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 Older, outdated air conditioners generally have a SEER rank of 10 and under.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.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected so many lives around us, both health-wise and financially. At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we remain committed to providing the best service to all our Colorado customers during this difficult time. Let’s stick together as a community and help each other whenever we can.

We can certainly understand how you might want to replace your older air conditioner, or even your furnace, with a newer energy-efficient model but are concerned about the timing. Please know there are plenty of financing options available regardless of your credit history or current situation.

Financing Your Heating and Cooling Equipment

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we offer financing options with quick approvals! Whether you need to replace a costly part or want to purchase a new product, schedule an appointment with our finance team to see how we can help you. We can help you with the application process while going over rates and low monthly payment options.

Another option is to check with the Loveland and Colorado government to see if low-interest loans are available on the purchase of energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Many cities and states around the country offer programs designed to help out with green home improvements. A little research could save you a bundle of money.

Veteran and Senior Discount Programs

If you are a veteran interested in making home improvements, consider applying with the Veteran Loan Center for a low-interest loan. Active-duty soldiers and veterans are eligible.

Many options are available for seniors to upgrade their property. Start with your local aging agencies and work your way up. These programs are designed to keep you comfortable in your own home.

Check Out the Rebates!

At Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we partner with many manufacturing companies that offer significant rebates. These rebates can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, depending on the model you purchase. Our team will gladly assist you in choosing the right system for your budget and lifestyle, and then helping to fill out any available rebate forms.

Most older furnaces and air conditioners operate at an efficiency rate between 60 and 70 percent. That means for every dollar you invest to heat and cool your home, at least 30 cents is wasted. If you can replace that older equipment with a newer model that has an efficiency rating of 90 percent or higher, you are going to save a lot of money on your monthly energy bills.

Energy efficiency has a lot to do with the energy rebates many utility companies offer their customers. Once again, it depends on the model you choose and its energy efficiency, but contacting your energy company in advance of your purchase will give you an idea of what you can expect. You may also qualify for a tax rebate or break from the IRS on your new system. Be sure to speak with a tax expert about this possibility.

Three Reasons to Replace Your HVAC System

Investing in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment can be a considerable expense, but it is a wise decision. Here are three reasons why it makes sense:

1. Increase Your Home Market Value

We buy new cars knowing they depreciate as soon as we leave the dealership lot. A reliable HVAC system does just the opposite—it adds value to your Loveland home. Environmentally friendly homes with updated systems sell quicker and command a higher price. Those manufacturer warranties, certifications, and scheduled maintenance calls make your home more marketable.

2. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

If someone in your life has asthma, allergies, or any other type of respiratory condition, then you know the importance of maintaining high indoor air quality. Our team can install ultraviolet (UV) lights, air filtration systems, humidifiers, and zone control systems designed to improve your health.

3. Add Comfort to Your Home

Reduce your carbon footprint, improve your indoor air quality, and guess what? Your Loveland home is suddenly much more comfortable. Your HVAC system is running at peak capacity, using less energy, and lowering your utility bills. Breathe easy—you are home.

Most people spend 90 percent of their day indoors, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Investing in your home, health, and comfort just makes sense.

Call Us About Financing

Enjoy the warm weather comfortably, with a cooling system that does its job in your Loveland, CO, home. Our team at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing takes great pride in building lasting relationships with every customer.

We care about your health and your comfort. Call  970-235-2428 or request service online today to learn more about our financing options and how we can help you achieve the comfort you deserve.

When you’re looking at how your air conditioner works, it can depend on a wide variety of factors. Most people realize that the brand you select, the size, the features, and the efficiency rating all play a role in how well an air conditioner will cool your Fort Collins home.

However, many environmental issues also play a significant part in not only your air conditioner’s performance but contribute to potential problems you may face. Our team of experts at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing wants to help increase your awareness of some of these environmental factors.

Size and Layout of Your Home

It’s very important to select the right-sized air conditioner for your Colorado home. Some people use a quick-and-dirty square-foot calculation to determine the size of a new air conditioner. However, you should also take into affect the size, layout, and design of your home.

For instance, many homes have high ceilings and open floor plans. This can result in a cooling challenge on the hottest days. You may want to use the volume of your home to perform sizing calculations.

In addition, the placement of ceiling fans or other air-circulation systems may also affect how well your air conditioner distributes cooled air.

Family Size and Schedules

Another factor in your air conditioner performance is how often you use your cooling system. This can vary depending on how large of a family you have and how often they are home.

For example, if you have a large family who spends a lot of time in your home, you’ll be working your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system much harder than if you are a single person who travels a great deal for your job.

Presences of Pets

More and more families today have a pet or multiple animals living inside their home. If you are a pet owner, you know how frequently you must clean your floors and furniture, especially if your dogs or cats shed a great deal.

In this case, be sure to change your HVAC air filter more frequently, because your pets will be contributing more hair and dander to your indoor air. In addition, be aware that pet hair can easily clog up air conditioner drains.

Smoking

If you smoke inside your home, this will also affect your air conditioner’s performance. You’ll want to be more diligent about changing your air filters and may want to consider investing in a higher-quality air filtration system to remove the added particulates.

According to the American Lung Association, about 7,000 different chemicals are produced when someone smokes. This not only affects your indoor air quality but can contribute to the deterioration of your air conditioning system.

Tar and nicotine are sticky and, therefore, can attract more dust and dirt to adhere to the inside components of your air conditioner. You’ll either want to clean these components more regularly or have one of our Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing professionals inspect and service your air conditioner frequently. Improving your air conditioning maintenance and air filtration system can also reduce the number of chemicals constantly circulated inside your home.

Climate and Humidity

There’s obviously a significant difference in how often and hard your air conditioner will work when you compare homes in the northern colder climates against those in the hot southern ones. In addition, there’s a difference between those locales with very humid weather and those that have hot, dry weather.

If you live in one of the warmer climates, it will be more important to schedule regular maintenance before the hottest weather hits to ensure your air conditioner is performing at its peak.

In addition, if you experience high humidity levels, you may want to use a dehumidifier to take some of the burden off your air conditioning system. Although most air conditioners are designed to reduce humidity, in extremely humid climates, it may be difficult to keep up.

Contact Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Today

If you are in the market for a new air conditioning system or need to repair an existing system, turn to Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Fort Collins, CO. Our trained experts are well-versed in all major makes and models and can provide you with reliable, high-quality assistance and service. Call  970-345-3361  or contact us online today.

The average furnace lasts between 10 and 15 years. But did you know you can take steps to make it last longer? There is no shortcut or hack to increase your furnace’s longevity.

In reality, the key is treating your Fort Collins, CO system with care and respect. With just a small amount of time and energy, you can ensure your furnace will live well beyond its warranty. From our team here at Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, here are four things you should do to make your furnace last longer:

1. Change Your Filter Regularly

This is one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do for your heating system. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see how frequently you should replace your filter.

When filters get clogged with dust and debris, it causes all sorts of problems with your furnace. The airflow becomes restricted, causing the furnace components to wear down more quickly.

2. Schedule Maintenance at Least Once a Year

You should see one of our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals for maintenance at least once a year. Your heating equipment might have issues you can’t yet see.

Fortunately, a trained eye can spot them. Also, our technicians will clean any excess debris or mold from your equipment. This protects your furnace, as well as your Colorado home’s air quality.

3. Regulate Your Home’s Humidity

Protecting your furnace from excess moisture is an easy step to forget. Humid temperatures can cause your unit’s parts to rust quickly. This can lead to breakdowns. It can also lead to a cracked heat exchanger, which is expensive to replace and potentially deadly. Additionally, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, excess humidity can cause a host of other problems in your home.

4. Limit Your Use

In automotive terms, the amount of hours your furnace spends running is comparable to a car’s mileage. If you can run your heating system less frequently, you’ll get more use out of it in the long run.

A convenient way to do this is by upgrading your thermostat to either a programmable or Wi-Fi/smart thermostat. Programmable thermostats can automatically turn down your heat during hours when no one is home. Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to adjust temperatures on your smartphone or computer/laptop when you’re home or away. You can also monitor your weekly energy usage, so you can consider ways to cut down.

Contact Balance Point Heating & Air Conditioning for All Your Furnace Needs

Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to help you in Loveland, Colorado, and our surrounding areas to preserve your furnace’s condition. Call us today at 970-235-2428 or request service online to schedule service with one of our highly trained and experienced professionals.

Ductless mini-split air conditioners are a popular option in Fort Collins because of the customized, high-level comfort they provide. They use the same technology as heat pumps, but you can install them in individual rooms. Because of this, ductless mini-split ACs can provide a high level of individualized comfort.

With dry air, sunny days, and cool nights, your thermostat settings may fluctuate significantly. When dealing with ductless mini-split air conditioners, you need to be mindful of weather changes throughout the day as well as each family member’s unique temperature preferences. 

To help you stay comfortable this year, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best thermostat modes, energy-saving tips, and practical considerations.

Mini-Split Basics: How Temperature, Modes & Sensors Work 

With an inverter compressor, sensors are paired with the compressor to modulate heating and cooling. After the sensors relay the temperature inside your home, the compressor changes the voltage and frequency so that the level of cooling and heating changes. Rather than changing the temperature quickly and shutting off, the unit stays on for longer. As a result, your home uses less energy.

Thanks to how ductless mini-split AC units work, you can take advantage of remote thermostat readings instead of head unit sensors. Many traditional ACs use head unit sensors, so only one sensor is used to determine the temperature in your whole home. Ductless units can provide a more accurate level of comfort because different sensors report on the temperature in individual zones. 

Plus, mini-split humidity control settings can ensure different rooms have the right humidity level. You can change mini-split dry mode vs. cool mode on humid days to ensure a comfortable, cool home.

Summer Settings in Fort Collins: Day, Night, and Away 

When it comes to the ideal thermostat setting for ductless AC, it really depends on the time of year. During the daytime in the summer, most experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F so that you spend less on energy costs. 

Mini-split temperature settings for sleeping are usually lower, as sleep quality decreases at higher temperatures. In general,  temperatures between 65°F and 68°F are the best for rejuvenating sleep. If you’re away from home, the best energy-saving temperature for mini-splits is 88°F or higher.

To maximize your ductless mini-splits AC’s cooling efficacy, don’t forget to take advantage of dry mode. During monsoon-like days, the dry mode helps to reduce the stickiness in the air without over-cooling your home.

Winter Settings

When comparing summer vs. winter mini split settings, it’s important to keep individual preferences in mind. You don’t want to let the air get too cold because the system may struggle to modulate efficiently. Instead, keep your thermostat settings at 62°F when you’re away or asleep. During the day, around 68°F is a good temperature. 

With the mini-split heat pump temperature range, slight changes can save you a significant amount of money. By lowering your indoor temperature by just 7°F to 10°F for eight hours, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills. 

During winter, it’s generally more effective to use the auto fan setting than the fixed fan setting. Auto fan means your fan only turns on as needed, so it saves money on energy costs. 

Even though it gets quite cold during the winter in Fort Collins, your ductless mini-split heat pump can still function effectively if it is cold-climate rated. These units are designed with defrost cycles, which allow the unit to defrost and stay functional in cold weather.

Sleep Optimization: Quiet, Even, and Just-Right 

When it comes to the mini-split temperature settings for sleeping, anywhere between 62°F and 68°F is appropriate, depending on the season. You can also use the sleep mode for better energy efficiency and automatic temperature adjustments at night. With the quiet mode, your ductless mini-split air conditioner will function at a quieter noise level until morning. 

To avoid a draft, make sure the airflow isn’t pointed directly at you. You may also want to set your thermostat to a higher temperature.

Humidity & Mode Selection 

When it comes to mini-split humidity control settings, you should set your relative humidity to between 30% and 50% to ensure your family’s comfort. During humid, summertime storms, you can use dry mode to remove humidity from the air. Besides preventing mold growth, a lower humidity helps your home feel cool at a higher temperature.

Zoning Tips To Prevent Hot/Cold Spots 

For help preventing hot/cold spots with mini splits, it’s a good idea to set up multiple indoor heads. This is especially important in tricky rooms, such as sunrooms and basements. 

To ensure balance and avoid pressure-related issues, keep doors open and try to coordinate the same temperature setpoint in different zones. You may also need to experiment with different fan speeds and airflow directions to make sure every room reaches the same temperature.

Energy-Saving Playbook for Fort Collins Homes 

Besides finding the best mini-split heat pump temperature range, you can save energy by adopting a few other tips. 

• Set It and Leave It: With an inverter system, set it to the right temperature and leave it alone. This helps you avoid major swings.
• Seasonal Setpoint Ranges: For the best energy-saving temperature for mini-splits, pick a temperature range. This keeps your unit from turning on all the time and can save on energy costs.
• Smart Thermostats: Investing in smart thermostats can help you maximize savings. Over time, the thermostat will learn your family’s temperature preferences. 
• Clean Filters: For the maximum energy efficiency, make sure to clean and replace your filters every 30 to 90 days. 

When Your Settings Aren’t Working: Quick Checks 

If one of your ductless mini-split air conditioners isn’t working, there are a few quick checks you can do to troubleshoot the problem. 

• • Change or replace the filter.
  • Make sure it is set to the correct mode and temperature.

• See if the sensors are blocked.
• Face the fan’s louvers in the correct direction to avoid drafts and uneven cooling.

For capacity issues, low refrigerant levels, and advanced controls, you should reach out to one of our professional HVAC technicians for ductless mini-split inspections and repairs.

Choose Your Home’s Temperature With Care in Fort Collins

From discovering the best temperature for mini-split units to performing routine maintenance, a few simple steps can ensure your family stays comfortable this year. With the help of Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, you can get help with everything from maintaining your mini-split to the furnace repair Fort Collins homeowners trust.

Find out more about our ductless mini-split AC services by calling our HVAC experts today!

In Fort Collins, winters are fairly dry. Along the Front Range, the shoulder seasons also have variable weather. In order to keep your home healthy and comfortable for all of its occupants, you need to invest in a whole-house humidifier. Besides helping you breathe easier, a whole-home humidifier can also protect your home’s wood finishes.

For more about these HVAC devices and basic maintenance, read on.

Whole-House Humidifier Basics: What You Have & How It Works

There are a few popular types of home humidifiers. With proper central humidifier care, you can ensure your humidifier is fully functional throughout the year.

• Bypass Humidifiers: This kind of home humidifier system passively uses air from your furnace. The air flows over an evaporator panel to increase its humidity level.
• Fan-Powered Humidifiers: With this option, the humidifier performs the same basic action, but it uses its own fan to push air over the panel.
• Steam Systems: Meanwhile, a steam system involves boiling water with the help of electrodes or resistive heating in order to create steam vapor.

All of these systems are triggered to turn on when your humidity level drops below a setpoint.

Seasonal Checklist at a Glance: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter 

To keep your whole-house humidifier functioning at its best, you have to use whole-house humidifier maintenance consistently. The following HVAC humidifier maintenance should be performed in each season. In every season, you should double-check the water quality. Additionally, make sure to always change the filter or evaporator pad.

Spring: Clean, Inspect, and Power Down

In spring, turn off the water supply. Turn your humidistat off or to your lowest setting. Then, perform the following whole-home humidifier maintenance steps.

• Replace or clean your media pad in the water panel.
• Flush the drain line. 
• Use scale removal to clean the distribution tray.

Hard water is common along the Front Range. Because of this, you should check for mineral buildup as a part of your central humidifier care. You may also want to consider getting an inline filter or a water softener.

Summer: Standby Mode & Mold Prevention

As a part of your furnace humidifier upkeep in the summer, make sure that the unit’s power is off when the air conditioner is running. If you have a bypass unit, it should be set to SUMMER/CLOSED. Then, perform the following maintenance steps for your home humidifier system.

• Make sure the drain is clear.
• Keep the cabinet dry. 
• Check each month to make sure there is no standing water.

Fall: Reactivation & Calibration 

Before fall arrives, there are a few HVAC humidifier maintenance steps you need to take care of. 

• As a part of your whole-house humidifier maintenance, reopen the water supply.
• If the media pad wasn’t replaced during your springtime maintenance, it’s time to get a new one.
• Ensure the valve and solenoid work.
• Inspect your wiring, fan, and float/safety controls to make sure they’re in working order.
• Set your relative humidity (RH) to 35% to 40%. Adjust as needed so that your windows don’t develop condensation.
• Run a test cycle with your furnace. Make sure that water is evenly distributed on your steam canister or pad.

Winter: In-Season Care & Dialing RH 

During the winter, your whole-home humidifier will be used all of the time. For the best results, remember to tweak your RH when the outdoor temperature swings. It should be lower during the coldest days so that you don’t develop ice and condensation on your windows. 

As a part of your furnace humidifier upkeep, remember to perform the following whole-home humidifier maintenance.

• Inspect the pad each month. Change it as needed.
• Descale your tray and distributor.
• Ensure the drain remains clear.

Sometimes, humidifiers can malfunction. If you notice signs of a leak, gurgling noises, or frequent canister faults (steam), you should call Balance Point right away to schedule a professional inspection and repairs. You may also need repairs if your home’s humidity level is rising at a slower rate than normal

Water Quality & Mineral Management

Most homes in this part of Colorado have hard water. Unfortunately, hard water can lead to faster scale buildup. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of the pad or canister. 

To remedy this problem, it’s a good idea to perform seasonal descaling. Upgraded media, inline filters, and water softeners can all help you avoid scale damage. If you notice crumbly media or any white dust near your vents, reach out to our team right away to learn about all of the water softener and other tools that can prevent additional damage.

Smart Controls, Sensors & Energy Tips

If you want to keep your home comfortable throughout the year, adopt the following essential tips. 

• Outdoor temperature sensors can help your RH automatically adjust to changes in temperature so that you can avoid condensation on your windows. 
• Smart thermostats and automated controls can learn your comfort preferences, optimize your energy usage, and ensure a more comfortable indoor environment. Plus, smart thermostats allow you to set it and forget it.
• Fix air leaks so that your furnace and humidifier don’t have to work as hard. 
• Change your furnace filter regularly to stabilize the humidity levels and achieve the best air quality possible.

Troubleshooting Quick Guide

If you experience problems with your humidifier, use the following troubleshooting tips to find a quick solution.

• No Humidity Change: Start by checking the water valve and solenoid. Make sure the pad orientation is correct and the damper is open. Additionally, verify that the thermostat is set correctly.
• Water on Floor: Inspect the drain hose for signs of a leak. You should also check the fittings and shut-off valve.
• Odd Odors: Try replacing the pad and sanitizing the cabinet. You may also need to look for airflow issues.

When to Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

If something is wrong with your whole-home humidifier and basic troubleshooting doesn’t work, give us a call. We can help to make sure your whole-house humidifier achieves the peak performance level possible, schedule an annual service maintenance for cleaning, calibration, and safety checks. During the appointment, we’ll inspect your system for potential problems and recommend the best repair options.

Call Balance Point Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today to schedule your next HVAC appointment in Fort Collins.