It’s January, and you’re just trying to stay warm along the Front Range. Your heater is running nonstop. To keep out the cold, your windows are locked, and your doors are sealed tight. It looks like a cozy house from a Norman Rockwell painting.

Unfortunately, this may not be the case. January is National Radon Action Month for a reason. When everything is sealed up tight, indoor radon levels hit their highest levels. Historically, winter is the worst time of year for radon. Even if you have a new house or your neighbor tested low, you can still have high levels inside your home.

By getting radon testing in Fort Collins in winter, you can ensure your family is safe. For more about this testing and how Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help, read on.

The “Balance Point”: Fresh Air vs. Energy Efficiency

As a homeowner in Fort Collins, it’s essential to find a balance point between sealing your home for heat efficiency and allowing it to breathe for health. When we constructed homes years ago, they weren’t made to be airtight. They naturally breathed, but this led to the loss of heat.

In more recent years, builders have improved their designs and materials. As a result, new homes are incredibly energy efficient and lose much less heat. While this is great for your power bill, it’s potentially damaging your health. New homes function like plastic bags, trapping toxins inside. 

By finding the balance point between retaining heat and allowing proper ventilation, you can ensure a warm home without having to sacrifice your winter home air quality.

The Physics: The “Stack Effect” Explained

To see how this works, let’s get the stack effect explained. Visualize your house as a chimney. Throughout the year, hot air rises in your home. It ends up escaping through small cracks and holes in your attic. 

However, this is an issue because the removal of air creates a vacuum effect on the lowest level. As hot air escapes out of the top of your home, it pulls cold air in from your basement or crawlspace.

Unfortunately, this effect is strongest when the indoor and outdoor temperatures are the farthest apart. Often, indoor air temperatures will be set to around 70°F. Outdoor temperatures are about 20°F. Because of this drastic difference, more soil gases are pulled into your home than during any other month.

Thanks to granite soil’s uranium, radon is produced as a byproduct. Whenever the crawlspace air is pulled into your home, it is bringing radon gas with it.

Ventilation: The Other Half of the Puzzle

If you check out the Zone 1 radon map in Colorado, you’ll see that radon is a common concern for many local homeowners. However, some homes test surprisingly low. That’s because there is a second piece to the puzzle involved: ventilation.

Mitigation Vs. Dilution

As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand the difference between radon mitigation vs. ventilation. Many homes use mitigation fans, which are blowers that remove radon gases from underneath your home and vent them above your roofline. Also known as sub-slab depressurization, these fans are essential for reducing the amount of radon gas in your basement or crawlspace.

However, mitigation is just part of the solution. You also need to effectively dilute the amount of radon gas that is already in your house.

Heat Recovery Ventilators 

Heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) for radon are an effective tool for improving your indoor air quality. They are designed to swap your stale, radon-filled air for fresh outdoor air. As this transfer is performed, the heat from the outgoing air is transferred to the incoming air so that your home doesn’t waste as much energy.

The process begins when the central unit brings in stale air from your home and vents it through the exhaust. To balance the airflow, fresh air is also brought into your home. In the middle of this process, the heat exchanger core is responsible for transferring heat. During the winter, it uses the heat from your indoor air to warm up the incoming air. In summertime, heat from the incoming air is transferred to air that is being released from your home.

This fresh air exchange system is incredibly effective for improving indoor air quality in Larimer County. It is an inexpensive, effective way to avoid radon risks if you live in Northern Colorado. When paired with mitigation, HRVs are a powerful tool for boosting air quality.

The DOs 

From digital monitoring to radon testing in Fort Collins in winter, there are a few essential steps you can take to ensure your home and family are protected from radon.

DO Test in January

When you test your home is essential. During January, radon levels will be at their worst. If you get a clean test result in January, you can be confident that your family is safe for the rest of the year.

DO Use Digital Monitoring

Radon levels can change over time, especially if you make changes to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) setup. Improved ventilation, crawlspace encapsulation, and changes in your heat consumption can all impact whether radon levels increase or decrease. 

To ensure your family’s safety throughout the year, you need more than a one-time charcoal test. With long-term monitors, such as Airthings, you can get instant feedback on your day-to-day radon levels. 

DO Seal the “Envelope”

By sealing your home’s envelope, you can prevent radon from getting in. Start by sealing home cracks in winter, especially large ones in your basement floor. If you use a sump pump, it should have a cover. 

Crawlspace encapsulation is also an effective tool for lowering radon levels. It involves using a heavy-duty vapor barrier to cover the dirt floor and foundation walls, so radon is blocked from getting into your crawlspace.

The DON’Ts

By being proactive, you can protect your family from the dangers of radon gas. As a part of your protective measures, avoid doing the following things.

DON’T Rely on Summer Tests

Again, radon levels are at their highest in the wintertime. During the summer, windows are often open to let in fresh air. This reduces the amount of radon in the air, impacting your test result. Relying on summertime tests will give you a false sense of security. 

DON’T Ignore the Crawlspace 

Even if you’re not interested in basement living, the stack effect can still impact your air quality. Because air will be pulled from the crawlspace, it’s essential to use encapsulation, sub-slab depressurization, and sump pump covers to reduce the amount of radon gas that is inside your crawlspace. 

DON’T Seal Without Ventilation

If you want to save money on your energy bills, sealing your ductwork is an effective solution. To prevent lost heat, you should also seal around doors and windows. 

However, there is a potential danger involved when you seal your home. While sealing ductwork and the building structure can prevent heat loss, it can be a major health issue if you haven’t installed mechanical ventilation. Unless you ventilate your home or open some windows, the toxins will continue building up inside. 

Troubleshooting: My Levels Are High. Now What?

You’ve finally decided to test your home for radon levels. Now that you’ve received the results, you’re concerned about how high they are. If you experience either of the following two symptoms, it’s time to make some changes to your home’s mitigation and ventilation systems.

• You consistently get readings above 4.0 pCi/L.
• You smell musty odors in the basement, which often indicates that soil gases are present.

If your radon testing in Fort Collins in winter showed high results, don’t panic. The following troubleshooting steps can help you protect the health of your family.

Confirm the Test

First, confirm that the test was accurate by testing again. It’s always possible that something was wrong with the first test.

Call Balance Point

Afterward, give our HVAC technicians a call. We can professionally test your home. Then, our team will review your home’s design and HVAC setup to see where changes can be made. 

Encapsulate the Crawlspace

If you haven’t carried out crawlspace encapsulation yet, now is a good time to do so. By using a heavy-duty vapor barrier on the walls and floor of your crawlspace, you can stop radon gas from coming inside.

Invest in Mitigation

Sub-slab depressurization is an effective tool for removing radon gases that build up underneath your home. It can significantly reduce your lung cancer risks as a non-smoker, improve your air quality, and lower the humidity level in your home. Plus, they are known for being extremely low maintenance.

Install an HRV

Setting up a sub-slab depressurization is just one half of the equation. With HRVs, you can improve the ventilation inside your home so that fresh air is brought inside. Heat is exchanged between your indoor and outdoor air, so you don’t have to worry about energy-efficiency issues.

Seal Cracks

While it won’t solve the problem completely, sealing up cracks can prevent radon gas from getting inside. Many homeowners don’t notice cracks in their crawlspace or basement, especially because they can develop slowly over time. With a few simple repairs, you can prevent one cause of radon gas exposure.

Discovering radon gas isn’t a death sentence. Our talented HVAC technicians are experienced at treating and preventing radon gas in homes. If you are uncertain about how to purify your indoor air, reach out to our team for a professional evaluation.

Why Professional IAQ Services Matter in Fort Collins

In Northern Colorado, we are classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Zone 1. Because Larimer County is Zone 1, we have the highest potential for radon gas. 

Unfortunately, radon is known to be a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. An estimated 21,000 people die every year from radon-caused lung cancer. Throughout the United States, almost 1 out of 15 homes has radon levels that should be reduced.

Thanks to our local geology, radon levels are naturally high in Larimer County. The good news is that you don’t have to simply put up with high radon levels. There are effective tools that can reduce the amount of radon in your home.

When you reach out to Balance Point for indoor air quality improvements, our team will approach the problem holistically. First, we’ll look at your furnace to determine if there are any issues contributing to your IAQ problems. We will check your ductwork for signs of leaks, crushed sections, and other air flow issues. Then, our technicians will inspect your ventilation to make sure it is adequate for your home.

Once our inspections are complete, we can recommend the best course of action. Depending on the extent of the problem, you may need an HRV or a sub-slab depressurization system installed. Additionally, we may recommend using different types of air purifiers and humidifiers to improve the air quality inside your home. 

Ultimately, our goal is to go beyond simply installing a fan. Our advanced systems allow you to vent radon gas outside your home, improving your home’s air quality and the health of every person inside. From diagnosing complex entry points to testing the radon level in the air, our HVAC technicians can ensure your home is protected.

Learn more about how Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can decrease radon levels in your home by reaching out to our team of HVAC experts today.

Keep Your Home Safe This Winter 

Thanks to Front Range geology, radon is a real risk for local homeowners. Fortunately, it is easy to conduct radon testing in Fort Collins in the winter. If your radon levels are high, there are simple steps we can take to fix the problem. You don’t have to decide between a warm home and a healthy home.

Unsure what you are breathing this winter? Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for a comprehensive Indoor Air Quality assessment and find out if an HRV is right for your home.

It’s a classic January week in Fort Collins. On Tuesday, the weather is a comfortable 65° and the sun is shining. By Wednesday night, a cold front hits the city, and the temperature drops to just 10°.

When you live in Fort Collins, setting your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be challenging. You can’t simply set it and forget it. The massive HVAC efficiency and temperature swings in Fort Collins create a thermal shock for your home and HVAC system. As a result, active management is essential for ensuring your family’s comfort and avoiding high energy bills.

For help maintaining your heating system this winter, give us a call.

The “Balance Point”: Finding Equilibrium in Chaos 

In the HVAC world, the “balance point” is the temperature where the heat loss from your building equals the heat output of your HVAC system. If the temperature falls below this point, your HVAC system won’t be able to keep up. 

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we use load calculations to figure out exactly how much heat your home needs. As a part of this calculation, we carefully consider the building’s envelope, your environment, the number of occupants, the size of your home, appliances, and other factors. 

The problem is that, even with accurate load calculations, 60-degree drops in 24 hours are going to stress the system. Your unit was intended for a specific design temperature. When the weather swings so rapidly, your HVAC system will struggle to switch between storing and shedding heat. 

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand thermal shock and home heating. We can help your system adapt to these drastic HVAC efficiency and temperature swings in Fort Collins so that your family doesn’t have to alternate between shivering and sweating.

The “False Spring” Trap: Thermostat Strategy

Another problem local residents face is due to Chinook winds and heating problems. On a warm Chinook day, your home will naturally start to warm up. As a result, you may open your windows and switch off the heat.

However, Chinook winds can shift after the sun sets. This causes the temperature in your home to plummet drastically. Because the windows were open and your heating system was off during the day, your walls and furniture have lost their stored heat. In turn, this causes your HVAC system to work harder to reach the same temperature level.

To protect your furnace and ensure a comfortable home, you need to maintain a baseline temperature. Instead of allowing your home to get significantly colder or warmer, the goal is to keep it at a set spot. 

By maintaining the temperature a little higher, you can help your furniture and walls retain their stored heat. The higher indoor temperature means the furnace doesn’t have to run for four hours nonstop to make up for lost heat.

Maintaining a baseline temperature isn’t just essential for your family’s comfort and your home’s energy efficiency along the Front Range. It is also essential for avoiding unexpected breakdowns and furnace repairs. Nonstop operation can cause added wear, increasing the likelihood of costly repairs and replacements in the future.

Managing the “Deadband”

While it might sound intimidating, the deadband is actually a positive tool for your HVAC system. In HVAC terms, the deadband is the gap between your heating setpoint and cooling setpoint. When your deadband is set accurately, it can prevent your HVAC system from rapidly switching between heating and cooling. Additionally, an effective deadband setting can limit wear and save on energy costs.

However, this is only true if the heating and cooling deadband is set accurately. An overly narrow deadband can cause your air conditioner to kick on in the middle of a January afternoon, only to have your furnace switch on two hours later.

This type of issue occurs if your thermostat’s auto mode is too narrow. To fix the problem, you should widen the gap. Alternatively, it is also effective to simply turn off your air conditioner and use only heat mode during January. By making this switch, you can reduce the wear on your HVAC system and save money on energy costs.

The DOs: Swing Season Best Practices

Whether you’re struggling with Poudre Valley air quality or shivering in dry winter winds, there are a few best practices you can use to stay comfortable during wintertime weather in Fort Collins.

• DO Use the Fan On Mode: Your fan can end up saving you significantly on your energy costs if you’re dealing with your two-story house cooling in winter. Instead of spending extra on heating your home, switch your fan mode on. When the upper level starts to heat up during the day, the fan will recirculate the air into your home’s lower levels. Instead of having a frigid downstairs and sweltering upstairs, you can save on energy and enjoy a more consistent level of comfort.
• DO Check Your Outdoor Sensor: It’s also essential to check outdoor temperature sensors in HVAC systems. If your thermostat isn’t sensing the temperature properly, it may turn off prematurely. For example, thermostat sensors that are placed in direct sunshine may think that the temperature is 80° when it is actually 40°, resulting in colder indoor temperatures.
• DO Adjust Blinds: Besides adjusting your programmable thermostat settings in winter, you can also save money by taking advantage of solar gain. During the day, open your blinds to receive extra heat from the sun. Then, close the blinds as soon as the sun drops behind the mountains at night.

If you need help with thermostat repairs or replacements, give us a call. Our team can also discuss the best settings for your home, so your family can stay toasty all winter.

The DON’Ts: Costly Mistakes

When dealing with HVAC efficiency and temperature swings in Fort Collins, it pays to be proactive. To protect your HVAC system and your family’s comfort, avoid making the following costly mistakes.

• DON’T Use Deep Setbacks: One of the most important things you can do to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during false spring weather is to keep your furnace running. You should never drop your indoor temperature by more than 5° to 8°. While it might seem like setting the temperature lower would save money, the cost of recovering the lost heat outweighs any savings you would have. 
• DON’T Ignore Humidity: When the Chinook winds blow, they can be incredibly drying. This dry air absorbs any moisture on your skin, causing an evaporative cooling effect. As your indoor humidity drops, it can make 68° feel like 62°. For help managing indoor humidity in Colorado, talk to our HVAC technicians about the best humidifier options for your home.
• DON’T Block Vents: Sometimes, homeowners will try to save money by closing vents in unused rooms. To ensure the effectiveness of your HVAC system, you should never block or close vents. Every register needs to be open so that the system can breathe during high-load recovery periods. Additionally, closed vents cause increased pressure in your ductwork and HVAC system, resulting in unnecessary wear.

Troubleshooting: Is My System Broken?

From long recovery times to unusual cold spots, there are a few common signs your HVAC system may be struggling to keep up with the changing weather. While some of these signs mean you need to get furnace repairs or replacements, you may also be able to resolve common problems through routine HVAC maintenance or making simple adjustments to your HVAC usage.

You Experience Short Cycling

Short cycling is the term for when the furnace runs for short bursts before shutting off. This often occurs because of overheating. For example, a dirty filter can reduce airflow and cause the furnace to overheat. This triggers a safety mechanism that shuts down the furnace.

Other than dirty filters, short cycling can also occur due to having an oversized furnace, dirty sensors, and thermostat issues. An oversized furnace reaches the appropriate temperature too rapidly, causing it to shut off right away. If the flame sensor is dirty, it will automatically switch off because it can’t sense the flame. Similarly, placing a thermostat in direct sunshine or having a malfunctioning thermostat can result in short cycling.

To troubleshoot this issue, start by checking your thermostat settings and placement. Then, you should replace your air filter and make sure the vents are unobstructed. However, if these basic steps don’t work, you’ll need to schedule a professional HVAC inspection.

You Hear Loud “Creaking” in the Walls 

If you hear creaking noises in the walls of your home, it is likely due to your ductwork expanding and contracting too fast. This type of issue is typically caused by damaged ductwork, restricted airflow, or blower motor issues.

Duct leaks and damage can cause whistling noises and creaking in your walls. This means that heat is being lost to the outdoors, increasing your energy consumption and forcing your HVAC system to work harder. Professional duct sealing and repairs can quickly resolve this issue.

Similarly, restricted airflow can cause pressure changes and creaking. To troubleshoot, start by replacing your air filter. If this doesn’t help, you’ll need an experienced HVAC technician to look for bent ductwork and other airflow-related issues.

Finally, loud creaking sounds are often an indication of a blower motor malfunction. The blower motor may have worn bearings, mount issues, a bad capacitor, excess debris, or other issues. All of these must be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.

One of Your Rooms is 10° Warmer Than the Other Rooms

If one room is 10° hotter than the rest of your house, there are a few different issues that could be in play. For instance, a poorly sized system may struggle to heat your home adequately, leading to uneven temperatures. 

Alternatively, you could be dealing with ductwork or airflow issues. Clogged vents, blocked ducts, duct leaks, crushed sections of ductwork, and similar problems can impact how much air reaches each section of your home. Because many different problems could be in play, it’s essential to get a professional HVAC technician to evaluate your home’s HVAC system.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters in Fort Collins

If you’re dealing with false spring weather and HVAC problems in Fort Collins, our team can help. When the Front Range’s unique winter weather arrives, it places double the stress on our heat exchangers and ignitors. High altitudes, significant temperature swings, and a dry climate can impact your furnace’s combustion and lead to issues in different ways.

• High Altitudes: Furnaces are intended to work in areas with a standard air density. At high altitudes, combustion doesn’t occur properly. This places more stress on the heat exchangers and ignitors. 
• Major Temperature Swings: When significant temperature changes occur, they cause the heat exchanger metal to expand and contract. In turn, this leads to thermal fatigue and microscopic cracks in your heat exchanger. 
• Dry Air: Finally, our climate’s dry air means the air doesn’t retain heat as well. Because the air loses heat rapidly, your unit is more likely to short cycle to keep the temperature steady. Over time, this causes increased wear and more frequent HVAC repairs.

Because of this, it’s essential to schedule a professional maintenance appointment. When sub-zero nights arrive, you need to be confident that your gas pressure is correct and your furnace is firing at full capacity. 

Dealing with gas lines and gas components isn’t something you should do on your own. There is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and dangerous gas leaks if any of these components are damaged or improperly installed. Because of this, you should always reach out to a professional HVAC expert for a full pre-winter inspection.

To make preparing for winter a little easier, our team offers a convenient membership plan. In addition to complimentary tune-ups, it includes special promotions and discounts on important HVAC services. 

Prepare Your Home for a Warm, Comfortable Winter

Dealing with HVAC efficiency and temperature swings in Fort Collins can be challenging. While the weather is unpredictable, your family’s comfort doesn’t have to be. By anticipating potential HVAC swings and adjusting your family’s habits, you can lower your energy costs and stay comfortable throughout our rollercoaster of weather changes.

Tired of your home feeling like a freezer at night and a sauna in the afternoon? Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can optimize your HVAC system for our local climate.

Stay warm this winter by scheduling your HVAC inspection today.

On a typical February night in Fort Collins, it’s normal to have the temperature drop to -5°F. For homeowners who have just transitioned away from traditional gas furnaces, sub-zero cold snaps are often a cause for concern.   Thankfully, the old reputation that heat pumps used to have for poor performance in freezing temperatures is no longer true. Over the years, heat pump technology has evolved significantly. Today, they are known for being an efficient primary heat source for Northern Colorado homeowners. By maximizing your heat pump efficiency in cold weather in Fort Collins, you can ensure a warm, comfortable winter for your family.

Reaching “the Balance Point”: A Perfect Definition

When talking about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) topics, the “thermal balance point” is the outdoor temperature where a heat pump is no longer capable of maintaining the indoor temperature on its own. For a standard heat pump, this is often around 25°F to 35°F. However, cold-climate heat pumps (CCHP) have thermal balance points that are as low as 0°F or even -10°F.   If your existing heat pump doesn’t provide warmth during Front Range winters, the best solution is to get a gas furnace or electric heat strips to bridge the gap. With a gas furnace, you can set up a hybrid system that provides you with the efficiency of a heat pump for most of the time and the high-performance capacity of a furnace on the coldest days of the year.   Struggling to find the balance point during Northern Colorado’s drastic temperature swings? Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s experienced technicians are here to help with our local expertise and no-pressure consultations.

Managing Expectations: It Feels Different

When you switch to a heat pump, it can feel like the heat pump is blowing cold air. This is due to a key difference between how heat pumps and furnaces operate. With a gas furnace, the air coming out of your vents is 130°F or higher. In comparison, heat pumps produce air that is around 90°F to 105°F. Your skin is around 98°F, so the air may feel cooler to the touch. However, it is still capable of warming up your home.   In practice, this means that gas furnaces will cycle on and off abruptly because they’re able to reach the appropriate temperature quickly. Heat pumps run longer and slower to achieve the same effect. When it comes to heat pump efficiency in cold weather in Fort Collins, “low and slow” is our motto. If it’s running for extended periods of time in the winter, that simply means it is doing its job properly.

The Defrost Cycle: Don’t Panic

If you’re just getting used to dual-fuel heating systems or cold-climate heat pumps, don’t be alarmed by the heat pump’s defrost cycle. When the defrost cycle is active, you may notice that the outdoor unit stops spinning. Then, it will make a whooshing noise, and steam will rise out of it.   This might look scary, but it is actually a part of the unit’s design. Even when we’re experiencing Fort Collins’ dry cold, frost can still build up on the heat pump’s outdoor coils. This can impact the unit’s performance, so a defrost cycle is automatically built into its design. For a brief period of time, the heat pump will reverse itself to melt the ice.   Sudden steam during the defrost cycle is perfectly normal. You don’t have to turn the unit off or make any changes because the heat pump knows what it is doing.

The DOs: Wintertime Best Practices

Whether you’re struggling with the area’s heavy, wet snow or simply want to maximize your Larimer County energy efficiency, there are a few important steps you can take to protect your heat pump and support its performance.

DO: “Set It and Forget It”

With a gas furnace, the high performance capacity means you can quickly make up lost time if your temperature setting is too low. This is not true with heat pumps. If you drop the temperature to 62°F while you’re at work, you will struggle to make up the difference in extreme cold.   The best option with heat pumps is to set it and forget it. Pick a comfortable temperature, such as 68°F to 70°F, and let it go.

DO: Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

After a heavy Front Range snowstorm rolls through the area, you need to check on your heat pump to make sure it’s functioning at its best. If there is too much snow, leaves, or debris, it can restrict the airflow around the outdoor unit. By performing quick snow removal around your heat pump unit, you can ensure it’s fully functional during frigid temperatures.

DO: Change Filters Frequently

Even in the mild weather, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow and lead to unnecessary wear. When heat pumps are working twice as hard in the snow, you can’t afford to have a clogged filter. Depending on the unit, you should generally change the air filter every 30 to 90 days. During periods of peak usage, it needs to be replaced more frequently.

The DON’Ts: Costly Mistakes

When it comes to winter HVAC maintenance in Northern Colorado, there are a few serious mistakes you should avoid.

DON’T Switch to “Emergency Heat” Manually

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand when to use auxiliary heat vs. emergency heat. When setting a thermostat for heat pumps, you don’t have to worry about “Aux Heat” because it will switch on automatically when it is needed.   Meanwhile, opting for “Em Heat” will make your system use your expensive backup heating source, like electric strips. Once the setting is in emergency mode, it will lock out your energy-efficient heat pump. Because of this, you should only switch to the emergency option if your heat pump is physically broken.

DON’T Cover the Unit

Homeowners often cover AC units during the wintertime to keep out snow and debris. This is not the case for heat pumps. Your outdoor unit needs to be uncovered and able to breathe 365 days a year.

DON’T Ignore Ice Encasement

Thanks to the defrost mode, you don’t have to worry if there is a little frost on your heat pump. However, if your unit is fully encased in a block of ice, you need to reach out to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional heat pump maintenance right away.

Troubleshooting: When the Cold Wins

While routine maintenance and properly setting the thermostat for a heat pump can optimize your unit’s performance, even the best heat pumps might not be able to keep up during severe cold snaps. If you experience the following red flags, you need to schedule heat pump services right away.  

• Your home’s temperature continues to drop, but your system is still running.
• Your heat pump’s outdoor unit has been operating in the “defrost” mode and steaming for 15 minutes or more.
• Grinding noises or loud screeching sounds are coming from the unit.
• There is ice buildup on the inside of your outdoor coil that refuses to melt.

Why Professional Maintenance Matters in Fort Collins

In Fort Collins, professional HVAC maintenance is especially important. We experience hot summers and cold winters, so your heat pump will need to operate throughout the year. Because of the double wear involved in being a heating and cooling combo, your heat pump needs to be carefully maintained.   One of the most important things you can do to keep your heat pump running at its best is to get your refrigerant levels recharged. When refrigerant levels drop, the heat pump’s capacity to absorb and transfer heat from the cold air drops significantly.   To make routine maintenance a little easier, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers a convenient membership plan. It includes special discounts and two complimentary tune-ups per year, so you can easily optimize your heat pump’s performance.

Managing Your Heat Pump’s Performance in Frigid Temperatures

Do heat pumps work in freezing weather? If they’re properly maintained, heat pumps can function in incredibly cold temperatures. Cold-climate heat pumps are especially popular for their ability to function in sub-zero temperatures.   However, as the temperature level drops, heat pumps can become less effective. This can raise your electric heating costs in Fort Collins and impact your family’s comfort. Depending on your unit’s performance capacity, it may make sense to invest in a hybrid heat pump and furnace combo.   Whether you’re unsure about the HVAC system you need or you want to find out about Poudre Valley REA rebates, we can help. At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can help with common HVAC problems and improve your heat pump efficiency in cold weather in Fort Collins. Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your next consultation, tune-up, or emergency repair.

Throughout the winter, local residents can enjoy the sight of beautiful snow cascading across the foothills. At night, the area’s temperature swings bring negative temperatures and bitter cold. 

In this kind of environment, the furnace seems to run non-stop. When January arrives, opening your Xcel Energy bill can bring anxiety. 

While heating accounts for a major share of energy costs in Northern Colorado, there are ways you can manage your energy expenditures. Your thermostat serves as more than just an on-and-off switch. It is the brain of your home and a powerful tool for wintertime cash savings. By learning how to adjust winter thermostat settings in Fort Collins, you can ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is operating as efficiently as possible.

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our technicians go beyond just fixing broken furnaces. With our help, local homeowners can maximize their comfort and energy savings throughout the year.

Crucial Warning: The “Frozen Pipe” Threshold 

While no one likes a high energy bill, it’s important to NEVER turn your heating system completely off in the winter. Even if you are gone on vacation, your thermostat needs to be set at 55°F to keep your walls and pipes from freezing. Temperatures can drop below zero overnight in Fort Collins, so low indoor temperatures can quickly result in burst pipes and catastrophic water damage.

The DOs (Optimization & Strategy)

Whether you’re struggling with Old Town vs. new construction insulation or are feeling chilly from the Chinook winds, there are a few things you can do to ensure your home stays warm this winter.

DO Embrace the “Setback” Strategy

If you’re trying to figure out how to save on heating bills in winter, one easy solution is to use the setback strategy. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% per year on heating costs by lowering your indoor temperature by 7°F to 10°F for just eight hours per day. 

In practice, you can try setting your thermostat at 68°F when you are awake and at home. If you are at work or asleep, you can drop the thermostat to around 60°F to 62°F.

DO Align with Fort Collins Time-of-Day (TOD) Rates

Another important consideration is Fort Collins Utilities’ time-of-day rates. Unlike some utility providers, Fort Collins Utilities sets different prices based on the time of day. During on-peak hours, such as wintertime evenings, electricity costs more. 

One of the easiest energy-saving heating tips is to pre-heat your home slightly extra before peak hours begin. Once peak hours start, let the thermostat and HVAC system coast on the residual heat from the off-peak hours. By optimizing time-of-day (TOD) pricing, you can save money without making any major HVAC upgrades.

DO Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

While updating your winter thermostat settings in Fort Collins is a good first step, you can improve your energy efficiency even more by upgrading to a smart thermostat. Human error, such as forgetting to turn the thermostat dial down, can significantly impact how efficient your thermostat can be.

By investing in Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, like Ecobee or Nest, you can reduce how much you pay to Fort Collins Utilities each month. A smart thermostat installation in Northern Colorado has geofencing capabilities, so it can instantly lower the temperature when your phone leaves the house. When you are close to returning, it can automatically raise the temperature again.

The DON’Ts: Myths & Bad Habits

Whether you’re concerned about a heating system short cycling or searching for the ideal house temperature in winter, optimize your energy performance by avoiding the following bad habits.

DON’T “Crank It” to Heat Faster

The Myth: Cranking your heat up to 80°F will make your 60°F house warm up faster than simply turning it to 68°F.

This myth is entirely untrue. In Fort Collins, most homes are equipped with single-stage furnaces that only function at one speed. If your furnace is already operating at 100%, raising the temperature can’t make it work harder. Instead, it just increases the likelihood that you forget and leave it on, which can waste energy and lead to overheating.

To avoid unnecessary energy costs, increased wear, and furnace repairs, set the dial to the temperature you actually want. By being patient, you can save money in the long run.

DON’T Micromanage the Temperature

Myth: Making constant changes to your thermostat will save you money.

Unfortunately, constantly overriding your programmed schedule is unlikely to save you money on energy costs. Instead, it will likely make your furnace short cycle, which is when it turns on and off in short succession. When this occurs, it causes increased wear on your ignition components, higher energy costs, and leads to more frequent repairs.

One of the best and easiest furnace efficiency tips is to pick a comfortable temperature and stick to it. Additionally, use the “Hold” feature as little as possible. 

DON’T Ignore the Sensor Placement

Myth: It doesn’t matter where the sensor goes.

If your thermostat is in the wrong location, it can influence how often your furnace kicks on. For example, a thermostat near a drafty window will sense a temperature that is colder than the house actually is. If the thermostat is next to your stove or in direct sunlight, it’ll shut off the heater right away because it will be hotter than the rest of your home.

Besides deciding between an Ecobee vs. Nest installation or programmable vs. smart thermostats, you also have to choose the right thermostat location. If you think your current thermostat is in the wrong spot, reach out to Balance Point to get it relocated or to have remote sensors installed.

Why Fort Collins Winters Challenge Your Thermostat

When it comes to winter thermostat settings in Fort Collins, finding the right temperature can be challenging. Thanks to the Chinook effect, temperatures can swing by 40°F during the same 24-hour period. By investing in a programmable thermostat, you can navigate these swings better.

Besides the Chinook winds, Fort Collins also has dry air. This makes the temperature feel colder than it actually is. By scheduling indoor air quality upgrades, such as a whole-home humidifier, you can make your home feel comfortable at a lower thermostat setting and get smaller Poudre Valley REA bills each month.

DIY Checks You Can Safely Try

Whether you’re struggling to find the best temperature for sleep in winter or worried about preventing frozen pipes in Fort Collins, there are a few DIY checks you can perform to ensure your thermostat is working at its best.

• DO: Remember to change your thermostat batteries at least once a year. When batteries become weak, it can cause relay failures.
• DO: Periodically, dust the inside of the thermostat as gently as possible. This helps to remove any grime that could be blocking the thermostat’s sensor.
• DO: Change your furnace filter every 30 to 90 days. Clogged filters cause overheating and can damage your furnace. 
• DON’T: Never try to rewire your old thermostat setup with a new smart thermostat without checking for a C-wire. If you do, it can blow the fuses.

When to Call a Professional

Before you head off on CSU winter break or schedule your next family gathering, make sure to schedule winter HVAC maintenance. Our team can inspect your furnace, recommend drafty window solutions, install thermostat upgrades, and perform important furnace repairs so that you’re ready for winter.

HVAC units can be complicated, so we recommend always reaching out for professional help in the following situations.

• Thermostat Installations: If you’re going to upgrade to a smart thermostat and don’t have any C-wire infrastructure, it’s time to get professional help.
• Calibration Issues: When your thermostat says it is at the right temperature but your home is freezing, the thermostat needs to be recalibrated or replaced.
• Short Cycling: Frequent on-and-off cycling is a sign that furnace repairs are needed.

By working with Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can get your home’s thermal envelope and heating controls professionally evaluated. With the right HVAC services and winter thermostat settings in Fort Collins, you can maximize every dollar you spend on your natural gas or electricity bills.

Improve Your Energy Efficiency This Winter In Fort Collins

Having an energy-efficient home doesn’t mean you have to suffer in the cold. Through smart management and the right furnace efficiency tips, Fort Collins homeowners can keep their home warm and their wallets full.

Ready to upgrade to a smart thermostat or schedule your next furnace tune-up? Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today and learn how we can help you stay warm all winter long.

If you go to a new home in Northern Colorado, you’ll typically see forced-air furnaces. In Old Town historic homes and the custom mountain homes along the foothills, boilers are the most popular choice. 

While boilers may seem like old-school technology, the reality is that they offer an exceptional comfort upgrade for modern homes. Furnaces provide fast, furious heat. In comparison, boilers deliver the steady warmth that luxury homes need. A boiler operates by heating water and running it silently through the home. Because they don’t dry out the air like a furnace does, boilers are often a better choice for dry climates.

Besides diving into the difference between boilers vs. furnaces in Fort Collins, we’ll also look at the best maintenance tips so that your boiler lasts as long as possible. Read on to learn more.

Boiler vs. Furnace: The Showdown

When comparing a boiler vs. a furnace in Fort Collins, there are a few key benefits and features that stand out.

The Furnace: The Sprinter

With a furnace, air is heated and blown through ducts. This allows the furnace to deliver fast, powerful heat to your rooms. However, this heating process can kick up dust and create drafts. It can also make dry Colorado air even drier, leading to potential respiratory problems.

For local homeowners, a furnace is generally a good heat source if you already have an air conditioner running on the same ducts. It is also ideal if you are operating on a lower budget or want instant heat.

The Boiler: The Marathon Runner

How a boiler works is by circulating hot water throughout your home in a network of in-floor tubing, pipes, and radiators. Like the sun, a boiler warms your rooms by radiating heat. 

Because of this, boilers are an excellent option if you struggle with allergies. These units don’t dry out the air like furnaces do, so they can help with wintertime dry skin. They are also ideal for heating older homes in Fort Collins because they don’t require any ductwork.

If you want to experience true luxury, boilers are the best choice. While everyone else tiptoes across frozen floors, you can enjoy warm flooring from in-floor tubing.

Why Boilers “Win” in Fort Collins

From preventing dry air to high-altitude efficiency, there are a few essential reasons why boilers are an excellent heating option in Fort Collins. Because boilers radiate heat and don’t move air, they don’t dehydrate your indoor air. In Colorado’s dry air and cold winters, this is a major benefit.

Condensing boilers are also known for being incredibly energy efficient. In fact, modern condensing boilers have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95% or higher. As a result, you can enjoy improved energy efficiency during Fort Collins’ long heating season.

There are many radiant floor heating benefits as well. When you get out of bed in the morning, you can enjoy the feeling of warmth underneath your feet. Boiler systems also offer an exceptional benefit for Colorado homeowners. They can heat your driveway and walkways, so you don’t have to shovel snow after a winter storm.

Maintenance: The Kettling Factor & Hard Water

If you’ve ever heard kettling noises, it’s likely due to hard water mineral buildup. Rumbling, banging, and similar boiler noises are known as kettling because they sound like a tea kettle boiling on a stove. This type of noise occurs when water is trapped underneath mineral deposits and boils into steam. 

The best way to deal with this issue is by scheduling boiler maintenance in Fort Collins. One of the professional technicians at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can flush and descale your boiler. By reducing mineral buildup, we can improve the efficiency of your boiler and prevent the heat exchanger from cracking.

DIY Checks for Homeowners: The DOs

Whether you’re dealing with Old Town Fort Collins plumbing or simply want to maximize your high-altitude efficiency, there are a few important maintenance tasks you should do throughout the year.

DO: Check the Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge should always be between 12 and 15 pounds per square inch (PSI) when the boiler is cool. If this figure dips below 12, you likely have a leak and need to schedule boiler repairs in Northern Colorado. A PSI above 30 is an immediate emergency because the relief valve might blow.

DO: Bleed the Radiators

Sometimes, you may notice that the top of your radiator is cold and the bottom is hot. When this happens, it is because there is air trapped in the radiator. 

To bleed the radiator, you must turn off the radiator and allow it to cool completely. Then, place a towel under the bleed valve and insert the radiator key. You’ll hear a hiss of air. Once water starts to leak out, you can turn the key clockwise to close the valve.

DO: Keep the Area Clear

To protect your heating system, you should never store boxes, paint cans, or other items next to the radiator. 

When To Call a Pro: The DON’Ts

While there are many tasks you can perform on your own, some maintenance and repairs need to be left to the experts. Whether you need emergency repairs or just have a question about radiant baseboards vs. cast iron radiators, you can give our team a call and get immediate help with your problem. For your safety, remember the following tips and best practices.

DON’T: Ignore Leaks 

While a small leak may not seem like a problem, these issues can quickly spiral out of control. Over time, a small drip can cause rust and destroy your entire unit.

DON’T: DIY the Gas Valve

If your pilot isn’t lighting or you can’t get the unit to fire up, never deal with it on your own. Gas and high voltage issues can be dangerous, so call one of our expert technicians for help.

DON’T: Forget the Glycol

While having snow-melt driveways in the foothills makes wintertime more comfortable and convenient, certain types of maintenance and care are necessary to keep your snow-melt system functioning. The antifreeze must be tested regularly. Otherwise, the pipes underneath your driveway can freeze and burst.

Prepare Your Home for Winter

From scheduling a high-efficiency boiler replacement to conducting an indoor air quality heating comparison, our team can help with all of your heating needs. While boilers are complex, the right care will ensure that they outlast any furnace. From high-tech condensing boilers to vintage systems from the 1920s, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help.

Ready to learn more about installing a boiler vs. a furnace in Fort Collins? Reach out to our team today.

On hot summer days, kids run around in sprinklers and guzzle ice water from the tap. Thanks to our Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir water quality, local families get to enjoy water that is the envy of the rest of the country.

However, in order for this water to remain clean, it has to flow in the right direction. If the water pressure changes, the water in your pipes can flow in the wrong direction. For example, this can occur if a water main breaks or there is an unusually high demand for water from firefighting activities.

Once water starts flowing in the wrong direction, it can draw fertilizers, pool water, chemicals, and dirty water into your home’s drinking supply. By investing in backflow prevention in Fort Collins, you can keep your water supply from getting contaminated.

Important Health & Safety Note

If your backflow prevention repair isn’t successful, it isn’t just plumbing damage at stake. Backflow can pull in hazardous materials, such as pesticides, animal waste, lawn fertilizers, and water from fire suppression systems. All of these chemicals can severely harm your family’s health. 

Getting backflow testing isn’t merely a good idea. According to the City of Fort Collins Utilities and other water districts, it is a regulatory requirement and an important public health measure. By preventing backflow, you can protect your family’s health.

What is Backflow?

So, what is backflow testing, and how does backflow work? 

At its heart, backflow is similar to sucking a soda through a straw. When a water main break occurs, the city’s water pressure drops. This causes the pressure in your home’s system to be higher than the pressure in the city’s supply. As a result, dirty water travels backward into your clean water pipes.

Backflow occurs anywhere that clean water meets non-potable water. For example, sprinkler system backflow happens when an underground sprinkler head is submerged in a puddle. Similarly, cross-connections occur when a hose sits inside a bucket of soapy water. 

Through cross-connection control, you can prevent your water supply from becoming contaminated.

The Role of the Backflow Preventer

When it comes to backflow prevention in Fort Collins, a backflow preventer is an essential tool. This brass device is typically found in your basement or on the side of the house.

Basically, this tool uses check valves to physically stop water from flowing backward. When pressure changes cause backflow, the valves automatically block water from flowing in the wrong direction. Then, reduced-pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies can dump out the dirty water.

Why Fort Collins Homes Are Vulnerable?

As a homeowner, you should be proactive about backflow prevention in Fort Collins. In the Loveland Water District and the East Larimer County (ELCO) Water District, there are several factors that increase the likelihood of backflow issues. 

First, Northern Colorado is home to beautiful green lawns and abundant natural beauty. Unfortunately, this means that most homes have underground sprinkler systems. Any time there is a puddle above the sprinklers, cross-connections can happen. In fact, sprinklers are the leading cause of cross-connections.

On top of this, Old Town retrofits and aging infrastructure increase water contamination risks for homes. These older homes often have outdated protection or use boiler systems for heating purposes. Both of these issues mean that older homes require specific winterizing and backflow preventers.

Finally, frozen pipes in Fort Collins lead to specific backflow issues. When October freezes arrive, water inside the backflow preventer’s brass housing can crack. As a result, water contamination can occur.

Maintenance DOs & DON’Ts

As a part of your safe drinking water tips and best practices, remember to adopt the following important maintenance tips for Northern Colorado homes.

DO Schedule Annual Testing

Even if your plumbing system appears to be operating correctly, mechanical parts can wear out. Springs and seals aren’t visible, so you can’t see if they are faulty by looking at your pipes and fixtures. Instead, you should have certified backflow testers come and perform an annual test at your home.

DO Insulate for Winter

While you’ll eventually need to perform a full sprinkler blowout to protect your sprinkler lines from freezing, there are important things you can do to protect your system from an early frost. You can use an insulated pouch or a rock cover to keep the device insulated from unexpectedly cold temperatures.

DON’T Leave Hoses Submerged

As a part of your garden hose safety, you should never leave your garden hose submerged in a fish tank, pool, or bucket. This causes a cross-connection point and contamination. 

DON’T Ignore Leaks 

If your backflow preventer appears to be spitting water out constantly, the check valves are likely faulty. In this instance, you should call us for Northern Colorado plumbing services. Our team can inspect your plumbing system and install a new backflow preventer.

DIY Checks vs. Professional Testing

Before you reach out to schedule plumbing repairs and maintenance, there are a few important checks you can handle on your own.

DIY Checks

As a homeowner, you can use the following tips to maintain your system.

• Visually inspect the backflow preventer for leaks or cracks.
• Before cold snaps arrive, make sure the device has been properly insulated.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter arrives.

Professional Testing

To keep your system working at its best, you need to schedule a test once per year. You can call our team to talk about the annual backflow testing cost and what to expect. According to the City of Fort Collins’ backflow requirements, residents are required to have this test performed by a certified cross-connection control technician.

During the test, we’ll determine if you need any repairs. We can quickly replace any faulty rubber seals or springs that are inside the unit. If the unit is cracked from a cold snap, we can swap out the entire thing.

The “Prevent It” Pitch: Testing & Winterization

From spring sprinkler startup tasks to flushing your hot water tank, there are important maintenance tasks you can perform to keep your plumbing system working as effectively as possible. Booking annual tests before your deadline and scheduling a winterization appointment before the first hard freeze are essential for preventing contaminated water from getting into your system. 

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we often receive repair calls because springtime backflow occurs due to a unit cracking during the winter. Additionally, local residents often reach out because the City of Fort Collins has sent out a noncompliance letter.

Rather than wait for backflow contamination or a noncompliance letter, schedule your test today. Our team can complete your plumbing system’s winterization and blowouts before the freezing temperatures arrive.

Protect Your Home’s Water Quality

Backflow prevention in Fort Collins is essential for ensuring safe, clean drinking water. A well-maintained backflow preventer protects the homeowner and the entire neighborhood from potential contamination. At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can handle all of the compliance paperwork, testing, and repairs involved in the process.

Whether you received a letter from the City of Fort Collins or simply noticed a leaking valve, we can help. Don’t put your family’s safety at risk. Reach out to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to book your certified backflow test.

If you look inside charming Old Town bungalows or in the basement bedrooms of CSU student rentals, you’ll often see electric wall heaters. Often referred to as Cadet or baseboard heaters, these units are known for being fast, simple heating options. 

While they may be a quick heating option, electric wall heaters are incredibly inefficient. Besides hogging energy, they can also lead to fire hazards.

To protect your family this winter, you need to be proactive about electric wall heater safety in Fort Collins. With the right tips, you can keep your unit running as safely and efficiently as possible. Eventually, you can also upgrade to a more modern, energy-efficient solution.

What Are Electric Wall Heaters?

Often, you’ll see electric wall heaters in home additions, finished basements, and older homes where setting up new ductwork simply isn’t an option. Because these units have low upfront costs but high operating expenses, they are a popular choice for rental units. Typically, they come in two different types.

• Fan-Forced: Also known as the Cadet style, these units look like small, square grates on the wall. They have a fan inside that blows out the warm air. While they are excellent at heating up quickly, they can be fairly noisy.
• Baseboard: Often referred to as convection heaters, these long units are placed along the floor. The heat wafts upward silently. Although they are quiet to use, they take up potential furniture space in the room. 

Safety First: The “3-Foot Rule” & Fire Prevention

When it comes to wall heater fire hazards and safety issues, there are a few prevention tips that are important to keep in mind. Electric heaters can become incredibly hot. The leading cause of electric heater fires is having flammable objects in proximity to the heater. To prevent fires, all bedding, furniture, curtains, and laundry baskets should be located at least 3 feet away from the unit.

Besides electrical fire prevention, it’s also essential to protect children and pets from injuries. The heater’s metal grates can easily burn small fingers or paws.

As a part of your electrical wall heater safety in Fort Collins, you should inspect the wall above the unit for scorch marks. Additionally, pay attention to discolored or melted plugs if the unit isn’t hardwired in. If you do notice plug issues or scorch marks, immediately stop using the unit and call one of our HVAC technicians for heater repair services.

Efficiency Tips: Taming the Electric Bill

When it comes to lowering electric heating bills, there are several electric baseboard efficiency tips that can save you money. 

• The “Zone” Advantage: With electric wall heaters, you can decide to use heat in select rooms. If you aren’t using a particular room, you can turn down the heat. For example, you don’t need to heat a home office or guest room if no one is in it.
• Thermostat Upgrades: The dials on electric wall heaters are notorious for being inaccurate. If you’re struggling with high electric bills, you may be able to save money by upgrading to a digital line-voltage thermostat.
• Stop the Drafts: When cold air gets into your home, your heater has to work harder to heat the air again. You can save money by sealing your doors and windows to prevent drafts.

Maintenance: Conquering the “Burning Dust” Smell

When you switch your heater on in November, you may notice the smell of burning dust or hair. This is because dust can settle on the heating element over the summer. To avoid this odor, try cleaning electric wall heaters before you need to use them.

To clean the unit, start by turning off the heater at the breaker. This is an important safety tip and the most important step to remember in the cleaning process.

Then, use a vacuum hose to vacuum out the debris. If you have a can of compressed air, like the type used for computer keyboards, you can use it to break off stubborn dust particles. Once this is done, you can enjoy better airflow and fewer bad odors. Better airflow also means your heater can run less to heat the room, leading to lower energy bills.

The “Upgrade” Conversation: When To Move On

While electric wall heaters are great supplemental heat for drafty rooms, there is a limit to how effective they can be. Resistance heating is known for being 100% efficient, which means all of the energy that goes into the unit is turned into heat. However, this electricity can quickly become expensive. 

Instead, homeowners should consider the advantages of ductless mini-splits vs. electric baseboard heaters. When heating older homes in Colorado, there are rarely ducts available for furnaces. Because of this, ductless mini-splits are a convenient alternative. These units are designed to move heat instead of creating it, leading to significant energy-efficiency gains. Additionally, ductless mini-split installations can also air condition your home in the summer, which is something that wall heaters can’t do. 

DIY Checks vs. Professional Help

If your home is outfitted with supplemental heating solutions, there are a few basic things you can do to improve your energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. Meanwhile, more advanced tasks should be left to the experts.

To care for your system, remember to clean it before the heating season begins. Adjust the thermostats so that you don’t use an excessive amount of energy. As a part of Larimer County fire safety, you should also keep the area around the unit clear so that there is nothing nearby that can catch fire.

For more serious problems, you should always call one of our experienced HVAC technicians for help. If you notice the heater’s circuit breaker tripping frequently or the thermostat sparks when you turn it on, shut it off immediately and call for help. A buzzing noise indicates a bad fan motor in fan-forced heaters, which should be dealt with by our professional HVAC technicians. Additionally, call us for help if you need a new dedicated circuit or if you want to install ductless mini-splits.

Prepare Your Home for Winter

While wall heaters are effective at heating different zones in your house, they can be potentially dangerous. By ensuring consistent electric wall heater safety in Fort Collins, you can protect your family from potential fires. In addition, routine maintenance can also keep your energy costs down.

Tired of high electric bills cutting into your budget? Whether you need to maintain your wall units or require the expert furnace repair Fort Collins homeowners rely on, let Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing help with all of your safety inspections and energy-efficient upgrades. Contact us today!

One day, you wake up to sunshine and temperatures at 50°F. The next day, a polar plunge brings along sub-zero nights and howling winds. 

For Colorado homeowners, these weather changes aren’t just a matter of comfort. If a pipe freezes during cold weather, it’s a ticking time bomb that can explode and lead to thousands of dollars in damage. As water freezes, it expands and places extreme force on your pipes. Eventually, this can cause them to burst open. 

With the best plumbing tips and frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins, you can learn the most common signs of frozen pipes and how to thaw frozen pipes safely. We’ll review when you can handle pipe-related issues on your own and when to call in our team of experienced plumbers at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Read on to learn more.

Critical “First Down” Rule: Know Your Shut-Off Valve

Before worrying about any other tips, the first step is to find your water main shut-off valve location. If a frozen pipe ends up bursting during an Arctic blast, knowing the valve’s location can prevent major damage from happening. This valve can shut off all of the water going into your home, ensuring your home remains dry.

Typically, you can find the shut-off valve in your basement or mechanical room. It may also be in a utility room or the crawlspace entrance. To make sure it will work in an emergency, try testing it to see if it turns properly.

Defensive Strategy: Prevention (The DOs)

As a part of your frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins, remember to use the following prevention tips.

DO Disconnect Garden Hoses

To winterize plumbing in Fort Collins, start by disconnecting your garden hoses. When these hoses remain attached to the spigot, they allow water to stay trapped. This can eventually freeze into the wall and burst the pipe. As the #1 cause of spring leaks, this is the most important thing you can do to prevent burst pipes.

To protect your home, detach the hose and allow it to drain. For added protection, install an insulated faucet cover on the spigot.

DO Keep the Heat On (Even When Away)

If you’re away on a ski trip or family vacation, leaving the heat on can feel like a waste of energy. However, turning the heat down carries significant risks.

When it comes to preventing pipes from freezing while on vacation, we recommend keeping your thermostat set to at least 65°F. Additionally, you should open up cabinet doors so that air can circulate around the pipes.

DO Insulate Vulnerable Pipes

In drafty crawl spaces, temperatures can fall significantly. Garages, attics, and crawlspaces have pipes running through them, but these areas are often unheated. To avoid frozen pipes, use UL-listed heat tape or foam pipe sleeves on exposed plumbing.

DO Let Faucets Drip

Another technique is to use dripping faucets to prevent freezing. When water is moving, it is less likely to freeze. Ideally, you should turn on the faucet that is farthest from the water main. If temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing, leave the faucet on so that it drips slightly. For the best results, use lukewarm water.

Offensive Strategy: Thawing Frozen Pipes 

Even with the best prevention techniques, your pipes may still freeze during Front Range cold snaps. You’ll know that they are frozen because nothing comes out when you turn the faucet’s handle. If the pipes are just beginning to freeze, a trickle of water may come out. Often, the exposed pipe will also have frost on it. 

When this occurs, you need to keep the faucet open. This will allow water and steam to get out as the pipe starts to thaw. 

Then, get a hair dryer or portable space heater to warm up the pipe on the faucet side. As the faucet side warms up, you can work backward toward the frozen section. Make sure space heaters and hair dryers are kept at a safe distance from the water so that you don’t electrocute yourself or others. If you don’t have either of these devices, you can try wrapping the pipe in a towel soaked in hot water.

The Dangerous DON’Ts

When dealing with Poudre Valley weather shifts, never do the following things. 

• NEVER Use an Open Flame: Open flames, like blowtorches and propane torches, should never be used on a frozen pipe. This is a major fire hazard. Besides causing a fire, open flames can cause the water to boil inside of the pipe and lead to an explosion.
• NEVER Use a Charcoal Stove or Gas Device Indoors: Sometimes, people will try to use charcoal or gas devices to warm up frozen pipes. You should never use these types of devices inside because of the carbon monoxide risk involved. Instead, call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for emergency services.

When To Call the Pros: The “Red Flag” Scenarios

If you’re dealing with an emergency, a Northern Colorado emergency plumber can quickly diagnose the problem. Besides scheduling burst pipe repairs in Fort Collins, you should call our team in the following situations.

• The Freeze Is Inaccessible: Sometimes, the frozen section is hidden inside the wall or underground. If this is the case, you’ll need to reach out to a professional plumber for plumbing repairs. We have specialized equipment that allows us to thaw out pipes without taking apart your walls.
• The Wind Chill Factor: Cold temperatures aren’t the only thing that can cause frozen pipes. When high winds blow along the Front Range, they can get into cracks in your siding and foundation. This can cause flash-freezing of uninsulated pipes.
• The Pipe Has Already Burst: Pooling water or the sound of rushing water is a major indication that one of your pipes has already burst. If this happens, you should immediately shut off the main valve and call our team for emergency services. We’re available 24/7 to help with your plumbing emergencies.
• You Can’t Locate the Blockage: If you are unable to find where the frozen section is, it may be at the main service line entry. In this situation, you need to reach out for professional help.

Why Northern Colorado Homes Are Susceptible

From Old Town historic homes to CSU student housing, there are unique types of construction in Larimer County that can increase the likelihood of frozen pipes. Many homes have vented crawl spaces, allowing frigid air to circulate around your pipes. Additionally, local homes often have slab foundations where pipes are run through cold concrete.

Solve Your Frozen Pipe Problems Quickly 

While wintertime in Fort Collins is incredibly beautiful, the cold weather brings along certain maintenance requirements. From plumbing heat tape installation to dripping faucets, there are a few important steps you should take for frozen pipe prevention in Fort Collins. 

If you do wake up with frozen pipes, don’t panic. Our team of trusted plumbers can help you thaw out your pipes and avoid a major disaster. 

Worried about how your plumbing systems will handle freezing temperatures? Give Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing a call today at 970-345-3361 for emergency frozen pipe repair and winterization services.

If you live in Fort Collins and the CSU area, everyday tasks like doing the dishes can quickly become frustrating because of the area’s hard water. Spots on the dishes, stiff laundry, and a chalky film on shower doors are due to our water source. The Cache la Poudre River is rich in minerals that can end up harming your plumbing systems.

As a homeowner, there are a few important steps you can take to protect against hard water in Fort Collins. Our licensed plumbers can recommend the best hard water solutions and preventative tips, so you can extend the longevity of your plumbing fixtures and prevent costly repairs.

Quick Safety Note: Before you attempt any plumbing work, you need to figure out where your home’s main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off. Any mistakes while installing a water treatment system can lead to significant water damage if the water is on and a mistake is made. We strongly recommend using a professional plumber for your installation.

What That Sign Likely Means (Symptom-by-Symptom Guide)

If you live along the Front Range, you may experience common signs of hard water. If your home has any of the following issues, you can reach out to our team for a consultation about water filtration and purification systems.

Spots on Dishes & Glassware

Spots on your dishes and glassware tend to be the most obvious signs of hard water in a home. These spots occur due to magnesium and calcium deposits in the water. After you wash the dishes, the water evaporates and leaves the mineral residue behind. 

Although using a rinse aid can make the problem appear to be gone, this isn’t a permanent solution. Getting a water softener in Fort Collins is necessary to remove minerals from your water supply.

Scale Buildup & Low Water Pressure

Take a look at your faucets and showerheads. If there is a crusty, white buildup, it is due to limescale. While you can easily clean limescale off the outside of your fixtures, it is also occurring on the inside as well. Over time, this can restrict the flow of water and damage your home’s plumbing components. 

Scale buildup removal is essential for protecting the longevity of your systems. Over the long run, a water softener is also important for preventing additional buildup and damage from happening.

Stiff, Dull Laundry

If you have hard water in Fort Collins, you may notice stiff fabric after you do the laundry. This is because the hard water minerals get trapped in the fibers of your clothes. As a result, they can look dull and feel rough to the touch. Unfortunately, hard water can also stop your detergent from cleaning effectively. 

By installing a water softener, you can use up to 50% less detergent on your fabric. Soft water can also help you enjoy brighter, softer clothing. 

Dry Skin & Dull Hair

Dry skin and dull hair can occur when hard water leaves behind an invisible film. Besides preventing moisture absorption, this can clog your pores. By getting a water softener, you can enjoy softer skin and hair.

Bad Taste or Chlorine Smell

Sometimes, Northern Colorado homeowners reach out because they notice a foul taste or chlorine odor. This is generally not due to a hard water vs. soft water issue. Instead, the taste and smell are due to the disinfection process the city uses or dissolved solids. Rather than get a water softener, you should invest in a whole-house carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system.

Why Fort Collins Homes Are Prone to Hard Water

As water travels down from the Cache la Poudre River and into the ground, it brings calcium, magnesium, and dissolved minerals with it. While the city treats the water so that it is safe to drink, the dissolved minerals remain in it. From the older homes and aging pipes in Old Town to the new builds in the Harmony Corridor, hard water can have a major impact on the area’s plumbing systems.

DIY Checks You Can Safely Try

As you learn about plumbing maintenance for older homes vs. new builds in Larimer County, there are a few things you can do to prevent the municipal water hardness from damaging your home’s plumbing.

• Do: Use vinegar to dissolve mineral scale on your showerheads and faucet aerators. Soak them overnight for the best results.
• Do: Add a rinse aid when you wash dishes to prevent spots on your glasses.
• Do: Check Fort Collins’ annual water quality report to see the latest hardness data. 
• Don’t: Never use harsh cleaners on your fixtures. The abrasive chemicals can damage the finish.
• Don’t: Never use a store-bought water test kit to determine the softener size you need because they aren’t accurate enough.

When to Call a Professional

You may need a professional plumber in Fort Collins if you don’t already have a water softener installed. While cleaning the mineral scale can help temporarily alleviate the issue, it doesn’t actually solve the underlying problem. To fix hard water, it’s essential to reach out for professional plumbing services in Fort Collins.

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we can help you determine the best type of water softeners and water filtration in Fort Collins. We’ll start by performing an accurate water test to determine how hard the water is in grains per gallon (GPG). Then, we’ll review your family’s current water usage. This allows us to determine the right size for your water softener or filtration system for the most efficient, effective results.

The Solution: Water Treatment Systems

Whether you want a reverse osmosis system, water heater maintenance, or a whole-house water filter, our team of licensed plumbers can help. To remedy your hard water woes, you need a system that is expressly designed for the job. 

• Scale and Buildup Issues: If you’re struggling with scale or buildup, a water softener is your best choice. These devices use a method called ion exchange to reduce the calcium and magnesium in the water. Our team can discuss whether a salt vs. salt-free softener is the best choice for your home.
• Taste and Odor Problems: Sometimes, homeowners struggle with unusual tastes and odors. If chlorine or chemicals are the main problem, a whole-house carbon filter is your best bet. To achieve the purest water, a reverse osmosis system is considered the gold standard.
• The Complete Solution: In Fort Collins, the ideal setup pairs a water softener and a reverse osmosis system to reduce the water hardness and achieve a high level of purity.

Protect Your Plumbing System From Hard Water 

Dealing with hard water in Fort Collins is a constant struggle. By learning how to spot dry skin, spots on glasses, scale, and common signs of hard water, you can determine the best system for your needs.

Once you install a water softener, you can increase the lifespan of your appliances and fixtures. More importantly, a water softener can improve your family’s daily comfort. 

If you’re tired of fighting an uphill battle against scale and buildup, Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has the extensive experience and solutions you need. Our certified plumbers can help you prevent major damage and plumbing repairs from happening. We understand local plumbing codes and water quality issues, so you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and superior results.

Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today for a professional water analysis and a free estimate in Northern Colorado.

The drip, drip, drip mantra of a leaky faucet is more than just an annoyance when you’re trying to sleep. It also indicates wear and tear on your plumbing fixtures, which can spiral into major repairs. 

Fort Collins is known for its hard water and freeze-thaw cycles. Unfortunately, these factors can wreak havoc on your plumbing systems. We’ll help you learn how to fix a leaky faucet, decode its underlying cause, and determine when to call a professional from Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. 

Quick Safety Note: Before you begin any emergency faucet repair, you should always shut off the water supply using the small valves underneath your sink. You can do this by turning the valves clockwise until they stop completely. If the valves won’t turn or you can’t find them, you need to turn off your home’s main water shutoff. Then, place a towel in the sink basin so that you don’t accidentally drop parts down the drain.

What That Leak Likely Means: A Cause-by-Cause Guide

So, why is my faucet leaking? While faucet leaks are incredibly common, figuring out the underlying cause can be challenging. We’ll look at the most common faucet problems in Northern Colorado, why they happen, and how you can fix them.

Drip From the Spout

The most common type of leak is when there is a drip from the spout. This generally happens when there is a worn internal part, such as a degraded washer, faulty ceramic disc, or failed cartridge. You can often fix a dripping kitchen faucet or shower faucet by disassembling the handle. Then, the internal seals or cartridge need to be replaced.

Leak Around the Handle

Sometimes, you may notice pooling around the base of the handle. This typically occurs if the O-ring is worn out or there is a loose packing nut. In some cases, all you have to do is get a wrench and tighten the packing nut. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need to learn how to replace a faucet o-ring. 

Leak From the Base of the Faucet

Another common problem in Larimer County is when a leak happens around the entire faucet body. This means that the O-rings responsible for sealing your faucet to the sink have failed. 

When this occurs, you should generally schedule professional Fort Collins plumbing services. To fix this issue, the water supply lines must be disconnected. Then, the faucet must be completely lifted off the sink so that the seals around the base can be replaced.

Low or Uneven Water Pressure

While this issue doesn’t technically require leaky faucet repair in Fort Collins, low or uneven water pressure can sometimes be mistaken for a leak. Because the Front Range has hard water, mineral buildup can occur in the small screen that is located on the tip of the faucet’s spout. This screen is known as the aerator, and you can easily clean it on your own. You just have to unscrew the aerator, take it apart, and soak the components in white vinegar for several hours to dissolve the mineral buildup.

Why Fort Collins Faucets Are Prone to Leaks

In Fort Collins and CSU area kitchens and bathrooms, it’s important to be aware of hard water’s effects on plumbing. Because of the hard water, mineral deposits start to build up as scale inside your plumbing systems and faucets. Over time, this breaks down the seals and causes metal corrosion. 

Besides the hard water, winter freezes and climatic conditions can also cause issues. Northern Colorado’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles create added stress on plumbing systems, so they are more likely to experience wear and tear. 

Specific neighborhoods and home types also have unique issues. In older homes in Old Town, aging fixtures are more likely to require a faucet replacement service. Meanwhile, new builds in Harmony Corridor frequently have clogged aerators from plumbing debris related to the construction process. At Balance Point, we can help with leaky bathroom sink repairs and all types of faucet repairs so that you don’t have to worry about water damage and high water bills.

DIY Checks You Can Safely Try

If you’re trying to figure out how to fix a leaky faucet, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the problem on your own. For more complex issues, you should call a plumber for dripping faucet repairs.

• Do: Turn off the water supply at the faucet or main water shutoff before you begin any plumbing work.
• Do: Clean the aerator using vinegar to reduce mineral deposits.
• Do: Photograph your faucet’s parts before you disassemble them so that you don’t forget how to put them together again.
• Do: Cover your sink drain with a towel so that screws and small parts don’t fall down the drain.
• Don’t: If a handle is stuck, don’t force it. Excessive force can break the entire fixture.
• Don’t: Ignore water supply line leaks. These are signs that you need to book professional plumbing repair services right away.

When To Call a Professional

While some plumbing maintenance and repairs can be handled on your own, there are others that require a licensed plumber. For example, a leaky faucet cartridge replacement can often be handled on your own. However, you’ll need a professional if a part is seized, you have corroded shutoff valves, or the leak remains after your repair work is done. 

Are you looking for plumbing repair near me? Our team can make sure your plumbing disasters are repaired the right way, so you can avoid water damage from failed DIY repairs. With our convenient financing plans, you don’t have to worry about whether repairs and replacements fit into your monthly budget. We work with you to ensure fast, reliable services at an affordable price.

Prevent It: Maintenance & Good Habits

Ultimately, the best way to avoid costly repairs is through prevention. Regularly cleaning your aerators and learning how to winterize plumbing in Northern Colorado can prevent leaks and other problems. Additionally, routine maintenance and professional repairs are essential for ensuring your small drips don’t transform into major issues. Through Balance Point’s proper faucet repairs and replacements, you can enjoy having reliable plumbing fixtures for years to come.

Get Reliable Solutions to Your Plumbing Problems

A dripping faucet is a clear sign that you have a problem. If you don’t know how to fix a leaky faucet, we can help. Balance Point has the certified experts, local experience, and reliable services you need to solve complex faucet issues. 

Call today for fast, reliable services in Fort Collins and the surrounding areas.