It’s normal for homeowners to be confused about their property’s HVAC system, and this is partly because both heating and air conditioner systems are incredibly complicated.
For homeowners in big cities like Denver CO, there’s a lot to keep in mind regarding HVAC functionality and maintenance. Denver just so happens to have a very fluctuating climate that includes very high summer temperatures and frigid winters.
We’ve partnered up with the hvac service denver co experts at Apex Clean Air to answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that homeowners throughout the Denver metro area have about their HVAC systems. So if you live in Denver and are concerned about your property’s HVAC capabilities or maintenance, check out the below sections to see if your questions are answered!
How often should my AC air filters be replaced?
This is probably one of the most common HVAC questions that Denver homeowners have, because it’s naturally difficult to recognize jus how frequently AC air filters should be replaced.
Some specialists might say that AC air filters should be replaced on a monthly basis, and others might say that they should be replaced about every three months. The truth is that the frequency of your air filter replacements depends upon unique factors to your property, including things like how many people live at your home, if you own pets, etc.
It’s a good idea to take a close look at your AC air filters on a monthly basis to see if it does in fact need to be replaced. If you hold a flashlight up to your filter and you’re able to see through it, then it’s time to get a new filter.
It’s also important to note that Denver CO homeowners typically have to replace their AC air filters more frequently during the summer months than they do during the winter.
How often do I need professional HVAC services?
It’s crucial to have your HVAC system professionally serviced at least twice per year, including the spring and fall months as you’re preparing to switch from heating to cooling (and vice versa).
Regular HVAC maintenance can also go a very long way to guarantee that your system is efficiently operating during the heart of the summer and winter seasons, and routine maintenance also helps homeowners prevent future breakdowns. Although DIY HVAC maintenance technically is possible, you’ll always be better off leaving this type of maintenance in the hands of seasoned technicians.
It’s also important to note that most HVAC system manufacturers require homeowners to invest in seasonal maintenance appointments in order to uphold an active warranty, and this requires professional HVAC service appointments.
Are programmable thermostats worth the investment?
The answer to this FAQ is often subjective, because it typically depends upon how a homeowner plans on using programmable thermostats. Programmable or smart thermostats have become wildly popular throughout the Denver metro area in recent years, and one feature of these thermostats is that they allow you to program different indoor temperatures based upon the time of day.
This means that you can reduce your energy bills by increasing your home’s indoor temperature during the middle of the day when you know you’ll be out of the house, and you also won’t sacrifice your indoor comfort due to the system cooling itself down when you know you’ll be back home. The same thing goes for the winter season by decreasing your home’s temperatures while you’re away.
Programmable thermostats essentially allow homeowners to optimize their indoor temperatures through their thermostat settings, and this can subsequently lead to utility cost decreases.
How do heat pumps work?
A lot of Denver homeowners are confused about heat pumps. Heat pumps can actually be used to heat up or cool down a residential property. The main reason why it’s called a heat pump is because it transfers heat from inside a property to the outdoors, or vice versa.
Every heat pump utilizes refrigerant, so during the summer your home’s air will be pumped into your system’s evaporator coil as it’s transferred into the refrigerant. The refrigerant will then pump itself into the condenser coil, where the heat is released outside.
During the winter, heat pump systems work in the opposite direction to efficiently bring warm air into your home.
What exactly is a ductless mini-split system?
Ductless mini-split systems technically are a popular type of heat pump in today’s marketplace. Although these systems are somewhat similar to traditional ducted HVAC systems, they don’t actually require any ductwork.
Instead, mini-split units are placed throughout various rooms within your home, and they’re all interconnected to an outdoor compressor through copper piping—which is where the refrigerant comes from. In this system, air is drawn into your wall-mounted unit and cooled or heated within each unit.
One benefit of a ductless mini-split system is that it opens the door for zone control heating, as opposed to establishing widespread settings through just one or two thermostats.
What’s HVAC zoning?
HVAC zoning is the process of controlling the temperature/settings of one specific household area independently of the rest of your property’s settings.
This means that you can keep your living room slightly cooler in the summertime as compared to your office or dining room. In Colorado, HVAC zoning can significantly reduce a property’s energy bills through customized HVAC system controls.
Reach Out to Apex Clean Air When You Need HVAC Services in Denver CO!
There’s a lot that Denver CO homeowners need to keep in mind while they’re repairing or maintaining their HVAC systems, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions about these complicated household components.
The Apex Clean Air team is one of the top-rated HVAC service providers in the Denver metro area, and their experts are available to answer more of your questions when you go to their website link at the top of this blog!