SoCo Heating and Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Air Conditioning’ Category

Can I Replace My AC on My Own?

Monday, August 1st, 2022

We understand that some of our customers are bright and really great with home improvement projects, but we’d argue that replacing an air conditioner is a little beyond a simple project. These systems are large, complex, and they’re expensive, which means the more issues you run into trying to do it yourself, the more you’re going to pay in fixing the damages.

Let’s talk a bit about why professional AC replacement in Colorado Springs is going to be better in almost every way than DIY AC replacement. We also want to stress how much of an opportunity it is to have your AC replaced by a professional, since this is your chance to get your old unit swapped out by a new and improved system like a ductless mini split!

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4 Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Monday, July 18th, 2022

Are you ready to enjoy your summer rather than sweating through it? When temperatures start to go up outside, you can keep cool indoors. However, if your air conditioning in Colorado Springs, CO, isn’t up to the challenge, it can make the sweltering summer months unbearable.

Don’t worry. Along with making sure that your AC gets the services it needs to operate effectively, there are a few things to help keep yourself cooler too. This way you can stay cool all summer long.

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Hissing and Other Noises Your AC Shouldn’t Make

Monday, July 4th, 2022

Summer is here and so is the heat! Now is when you need your air conditioner the most. However, this is a challenging season for your cooling season and increases the chances that it will encounter a problem.

If something seems wrong with your AC, it is best to reach out to a professional ASAP for your air conditioner repairs in Colorado Springs, CO. That is what our team is here for!

First things first, you may want to keep tabs on what your system sounds like while it is running. Odd noises are often a big indicator that you need to talk to a technician and have your system inspected!

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We Are Here to Provide For Your AC Needs

Monday, June 20th, 2022

When it comes to keeping your home cool throughout the summer, you have a pretty big challenge to face. The heat in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas can be formidable. But thankfully you aren’t alone when you’re facing this issue.

SoCo Heating and Cooling provides expert air conditioner services in Colorado Springs, CO and beyond. We work with a majority of AC systems and offer comprehensive services to ensure that you can enjoy a truly comfortable home. Read on to discover how our team is your one-stop shop for all of your home comfort needs.

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What you need to know before adding or replacing central air conditioning

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

Spring is here and that means another summer is just around the corner. This is also the time of year people start thinking about adding or replacing the air conditioner to make sure this summer is more comfortable than last year was. But where do you begin? How do you know you are making the right choice for your home? Most importantly, how do you make sure you don’t get ripped off? These are all great questions homeowners ask all the time.

Choosing the right contractor

The first and most important thing is your contractor.  Do your research.  On line reviews are great, but look for an recommendation from someone you know who used that company.  Not all contractors are the same and neither are the technicians.  Make sure you feel comfortable.  Here are some good questions to ask and things to look for.

  • Do they have the required MECH IV licensing to perform service here in the Pikes Peak Region?  This is a special license to our region.  The high altitude has dramatic effects on both your furnace and the air conditioner.
  • Is the technician in your home NATE certified?  This is a technical certification of competence that requires regular ongoing training to maintain.  While it is no guarantee of quality or skill, it can demonstrate a solid baseline of knowledge.
  • Will the person providing you with an estimate be involved with the installation?  Generally, the larger companies have completely separate install crews.  That can mean broken promises and later upcharges for “unforeseen issues”.  If the person generating your estimate will also be involved with the installation, it can make for a much smoother process with fewer surprises.

What you need to know about equipment brands

Next up is the age old question:  Who makes the best unit?  Are you ready for the answer to a question that has baffled home owners for eons?  The answer is “Whatever the preferred brand is of your trusted, licensed and vetted contractor”!  That’s it.  The truth of online reviews for heating and cooling products is that people’s overall happiness is in most cases determined by the quality of the install rather than the quality of the equipment.  I like Trane equipment.  Bob likes Carrier Equipment.  Homeowners like working equipment.

Ok folks, stay with me now…  It’s time for some technical stuff.

Terms you need to know before talking to a contractor

SEER – This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.   It basically goes like this.  The Higher the SEER rating, the lower the cost of operation but the higher your initial investment.
TONS – Technicians and contractors will often refer to the TON size of your outdoor condensing unit.  This is short hand for the BTU rating, or amount of cooling created, of your system.  12,000 BTUs equals one TON of capacity.  In very general terms, you need 12,000 BTUs of capacity for every 600 sqft of conditioned space.  There are many other conditions that contribute to the proper sizing of your unit.  A quality contractor will perform a load calculation to ensure the right fit.
Single Stage, Two Stage and Variable Speed – Modern air conditioning units come in a number of configurations these days.  A single stage unit is the AC we are all familiar with.  It comes on, it goes off.  Two stage units will operate at half their capacity during the cooler parts of the day.  This makes for more consistent temperatures inside your home without the hot and cold spikes most people are familiar with and does it all while using much less energy.  Variable speed units are the Rolls Royce of AC, allowing you to maintain exact temperature controls at all times while using far less power and much quieter operation.

Furnace replacement

The last question I get asked a lot is “Do I have to replace my furnace too”?  The answer is, not always.  But if your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely that the added work and stress of running the AC will shorten the life span of your furnace.  You can generally save money when installing both at the same time too.  So if your furnace is less than 30 years old and your contractor tells you you MUST replace the furnace too, get a second opinion just to be safe.

Getting the best deal possible

Here is my last tad bit.  Want to know the best time to get a deal on a new AC unit?  It’s now in early springs.  While the temps outside hover right around perfection, no one needs us.  So in order to entice homeowners to do their planned upgrades now, many contractors will offer special promotions and discounts.

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My A/C is broken! What to check before you call!

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

My A/C is broken! what to check before you call!

It is that time of year again. That time of year where everything is fine until you finally break down and turn on the A/C. If you find yours isn’t working when you fire it up, here is what you should check.

Check Your Filter

Dirty filters cause the majority of A/C problems. Your filter is located in your furnace and your air conditioner relies on the furnace to blow the cold air. When the filter is dirty the air can’t get through. If your filter IS dirty, often this can cause the unit to ice up. If you see ice, turn your A/C to off, and turn your fan to on. Allow it to thaw before using it with a clean filter.

Check the breaker

If your A/C isn’t running at all, check the breaker. Keep in mind some houses have more than one breaker box and it could be in a secondary box as well. A tripped breaker can indicate a problem, so if it happens repeatedly, have it checked by an expert.

Check the outside unit

First of all, if the house is new to you, be sure you have A/C and check for the outside unit. Many houses in Colorado do not have A/C by default as in many other states and it can be an unpleasant surprise for new home owners. If you do find an outdoor unit make sure it is not covered in debris and that air can circulate through it easily. This may require a quick rinse with the hose or removal of weeds.

Call Us

If all of the above fails, just give us a call 719-551-2232 or schedule online here and we can help get you cool! Stay Cool Colorado Springs!

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What is an A/C Tune Up?

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

What is an A/C Tune Up?

An A/C tune up is basic maintenance for your AC system. We are used to maintaining and tuning up our cars to increase their life spans and catch problems before they happen. The same is true for your A/C.
A/C Tune Ups should be done once a year. They keep your system running at peak performance and help find problems before they happen so you aren’t stuck mid-summer sweating it out!

During our A/C Tune Up your technician will:

Inspect your coil

Test and measure outputs on components that more commonly fail over time

Inspect your filters

Tighten components and terminals that become loose over time

Check all safety controls

Inspect refrigerant lines and insulation

Test refrigerant pressures and temperature

Verify the air output at the vents

Clear debris

Calibrate thermostat

At the end of your tune-up you will receive an easy to read score sheet to keep that will go over everything about your system and give a clear picture of its performance.

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When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Air Conditioner?

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021
Air conditioner installation unit beside a home porch with flowers and brick exterior.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Buy a New Air Conditioner?

This is probably the most common question we are asked in the HVAC industry.

The majority of homes in Colorado Springs do not have AC. If you aren’t a native, you may have learned this the hard way. We have had more than one customer who reported the AC not working only to find that they never had one installed in the first place. If your home does not have AC or has one that isn’t working well, adding AC or replacing one isn’t a huge problem at all. They key is knowing when to buy it.

When Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?

The best time to buy a new AC or any HVAC equipment is always in the spring or fall. When the weather is extreme (cold or hot) most HVAC companies are very busy and are booked several weeks in advance. At this time there are little discounts available and a long wait home to get your home cool. During the spring and fall when HVAC equipment isn’t working as hard companies slow down and have the availability to install equipment sooner and at deeper discounts.

How Do You Get a New Air Conditioner Installed?

Getting a new Air Conditioner is a simple process.

Schedule an estimate

During an estimate, we will assess your home and determine the appropriate sizing. We will go over how the system works and how it will perform in your home and help you understand the differences in the available systems, so that you can choose the perfect one for your lifestyle and budget. During this time, you can find out what specials or discounts are available.

How Does AC Installation Scheduling Work?

Next we will set up a day to do your installation. A new AC installation will take about a day to complete.

What Happens on Air Conditioner Installation Day?

On installation day our crew will arrive with your new equipment. An air conditioner consists of 2 major components. The coil (which is installed next to the furnace) and the condenser (which is installer outside.) They will need access to the area where the furnace sits, the thermostat, the electrical panel, the predetermined area where the condenser will sit and possibly a few places in between. When the install is complete packing and old equipment will be removed.

What Should You Expect During the Final AC Inspection?

All equipment installed should have permits pulled and be inspected by the regional building department. We will schedule an inspection for you, when your install is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When is the best time to buy a new air conditioner?
Answer: The best time to buy a new air conditioner is usually during spring or fall. These are slower seasons for HVAC companies, which often means better availability, faster installation scheduling, and a better chance of finding discounts before extreme summer or winter weather increases demand.

Question: Why is spring or fall better for AC replacement?
Answer: Spring and fall are often better because HVAC companies are not as overwhelmed with emergency service calls. That slower pace can give homeowners more flexibility when scheduling installation, along with more time to compare options, ask questions, and take advantage of seasonal promotions.

Question: What happens if I wait until summer to buy a new AC?
Answer: Waiting until summer can make the process more stressful because demand is much higher when temperatures rise. During peak heat, contractors are often booked further out, installation timelines can be longer, and there may be fewer discounts available compared with the off-season.

Question: What should happen during an AC installation estimate?
Answer: During an AC installation estimate, the contractor should assess your home, determine the right system size, explain how the equipment will perform, and review available system options. This is also the time to talk through pricing, budget, and any specials or discounts that may apply.

Question: How long does it take to install a new air conditioner?
Answer: A standard new air conditioner installation often takes about one day to complete. The crew may need access to the furnace area, thermostat, electrical panel, and outdoor condenser location. After installation, the old equipment is usually removed, and the system may also need a permit inspection.

If you are interested in getting a quote for a new AC system now is the time!  Visit our scheduling page here or give us a call 719-551-2232 to schedule today.

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Why you need an AC tune up

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

Why you need an aC tune up

AC Tune-Ups should be done annually to make sure your system is performing correctly. But what exactly is involved in a tune-up and how do they help your system?

Checking your filter

Filters should be changed monthly, but it is easy to forget. Dirty filters block air flow and can freeze up your air conditioner. This could lead to some very uncomfortable days while you wait for it to thaw. During a tune-up, we make sure these are being changed regularly.

Cleaning your outdoor condenser

Your outdoor condenser pulls in outside air. Over the winter the condenser can become covered in dirt and debris, restricting air flow. During a tune-up, your condenser will be cleaned to ensure top performance!

Checking your coil

Your air conditioner has 2 parts the coil and the condenser. The condenser is outside and the coil is inside near the furnace. The indoor coil can also become impacted with dirt and debris. During a tune-up we can evaluate it’s condition and ensure you will be good to go for summer.

Testing Components And Connections

Over time, wires can become loose, bolts can loosen and individual parts can fail. We thoroughly evaluate your system to catch and repair minor aging and measure output of all components to ensure proper functionality.

Peace of mind guarantee

At SoCo Heating and Cooling, we always include our peace of mind guarantee. We stand behind our evaluations of our system. Should any problems occur within the season of your tune-up, all diagnostic charges will be waived. So don’t wait for the summer heat to find out if your AC is ready for another season. Schedule your tune-up today! Click here to schedule online now! Find out more about our tune-ups here.

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what is efficiency? and how does it affect me?

Tuesday, September 14th, 2021

What is high efficency and what does it mean for you?

You hear it all of the time… Upgrade to a new high efficiency furnaces. It is a new trend across the HVAC and large appliance industry, but what is high efficiency? And how does it impact you? To be efficient equipment must be able to do its job using as little resources as possible. This could mean less water used by your washing machine, less electricity used by your refrigerator and less gas used by your furnace. Think about gas mileage in your car. Cars used to be incredibly inefficient. In the 1960’s cars were only able to get around 14 miles per gallon. These days high efficiency cars can get up to 40 miles per gallon. These new advancements in efficiency are now moving into your home. Many new standards are being released to move to more efficient equipment. These are great for utility companies and the environment as they use less electricity, water and gas. Many even offer rebates and discounts when these products are purchased. The most direct impact of high efficiency equipment is the impact it has on your wallet. Let’s talk furnaces. Furnaces are often offered in a standard 80% efficiency or a 96% (or above) high efficiency.

80% Efficiency Furnace

An 80% efficiency furnace, is 80% effective at doing it’s job.  So 20% of the money you spend to heat your home goes right out the roof. Meaning for every $1 you spend 20 cents is wasted.

96% Efficiency Furnace

With a 96% efficiency furnace, your furnace is 96% effective at doing its job. This means only 4% or less of the money you spend heating your home is wasted. That is only 4 cents for each $1.00 you spend.

Older Lower Efficiency Furnaces

Older furnaces from the 70’s and 80’s can be as low as 65% efficiency… which means almost half of the money you spend is wasted.

If your average gas bill is $100, you could be spending as much as $45 a month more than you need to to heat your home.  It is pretty clear how quickly these high efficiency upgrades can add up.  Often, they can pay for themselves. High efficiency products are the way of the future.  They save resources and money, and do their job better than any previous models. Consider upgrading yours today.  You can schedule your free furnace estimate by visiting www.socoheatingandcooling.com/schedulenow

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