Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The term covers all systems that regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air flow in a building, including furnaces, heat exchangers, air conditioning units, ductwork, vents, and filters. These systems work together to heat and cool your home, as well as to manage circulation and humidity for optimal air quality.

You should have your HVAC system serviced twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. Scheduling these bi-annual tune-ups helps ensure your system is good to go ahead of your summer air conditioning and winter heating needs. It’s also key to maintaining the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your HVAC system.

• Rising energy bills without a change in usage
• Uneven temperatures or cold/hot spots
• Strange noises (clanking, banging, humming)
• Frequent cycling (turning on/off often)
• System age (15+ years)
• Poor airflow or weak heating/cooling
• Unexplained increase in indoor humidity

You should change or clean your filters every 1-3 months. This can vary based on filter type or usage (for example, pleated filters usually only need to be changed every 3-6 months), so check your manufacturer’s directions. Dirty filters reduce airflow and efficiency, so change your filter more often instead of less if you have pets, allergies, smokers, or high dust levels at home.

To decide whether to repair or replace a unit, consider both the cost of repair and the age and efficiency of the system. If the repair cost is high, the system is old, and/or the efficiency is low, replacement is usually more cost-effective. You can also use the 50-50 rule, which states that if repairs will cost 50% or more of the cost to replace, then a replacement makes more sense.

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): Compares how much heat a system delivers to how much energy it consumes. Higher AFUE = more efficiency.
• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Measures the efficiency of an AC system over an entire cooling season. Higher SEER = more efficiency.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Measures the efficiency of a heat pump over an entire heating season. Higher HSPF = more efficiency.

Yes, poor duct design can affect the performance of an HVAC system. Ducts that are improperly sized, leaky, or poorly routed often lead to issues such as pressure loss, uneven heat/cold delivery, energy waste, higher energy bills, and poor indoor air quality.

Yes, we offer fast and reliable emergency HVAC repairs for problems that occur outside of our normal business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call us any time of day or night, and we will send out a qualified technician to quickly troubleshoot your issue and get your system working again.

A furnace will last for 15 to 20 years if it is properly maintained. Factors that impact the lifespan of your furnace include frequency of use, sizing and capacity, and quality of the initial installation. You can extend the lifespan of your furnace by changing your filters regularly and staying up to date with tune-ups.

• If it’s an older system (approaching or above 15 years)
• If it has frequent breakdowns
• If your heating bills have jumped significantly
• If the repair estimate is 50% or more of the cost to replace
• If efficiency is low
• If the system doesn’t align with your home’s needs

If your furnace is making strange noises, there may be a problem with its internal components. Different noises indicate different issues: for example, rattling often means loose parts, buzzing suggests an electrical problem, and whistling suggests dirty ducts or filters. If you hear a strange noise, turn your system off and schedule an inspection.

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It compares how much fuel a furnace uses to how much heat it produces. AFUE scores are given as a percentage and are calculated by measuring how much fuel input is converted to usable heat over the course of a year. The higher the percentage, the more efficient the system.

What type of furnace is best for your home depends on your fuel source (gas, electric, or oil), heating load, energy efficiency goals, budget, and home size. If you need help selecting the right system, call your HVAC company for an on-site assessment to determine the ideal type and model.

• Check your air filter and replace it if necessary
• Vacuum/wipe down vents
• Check ductwork for leaks
• Test your thermostat on “heat” mode
• Remove clutter around the furnace
• Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly
• Schedule a fall tune-up

No, it is not necessarily bad to run your air conditioner 24/7, especially if your system is properly sized and in good working condition. If you’re going to keep your system on all the time, set it to a moderate temperature (72-76 degrees Fahrenheit) to minimize system strain and keep your energy bills in check.

There are several possible explanations for why your AC is blowing warm air, ranging from clogged air filters and incorrect thermostat settings to refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, a frozen evaporator coil, or blower issues. If it’s nothing obvious, turn off the system and contact an HVAC company for support.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the energy efficiency of an air conditioning system, specifically the ratio of cooling output to energy consumption over an entire cooling season. A higher SEER indicates better efficiency and lower long-term costs in operating the AC unit.

• It’s 10 years or older
• It requires frequent repairs
• Its efficiency is very low relative to modern units
• It has weak airflow
• It cools inconsistently
• It’s turning on and off more than it should
• It’s resulting in increased energy bills

Yes, you should have your AC serviced before summer. Scheduling an AC tune-up in the spring helps ensure your system is good to go for the upcoming season. During a pre-summer inspection, your HVAC technician will check refrigerant levels, clear condensate drains, inspect coils and wiring, and verify system performance ahead of the summer heat.

A room may run warmer than other rooms due to a duct leak or imbalance, poor insulation, dirty air filters, sun exposure, or an improperly-sized air conditioning unit. Internal devices, such as computers or strong overhead lighting, can also heat up a room.

A hybrid HVAC system, also known as a dual-fuel system, has both a heat pump and a fuel-burning furnace, automatically switching between them as needed to maintain proper indoor temperatures with peak efficiency. System changes are based on outdoor air temperatures, which ensures you get exactly as much heating or cooling as you need to stay comfortable.

A hybrid HVAC system uses the heat pump when the weather is mild or warm and the furnace when the weather is cold. The system switches between these two functions automatically for more effective and efficient heating/cooling in the home.

The biggest energy-saving benefit of a hybrid HVAC system is reduced fuel usage. A hybrid HVAC relies on an electric heat pump for temperature control during mild or warm weather and only switches to fossil-fuel heating when needed (usually when the outdoor temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit).

Yes, hybrid HVAC systems tend to be more expensive than conventional HVACs due to the high cost of the equipment and specialized installation. However, operational savings often justify the investment, and while you’ll spend more upfront, you should see a notable decrease in your monthly energy bill.

Yes, but only slightly. Both hybrid HVAC and conventional HVAC systems require regular inspections, refrigerant checks, and seasonal tuning, but hybrid maintenance may be a bit more complicated due to its dual energy sources and additional components.

A tankless water heater only heats up water when you need it, while a conventional unit maintains a continuous supply. By supplying hot water on demand, a tankless water heater eliminates standby energy losses and the need for on-site storage.

Yes, a tankless heater can be suitable for whole-house use. Whether or not it’s right for you depends on the size of your home and usage patterns, such as flow rate and number of fixtures. Some homes may need multiple tankless units or hybrid units, so bring in an HVAC expert to discuss specifics before you decide.

Yes, tankless units often last longer than conventional units. With proper maintenance, a tankless water heater can last for 20 years or more, compared to 8 to 12 years for a unit with a tank. You can help expand the lifespan of a tankless water heater by getting regular tune-ups and investing in a water softener if you have hard water.

Tankless water heaters require annual maintenance, during which time your technician will flush the system to remove mineral build-up, check the filters, inspect burners, and descale. Note that your system may require more frequent descaling if you have hard water.

Yes, there are some drawbacks to a tankless water heater. Compared to conventional systems, tankless water heaters generally feature higher upfront costs for equipment and installation. You may also have to spring for gas supply upgrades to accommodate a tankless system.

A mini-split (ductless) AC/heat pump is a multi-part HVAC system that heats and cools without any air ducts. Most ductless HVAC systems are comprised of two key parts: an outdoor compressor or condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units.

Mini-split units are a good choice for home additions and renovations or rooms without ductwork for central heating/cooling. They can also come in handy for zone control if different members of the household prefer different temperatures in their rooms.

Yes, a mini-split can provide heating in addition to cooling. Look for dual-function systems that run on a heat pump if you want a system that can do both, since this allows the mini-split to output warm or cool air depending on the outside temperature.

Yes, mini-ducts are considered efficient. These systems greatly reduce energy waste from duct leakage and produce a high-velocity airflow that easily circulates throughout the unit. Many also feature variable-speed (inverter) operations, which are much more energy efficient than single-speed systems.

Mini-splits require regular maintenance for optimal use and longevity, including a yearly tune-up to inspect and clean all system components. For optimal performance and air quality, clean/replace the air filters every 4-6 weeks and regularly inspect the outdoor coil and indoor units to ensure they’re free of dust.

Air quality refers to how clean (or not-so-clean) the air is in regard to pollutants like smoke, carbon monoxide, dust, soot, and ground-level ozone, all of which can be harmful to breathe. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), i.e., the air quality inside your home, can have a major impact on your health, comfort, and HVAC system performance.

We provide numerous IAQ solutions to ensure you breathe clean air at home, including air purifiers/filters, UV germicidal lamps, humidifiers/dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, and electrostatic filters. Get in touch to speak with an expert about concerns regarding your IAQ.

You’ll know that your indoor air needs improvement if you notice common indicators such as frequent allergy symptoms, dust build-up, unexplained odors, humidity swings, or a stale smell in sealed rooms. Use fans and regularly open windows to keep air circulating and mitigate these risks.

Yes, air purifiers can make a huge improvement in your indoor air quality, especially if used with a HEPA-level or high-efficiency filter. That being said, they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for proper ventilation, so don’t rely on a purifier alone to remove particulates, allergens, and other unwanted pollutants from your air.

A standard IAQ filter should be changed every 1-3 months, while a HEPA-level filter will last 6-12 months. Having pets or smokers in the home will shorten the lifespan of your IAQ filter and should impact how often you change it. UV lamps are usually changed once per year, but check manufacturer’s specs to be sure.

A Manual J load calculation is a standardized method for estimating how much heating and cooling capacity your home needs, measured in BTUs. It was developed by Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and uses factors such as insulation, orientation, and number/type of windows to ensure your AC unit is the correct size for your home.

A load calculation is important because it ensures you purchase the right-sized HVAC equipment. A too-large system wastes money and shortens the lifespan of the unit, while a too-small system leads to short-cycling and an overworked system. Load calculations help you avoid both while also saving money and reducing the risk of an early breakdown.

• Home layout
• Room sizes
• Insulation
• Vent placement
• Return air paths
• Heating and cooling load
• Static pressure, airflow, and velocity requirements
• Size and capability of HVAC equipment
• Duct shape and material

Yes, duct modifications can sometimes void your warranty. To avoid this outcome, always work with a certified technician on any duct modifications, follow manufacturer guidelines, and only use approved parts. This will help ensure the ducts are properly modified and (hopefully) prevent the voiding of your warranty.

A situation qualifies as an HVAC emergency if it has an immediate impact on your health, safety, or property. Examples of HVAC emergencies include total loss of heating in the winter, loss of cooling in extreme heat, gas leaks, system electrical problems, and water flooding.

Yes, we provide after-hours, emergency HVAC service 24/7 throughout the Denver metro area. This is in addition to our standard hours, which are 7:30 am-6:00 pm. If you are having an HVAC emergency, please contact us at (303) 919-9292, and we will send a qualified technician to your home as soon as possible.

Yes, emergency repairs typically cost more than standard repairs. This is due to overtime, rush parts, and priority scheduling, all of which increase the price of service. We’ll provide upfront pricing wherever possible and will never surprise you with hidden after-hours service charges.

No, you cannot always prevent emergencies. But you can greatly reduce the chance of them occurring through regular maintenance and inspections of your HVAC systems. Schedule bi-annual tune-ups, keep system components clean, and address concerns right away to catch HVAC problems before they become emergencies.

• Prioritize safety
• Turn the system off or to safe mode
• Close your blinds
• Check thermostat batteries
• Check the circuit breaker
• Use fans or space heaters if available
• Shut off the water supply if flooding
• Avoid DIY repairs and wait for professionals