bassetheatingandac-blog

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Air Conditioning Tips

Central air conditioning tips for summer

Keeping your Colorado Springs area home cool and comfortable during the summer months can sometimes be a challenge. If your home has a central air conditioning system, here are a few Summer home cooling tips that will ensure your AC is working at peak performance levels.

Make sure the furnace air filters are clean. Dirty or plugged filters restrict airflow across the indoor evaporator coil, thus causing the AC system to not only work harder in trying to keep your home cool, but can also cause the system to freeze up completely and cease to work at all. A dirty or plugged filtercan create too great of a pressure drop across the indoor coil. This will also create a pressure drop in the refrigerant circuit. When this happens, the condensation that normally forms and drains from the indoor coil will now freeze. If the system continues to operate under these conditions, the indoor coil can ice up completely, thus blocking all airflow. This not only will overwork the indoor blower motor and possibly damage it, but the outdoor section of the AC system will also be strained.

Leave the indoor circulating blower on. If your thermostat has a fan control setting and its properly wired to the indoor air handler (usually the furnace), leave this setting in the on position to reduce air stratification within the home. When the thermostat is satisfied, the outdoor AC condenser will turn off. But the indoor fan will continue to circulate the air inside the home, which will help maintain a better balance of the temperature inside the home. Hot air rises and cold air falls. Leaving the fan on will help reduce or eliminate this natural stratification of the air, and the result will be a more comfortable indoor temperature balance. A note here: If your furnace or air handler does not have a high efficiency ECM or variable speed circulating blower, consider having one installed. ECM motors are significantly less expensive to operate than a standard fixed speed motor, and are much quieter too. Typically these type motors are ten times more efficient that a standard fixed speed motor. When run at a constant fan on setting, these motors move air at a low speed which greatly reduces air stratification and is also much quieter than a fixed speed motor.

Make sure the outdoor units coils are clean and unobstructed. The hot air removed from inside the home is discharged to the outdoors via the central AC systems outdoor condensing unit. If these outdoor unit coils are dirty, plugged or obstructed by bushes, plants, etc, then the hot air cannot be effectively removed from inside the home. Not only will this cause your system to operate less efficiently, but it will also work harder and run hotter, which will shorten the equipments life expectancy if not damage the compressor itself.

Airflow within the home. If your home suffers from poor airflow coming from the registers (particularly on the upper levels), its very possible that duct leakage is the culprit. Leakage of air from a homes duct system is a major problem in many homes. As much as 30% of the air in a forced air system can be lost due to leakage before it ever reaches the supply register. This causes tremendous loss of efficiency (in both the heating and cooling mode). Many homes that are difficult to cool on the upper levels are the victim of this problem. There is a solution available (called Aeroseal) If you suspect that your home suffers from severe duct leakage, I recommend having the duct system tested and sealed if necessary.

Having your AC system serviced and inspected by a professional is also recommended. An experienced service pro can not only make sure your system will operate at its peak level, but may be able to uncover any hidden problems that adversely affect the systems overall performance.

As always, feel free to contact Basset Heating & Air Conditioning at 719-392-0032 for answers to any questions you may have regarding your homes indoor comfort system.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

HOT Summer Specials!

Good Afternoon! It is going to be a hot one this week! Call our office so you can beat the heat with some of our great specials!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

HOT HOT HOT Summer Days!

Good Morning! It's going to be HOT HOT HOT the next few days! Let Basset Heating and AC Keep you cool! Give us a call today!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Summer Snack!

Good morning! Check out this fun summer recipe for a snack on those hot summer afternoons!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/214947/perfect-summer-fruit-salad/

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Home AC Installation Cost

A new, energy-efficient central air conditioner can help you save money off monthly utility bills in the Colorado Springs area. In fact, a new air conditioner uses about 30 percent to 50 percent less energy than models manufactured in the mid 1970s and 20 percent to 40 percent less energy than models manufactured just 10 years ago.

If you’re considering buying a new central air conditioner for your Colorado Springs area home, it’s important to understand how one should be properly installed. After all, a new, energy-efficient central air conditioner isn’t cheap, and when it comes to the performance, lifespan and energy efficiency of your air conditioner, quality installation is just as important as the actual air conditioner itself. In fact, a brand new, energy-efficient air conditioner that’s improperly installed can perform as poorly as the old model you’re looking to replace.

Depending on the size and layout of your home, the brand, model and efficiency of the ac system being installed, and other factors such as the electrical wiring requirements of the new ac system, one can expect to spend anywhere from around $3,500 up to $6,000 or more for a quality air conditioning system to be installed. There are many factors that will determine the actual cost, including the size and efficiency of the new system, the degree of difficulty to install it, as well as brand, model, permit fees, etc. Some older homes may have to have the main electrical panel upgraded in order to accommodate the electrical demand of the condensing unit, as these outdoor units require a dedicated circuit to supply its power. If the electrical panel in your home is only rated for 100 amps, it may (or may not) require an upgrade. Your HVACcontractor should be able advise you while they are at the home providing you with an estimate.

When you’re having a new air conditioner installed, make sure your contractor performs the following procedures:

Locates the outdoor condensing unit where the noise will not keep you or neighbors awake at night, where the unit will be free of obstructions that might block air flow to it and where it will be in shade, if possible. A shaded condensing unit can save you 1 percent to 2 percent off cooling costs. Makes sure there are enough supply and return air registers to deliver cooled air throughout the house and return the warmed air back to the air conditioner. Allows enough indoor space for installation, maintenance and repair of all system components. Makes sure an access door is installed in the furnace or duct so that the evaporator coil can be cleaned. Sizes air ducts properly using industry-standard methodology such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual D. Installs air ducts within the air conditioned space and not in a hot attic whenever possible. Ensures that all ducts are sealed with duct mastic and, in the case of attic ducts, heavily insulated. Locates the thermostat away from sources of heat. Primes the air conditioner with the precise refrigerant charge and sets the exact air flow rate as specified by the air conditionermanufacturer.

Ensuring that these installation procedures are followed is an important part of getting the most comfort and energy-efficiency from your new central air conditioner. If the procedures are followed properly, you can expect from 15 to 20 years of quality, low-maintenance operation from you new air conditioner.

For a free written quote on installation of a new central AC system contact Basset Heating & Air Conditioning at 719-392-0032

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Summer Time Heat

Don't sweat the summer! Let Basset Heating and AC keep you cool with a new ac system.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Summer Fun!

Summer is here and school is out! Check out this article for some fun summer activity ideas!

https://wellnessmama.com/55734/family-summer-activities-checklist/

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Time For A New Water Heater?

Is is time for a new water heater? Homeowners will often wonder when it is time for a new water heater. The simple answer is to replace it if it starts leaking. But there are other signs that may indicate that the time is right to replace your existing water heater. Now we’re talking about the most common type of water heaters here…the standard tank water heater found in the majority of homes. Tankless water heaters will be addressed in another article. Most tank style water heaters will last, on average, about 10-12 years. Some factors that may influence the tank’s life include incoming water pressure, mineral content in the supply water, as well as routine maintenance (such as flushing the tank periodically to remove deposits). I’ve come across water heaters that are 20 years old (although rare) and still functioning. And I’ve seen water heaters develop leaks after only 5 or 6 years of service. If the tank has developed a leak you will need to get a new water heater. There is no fix for a ruptured tank other than replacing the water heater itself. However, if you notice that water is escaping from the pressure relief valve, this indicates another problem. It could be as simple as a faulty relief valve, which can easily be replaced in most cases. Or it could indicate the incoming water pressure is too high, and thus the valve is doing what it is supposed to do. That is, relieve the pressure building up in the tank. If the incoming water pressure is too high, the likely cause is the home’s main water pressure regulator is at fault. Household water pressure is generally around 65 PSI. Pressure relief valves on water heaters are usually designed to open at 100 PSI to prevent the tank from rupturing. The main pressure regulator in the home can sometimes be adjusted (this is best left to a pro). But oftentimes it will have to be replaced. A water pressure test device is needed to check your home’s water pressure and for adjustment, if required. Other signs that your water heater is nearing the end of its life: It “rumbles” when it is heating the water. This is usually caused by sediment and mineral buildup inside the tank. Thermal expansion will create the rumbling sound. The tank has likely lost some capacity due to the buildup inside. Also, if your hot water is rusty, this is a good indication that it’s time to replace the water heater. At Basset Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer free estimates on new water heaters. Call us at 719-392-0032 to schedule your free replacement quote. Serving Colorado Springs and the Fountain Valley areas.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Beat The Heat

It's getting warm out! Call our office today and find out how you can beat the heat!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Best Air Conditioning System

Often I am asked by Colorado Springs homeowners what the Best air conditioning system is to have installed in their home. Is it Trane? Lennox? Rheem? Amana? Or another brand entirely? I will then ask them what is it specifically they desire from a new AC system? Generally the answer is almost always the same….they want a system that will cool their home effectively, efficiently and one that’s dependable. Cost is also a consideration in many cases, although it is not always the deciding factor. The Best air conditioning systems are usually not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. The Best air conditioning system for your home is one that will provide you with years of reliable comfort, occur minimal breakdowns, and is easy to maintain and service. Whether it’s a Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Carrier, Goodman or Amana, the most reliable air conditioning systems are generally ones that have been sized properly and installed professionally. In other words, the quality of the installation goes a lot further in determining the performance and dependability of the system, than the actual brand itself. Most central AC systems utilize common components, such as scroll compressors manufactured by Copeland, and condenser fan motors made by Generel Electric. You see, many of the components found in newer AC systems are very similar if not identical. Most capacitors are manufactured in the same country, as are condenser contactors. So why does one AC system perform flawlessly while another seems to break down every year? In most cases, it is because of the initial installation of the system. A system that is too small or too large will not cool your home properly. A system that was not properly evacuated, leak tested and correctly charged at installation will cause you to experience under-performance, yearly repairs and endless frustration. The benefits of a properly installed AC system far outweigh the brand of the system. I’ve seen very expensive brands that experience problems constantly while “cheaper”, lesser known brands perform without a hitch year in and year out. Something as simple as failing to properly evacuate a new system during installation could result in a catastrophic failure of the compressor within a few years (or less) of installation. You see, if any moisture is present in the refrigerant lineset at start-up (due to improper evacuation or worse yet, no evacuation), that moisture can lead to an acidic condition when mixed with the refrigerant, and this will eventually cause the compressor to fail.

So if you’re wanting the Best air conditioning system for your home, be sure you are getting the “best” installation available. Many companies cut corners on installation in order to “low bid” the job. This could cost you much more in the long run. A quality installation greatly increases your odds of having a new ACsystem that will provide you with years and years of dependable operation.

Basset Heating & Air Conditioning offers free quotes on installation of new AC systems. We may be reached at 719-392-0032.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

It’s getting warm out!

Is your home ready for the warm spring and summer months? Call us today to find out about our ac install specials!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Air Conditioning Spring Checklist

Now that warmer weather is upon us here in the Rockies, it’s important to ensure your home’s

AC

air conditioning spring checklist is in order and that your air conditioning system is ready for the months ahead. We highly recommend that you have your

AC

system serviced and inspected yearly by a qualified

HVAC

company. In the meantime, here are a few things homeowners can check to prep the

AC

system for use.

Check and replace all air filters used in the system. If you have a central heating and cooling system, these will be the same filter(s) that are used for the furnace. The outdoor AC condenser in a residential home split system unit will not have any filters.

If you covered the outdoor unit for the winter months, make sure to remove this cover before operating the AC system. Running the air conditioner with the cover in place can severely damage the unit. Also, check and ensure the breaker switch to the outdoor unit is turned on.

Inspect the outdoor coils and make sure they are clean and unobstructed. Remove any dirt, tree pollen, leaves, etc or anything else that may inhibit airflow. Inspect the lineset and make sure the insulation is still in place.

Make sure all indoor supply registers are open and uncovered. This includes all return air grilles.

We recommend waiting until it is above 70 degrees before turning your air conditioning system on. If your AC system doe not seem to be operating properly, call Basset Heating & Air Conditioning at 719-392-0032 to schedule an AC system service and inspection. We can fully test and inspect your air conditioning system and make sure that it is ready to perform during the hot summer months that lie ahead. If your system needs to be replaced, we provide free written estimates upon request.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Best Air Conditioning System

Often I am asked by Colorado Springs homeowners what the Best air conditioning system is to have installed in their home. Is it Trane? Lennox? Rheem? Amana? Or another brand entirely? I will then ask them what is it specifically they desire from a new AC system? Generally the answer is almost always the same….they want a system that will cool their home effectively, efficiently and one that’s dependable. Cost is also a consideration in many cases, although it is not always the deciding factor. The Best air conditioning systems are usually not the cheapest, nor the most expensive. The Best air conditioning system for your home is one that will provide you with years of reliable comfort, occur minimal breakdowns, and is easy to maintain and service. Whether it’s a Trane, Lennox, Rheem, Carrier, Goodman or Amana, the most reliable air conditioning systems are generally ones that have been sized properly and installed professionally. In other words, the quality of the installation goes a lot further in determining the performance and dependability of the system, than the actual brand itself. Most central AC systems utilize common components, such as scroll compressors manufactured by Copeland, and condenser fan motors made by Generel Electric. You see, many of the components found in newer AC systems are very similar if not identical. Most capacitors are manufactured in the same country, as are condenser contactors. So why does one AC system perform flawlessly while another seems to break down every year? In most cases, it is because of the initial installation of the system. A system that is too small or too large will not cool your home properly. A system that was not properly evacuated, leak tested and correctly charged at installation will cause you to experience under-performance, yearly repairs and endless frustration. The benefits of a properly installed AC system far outweigh the brand of the system. I’ve seen very expensive brands that experience problems constantly while “cheaper”, lesser known brands perform without a hitch year in and year out. Something as simple as failing to properly evacuate a new system during installation could result in a catastrophic failure of the compressor within a few years (or less) of installation. You see, if any moisture is present in the refrigerant lineset at start-up (due to improper evacuation or worse yet, no evacuation), that moisture can lead to an acidic condition when mixed with the refrigerant, and this will eventually cause the compressor to fail.

So if you’re wanting the Best air conditioning system for your home, be sure you are getting the “best” installation available. Many companies cut corners on installation in order to “low bid” the job. This could cost you much more in the long run. A quality installation greatly increases your odds of having a new ACsystem that will provide you with years and years of dependable operation.

Basset Heating & Air Conditioning offers free quotes on installation of new AC systems. We may be reached at 719-392-0032.

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Spring Specials

Good Morning!  Want to save on your spring tune-up? Call our office today and find out about our current specials!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Emergency Service Available

Don't be caught in the cold during this weekend's storm! Give us call and we can handle all of your repair needs!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Happy Thursday

This is some crazy weather we are having! Remember us for any emergency repair service you may need!

[bassetheatingandac-blog]

Hvac Home Service Agreements

hvac home service agreements give the homeowner the piece of mind of knowing that their home’s heating and cooling equipment will be serviced and inspected on an annual basis. This is important for several reasons. By having your furnace and air conditioning systems serviced and inspected on a routine basis, not only will you insure your equipment is running at peak efficiency, but also it will prolong the life of the equipment by keeping the system clean and in peak operating condition. hvac home service agreements are a wise investment for your home.

Another benefit of being a service plan member with an hvac home service agreement is that you’ll receive discounts not only on the cost of the annual service, but on service call charges, repairs as well as no overtime charges for emergency services during off hours. Our service plan club members ofen save hundreds of dollars simply by being a member. Savings add up in annual services, repairs and even new equipment installations.

Colorado Springs club members receive priority service, including for those dreaded after-hours emergency calls. By being a club member and having your hvac equipment serviced regularly, you will minimize the chances of equipment failure as well as prolonging the life of your equipment. The majority of heating and air conditioning repairs are the result of a lack of routine maintenance of the equipment. Furnaces and Ac units will become dirty after many hours of usage, and often this dirt will result in premature parts failure.

For more information on our hvac service agreements, please visit our website at www.bassetheating.com or give us a call at 719-392-0032. Protect your home’s hvac equipment by becoming a Basset Club Member! Contact us for more information on our member discounts and benefits. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.