You just discovered there is a puddle of water on the floor in front of your furnace. What does this mean? Why would your furnace be leaking water?

It could be a few different things. In most cases, it is not a big repair, so keep calm.

However, you will need one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing (HVAC) professionals to take a good look at it and resolve the issue for you.

Because No One Wants to Be in Deep Water

Do not delay. Any issue dealing with water can quickly get complicated if not addressed in a timely manner. It can also speedily snowball into affecting other areas of your Fort Collins home—like mold, creating poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

Schedule one of our highly trained professionals to come out to your Colorado home as soon as possible.

How to Identify Your Furnace Type

There are a few different reasons your furnace could be leaking water, but the most common reason is a condensation leak. Before a causal determination can be made, our HVAC expert needs to know what type of furnace you have.

Is it a high-efficiency (condensing) or standard-efficiency (conventional) furnace? If you are not sure, it is easy to tell on your own. Take a look at its vent or exhaust pipe. If the pipe is white plastic (PVC), then your furnace is a high-efficiency system.

Another way to tell what is what is by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. If the rating is 90 percent or more, your furnace has a cool exhaust and produces condensation, therefore, it is defined as high efficiency.

On the other hand, if your furnace has a metal exhaust pipe, it is a standard-efficiency furnace and should not have condensation. It will have an AFUE below 90 percent.

Many times furnaces have their AFUE rating printed on a yellow energy guide sticker in plain site on the unit, since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has very strict consumer product regulations for displaying energy usage.

Unfortunately this is not always the case, especially in older models. Taking a look at the vent or exhaust pipe is a fairly accurate technique, so do not worry if you do not know your furnace’s AFUE rating.

The Possible Causes of Your Leak

Again, the most common reason for a leaking furnace is a condensation leak. High-efficiency furnaces extract heat from the combustion gases for a longer period of time than a standard-efficiency furnace does, causing the gases to cool, then condense. Condensation is routed to a drain.

You might have a clogged condensation drain or tubing, a break in the condensation line, or issues with the condensate pump, if you have such a pump.

A standard-efficiency furnace extracts some heat from the combustion gases and quickly vents them out the exhaust or flue pipe. So there should be no water involved with a standard-efficiency furnace. If there is a condensation leak, the exhaust or flue pipe may be incorrectly sized.

You really need one of our HVAC professionals to assess what is going on in your Fort Collins home. If we rule out a condensation leak, we can then help you with the other possibilities.

One such issue could involve your whole-house humidifier, especially if yours is connected to the furnace. It might be leaking inside your furnace, though having annual preventative maintenance on your HVAC system should help ensure this will not happen.

Another possibility is an internal drain system clog. If your air conditioning is running, and it shares an internal drain with your furnace, the drain could have an obstruction causing water to be sent to your furnace.

Just so you are aware, the worst-case scenario is a faulty furnace secondary heat exchanger, but it is only for high-efficiency furnaces. Unfortunately, this problems falls into the big-repair category—generally resulting in a furnace replacement.

We Are Experts in All Facets of Furnaces

Whatever the reason may be for your furnace leak here in Fort Collins, CO, it is time to call in a professional. You can reach our Balance Point Heating & Air-Conditioning experienced and trained team members at  970-345-3361 or request service online. We are always happy to assist you in every aspect of furnace care.

When it comes time to replace your current standard-efficiency furnace, there are so many decisions to make. One of the primary ones is what level of efficiency you need for your new system.

It’s common to assume installing a higher-efficiency furnace is the best choice. But that’s not always the case.

When it comes to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), the wisest decision is what’s going to work in your Fort Collins home upon a careful assessment of specific factors. At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we scrutinize aspects like your furnace’s location, your energy needs and plans, your budget, as well as other elements.

What Do 80% and 95% Efficiency Mean?

Furnace efficiencies are reflected in percentages called AFUE—annual fuel utilization efficiency. AFUE measures a furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to energy.

For instance, 80% AFUE for a gas furnace means it uses 80% of the gas energy it consumes and turns it to heat. The furnace eliminates the remaining 20% energy via exhaust.

High-efficiency furnaces offer 90% AFUE and higher, with 95% AFUE a common percentage for a new gas-powered furnace. An 80% AFUE is considered a standard efficiency.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when you make energy efficiency a priority and look for an ENERGY STAR^® label on products and equipment for your Colorado home, you can reduce your energy bill by as much as 30 percent.

Purchase Energy Efficient Products and Equipment. By looking for the Energy Star label on products and equipment, you can reduce your energy bill by 30 percent and your electric lighting charges by 40 percent while cutting pollution.

Differences Between 80% and 95% Furnaces

With the 95% AFUE rating, it seems straightforward to choose this over an 80% AFUE furnace. You will get more efficiency and save money over the long term.

But this is too simplistic a perspective and not an accurate snapshot, as there are extenuating facts to consider. Take a quick look at how these two AFUE furnaces operate differently from one another in regard to energy efficiency.

The 80% AFUE Furnace

To generate energy from natural gas, an 80% furnace operates with open combustion. This means it extracts air from its surrounds instead of pulling in air straight from the outdoors.

If your current standard-efficiency furnace is located in a vented attic or crawl space, the accessible combustion air is readily available due to the existing vents. It doesn’t require any type of extra venting directly to the outside air.

The 95% AFUE Furnace

A 95% furnace uses sealed combustion—it pulls its needed air directly from the outdoors, generally through a PVC pipe exclusively for this purpose. It will also require an additional PVC pipe for exhaust, as it can’t work with your existing metal venting due to the condensation it creates. This option is best suited for sealed locations.

Another difference to remember is a 95% unit with its sealed combustion produces condensation. This moisture can build up and needs to go somewhere—a condensate pump and drain handle this. These components require installation and can be costly if you’re switching from an 80% to a 95% AFUE furnace.

What Do These Differences Mean to You?

These differences mean if you have an 80% furnace in a vented attic or crawl space, you should probably stick with an 80% furnace replacement. In this scenario, you most likely won’t make up the difference financially when you install a 95% unit.

If you have your heart set on a 95% furnace in a vented location, keep in mind you’ll need to install that combustion air avenue—a pipe. That will cost you more and can sometimes be a bit complex to install.

On the other hand, if your plan is to install a furnace in a sealed attic or an encapsulated crawl space, you will need to go with the 95% option with vents for both combustion fresh air and exhaust.

So when getting down to brass tacks of which type of efficient furnace you should install, it usually comes down to location, location, location.

What Else to Consider When Choosing a New Furnace

If energy efficiency is a prime factor in your decision, you should understand other furnace specifications as well. The two most important components to consider are the different stages of heat and airflow.

Stages of Heat

There are three basic heat stages available for furnaces:

1. Single stage

This type of furnace has only one setting—on. The furnace is either on or off. When it’s on, it blows heated air into your Fort Collins home at full capacity. A single-stage 80% or 95% furnace is less efficient than a two-stage furnace since the blower operates on this one speed and it’s high speed.

2. Two stage

A two-stage furnace has two speeds—high and slower. The slower speed is typically running at 65% furnace capacity. This type of furnace is more efficient since the majority of the time it’s running on the slower speed and doesn’t require the level of energy the high speed requires, like the single-stage furnace uses. The higher speed only kicks in as needed.

An 80% furnace with two stages is more efficient than a single-stage unit. Generally, a two-stage 80% furnace costs you less in energy than a single-stage 95% furnace.

3. Modulating

A modulating furnace refers to a fully modulating gas valve in the furnace. This is comparable to the two-stage furnaces but far superior. In lieu of only two stages of heat, a modulating furnace operates with a variety of levels to meet your Colorado home’s heating needs all day long. It continually matches your comfort needs directly.

Airflow

Your furnace’s airflow also affects energy efficiency and comfort levels with two options:

1. No variable speed

A standard furnace operates at full-throttle airflow, not varying its speed. The fan always blows at the same speed, not offering you control over your airflow levels. The level of efficiency is not as high as it is for a variable speed.

2. Variable speed

Furnaces with variable speed airflow provide better control over the amount of hot air flowing through your home. This makes a variable-speed furnace higher in efficiency than more standard units.

How to Decide?

There is no one-size-fits-all scenario for every Fort Collins home. Each home is unique, and yours may have a completely different setup or requirements. As you see, there are varying components to deciding which furnace would best suit your lifestyle, needs, and budget.

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our HVAC experts understand the intricacies involved in making this type of investment. We can work with you to evaluate whether an 80% furnace or a 95% furnace will provide the comfort you want in your Colorado home.

But keep this in mind. Unless you replace your standard furnace with an absolutely identical model, you will experience the benefits of higher efficiency in some capacity with whatever you choose. Small changes can reap big rewards.

We Are Your Heating Experts

If you are looking to install or replace your current Fort Collins, CO furnace and want to enjoy the advantages of an energy-efficient unit, call our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team at  970-235-2427 or request service online today. We are here to help with all your heating and cooling needs—installation, replacement, repair, or maintenance.

With all the options available for setting your programmable thermostat, it is easy to get confused. Of course, this defeats the purpose of a programmable thermostat––it is designed for you to “set it and forget it,” making your life easier. Naturally, anything can be confusing at times, so feel free to contact our qualified Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing team members with any questions you may have about your programmable thermostat.

Forget About It

With a programmable thermostat in your Fort Collins home, you are able to program your thermostat once with the changes specified. Quite literally, you can “set it and forget it.”

Changing Temps Really Does Help

Why even bother to set different temperatures on your programmable thermostat?

Because living here in Colorado, it will save you a decent chunk of money. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), if you turn your heat down 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours, you can achieve a 5 to 15 percent savings on your heating bill.

This goes for your air conditioning as well. Turn your air conditioning down (or the temperature up) when you are out of your house or sleeping, then do the opposite when you are back home or awake.

A Plethora of Programmables

If you are in the purchasing stage of a new programmable thermostat for your Fort Collins home, know  what type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment you have for compatibility reasons. Also, keep in mind you will need to set a different program for the cooler months than the warmer months.

Here are a few of the main types of programmable thermostats and how they function:

• 7-day programming. This thermostat allows the most flexibility. You can set individual temperatures for each day of the week.

• 5-1-1 programming. This thermostat allows one schedule for the week (five days, Monday through Friday), then a separate schedule for Saturday and then Sunday.

• 5-2 programming. This thermostat is very similar to the 5-1-1 programming type, except Saturday and Sunday are combined into one plan.

• 1-week programming. This thermostat allows you to only set one repeated schedule, the same for every day, regardless of weekdays and weekends.

Programmable Thermostat Dos and Don’ts

Depending on the type of programmable thermostat you have, there will be somewhat different choices. This said, most programmable generally work on the same time options: Wake Time, Sleep Time, Leave Time, and Return Time.

Be sure when programming your thermostat you enter realistic times—accurately reflecting your schedule. You want to get the most from your thermostat.

These are a few things to keep in mind prior to setting your schedule:

• Install name-brand batteries, and change them annually. Cheaper batteries do not have as long of a charge in them. You want your thermostat working when you need it.

• Feel free to temporarily override your set schedule and adjust the temperature when needed. This override automatically cancels and then resumes to normal programming. Do not select Hold/Permanent/Vacation (depending on your thermostat, and unless you are actually going on vacation), and just choose Temporary.

• Avoid cranking temperatures to extremes with the mindset of heating up or cooling down your home quicker. The system does not work that way, and it just uses up your energy faster, costing you more money. Your equipment will heat or cool your home just as quickly when setting it at the accurate temperatures.

In general, here is how to set your thermostat:

1. Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Choose either heating or cooling—whichever you will be doing, obviously dependent on the season.

3. Set the temperature for weekdays by setting the switch to heating or cooling and selecting the weekday program. Start with Monday or just weekday, depending on your model, and select the time and temperature for the day(s) you wish.

Continue with the remaining times for that day(s) with temperatures. For example, you may want your air conditioner to cool your home to 72 degrees at 7:00 a.m., so when your alarm goes off at 7:30 a.m., your home is nice and cool for you. Then when you go to bed at 11:00 p.m., you would want to set your air conditioning to 76 degrees at 11:30 p.m. so you are saving energy while asleep.

The same procedure goes for the heating setting. Many thermostat models allow you to set times and temperatures up to four times during weekends. So if you work or leave during the day, you can change the temperature to reflect this and save even more money.

4. Set the temperature for weekends in the same manner. However, since most people tend to be home more during the weekend, you may only want to set the temperature for your wakeup and bed times. You can use a temporary override to adjust the temperature if you decide to leave the house during the day.

Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for All Your HVAC Needs

Programmable thermostats are designed for you to “set it and forget it.” A programmable thermostat will help make your Fort Collins, CO, home comfortable and may allow you to save money at the same time. Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing at  970-235-2427 or request service online if it is time for a new thermostat or if you need help programming yours. We are always happy to help.

You hear it all the time—buy energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to lower your Colorado utility bills!

But what about creating an energy-efficient home?

Even the best furnace or heat pump will struggle in a poorly insulated home. Leaky ductwork will drive up energy costs regardless of whether you have new or old HVAC equipment.

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we believe in taking a whole-house approach to conserving your energy use. That’s why we offer energy audits designed to save you money in all weather conditions. Let’s work together to find ways to save you money.

Advantages of a Home Energy Audit

Why schedule an energy audit? Here are a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Improve your home comfort with fewer drafts and balanced humidity levels
• Lower your energy bills
• Reduce the risk of mold or a pest infestation
• Experience a quieter home
• Increase the value of your Fort Collins home

Most of all, you will enjoy the peace of mind knowing you are no longer wasting money on drafts, leaks, and other issues. Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has the tools and training to assess your home and offer proven remedies. Call us today.

How Long Does a Home Energy Audit Take?

A home energy audit typically takes one to four hours. Much of it depends on the size and age of your home. One of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing technicians will evaluate conditions inside and outside your home that could impact how much energy you are using.

Some of the tools our professionals use include infrared cameras, blower doors, gas leak detectors, and moisture meters. You receive a prescription at the end of the audit, with recommendations on how to create a healthy home.

Your comfort is a critical part of the equation. Along with analyzing past fuel bills, our certified energy auditors will ask you to share your observations about your Colorado home—whether there are hot and cold spots in different rooms, for example.

Do you live in an older home? ENERGY STAR^® estimates that nine out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated. Adding new insulation to your attic, floors, and crawlspace could reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 15 percent.

Is a Home Energy Audit Worth It?

The savings could be big. According to the U.S. Department of  Energy (DOE), a homeowner could save up to 30 percent on energy bills by making the upgrades identified in a home energy audit.

Even if you don’t follow all the recommendations, you will develop a much better understanding of how your home works. You can also map out a long-term strategy to tackle the improvements in small chunks.

Scheduling a home energy audit is similar to an annual physical with your doctor—it pays to be informed!

Call Your Energy Service Experts Today

Improve the efficiency and comfort of your Fort Collins, Colorado, home. Call today to schedule a professional home energy audit with Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. You can reach us at  970-235-2427 or request service online.

When it comes to staying warm during the cold winter months, folks in Fort Collins love their heat pumps. Fast, reliable, and cost effective to use, heat pumps are a popular choice in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

But what if it’s freezing outdoors and your heat pump starts blowing cold air?

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer practical solutions for installing and maintaining your heat pump. We’ll be sure you get the best value for your dollar and the best system to suit your personal needs here in Colorado. Keeping you comfortable is our goal.

Bigger, Better

Heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in a variety of weather conditions. While heat pumps are ideally suited to regions with moderate climates, the newer models are capable of handling extreme weather conditions and are increasingly versatile in terms of how they are used. According to ACHR News, heat pumps are gaining in popularity as a sensible alternative to traditional furnace and air conditioning units.

Did You Know?

Heat pumps are three to four times more energy efficient than electric furnaces because of how they transfer heat rather than trying to create it. They reduce carbon emissions, they require little maintenance, and one heat pump serves both your heating and cooling needs.

Good to Go

All heating and cooling systems require proper maintenance—and your heat pump is no exception. To start with, always clean or replace filters as needed. This inexpensive action maintains efficient airflow through the system and helps lower your utility bills.

Other home remedies include cleaning the outdoor coils and removing any vegetation that’s growing too close to your outdoor unit. Check your service manual for other preventative maintenance tips on how to get the best performance from your heat pump.

Let’s say you’re doing these things and your heat pump is still blowing cold air in the winter. Continue reading for a few more factors to consider.

Super Cold

Unlike a traditional furnace that generates its own heat, a heat pump transfers air from the outdoors and vice versa. During the winter, the pump’s compressor can capture and absorb outdoor heat and transfer it indoors. In the summer, a heat pump operates likes centralized air conditioning by extracting the warm indoor air and pushing it outdoors.

During the colder months, a heat pump will produce air that is approximately 55 degrees warmer than the outdoor air. That means if it’s 25 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the heat pump will crank air into your home that’s around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It seems pretty warm, but 80 degrees is much cooler than the average body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and could feel like cold air blowing into the home.

It’s Defrosting

To protect the outdoor coils from freezing up in the winter, heat pumps go through a defrosting period every hour or so in which they are truly blowing out cold air. This defrosting period only lasts a few minutes and should not affect the overall temperature of your home.

Check It Out

If your heat pump continues to blow cold air for more than a few minutes, and your home’s thermostat indicates the temperature is dropping, first try a little troubleshooting:

• Check the air filter to be sure it’s clear.
• Be sure the indoor vents aren’t blocked.
• Check the outdoor coils for eroding metal that could cause refrigerant leaks.
• Check the ductwork to be sure it’s properly connected.
• Check your thermostat to be sure it’s properly set.

If everything seems to be in order, then it’s probably time to call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to have one of our trained technicians come out and take a look.

Give Us a Call Today

It’s always a good idea to have your heat pump inspected at least once a year to keep it from blowing cold air when you want heated air. Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing here in Fort Collins, CO, to schedule an appointment or if you are in need of a repair. We’d be happy to address whatever heat pump issue you may be having. Call  970-345-3361 or request service online today.

There are few things more annoying than running out of hot water in the middle of a shower. But do not fret if this happens. It is more than likely an issue with your hot water heater.

It may be something very simple you can take care of yourself. However, some fixes do need the assistance of a professional.

Turn a Cold Mess Into a Hot Time

If you run into this situation, try troubleshooting or give us a call at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. One of our experienced professionals can promptly come out to your Fort Collins home to get your water flowing hot running again.

Focusing on Tank Water Heaters

There are a few options for powering water heaters—electric, gas, propane, and fuel oil. We will take a look at the two most popular types, electric and gas.

For each of these two, there are different steps to diagnose where the problem lies. However, for either type you may first want to:

• Check if your tank size is adequate for your Colorado home’s water needs. If you have more than two people living in your home, you may need a larger tank than what you currently have. It takes time to reheat enough water to refill the tank. Should this be the case in your home, wait about 30 minutes and retry the hot water.If you succeed, it might be time to consider upgrading. Or maybe a tankless water heater would be best for your home in Fort Collins. Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to discuss your options.

• Increase the thermostat temperature by a couple of degrees. Ideally, you want your water heater temperature set between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees or lower if you have small children in your Fort Collins home to avoid burning their sensitive skin). If you perform an adjustment, allow about 30 to 40 minutes for the hot water to return.If these two options do not produce hot water, read on for more troubleshooting.But before you continue, please heed this word of caution. Any time you work with electricity, turn off the power to the tank. A strong electrical current is running through there, and electricity is nothing to underestimate. Call one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals to help if you have any doubts.

Hot Tips for Owners of Electric Tank Water Heaters

If your unit is electric-powered, consider these possibilities:

• Restart your water heater. Sometimes a power surge can shut down your heater. Turn off the tank for a few minutes and then turn it back on and wait about 30 minutes. If you still have no hot water, this is not the problem.

• Check the fuse or breaker. If the fuse has blown or the breaker has been tripped, sometimes it is not obvious that this is the problem.Reset the breaker, even if it does not look tripped. Flip it off, wait about 30 seconds, and then flip it on. If it does not stay on, you need to call a professional electrician.

• Call one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals. Sometimes the technical side of electricity mingled with a water repair makes everyone feel more secure if handled by a pro. We can address the issue without causing further damage to other components, like a heating element or thermostat.

• Install a new water heater. The average life span of a water heater these days is 10 years. If your tank is close to that age, it may be smarter to invest in a new tank rather than replacing a costly part. After replacing that component, the tank itself could fail, and you would have thrown money out the window. Purchasing a new water heater with higher efficiency and energy savings can save you money in the long run. ENERGY STAR^® reports that higher efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models. Since heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of your Colorado home’s energy use, going with a higher efficiency tank could add up to a nice savings on your utility bill. A new water heater may also qualify you for an energy tax break or rebate. Check with your Fort Collins area energy company.

Hot Tips for Owners of Gas Tank Water Heaters

If your unit is gas powered, consider these possibilities:

• Check the pilot light. Your issue could be as simple as this. Maybe a strong wind down the vent pipe blew the flame out. Read the instructions affixed to your tank on how to relight the pilot. Many tanks have a button to depress for relighting. If you are not comfortable with this process, call one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals to light it. In some cases, a new pilot light assembly is required, in which case a plumber will need to replace it for you anyway.

• Fix the thermocouple.Af ter you light the pilot and are certain the flame does not remain lit, the thermocouple may be at fault. A thermocouple is a sensor that measures temperature. As a safety precaution, it will shut off the gas flow if the pilot goes out. If you are capable of replacing this yourself, it is a low-cost fix. If you are unsure about your level of competency, call a Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professional in to replace it for you.

• Check the gas supply. Occasionally, your heater may not be getting gas. If after you check to be sure the gas valve is turned on and you do not see a flame or smell gas, this could indicate the problem is the gas supply. Be sure the valve is open and assess the gas line. Is anything leaning against it, or does it have a twist or kink in it? If nothing appears out of the ordinary, call your gas company to see if they are working on the gas line in your area or if your gas has been turned off. If the answer to both of these is no, you need to call one of our professionals.

• Install a new water heater. The life span for a gas water heater is typically 10 years, just like an electric water heater. Unfortunately, it may be time for a replacement. Call Balance Point to discuss what type and size tank would be best for you.

We Are Your Water Heater Experts

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our certified professionals can help with whatever water heater issue you may have. Talk to us about a new installation or replacement, a repair, or water heater maintenance. In the case of no hot water, we are here in Fort Collins, CO, to help. Give us a call at 970-235-2467 or request service online today.

It is an “Oh no!” moment when you approach your home’s thermostat and see its screen is blank.

Is it serious? Does it mean your furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning is broken? Not necessarily. In fact, most of the time, it is something minor and can be easily fixed.

Chill Out

Here are some of the most frequent reasons our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals see a thermostat blank screen here in the Boulder area:

Dead batteries.

If your thermostat wall does not have a C-wire, or common wire, your thermostat is most likely not hooked up to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for its power and requires batteries. When your screen is blank, it could indicate you need to replace the batteries.

If this is the case, you typically need AA alkaline or 3-volt lithium batteries, so check what type is currently powering the thermostat and simply replace them. Most thermostats display a low-battery symbol when the juice is running low.

On the other hand, if your thermostat is hardwired to your HVAC system for power, it could be a temporary blank screen if the thermostat is in the middle of recharging. Wait a short time and see if the display returns. If it does not, read on.

Loose wiring or wiring problems.

Sometimes the wires hooked up to your thermostat are responsible for its lack of power. If they originally were not firmly attached or the thermostat is in a high-traffic room, the vibrations from people walking by can actually affect the wires.

Our professionals have also seen wires chewed by rodents damage the wiring. According to Humane Society International, these rodents will continue to cause havoc in your Boulder home until you locate their entrance/exit opening and permanently seal it.

Since wiring deals directly with electricity, we recommend calling us to diagnose and repair the issue for you. When it comes to electricity, rely on a professional. It is much better to be safe than sorry.

Tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

A quick fix to restore your thermostat’s power is a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, depending on what you have in your Colorado home. Sometimes a surge can cause this issue.

If you check your electrical box and a circuit breaker is tripped, just flip it back. If you have fuses, replace the fuse.

Once this is done, check your thermostat. If you have power again, you are set, but if the breaker trips again or the replacement fuse blows, you may have a more involved HVAC problem. You need to get one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals involved.

Tripped safety switch.

HVAC systems have built-in safety switches to protect you in an unsafe situation. In the event one of your unit’s safety switch is tripped, the transformer supplying voltage to your unit (and possibly your thermostat) will stop power.

If your unit is a furnace, you need to call one of our HVAC experts for a diagnosis and repair. If the unit is your heat pump or air conditioner, check its condensate pan to see if it is full. As a safety precaution, a full pan may trip the safety switch. Give us a call if this is the case.

Open furnace door.

Every once in a while, our team members come across an open furnace door causes a blank thermostat. Some thermostats are more sensitive to this issue than others, but it is worth checking. If your furnace door is not closed tightly, your thermostat may turn off. Simply closing the door securely should restore power in this situation.

Old thermostat.

Though thermostats can last 10 to 20 years, they do wear out. Sometimes it is just time to replace it.

If your thermostat is older, unfortunately, this may be the problem. If it is, be sure to have one of our HVAC professionals install the new one—newer models can be complicated. You want to be sure to avoid issues with it in the future.

Call Us With Any Thermostat Concerns

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing here in Boulder, CO, we frequently field phone calls regarding thermostat issues. If your thermostat has a blank display, try the aforementioned ideas to see if you can restore its power. But if they are not solving your problem, or if you are hesitant about attempting these on your own, please call us at  970-235-2428 or request service online. We are happy to help.

We at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing hope you are enjoying the warm weather this season here in Colorado. Although if you are reading this blog, you might just be a bit irritated by it.

Do Not Lose Your Cool

It is another hot day, yet your heat pump does not want to cooperate and is actually circulating hot air throughout your house. If this is the case, you probably want to take care of it right away.

Here are five top reasons your heat pump might be blowing hot air while on the Cool setting:

1. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Before calling one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals, the first thing you should do is take note of your thermostat settings. Be sure you have set your thermostat to Auto or On, as well as Cool.

The Fan setting will not cool your house; it simply circulates air. Next, be sure you have adjusted the thermostat two to four degrees below the current room temperature.

2. Incorrect Thermostat Configuration

Sometimes, due to faulty wiring or a variety of other mishaps, your thermostat may not be correctly communicating with your heat pump. If this appears to be the case, one of our heating and cooling experts should come to your Boulder home and repair it.

3. Clogged Air Filter

When an air filter becomes clogged, this significantly hinders your heat pump’s ability to circulate cool air. Check your air filter.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorses changing your filter every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets or a smoker in your home, you may want to change it more often.

If your filter is dirty, replace or clean it (depending on the type of filter). Afterwards, you should quickly notice an improvement in your indoor air quality and temperature.

4. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant flows through the heat pump’s coils, harvesting hot air from your home and pushing it outside. If your refrigerant is low or empty, your heat pump can’t do its job.

Refrigerant is continuously cycled through your heat pump, so the refrigerant does not regularly need to be replaced. However, if there is a leak anywhere in the system, you have a problem.

You should contact our HVAC team for this repair, as refrigerant is a substance requiring extra care when handled. Additionally, an internal problem with your heat pump may have caused the leak.

5. Duct Leak

Air ducts, especially older ones, are prone to leaking. When your ductwork springs a leak, it will not properly disperse the air through your vents.

This might make your home feel hot in some spots. If you suspect you have leaky ducts, call Balance Point. We can perform a detailed analysis during which we will be able to spot the source of the leak and repair it. Finding the source of lost energy will save you money.

We Are Your Heat Pump Experts

Here in Boulder, CO, the summers can be scorching. Your heat pump is designed to keep you comfortable in both warm and cool weather. If it is not pulling its weight this sizzling season, call us at 970-235-2428 or request service online. Our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing HVAC professionals are well-versed when it comes to troubleshooting heat pumps. We will get yours working right, guaranteed.

SEER is a term that gets thrown around a lot in reference to air conditioning (AC) products. As a homeowner, it’s helpful to know what it means. SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Essentially, it’s a rating system that allows you to quickly determine an air conditioner’s energy efficiency. Its rating is determined by taking the number of BTUs (the cooling speed) and dividing it by the machine’s wattage.

Heating and cooling units generally use more electricity than any of your household appliances, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). For this reason, it’s to your advantage to check SEER ratings when picking out an air conditioning system for your home. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the product; the more efficient the product, the more you’ll save on your electric bill.

Because of a recent ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all air conditioning units manufactured 2015 and onward need to have a minimum SEER rating of 14. Older, outdated air conditioners generally have a SEER rank of 10 and under. In most cases, you should be able to identify your air conditioner’s SEER rating by locating the EnergyGuide® sticker on the exterior.

The Benefits of Upgrading

Systems a decade or older are significantly less efficient than what’s currently available. They tend to require more frequent repairs than newer models. They also eat up way more electricity than an air conditioner with a 14 SEER rating. By switching to a newer model, you can save on utilities, pay for fewer (if any) repairs, and lead a greener lifestyle. If you’re thinking about upgrading, contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We’d be happy to give you an estimate of how much electricity you’d save by upgrading.

Picking the Right SEER

While a higher SEER rating means higher efficiency, it isn’t the only factor you should be taking into account when making a purchase. An air conditioner can only reach its highest potential efficiency when it operates in the correct environment. An HVAC system that’s too big for the space it functions in can’t reach the efficiency of its SEER rating. The same is true if it’s implemented in a home with leaky ducts, poorly insulated windows, or other home issues. Its rating can also be affected when operating in conjunction with your furnace.

Finding an air conditioner that will operate at maximum efficiency in your home or office space requires careful inspection and calculations. Our team of certified technicians at Balance Point is prepared to find you the perfect match! Call us at  970-235-2428  to schedule an appointment. It’s our goal to keep Fort Collins, CO, cool, comfortable, and operating at optimal efficiency!

You have just inspected your air filter, only to find it is sopping wet! Thoughts begin to race through your head, and you ask yourself, Is my furnace breaking down? or Is this going to be expensive to repair? Fortunately, there is no need for panic.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugh!

The bad news is there is something wrong with your furnace. The good news is it can usually be repaired quickly. However, you should take care of the problem as soon as possible.

What Made My Filter Wet?

A clogged condensate line is the most common culprit for a wet filter. The condensate line is a pipe that expels your heat exchanger’s water condensation. Because the condensate water is warm, it can be especially attractive to mold and mildew. Over time, your drain can become clogged with these contaminants, leading to an overflow.

What Are the Risks of a Damp Filter?

A moisture-filled filter is a haven for mold and mildew. Leaving it this way for too long allows these specimens to grow. As a result, their particles will negatively affect your Fort Collins indoor air quality (IAQ).

If you or anyone in your Colorado house has allergies, symptoms may flare up almost immediately. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against inhaling mold, as the mold spores can cause instant reactions.

Water that clogs your air filter is also detrimental to your equipment. Your furnace will have to work twice as hard to produce the same amount of heating. This leads to longer cycles and wears down the components.

For all these reasons, you should find a solution to the issue right away. Talk to one of our Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals to determine if this is necessary in your case.

What Should I Do?

Here are a couple ways to address and solve this issue:

1. Replace your filter.

As previously mentioned, a damp filter is bad for your air and bad for your furnace. You should replace your filter right away. Or, if you prefer, you can have one of our HVAC professionals perform the task.

2. Schedule a repair.

Let one of our experienced and licensed experts take care of the repair. We will be able to diagnose the issue at hand, then promptly and efficiently fix it.

Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning Is Your Furnace Filter Expert

If your filter is filled with condensate, definitely do not hesitate to schedule a repair. Call us at 970-345-3361 or request service online now.

In addition to repairs, we offer routine maintenance visits. Routine maintenance is a great way to remedy issues such as a clogged condensate drain before they become a serious problem. All of us at Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning are proud to serve you and your neighbors in Fort Collins, CO, and surrounding communities.