Unparalleled Service at Unbeatable PricesCall Now

Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling

Unparalleled Service at Unbeatable Prices

Indoor Air Quality

Furnace VS Boiler – Which is the Better Option?

by

As a Colorado resident, you know how important it is to keep your home warm. This article will walk you through the pros and cons of using radiant heat from a boiler vs blowing hot air throughout your vents using a furnace, the difference in cost, which option is more energy efficient, and how both systems operate.\
  • How each system works
  • Upfront Cost VS Utility cost
  • Required Maintenance
  • Possible Conflicts

Which system is right for you?

Simply put, it depends. 

Your priorities and budget play a major role when deciding which system is right for you.

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient way that requires as little maintenance as possible, a natural gas furnace is a great option. It heats your home quickly and efficiently, saving you money on your energy costs over time. If you’re looking for a system for a smaller space, such as a studio or 1-bedroom unit, a boiler may be right for you.

Key Differences

A furnace uses gas (or oil) to heat your home, whereas a boiler uses water, or steam, via heat transfer.

Your HVAC system plays a major role in keeping your home energy efficient and reliably warm, two things that are especially important when living in Colorado (we love our unpredictable weather swings!) 

Furnaces require a yearly tune up to ensure peak efficiency and lifespan. However, boilers are at higher risk for water leaks and frozen pipes due to the use of water via heat transfer.

Furnaces improve your indoor air quality, therefor overall personal health, but they require ductwork. Boilers require no ductwork, but this also means they cannot condition/ improve your indoor air quality.

Boilers tend to be quieter than furnaces, but are slower to make an impact on the indoor air temperature.

We’ve put together a concise summary of the pro’s and cons below, as well as a direct comparison when it comes to upkeep, cost, and efficiency: 

FURNACE

Pros

  • AIR QUALITY – Furnaces improve your indoor air quality, therefor overall personal health.
  • EFFECTIVNESS – Furnaces have faster start times and quickly provide comfort to the entirety of your home within a matter of minutes.
  • EFFICIENCY – A standard, natural gas burning furnace typically has an AFUE rating of 78-84% though they can go even higher.

Cons

  • INITIAL COST – Furnace systems do have a higher initial cost, but since they are so cost-effective and do have an average life expectancy of 15-20 years, this initial spend will offset the overall cost quickly.
  • YEARLY TUNE UP – Furnaces do require yearly tune ups to prevent untimely failures. Luckily, as opposed to heat pumps, furnaces are only used during the winter months so this maintenance only has to be completed annually.

BOILER

Pros

  • NOISE – Boilers are quieter because they do not heat using forced air.
  • GAS – Boilers are generally cheaper to run than furnaces, depending on the size of your space, since they don’t consume gas.
  • ZONING – Boilers have zoned heating meaning different rooms can be kept at different comfort levels.

Cons

  • EFFECTIVNESS – Boilers are slower to make an impact on the indoor air temperature.
  • UPKEEP – On average, boilers are much more complicated to install, replace, and repair as compared to other heating options.
  • RISK – Since boilers use a heat transfer with water, potential water leaks and frozen pipes are risks.

Looking for Advice?

If you’re having a hard time deciding between a furnace or a boiler, speak to one of our home pros today! With trusted brands, straightforward communication, and honest prices, we’re excited to assist with your HVAC maintenance. We’re not here to sell you on something that’s not right for your home- we’re here to help

Complete the contact form below for a no-pressure, no-cost consultation.

Serving Colorado residents in and around the greater Denver Metro area since 2011. Give our team at Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling a call today! 

Contact us today to consult with our team and get customized HVAC solutions from our trained and experienced professionals.

10 Common Causes for Furnace Service Calls and How to Avoid Them

by

Each year when it starts getting colder, we get a lot of calls from Coloradoans who tried to turn on their heating system only to discover that there’s some kind of problem.The vast majority of service visits in the Denver Metro Area resulting from these calls involve the same 10 issues. We’ve outlined them below, along with 5 things you can do to reduce the incidence of these problems.

What are common causes for service calls?

Most calls we get as the Colorado winters grow closer involve one or more of the following concerns.

1. Continuously-Running Blower

Blower issues can indicate a problem with the limit switch. This usually requires the intervention of a professional service technician.

2. Dirty Air Filters

Dirty or clogged air filters impede airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder. Clogged filters can also damage the limit switch.

3. Electric Ignition or Pilot Control

Thermocouple problems, drafts, and clogs can result in a faulty ignition or unlit pilot.

4. Faulty Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to problems with comfort levels or a fan that doesn’t turn properly.

5. Failure to Heat

Problems with the thermostat setting, gas, pilot light, or power can cause an inability for the furnace to do its primary task.

6. Insufficient Heat

A clogged filter can cause a furnace to produce insufficient heat. Another cause is a unit that’s too small for the space it’s attempting to heat. Our service technician will check your unit and make recommendations as appropriate.

7. Frequent Cycling

Cycling between the “On” and “Off” modes may indicate a clogged filter, improper airflow, or incorrect thermostat setting.

8. Lack of Maintenance

Some homeowners occasionally skip annual furnace inspections and maintenance calls. Whether that’s on purpose or not, doing so can lead to unexpected problems. Routine system tune-ups help prevent breakdowns and keep your system running efficiently.

9. Noisy Furnace

Squeaking, rumbling, or rattling sounds are not standard and typically indicate a mechanical problem, clogged burner, or reduction in airflow.

10. Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear of a system over time can cause problems with heat control (including overheating) and airflow.

What can I do to reduce the frequency of these problems?

Maintenance

Make it a habit to schedule a routine maintenance checkup on your furnace at the end of each summer or right after Labor Day. A professional tune-up will prepare your system for the upcoming cold season and address problems that can cause more expensive repairs or breakdowns. Enroll in our Preventive Maintenance Program and we’ll automatically schedule regular maintenance visits for this purpose.

Change Air Filters

Many furnace problems are the result of dirty or clogged air filters. Clean or replace your filters monthly while the system is in daily use or every 2-3 months when the system is being used only intermittently.

Check Circuit Breaker and Power Supply

If your thermostat screen goes blank or the furnace stops working, check to see if you’ve tripped a circuit breaker or blown a fuse. Also, make sure that power cords are plugged in.

Check Thermostat

Check the thermostat battery level if your furnace is not producing heat as expected. Sometimes this problem can be fixed simply by replacing the battery.

Reduce drafts

If your pilot light keeps going out, you may need only to close a window or door in the room to avoid drafts. If that doesn’t work, give us a call for a check-up.

Rely on Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling

If nothing seems to work, call us to schedule a service call. We’ll check out your system thoroughly, detail the repairs needed, or explain why you may need a system replacement.

Homeowners and businesses in Englewood, CO, and the Denver Metro Area, rely on Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling. Our certified technicians, flat-rate pricing, honest advice, and superior customer service can’t be beaten.

Contact us today to consult with our team and get customized HVAC solutions from our trained and experienced professionals.

7 Ways to Increase Your Home’s Humidity in the Winter

by

Talk of wintertime inspires thoughts of holidays, snuggling, snow angels, and warm socks in some people; cold weather and slippery sidewalks in others. One thing that everyone in Colorado can appreciate, though, is that the natural humidity level drops in winter, and heated air indoors is even drier.If this is your first winter as a Denver Metro Area homeowner, you may not realize that maintaining a proper humidity level inside your home pays numerous dividends for your family’s comfort, health, and safety. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the humidity levels inside your home.

What humidity level is normal for a home in Colorado?

Colorado is dry because of the high altitude and lack of nearby major water sources such as oceans. The average relative humidity in Denver is just 30-42% and indoor heated air levels can dip significantly lower. Most people consider a humidity level in the range of 40-60% to be the most comfortable.

What are the side effects of having such dry air?

Low humidity can irritate throats and nasal passages, lead to itchy eyes, and cause dry skin. Conversely, high humidity levels make a home feel stuffy and lead to condensation buildup on walls and other surfaces, triggering mold and bacteria.

In addition to these general effects, there are several specific benefits to maintaining ideal humidity levels in your home:

  • Prevent common illnesses by slowing the transmission of cold and flu viruses, among others
  • Improve dust control and decrease the incidence of airborne allergens and pollutants
  • Keep skin and eyes hydrated to avoid itchiness and irritation
  • Prolong furniture life by keeping wood furniture, pianos, and hardware floors from warping
  • Reduce electrostatic shock

Do you have any tips on surviving Colorado’s dry winters?

We sure do. Here are 7 ways to raise the humidity levels in your home that you may not have thought about.  Incorporate these into your routines to stay comfortable this winter in your Denver Metro Area home.

1. Keep some houseplants

Houseplants release vapor and water evaporation from their leaves and soil. Choose some fun tropical plants with large leaves, like Chinese evergreens, philodendrons, and palms.

2. Boil water or cook at home

Boil water or cook on your stovetop, instead of using your microwave or oven, to release steam into the air. Where possible, cook without lids to increase the amount of moisture being released.

3. Put out a few pans or vases of scented water

Leave out an open container of water, such as a pan or vase, to release moisture into the air through evaporation. Station on or near a radiator or heating vent to increase evaporation. Include essential oils, vanilla extract, or even citrus peels in the water to add a pleasant scent.

4. Air-dry some laundry

When laundering sweaters and similar clothing, lay them out flat or hang them up and let them air dry. In addition to not having the dryer shrink your favorite sweater down to toddler-size, you’ll be adding more moisture to your indoor environment.

5. Open the bathroom door

Rather than using the vent fan, open the bathroom door to let the steam from showers and baths move into other parts of the house. Consider leaving the bathwater in the tub until it has cooled to get every bit of evaporation possible.

6. Stop the heat loss

Weather-strip doors or windows that don’t fit perfectly (presuming there’s no budget to replace them) to mitigate heat and humidity loss.

7. Install a whole-house humidifier

All of the above will help increase the moisture levels inside your home, but take it a step further and install a whole-house humidifier into your central heating and air system. Whole-house humidifiers regulate your indoor air year-round. They can be adjusted to increase or decrease humidity in response to seasonal outdoor fluctuations and ensure you stay warm, comfortable, and nicely hydrated.

Count on Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling

Located in Englewood, Colorado, Discount Heating & Cooling serves the entire Denver Metro Area. We’re here to help with professional whole-house humidifier installation and expert advice on maintaining a comfortable indoor home climate year-round.

Contact us today to consult with our team and get customized HVAC solutions from our trained and experienced professionals.

Increase the Efficiency of Your Home’s Heating and Cooling System with These 7 Tips

by

Energy efficiency is everything when it comes to controlling your home’s climate. You want to be able to cool and heat your rooms with as little energy as possible to keep your bills affordable and do your part to conserve energy.The good news is that there are lots of steps that you can take to achieve this. Here are seven that could work in your home.

1. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can be effective in both summer and winter. During summer, they should rotate counterclockwise to create a cooling downdraft that keeps a room comfortable with less AC. In the winter, you can rotate your fans clockwise to push warm air that rises down to you and save on heating costs in the process.

2. Maintain Your Air Filters

Dirty air filters make your HVAC system work harder to deliver the same levels of heating or cooling. That’s why experts recommend that you replace or clean your air filters about once a month – especially during summer and winter.

3. Schedule Pre-Season Tune-ups

It’s also a good strategy to get into the habit of scheduling HVAC system tune-ups before periods of heavy usage at the beginning of summer and winter. Doing so will ensure that your system is going to run as efficiently as possible when you’re using it most.

4. Protect Your Unit from Sun and Debris

Debris like leaves and dirt can clog up your outdoor HVAC unit and make it work harder. So try to avoid placing it in a location where this might happen. Additionally, too much sun can also make your unit work harder, so it’s best to place it in a shaded location, if possible.

5. Seal Leaky Ducts & Windows

Ducts and windows are two parts of your home that are prone to air leakage. This brings down the efficiency of your HVAC system because a potentially significant amount of the climatized air that it pumps into your home may not stay in your home. Sealing those leaky ducts and windows can help to prevent this.

6. Consider Installing EnergyStar Certified HVAC Equipment

There are also significant differences between the relative energy efficiency of different types of HVAC equipment. If you want your system to be as efficient as possible, EnergyStar Certified is the way to go. Even if it costs a bit more upfront, you’ll likely save money in the long run.

7. Install a Smart Thermostat

Finally, smart thermostats give you more control over how you heat and cool your home. You can access heating and cooling remotely, set up automatic climatization cycles, and be more precise with your HVAC usage to reduce energy consumption.

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient with Colorado Discount Heating and Cooling

We are located in Englewood, Colorado, and serve the entire Denver Metro Area. Whether you want to install a smart thermostat, tune-up your system before the busy season, or get an expert’s advice on energy efficiency in your home, we’re here to help.

Contact us today to consult with our team and get customized HVAC solutions from our trained and experienced professionals.

Allergies? Here are 6 Ways to Reduce them this Spring

by

Allergies? Here are 6 Ways to Reduce them this SpringWith 300 plus days of sunshine, winters still can feel a bit long in Denver. It’s no wonder when spring comes, we want to open the windows and get outside more, so it’s frustrating when allergies foil our plans.Your indoor air quality may be a bigger culprit in aggravating your allergies than the outdoor air! With a little attention and proper HVAC maintenance, however, you can greatly reduce the allergens in your home.

Here are six important tips to help you breathe easier:

1. Conduct a thorough spring cleaning.

Pay particular attention to areas you may have missed during routine cleaning. Dust the heat registers and return vents in each room (clean these first), as well as fixtures and ceiling fans. Vacuum upholstery and drapes. Use a damp or treated cloth when dusting to avoid kicking up dust particles and dust mites while you work.

2. Have your air ducts cleaned by a professional.

Dust, dirt, mold, and other contaminants can collect in your ductwork. Because your HVAC system is continuously recirculating air, those contaminants build up and can severely compromise your indoor air quality.

3. Change your furnace filter.

This simple step helps ensure that the air circulating in your home is clean. Regularly replacing filters also keeps your furnace functioning properly and reduces maintenance issues. Choose high-quality air filters for allergy reduction to ensure the best performance.

4. Make sure the area around your HVAC unit is clear.

The outside AC unit can get clogged with dust, dirt and debris. Keeping the area around it clear prevents those things from getting pulled into your home. Pruning trees and controlling weeds cuts down on the allergens that find their way inside. Sweep, dust and vacuum around the indoor unit to keep it free from dust and debris as well.

5. Have an air cleaner installed.

The experts at Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling can advise you on the benefits of air cleaners and help you choose the right model.

6. Schedule a spring HVAC maintenance appointment.

Not only will this help keep your indoor air clean, but regular maintenance also ensures that your unit will function properly when you switch from heating to cooling, and may prevent costly repairs.

Transitioning from fall to spring can be a challenging adjustment. Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling can help you smooth that transition with an optimally functioning HVAC system. Contact us today!

Do Whole House Humidifiers Cause Mold?

by

Do Whole House Humidifiers Cause Mold?A poor humidity level is detrimental to a home’s overall comfort. Because of this, it’s important to regulate it and make sure that it’s at an optimal level during the day-to-day. The best way to accomplish this is to invest in a humidifier. With that being said, remember that a humidifier isn’t magic. If the humidifier is faulty or the settings are incorrect then it can do more harm than good. One of the problems that are commonly associated with poor humidifiers is mold. So do whole house humidifiers cause mold?

Why is Humidity in a Home Important?

It was mentioned before that a home’s humidity can make or break its overall comfort. This is because what you and your family are breathing in each day matters. If a building has bad indoor air quality then you’re going to see the negative effects that come from it. Breathing in air that is too dry can cause respiratory and sinus problems to appear over time. For example, If you’ve ever experienced a random nose bleed then it’s likely you were in a place with dry air due to a low humidity level. Owning a whole house humidifier that keeps the air around you at a moderate level will make a world of difference.

Can a Humidifier Cause Mold?

Can whole-house humidifiers cause mold? The short answer is yes. However, it’s a lot more complicated than it seems on the surface. An unregulated humidifier can raise the indoor moisture level to an unhealthy amount causing things such as mold to appear. With that being said, this is only when it’s left to its own devices. If you’re monitoring it, then there will be little to no chance that you’ll experience this problem.

In general, you should never let your home get above 55 percent relative humidity. This is because a home’s humidity levels need to stay somewhere between dry and moist. Both sides of the spectrum should be avoided. It’s imperative that you remember that when you’re setting up a whole-house humidifier.

Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling’s Solution

Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling provides a package that includes a whole-house humidifier, duct cleaning, and APCO-X (Fresh-Aire UV’s APCO-X. Please see the video below for details on how this works.  Basically, it uses UV light within the humidification system and kills everything that goes into your home.  It even cleans your surfaces.)

Call and Schedule an Installation Today!

Contact Colorado Discount Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment with one of our experts. We will work with you to determine if a whole-house humidifier is a right decision for you.