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.

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 in your 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.