Smart homes are all the rage in 2019. We’ve added Alexa to our list of must-have appliances. We’ve installed smart refrigerators, smart TVs, and even smart toasters. With today’s technology, homeowners can enjoy an even more comfortable and convenient living experience. So, what smart item takes your home to the next level? A programmable thermostat.

Swapping out your old run-of-the-mill thermostat for a programmable, smart thermostat can help you optimize comfort levels in your Fort Collins home—from anywhere in the world. Not sure if investing in a programmable thermostat is the right move? Here are three benefits:

1. Consistent Temperatures

Is your home too cold or too hot? Do you feel like you are constantly fiddling with the thermostat? To keep your home at an optimal temperature, your programmable thermostat will work to adjust as needed on its own. With timed settings and learned behaviors, you can make sure your thermostat runs at the best temperature year-round.

2. Less HVAC Stress

Running your HVAC system continuously can add quite a bit of stress to the mechanics of it all. Over time, a heating or cooling system that’s been overworked can give out on you more quickly. Don’t be forcing you to invest in a new HVAC system too early. By installing a programmable thermostat now, you can take some of the pressure off of your HVAC system and help it last longer.

3. Lower Energy Bills

Most people run their heat or air conditioning all day long (even when everyone is at work). Is this a waste of energy? Absolutely. Running your HVAC system all day is costing you more than it needs to. A programmable thermostat will help you lower your heat or air conditioning use during the day so you can cut back on your costs and save money on your energy bill.

Call Good Guys Home Services to Install a Programmable Thermostat in Your Fort Collins Home

Whether you’re looking to improving energy efficiency or just want to lower your energy costs, installing a new thermostat could be the answer to all of your HVAC woes. When you choose Good Guys Home Services near Fort Collins, CO, you won’t have to fret about your thermostat or your home’s energy efficiency anymore. We are here to help with all of your heating and cooling needs year-round and we’re the #1 Fort Collins HVAC company to call. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment or learn more about our HVAC services. Want to chat with a technician? Give us a call at (970) 818-8008—we can’t wait to speak with you!

We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado

As long as your HVAC system is providing adequate heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, you might think it’s working just fine. However, did you know that indoor air can be as much as 5x more polluted than the outdoors? Crazy, right?

The good news is your HVAC system can improve the air quality in your home. Here, we’ll review what Indoor Air Quality is, what pollutants exist, and how they can affect you. Then, we’ll tell you more about how a proper HVAC system can help you. Let’s review.  

What is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “indoor air quality (IAQ) refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants”. In layman’s terms, indoor air quality is basically a measure of the cleanliness of the air inside your home.

Why should you care? Well, bad indoor air quality and regular exposure to indoor pollutants can lead to serious health effects for you and your family. Some may be experienced sooner—like allergic reactions—while others may take years to develop.

What Indoor Air Pollutants Should We Worry About?

Colorado residents, like most Americans, spend quite a bit of time indoors. Many of us work indoors, go to school indoors, and even exercise indoors. During the cold Colorado winter, we don’t blame you for staying inside…but that means you need to be extra careful about your indoor air quality and what’s polluting the air inside your home. Here are a few indoor air pollutants to consider.

• • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are essentially chemical byproducts from our daily use items, like hairsprays, household cleaners, and paints.

• • Natural substances. Natural substances are the things we and our kids, pets, neighbors bring in on clothes, grocery items, and shoes. Some of these natural substances polluting your indoor air include pet dander, mold, pollen, and dust mites.

• Combustion byproducts. You must also consider your household appliances—like your gas-fueled furnace—and what they put off as they operate. Combustion byproducts include, but aren’t limited to, tobacco smoke and carbon monoxide.

Depending on your current health, and the health of those in your home, you may not feel the effects of these pollutants right away. Often, the people most vulnerable to poor indoor air quality are the elderly, children, and infants. Individuals with asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues may also feel the effects more strongly as indoor air pollutants are often “asthma triggers.”

Does Your HVAC System Prevent Indoor Air Pollutants?

Yes, it can. In order to have your HVAC system work hard to prevent indoor air pollutants, you’ll need to commit to two things: routine maintenance and air filter changes.

• Routine HVAC maintenance. Whether you have a furnace and air conditioner or a heat pump, it’s recommended to keep each on a regular maintenance schedule. Furnaces and A/C units should each be tuned-up prior to their operating season. It’s recommended to tune-up a heat pump twice a year.

• Air filter changes. While you may not change it every time, it’s best to check your air filter at least once per month. This will be your lifeline to happy, healthy indoor air. Generally, every two to three months is when the air filter needs to be switched out.

You can also talk to your professional HVAC technician during a routine checkup or call a new HVAC company to test your indoor air quality. Additional IAQ products, like dehumidifiers or air purifiers, are available and can be installed in your home to make it easier to breathe—especially if you have someone sensitive to “asthma triggers”.

Good Guys Home Services: Denver’s Leading IAQ Experts

Ready to find an indoor air quality (IAQ) solution for your Denver home? Our HVAC professionals can help. As the area’s go-to experts on indoor air quality, we can provide tune-ups, inspections, cleanings, installations, repairs, and more—no matter the season!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Want to chat with a technician? Give us a call now at (970) 818-8008—we can’t wait to speak with you!

We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and indoor air quality throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

There’s nothing better than a hot shower after a long day…but nothing can ruin it faster than low water pressure. With a single toilet flush, it’s all over. What was once your time to relax and let the day’s stresses melt away becomes a frustration itself.  All you can think now—how is my water pressure is so, so bad?

So, how do you avoid losing water pressure in the shower? Here are a few reasons why you could be losing water pressure and how to remedy the problem when it occurs!

What Causes You to Lose Shower Water Pressure?

If you’re continually concerned by your home’s low water pressure, you may think something major is going on behind the scenes—but that’s not always the case. To help you find the root cause of the problem, let’s discuss some elements that could be causing loss of water pressure.

Faulty Pressure Reducing Valve

Before you panic, check your pressure reducing valve. This is a device often installed on the main to keep from wasting excess water. If it’s begun to give out, you may need to consider replacement—but it’s an easy fix. If it’s not the pressure reducing valve, it could be your shower head. Many newer shower head models adjust water pressure automatically to save you a few bucks on your next water bill, but shouldn’t be concerning to you.

Clogged Water Pipes

And, sometimes loss of water pressure is a big deal. Clogged or broken pipes can cause low water pressure, too—but this is a worst case scenario. Search for water leaks on walls and ceilings. If you see signs of a water leak, you’ll want to call in a professional and have the pipes inspected ASAP.

Water Main Issues

Other times, low water pressure in the shower can be traced back to the source. If nothing else appears wrong, consider your water main. Water main repair may be necessary (professional help is recommended for this repair!) or you may need to adjust the pressure of your home’s shutoff valve.

Located the cause? Still a little puzzled by your lack of water pressure? Contact a professional ASAP. Whether it’s a quick fix or discovering the need for massive repair, you’ll be happy you caught the problem early. Located near Denver, CO? Call Good Guys Home Services today!

Good Guys Home Services: Denver’s HVAC & Plumbing Experts

Experiencing plumbing trouble? Losing water pressure in your shower? Choose Good Guys Home Services—the Denver plumbing and water pipe experts. When it comes to repairing all aspects of your home’s plumbing system choose the locally owned business that takes pride in living up to its name. Whether you need assistance while remodeling your home or need us during an emergency leak, you can rely on the experienced staff at Good Guys Home Services. Contact us online today or give us a call at (970) 818-8008.

We offer year-round HVAC and plumbing services throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

When it comes to cutting energy costs in your Fort Collins home, there’s one appliance that many will tell you to focus on: your water heater.

Water heaters can be one of the biggest energy-consuming appliances. On average, it costs about $781 to operate each year—although to find out your exact cost, you’ll need to check your appliance which should include a label listing the annual operating cost.

But, is it safe to adjust your water heater temperature? You can—and yes, it’s safe! But before you think about dialing back or kicking up the heat your water heater’s thermostat, there are a few things to consider. Is it safe? And, if so, how low or high can you go? Read on to find out.

How Low Can You Adjust Water Heater Temperature?

Reducing the temperature of your water heater by 20 degrees, can help you cut energy consumption by as much as 10 percent. That’s impressive—but you have to consider the consequences of a water heater that’s set too low.

Never set your water heater below 120 degrees. That sounds hot, but setting your appliance at anything below 120 degrees can be a recipe for disease. Bacteria can (and often will) develop in the stagnant water inside the water heater. Plus, if your water heater is set too low, you’ll also be forced to take short (or maybe even cold) shower.

How Do You Avoid Scalding?

Is your water too cold? Adjusting the temperature of your water heater can also be a disaster if you set the temperature too hot. So, what’s the best temperature to avoid scalding?

To avoid scalding children, it’s recommended to avoid setting the temperature above 140 degrees. For safety, it’s ideal to set the water heater at 120 degrees to start and increase the temperature in small increments until you find the perfect bath or shower temperature.

Good Guys Home Services: Your Fort Collins Water Heater Experts

Having water heater trouble? Will your water heater not heat up to the right temperature? Is your water heater leaking? Choose Good Guys Home Services—the Fort Collins water heater experts. You won’t have to fret about your water heater’s performance ever again. When it comes to repairing all aspects of your home’s plumbing system choose the locally owned business that takes pride in living up to its name. Whether you need assistance while remodeling your home or need us during an emergency water heater failure, you can rely on the experienced staff at Good Guys Home Services. Contact us online today or give us a call at (970) 818-8008.

We offer year-round HVAC and plumbing services throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

Do you know if your water heater is about to fail? Other than knowing how old the water heater is, most homeowners have no idea when their water heater might give out. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

Thankfully, you don’t have to worry. Most water heaters give off signs when they are about to fail. Before anything bursts or any major disruption occurs, you can expect to see one or more of these three indicators:

1. Rusty Water

Have you begun to notice your bathwater or kitchen faucet giving off a rusty residue? This could be an indicator that your water heater is rusting away on the inside. Interior rusting can lead to leaking—so it’s best to have a professional investigate rusty water before it becomes a major disaster. If you have galvanized piping, you might not have to worry quite as much. This could simply mean you have rusty pipes (not a rusting water heater!).

2. Rumbling Noises

As your water heater ages, it builds up sediment inside—and when heated, the sediment can become hard. If you hear banging and rumbling noises in an older water heater, it’s likely an indication of too much sediment and could mean your water heater is close to failure.

3. Excess Moisture

Noticing excess moisture around your water heater? This could indicate a small leak or a fracture in the water heater’s tank. Water leaks are never a good sign—and can mean water heater service, repair, or replacement is just around the corner.

Remember, most water heaters are built to last somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 years. If your water heater 15 years old (or older) it’s best to have a licensed professional assess your unit and discusses replacement options—no matter the signs or symptoms.

Good Guys Home Services: Your Fort Collins Water Heater Experts

Choose Good Guys Home Services—the Fort Collins water heater experts. You won’t have to fret about your water heater’s performance ever again. When it comes to repairing all aspects of your home’s plumbing system choose the locally owned business that takes pride in living up to its name. Whether you need assistance while remodeling your home or need us during an emergency water heater failure, you can rely on the experienced staff at Good Guys Home Services. Contact us online today or give us a call at (970) 818-8008.

We offer year-round HVAC and plumbing services throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

You wouldn’t take your MacBook to a sketchy computer repair shop—so, why would you trust one of the most expensive appliances in your home to just anyone? Your HVAC system is one of the most important features of your home (and one of the most expensive!). To make sure it’s running accurately and efficiently, you’ll need to hire the best HVAC contractor near Loveland, Colorado. But how?

5 Tips for Hiring the Best HVAC Contractor Near Loveland

Wondering how to spot a good HVAC contractor? Here, give you tips on how to find and hire the best HVAC contractor in Northern Colorado.

1. Ask for referrals (or check out online reviews!).

When looking for a new HVAC contractor, ask friends first. Neighbors and friends will be able to tell you about the company’s reputation based on their first-hand experience. New to the area? Turn to Google reviews for guidance. Google makes it difficult to write fake reviews and doesn’t allow companies to edit or remove negative reviews—so it’s typically a reliable source when choosing any service-based company.

2. Check for branding.

Mama always told you not to judge a book by its cover. While that’s still true, it’s a cliche to avoid when hiring a new HVAC company. Does the HVAC company you are considering have a quality website? Did they show up to your home in branded attire? Often, this means they are a  well-established business. Companies without logos and no online presence might not be around long enough to hold up their end of a warranty—or may flake if your unit needs extra repairs.

3. Always ask about experience.

Be wary of companies that tout experience over everything else. It’s great if an HVAC company has been in business for over 25 years, but like any field, HVAC is ever-changing. If you want your home to be smart and energy-efficient, make sure your contractor is well versed in cutting-edge technologies, too.

4. Check licenses.

Before hiring an HVAC contractor, ask about licenses. Most will have their license number properly displayed on their website or will be happy to give it to you when you ask. If the HVAC company your considering is hesitant about giving you their license number, be wary. If you choose an HVAC company without a license, there’s no guarantee of a job well done.

5. Shop around for fair pricing (and always get bids in writing!).

When shopping for a new HVAC contractor, you should do just that—shop around. Get estimates from several different contractors and compare prices. If one is too low, toss it. If one is too high, toss it too. Also, make sure to get all bids in writing—it should include a list of everything you need to be done, plus itemized prices.

Good Guys Home Services: Your Fort Collins HVAC Experts

Want to keep your home’s HVAC system running optimally? Choose Good Guys Home Services—the Fort Collins HVAC experts. You won’t have to fret about your furnace or cooling system’s performance ever again. Our HVAC professionals perform regular furnace and HVAC maintenance like tune-ups, inspections, cleanings, repairs, and more at the start of every season. Plus, we have raving reviews from neighbors and past customers all over Northern Colorado—take a look here.

We are here to help with all of your heating and cooling needs throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment or learn more about our HVAC services here. Want to chat with a technician? Give us a call today at (970) 818-8008—we can’t wait to speak with you!

We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

Looking to go green this winter? Want to save a few extra bucks on your heating bill? Whether the environment or your wallet has encouraged you to take steps towards energy efficiency, there are plenty of things you can do to help. Here are 4 ways you can improve energy efficiency in your Loveland, Colorado home (or a home nearby!).

1. Call in the Professionals

Calling in a professional HVAC technician is the first step to assessing your home’s energy situation. Home energy audits can be done to determine what is costing you so much and if your appliances are operating optimally.  

Also, you want to regularly maintain your heating systems during the winter to save energy. Check the furnace filter monthly during the winter—clean or replace ASAP it if it’s dirty.

2. Make Your Home Smarter

Did you know you could save as much as 10% each year on your heating bill just by setting the temperature back a few degrees? To make this process easier, consider installing a smart home thermostat—like the Nest Learning Thermostat—to improve your energy savings automatically. Smart thermostats can help you become more aware of your energy usage, so you can take action to stop overindulging and then adjust temperatures for you. Check local home improvement stores to see if there are any rebates or discounts available on smart thermostats (or check with us to see if we have any current specials on smart thermostat installation!)

3. Seal Off Any Leaks

Losing heat to the outside world can take a toll on your energy bill. Sealing windows, doors, and any cracks will help to keep out cold drafts. Want to know the number one culprit of leaks around the home? Unfinished spaces. Check around cupboards, baseboard, and in unfinished garages or attics to see if you can find a draft. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal them off.

4. Use the Sun

We know this one sounds simple, but it can actually be the easiest and most cost-effective solution. To utilize the sun for heating your home, simply open the curtains on your south-facing windows during cold winter days. This will allow free heat from the sun to move into your home. At night, close those windows off with thick, well-made curtains to insulate the home.

Schedule Regular Furnace Maintenance with Good Guys Home Services Near Fort Collins, CO

In addition to these steps for improving energy efficiency, it’s always a good idea to have a service technician regularly maintain your furnace system, too. When you choose Good Guys Home Services near Fort Collins, CO, you won’t have to fret about your furnace’s performance or your home’s energy efficiency. We are here to help with all of your heating needs throughout the coldest months and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment or learn more about our HVAC services here. Want to chat with a technician? Give us a call at (970) 818-8008—we can’t wait to speak with you!

We offer year-round HVAC and furnace services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

Whether you’re using a furnace or a heat pump in your Northern Colorado home, it’s designed to keep your home a consistent temperature throughout. However, when you leave your heating system running in the dead of winter, you throw energy efficiency out the window—or do you?

One of the most common suggestions for saving energy during winter is to shut off bedroom and closet doors in the home—but how effective is this for saving energy?

Why Some Think Closed Doors Reduce Heating Costs

The idea of closing doors in the home to reduce heating costs is not just an old wive’s tale. There is a bit of logic behind the idea. Let’s say if you were to close doors all around the home—what would that do? Well, it would limit the amount of air movement required, for sure. Suddenly, the space that needs to be heated would be smaller—and thus, energy costs should be lower…right? Not exactly.

Why Closed Doors Don’t Improve Energy Efficiency

Closed doors don’t necessarily improve energy efficiency or reduce heating costs around the home. While the argument for this idea is sound—and it seems logical—that’s just not how it works.

In reality, closing off doors around the home obstructs airflow (which actually makes your system work harder!). When doors are closed, rooms become pressurized and the air pressure pushes heated air through any small opening it can find. Closed off rooms will eventually start to leak air—and that leaked air will be replaced by the system working even harder.

What’s that leave you with? Significantly higher energy bills, unfortunately.

How to Improve Energy Efficiency

So, what’s the best remedy? And, how does one actually improve energy in the home? Here are a few ways to do just that.

• Don’t shut off doors on purpose.
• Add new home insulation.
• Upgrade to an energy-efficient furnace
• Operate your thermostat properly.
• Schedule regular maintenance for your heating system.

Good Guys Home Services: Your Fort Collins Furnace Experts

Want to keep your home’s heating system efficient? Then, it’s a good idea to have a service technician regularly maintain your furnace. When you choose Good Guys Home Services near Fort Collins, CO, you won’t have to fret about your furnace’s performance. Our HVAC professionals perform regular furnace maintenance like tune-ups, inspections, cleanings, repairs, and more at the start of every season.

Fort Collins and other Northern Colorado residents will not find a better HVAC provider than Good Guys Home Services. We are here to help with all of your heating needs throughout the coldest months and beyond. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance appointment or learn more about our HVAC services here. Want to chat with a technician? Give us a call at (970) 818-8008—we can’t wait to speak with you!

We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.

Are you a first-time homeowner? Not sure how to replace your air filter—or even what air filter to buy? No worries—we’ve got you covered with our guide on how to replace an air filter in a gas furnace.

How To Replace An Air Filter In A Gas Furnace in 3 Steps

First thing’s first, you need to replace your system’s air filter every 2 to 3 months to keep your furnace running at peak efficiency. Replacing the air filter on a regular schedule also helps keep your indoor air quality pristine (which is ideal if anyone in your home has allergies or asthma!).

Fortunately, replacing a furnace air filter is a simple task. Here’s how to replace an air filter in a gas furnace in three simple steps.

Step One: Determine Your Filter

To determine which filter you have, start by turning off the furnace. Remove the existing furnace filter and examine it thoroughly. Check to see which way the air flow goes, and make note of it—this is how you know which way to install the new furnace filter once it’s purchased!

Then, note the furnace filter size (it should be printed on the cardboard frame around the old furnace filter).

Step Two: Purchase the Correct Replacement

Most local or big box home improvement stores will have furnace filter replacements available for purchase. Remember which furnace filter size you need and pick up at any location. Disposable filters (which is what you’ll need!) are typically 1 to 2 inches thick. Filters that are even thicker can help improve air quality, but may only work with highly-efficient (and new!) furnace units.

Step Three: Install the Filter.

Installing the filter should be as easy as pie. Remember which way the old filter went in and replicate the process. Keep a record of the date installed so you’ll know when it’s time to change the filter again.

Need Help? Call Good Guys Home Services For Furnace Service Near Fort Collins, CO

Want to stay warm throughout the Northern Colorado winter? You’ll need a furnace that’s operating in optimal condition. Have your furnace inspected, repaired, and maintained by the best team in the business—yes, that’s Good Guys Home Services. With over 15 years of experience, we’re always ready to take on any furnace challenge you may be facing.

Schedule your gas or electric furnace service with us today—give us a call at (970) 818-8008 or contact us online now.

We offer year-round HVAC services for heating, cooling, and more throughout Northern Colorado. Located in Fort Collins, we also serve the following areas: Loveland, Ault, Greeley, Denver, Windsor, Boulder, and Longmont, Colorado.