hands in front of air vent

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Waking up on a cold winter morning in Northern Colorado to a broken furnace is no good. The problem? Your furnace is blowing cold air…but why?
We’ve got the answer. Don’t panic—read on to learn why the furnace in your Northern Colorado home is blowing cold air.

5 Reasons Why Your Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

Here are 5 of the most common reasons furnaces blow cold air and how to fix it fast.

Furnace Hasn’t Warmed Up

Is this the first time you’ve turned on your furnace this season? Sometimes it takes a bit for your furnace to heat up on the first round each season. If it’s only been a few minutes, don’t panic. It’s normal for cool air to be expelled from the vents at first. If it doesn’t warm up after several minutes, it might be another issue.

Thermostat Is Wrong

If your furnace isn’t blowing warm air after a few minutes, check your thermostat first. Is your unit’s fan set to “on”? If so, the thermostat is likely your culprit because it’s blowing air even when the furnace isn’t heating. Set the thermostat to “auto” and you should be fine.

Flame Sensor Is Dirty

Did neither of the previous solutions fix the problem? Does your furnace have a pilotless ignition? Check the flame sensor. The flame sensor is what keeps a pilotless ignition furnace warm once it starts burning—if it’s dirty, it won’t do its job properly and you’ll be left with cold air.

Pilot Light Is Out

Is your gas furnace older? Does it have a pilot light ignition? Chances are, if it’s blowing cold air, your pilot light has gone out. To fix it, it’s advised that you read the section in the manufacturer’s manual on “how to relight the pilot light” or call your local HVAC technician as soon as possible.

Air Filter Is Dirty

Another culprit of a furnace blowing cold air? A dirty air filter. Dirty air filters limit airflow into your furnace and can cause it to overheat. An overheated furnace will likely blow cold air—so the best solution here is to replace your air filter ASAP with a new, clean filter.

Need an HVAC Technician Near Fort Collins, CO?

When your furnace is blowing cold air—or you are experiencing HVAC issues—you want to call the best technician in town. Good Guys Home Services is always on call and ready to assist you with any furnace issue. We serve homes in and around Fort Collins, Colorado. Contact us today—online or by phone at 970-818-8008—to learn more or schedule an appointment.

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.

Furnace filter being replaced

How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

At the start of every winter, most Northern Colorado homeowners expect to click on the heat with no issue—but you can’t forget to check the furnace filter. Modern furnaces have become quite advanced, but they still need a little tender love and care at the start of the season—especially if you haven’t changed the filter.

Filters are crucial to the functionality and efficiency of your furnace, so it must be changed regularly in order to keep everything operating optimally. But, how often should you change your furnace filter? And, why’s it so important? Here are your answers.

How Often Should I Change My Furnace Filter?

It’s recommended by professionals, like us, to change your furnace filter every 90 days. But how often you change your furnace filter really depends on your lifestyle and special needs. Ask yourself these questions to decide when you need to change the furnace filter in your Northern Colorado home.

Does someone in your home have asthma and/or allergies?

For family members with asthma or allergies, indoor air quality is so important to maintain. If you or a loved one suffers from asthma or severe allergies, change your filter every 6 weeks to ensure indoor air quality is at its best.

Do you have pets?

Pet hair and dander floats into your air vents and can stick around for quite some time. To ensure optimal furnace performance, change your filter every 2 months.

Do you have young children?

It’s important that kids also breathe fresh air, even in the home. Focusing on your indoor air quality can help reduce sickness and lessen breathing related ailments later on in life. With kids around, it’s recommended to keep your home clean and the air quality under control by replacing your filter every 2-3 months.

Why It’s Important to Change the Furnace Filter in Your Northern CO Home

Replacing your furnace filter can do a lot of things for your Northern Colorado home—including improve indoor air quality and increase your furnace efficiency by up to 15%. Dirty furnace filters prevent air from passing through the system and into your living space—so you end up with bad air quality in your home. A clean filter, however, allows the furnace to work as designed.

It is also important to remember that a dirty furnace filter increases the chances of a furnace issue—and, in turn, a costly repair. To avoid this, change your furnace filter on the recommended schedule that fits your lifestyle.

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

In addition to changing your furnace filter regularly, it’s a good idea to have a service technician regularly maintain your furnace system. 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.


heat pump

Furnaces vs. Heat Pump: What to Choose For Your Boulder Home

Looking to install a new heating system for your Boulder area home? Deciding between a gas furnace and a heat pump is a tough choice—and you’re probably wondering which is more efficient for the climate out here in Colorado, right?

In the furnace v. heat pump debate, Boulder residents and those nearby often choose to install a new furnace in their home—but, plenty of Colorado homeowners love their heat pumps, too. Here, we’ll tell you the difference between a furnace and a heat pump and what factors to consider so you can decide which heating system is best for your unique home and lifestyle.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: What’s the Difference?

Wondering the difference between furnaces and heat pumps? Let us break it down for you. First and foremost, heat pumps operate on electricity. Furnaces require gas lines to function.

Furnaces have been used for decades to warm Colorado homes in the winter, and are great when temperatures drop in the coldest months of the year. Typically, heat pumps are installed in areas with milder winters, whereas furnaces can brave even the harshest winter snow storm.

Think about your comfort level and what kind of performance you’d like to see out of your heating system. Then, consider your area of Colorado and read on to learn more.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Factors to Consider

Boulder, Colorado typically has pleasant year-round weather—and moderate climates allow for the installation of either a heat pump or a gas furnace. Although, furnaces are the most popular choice. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between the two.

Gas or Electric

First, if your home doesn’t have gas lines, you can’t install a furnace. Furnaces require gas to operate; heat pumps run on electricity. If you have gas lines, you still have the option to choose between the two heating systems.

Cost of installation

What does it cost to install a heat pump? How about a furnace? When it comes to upfront costs, it’s safe to say heat pumps are a little more expensive to install. However, heat pumps are used year-round as an air conditioning system, too. Furnaces only work to produce heat in the winter—so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons here. With a furnace, you may also need to install an air conditioning unit to remain comfortable in the summer.

Comfort levels

Heat pumps and furnaces provide heat in different ways—therefore, comfort level may differ. Heat pumps use electricity to push air in and out of the home, but they don’t necessarily bring in heat from a heating source. Furnaces, however, are using gas to produce heat—pushing out air that can be up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps, however, operate based on outdoor weather. When the temperature drops outside, it might be harder to crank up the heat and your home may be cooler than you’d prefer.

Lifespan

Heat pumps last approximately 10 years; gas furnaces have a lifespan of nearly 20 years. However, you must remember that heat pumps operate as two systems in one: a summer air conditioning unit and a winter heating system.

Furnace Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Service Near Boulder, CO

When you’re ready to install a new furnace in your Boulder home (or anywhere in Northern Colorado!) or need heating repairs, we’re the ones you want to call. Good Guys Home Service sends genuinely good guys to your door to fix all of your HVAC and home comfort needs. Don’t go cold this winter—give us a call at 970-227-3088 or contact us online to discuss your furnace needs.

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.

gas furnace

5 Signs You Need to Repair Your Furnace

Dealing with a broken or malfunctioning furnace here in Colorado is no good. This time of year, chilly temperatures are here to stay—which makes a furnace going out one of the worst things for a Loveland homeowner.

Don’t fear—you’ve got the team at Good Guys Home Services on your side. We’ve been in the HVAC industry in Colorado since 2009, so we’ve seen it all. Here are 5 signs that you might need a furnace repair (so you can avoid a complete meltdown and an expensive replacement!).

5 Signs You Need a Furnace Repair ASAP

1. Weak airflow.

One of the first signs of a furnace malfunction is often weak airflow. Do you feel like your home is taking forever to get warm in the Colorado winter? Is the air stream from your vents not strong? Your furnace might be on its last leg.

2. Strange noises.

Weird noises can also indicate a problem with your furnace. Loose, damaged, or worn out parts make strange sounds like popping, cracking, buzzing, and clanking. If you hear anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to call in the professionals.

3. Foul odors.

Your furnace shouldn’t smell bad (aside from the initial odor you might sense when it’s first turned on in the winter). Foul odors could mean there’s an obstruction in your air ducts or an issue with your furnace. Thankfully, it’s an easy repair if caught early.

4. Short cycling.

Is your furnace turning on and off really quickly? That’s no good. A furnace that kicks on and off repeatedly, at weird times, is in need of a repair. Keep track of how often it turns on and off, then call a service technician ASAP.

5. Increased heating costs.

Another major indicator that your furnace is on the fritz is rising heating costs. If your energy bills are rising at a rapid rate (even though you’re not cranking up the heat!), it might be your furnace’s fault.

Choose Good Guys Home Services for Furnace Repair Near Fort Collins

Locally owned and operated, Good Guys Home Services is a trusted source for all plumbing and HVAC services in the Fort Collins, CO area. When you need a furnace repair, you can trust our team of HVAC professionals to get to the bottom of the problem and provide a quick fix fast. We put our customers first, every time, just ask your friends and neighbors how much they love Good Guys Home Services—or read our testimonials here!

Think your furnace is acting out? Contact us online or give us a call today at (970) 818-8008. We’ll have a technician out to your home and your furnace up and running in no time.

heat pump

When Should I Replace My Heat Pump?

Winter can be quite brutal here in Colorado. You want to stay warm all season long—and, to do so, you’ll need a working heat pump. Heat pumps can encounter a wide range of issues. Thankfully, most are pretty easy to figure out. But what exactly happens when a heat pump gives out completely? Do you repair or replace?

If your heat pump isn’t performing as it should, it might be time for a replacement. Follow along as the HVAC experts at Good Guys Home Services explain the five signs that suggest you need a heat pump replacement.

Need heat pump repair or replacement near Fort Collins? Contact Good Guys Home Services online or call (970) 818-8008!

5 Signs You Need a Heat Pump Replacement in CO

Before replacing your heat pump, ask yourself if you have experienced any of the following:

1. Your heat pump has required multiple repairs.

One repair is no big deal. Two repairs? Not ideal. Three repairs? You’re in for some bad news, bud. Continuing to repair a heat pump is like throwing money down the drain. If your heat pump is faulty or over 15 years old, replacement can be a much cheaper (and better!) long-term investment.

2. You hear unusual noises coming from the system.

Heating pumps make noises, especially when they start and stop. However, if you’re hearing something out of the ordinary, like popping, banging, or cracking, you should call an HVAC technician to get an evaluation done ASAP.

3. Your energy costs are rising.

Notice a spike in your energy costs? If your heat pump is beginning to fail, you might see evidence of it on your electric bill first. Wouldn’t you rather see energy savings on your heating bill, not energy draining? Ask one of our technicians about which energy-efficient heat pump models they recommend for your space.

4. Your home is unevenly heated.

Is one room really warm while another feels like an icebox? If yes, your heat pump isn’t evenly heating your home. Opting for a replacement can provide better comfort for your home than a repair, especially if you’ve tried repair in the past.

5. Your heat pump is over 15 years old.

If extremely well-maintained, a heat pump can last up to 25 years. But, on average, a heat pump lasts about 15 years before it starts to cause major issues. Don’t sink your hard earned cash into an old unit—if it’s over 15 years old, a replacement will be less costly in the long run.  

Call Good Guys Home Services for Heat Pump Replacement Near Fort Collins

Installing a new heat pump system? The first step to a successful heat pump replacement is hiring the right HVAC contractor. Your friends and neighbors near Fort Collins choose us for our stellar recommendations and expertise—here’s what they’ve said about our service!

You can always count on the team at Good Guys Home Services to get the job done right. Plus, we pride ourselves on quality, speedy service, and 24/7 availability. Ready to chat about heat pump replacement near Fort Collins, CO? Schedule a time online or give us a call now at (970) 818-8008.