heating system can help keep your favorite rooms cozier during the colder months. These systems have multiple thermostats located in common areas like the living room and bedroom. You can adjust the temperature to your liking whenever you’re occupying one of these spaces.

When creating multi-zone heating areas, keep these tips in mind:

• Increase frequently used living area temperatures to 72 degrees for maximum comfortability
• Decrease the temperature in rooms less frequented like the basement or a spare bedroom
• Decrease temperatures in rooms with lots of natural sunlight
• Keep the bedroom temperature at 68 degrees when not sleeping and lower it at night

Multi-zone heating preferences depend on how much time you spend in each room. This is a customizable heating system that is great for homeowners looking to save energy.

Updated Denver Heating System

Whether you have a newer or older Denver heating system, it’s important to maintain it properly. Regularly maintained heating systems help to avoid unnecessary repairs and high utility bills. Be sure to replace the air filter once a month for the best running system. Keep airways free of dust and debris and avoid placing objects in front of vents. For outdoor units, maintain surrounding brush and shrubbery. Have a professional perform preventative maintenance each year before cold weather sets in.

Home energy usage is largely determined by one’s Denver heating system. For more information on updated heating systems and indoor temperature settings, contact your local Denver heating professionals. Our dedicated team can help you find the best HVAC system for your home this winter.

It’s not unusual for Americans to spend plenty of time indoors — especially when outdoor weather reaches uncomfortable extremes. But even staying indoors comes with certain hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air pollution may be two to five times worse than outdoor air.

If you’re someone who likes to keep their home clean, you might look around and wonder where the pollution is coming from. Sources of indoor air pollutants include:

• Household chemicals and other products
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Fuel-burning appliances
• Cigarette smoke
• Carbon monoxide
• Asbestos
• Bacteria and viruses
• Mold and mildew

Indoor air pollution can have a negative effect on your health. And it can be particularly harmful for people with asthma or other existing conditions. Through air purification, Denver residents can breathe easily.

Air Purification Systems

Air purifiers are devices that typically use fans to pull in air and filters to capture pollutants in that air. Clean air is then circulated throughout the room. The filters are key to the effectiveness of these systems.

Filters are typically composed of materials such as paper, mesh, or fiber. Different types of filters are compatible with different models of air purifiers. Filter types include:

• Reusable filters, which require cleaning
• Disposable filters, which require regular replacement
• UV-filers, which claim to use ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms

You can find air purifiers that forgo traditional filters. These are known as ionic air purifiers, and they use electrostatic to pull pollutants from the air and onto a plate. Ionic air purifiers may not be as effective as models with filters. However, instead of buying replacement filters, you simply clean the plates. It’s also worth noting that some ionic air purifiers produce ozone, which can potentially cause asthma symptoms to flare up.

Other Steps to Take

Although air purifiers are effective — especially when they’re properly maintained — you can take additional steps to reduce indoor air pollution. Use the following strategies to cut down on pollutants in your home:

Ventilate your home. You can do this by opening opposing windows to allow a breeze to blow through your living space. Obviously this isn’t a step that’s useful when it’s freezing cold or sweltering outdoors. It may also allow pollen to enter your home and irritate the lungs of anyone with seasonal allergies.

Vacuum on a regular basis. Be thorough when vacuuming carpeted areas, as carpet fibers can house lots of unwanted particles. HEPA-certified vacuums are best, but no matter what type of vacuum you use, remember to maintain its bag or collection chamber.

Wash and change your bedsheets and pillow cases regularly. Any curtains you have hanging up will also require attention. You can use a vacuum attachment to clean them, or wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ready to improve your indoor air quality? Turn to the professionals at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning for solutions to indoor air pollution as well as HVAC repair. Reach out today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment.

A busted air conditioner can leave you feeling sweaty and miserable during the hot months of summer. ACs are fairly complex appliances, and there are plenty of parts that can wear down over time or without proper maintenance. By learning some of the most common AC problems, you can quickly identify what’s wrong with your system. Then, you can reach out to a Denver air conditioner repair service for quick maintenance.

Short Cycling

Does your air conditioner seem to be turning off and on too quickly? This is known as short cycling, and it’s a common problem that comes with several potential consequences. First, because your AC is failing to complete a cooling cycle, you’ll notice an increase in your energy bills. Second, the short cycles can eventually wear down AC parts, shortening the lifespan of the appliance.

So, what causes short cycling in an AC? There are several possibilities:

• The air filter is clogged and the AC is forced to shut down as it overheats.
• The AC is too big for the space, so it quickly cools the room to the set temperature and then immediately shuts off. The result is sudden temperature shifts.
• The evaporator coils are frozen, leading to malfunctions.
• Refrigerant is running low, so your AC is repeatedly overheating and then shutting down.
• Problems with the electric system, such as corroded wires, can cause short cycles.
• Your thermostat may be defective or exposed to drafts or too much sunlight.

Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is vital to your AC system because it absorbs heat. Without enough refrigerants, the AC can’t efficiently cool your space. If it’s leaking from your system, you may notice the following:

• A hissing noise is present while the AC is running.
• Ice is building up on the evaporator coils.
• Cooling cycles are longer than usual.
• Your indoor space feels humid or unusually warm.
• Your monthly energy bills are increasing.

Unusual Noises

An AC that makes strange noises can be disruptive. But more importantly, those sounds may be a sign of underlying problems. Here are a few types of noises to listen out for:

• Hissing: As mentioned above, a hissing noise may indicate a refrigerant leak.
• Rattling or clanging: This type of sound may be loud or faint, and it’s likely caused by a loose part near the motor or blower.
• Buzzing: When electrical parts start to degrade, you might hear a buzzing noise when the AC is running.
• Clicking: This type of sound can indicate anything from faulty electrical components to a small, loose part.

In some cases, AC problems may be the result of improper installation or maintenance. With that in mind, make sure you only hire experts to fix your system or unit. In addition, a routine inspection of your HVAC system may help you identify small issues before they turn into larger problems.

You can count on the experienced technicians at Go Green Heating and Air Conditioning to address your needs. Contact us today to get a free quote or schedule an appointment.

Air conditioning and heating are essential for most homes. It keeps you comfortable in the summer when the heat reaches up in the ’90s and keeps you warm during the cold and icy winters when the temperatures dip below freezing. But, whether you are building a new home, need to install a new HVAC system, or simply get one, to begin with, it can be exciting.

Sometimes the focus of a homeowner is on what an HVAC system looks like, but it is a bit more important to know how it will affect your home. This might include how it will impact your utility bills and the different payment options to purchase the HVAC system. The most important part of this process is to choose the system. Here are three important tips to determine the best Best Denver HVAC system for your home in Colorado.

Pick the Right Size

This is one of the most important decisions when installing a new HVAC system. You may want to work with an HVAC contractor along with your building contractor to decide which is right for your home. Although you may think this does not matter, it truly does.

If your system is too small, then it will not properly cool or heat your home. If the unit is too large, it can result in short-cycling which means your home will once again suffer from completely inconsistent temperatures. Overall, your system will work too hard in either context.

Choose the Type of HVAC System

There are many different forms of HVAC systems to choose from. The best system is essentially a central air system, but this is also the most expensive. Sometimes you may consider a different type of system as well if you do not want to change the integrity of the home.

You may simply choose one of the following:

• Ductless split systems: These systems do not use ducts. Instead, they deliver the air directly from different air handlers. These are typically placed all over the home to deliver direct air to that room.
• Heat pumps: If you are building a new home then this is a good plan. It allows you to lay different heat exchanger loops underground while building. These pumps work to save energy.

Do You Need an Air Purification System?

Everyone has a different lifestyle, and if you are someone who needs to avoid allergens, then this may be important to you. Although Denver has some of the best air in the country, it is still a city. Especially for those who have pets or are allergic to dust, consider adding an air purifier to the HVAC system to keep the air clean in your home.

Consult a Professional

When building a new home or adding a system to your current home, it is essential to consult a professional. Whether you need an air purification system or are not sure what size your home requires, contact us to learn more. We can offer advice about HVAC systems and discuss your options.