It does raise some concerns though. You want to be sure that the person you invite to your home is professional and trustworthy, especially as they’re going to be dealing with an expensive part of it!

Here’s how to choose a good air conditioning contractor and what to look for.

Ask Friends and Read Reviews

The first thing you’ll want to do is ask around your friends for the name of an AC contractor they’ve dealt with. They’ll likely have names to recommend, and might even have names to avoid, which are important to consider too!

Once you have some names, you can look up reviews for them. Nearly all consumers (97%) use the online space to conduct research on a service, so if your contractor has been in business for a while, they should have some reviews available on the internet.

You can look at all possible sites (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.) to get a clear picture, as some may have more reviews on different platforms.

Between the recommendations and the online reviews, you should get a good idea of who to look into. They should have a good overall rating and very few one-star reviews if any.

Check License and Insurance

When getting AC repair done, before you move ahead, you should check that the contractor is both licensed and insured.

Being licensed means they’ve undergone training and have enough experience to do a good job.

Being insured means that if anything goes wrong, it’s covered by them — including if anything else gets damaged.

Hopefully, nothing will go wrong and in most cases, nothing does! However, for those unavoidable accidents, you’re going to want to make sure there’s insurance in place to cover both of your backs.

Read the Website

Although web design is a far-off industry from AC repair, you should still take a look at their website and make sure it’s clean, informative, and accessible. It should list the areas they work in, as well as contact information and any other relevant information.

Some websites will even have client testimonials available to further reassure you that they know how to do a good job.

At a minimum, everything should be up to date. If you call the phone number on the website and it’s out of service, that’s not a good sign for how well they take care of it.

Ask About Their Experience

When you first contact them, you can also ask about their experience! You may need a specific thing done, or have a specific type of AC unit. There’s nothing wrong with double-checking that your contractor has experience with this specific thing.

You should be able to ask them however many questions you like and they should be patient and forthcoming with their answers.

If you sense an AC contractor doesn’t know how to answer your questions or seems to be hiding something, they’re likely not the right one to go with.

Ask About Their Availability

If you’ve found a good AC contractor, chances are, they’re pretty busy. However, AC service matters are often pretty urgent, so you should check they have enough availability to get the job done as soon as you want it.

You may also need them on a specific day, like the only one you can take off from work to greet them.

Regardless of your timing needs, make sure you’ve found an AC contractor who can work with you. This is essential in making sure you’ve found the right one for you because there’s no point in going through the motions with someone who can’t be around when you need them.

Get a Quote

Getting a quote for AC repair work can be tricky.

AC work often isn’t cheap, especially if you need a full replacement. You can get a quote from a few contractors to compare and make sure the job is within your budget, but it’s also important not to automatically go with the cheapest.

While a lower quote might be a big draw and make you want to pick that contractor to do the work, it can be problematic. The quote may be significantly lower because they have less experience or bad reviews and need the work.

It’s important to examine the quote along with everything else. If it’s a low quote and they have the experience, license, insurance, and work ethic to back it up, then great!

However, make sure the quote is just a factor, and not the only deciding factor.

Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, you also have to trust your gut when it comes to hiring an AC contractor.

If you feel that they are cold, rude, and hard to get responses out of, you may not want to go with them even if they have the best quote, experience, and availability.

Make sure you find someone who is warm, professional, and has the experience to back up their answers to questions.

Consider This When Looking at Air Conditioning Contractors

When looking at air conditioning contractors, it’s important to consider all of the above together. The quote, availability, experience, and reviews, are all important in their own way and you should look at each factor to determine which contractor you want to go with.

If you’re looking for a trusted air conditioning contractor around the Denver area in Colorado, contact us today at Walrath HVAC. We’d appreciate hearing from you!

The post Choosing Air Conditioning Contractors: A Guide appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

It does raise some concerns though. You want to be sure that the person you invite to your home is professional and trustworthy, especially as they’re going to be dealing with an expensive part of it!

Here’s how to choose a good air conditioning contractor and what to look for.

Ask Friends and Read Reviews

The first thing you’ll want to do is ask around your friends for the name of an AC contractor they’ve dealt with. They’ll likely have names to recommend, and might even have names to avoid, which are important to consider too!

Once you have some names, you can look up reviews for them. Nearly all consumers (97%) use the online space to conduct research on a service, so if your contractor has been in business for a while, they should have some reviews available on the internet.

You can look at all possible sites (Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.) to get a clear picture, as some may have more reviews on different platforms.

Between the recommendations and the online reviews, you should get a good idea of who to look into. They should have a good overall rating and very few one-star reviews if any.

Check License and Insurance

When getting AC repair done, before you move ahead, you should check that the contractor is both licensed and insured.

Being licensed means they’ve undergone training and have enough experience to do a good job.

Being insured means that if anything goes wrong, it’s covered by them — including if anything else gets damaged.

Hopefully, nothing will go wrong and in most cases, nothing does! However, for those unavoidable accidents, you’re going to want to make sure there’s insurance in place to cover both of your backs.

Read the Website

Although web design is a far-off industry from AC repair, you should still take a look at their website and make sure it’s clean, informative, and accessible. It should list the areas they work in, as well as contact information and any other relevant information.

Some websites will even have client testimonials available to further reassure you that they know how to do a good job.

At a minimum, everything should be up to date. If you call the phone number on the website and it’s out of service, that’s not a good sign for how well they take care of it.

Ask About Their Experience

When you first contact them, you can also ask about their experience! You may need a specific thing done, or have a specific type of AC unit. There’s nothing wrong with double-checking that your contractor has experience with this specific thing.

You should be able to ask them however many questions you like and they should be patient and forthcoming with their answers.

If you sense an AC contractor doesn’t know how to answer your questions or seems to be hiding something, they’re likely not the right one to go with.

Ask About Their Availability

If you’ve found a good AC contractor, chances are, they’re pretty busy. However, AC service matters are often pretty urgent, so you should check they have enough availability to get the job done as soon as you want it.

You may also need them on a specific day, like the only one you can take off from work to greet them.

Regardless of your timing needs, make sure you’ve found an AC contractor who can work with you. This is essential in making sure you’ve found the right one for you because there’s no point in going through the motions with someone who can’t be around when you need them.

Get a Quote

Getting a quote for AC repair work can be tricky.

AC work often isn’t cheap, especially if you need a full replacement. You can get a quote from a few contractors to compare and make sure the job is within your budget, but it’s also important not to automatically go with the cheapest.

While a lower quote might be a big draw and make you want to pick that contractor to do the work, it can be problematic. The quote may be significantly lower because they have less experience or bad reviews and need the work.

It’s important to examine the quote along with everything else. If it’s a low quote and they have the experience, license, insurance, and work ethic to back it up, then great!

However, make sure the quote is just a factor, and not the only deciding factor.

Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, you also have to trust your gut when it comes to hiring an AC contractor.

If you feel that they are cold, rude, and hard to get responses out of, you may not want to go with them even if they have the best quote, experience, and availability.

Make sure you find someone who is warm, professional, and has the experience to back up their answers to questions.

Consider This When Looking at Air Conditioning Contractors

When looking at air conditioning contractors, it’s important to consider all of the above together. The quote, availability, experience, and reviews, are all important in their own way and you should look at each factor to determine which contractor you want to go with.

If you’re looking for a trusted air conditioning contractor around the Denver area in Colorado, contact us today at Walrath HVAC. We’d appreciate hearing from you!

The post Choosing Air Conditioning Contractors: A Guide appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

During the winter, one of the most critical elements in your home is the furnace. A well-maintained system will provide maximum heat output without harming emissions or wasted energy.

Besides, if you put off maintenance for far too long, your furnace may become expensive to run, toxic to indoor air quality, or even fail when you require it the most. And if a furnace repair technician establishes that your system failed because of a lack of regular maintenance, you may be liable for the entire repair bill.

To ensure that your home furnace runs efficiently when it’s cold outside, use the following six maintenance pointers to prepare your furnace for winter.

1. Check Your Thermostat

Turn the thermostat on, and switch it from cooling to heating to turn on the furnace. Gradually increase the degrees to avoid rushing the furnace with too much pressure at first.

If the heating does not turn on in the first few minutes of turning up the temperature, there is an issue with your HVAC system.

When troubleshooting on your own, you need to check if the batteries are working okay. Note that all thermostats are different. Some models do not need batteries.

You can also take off the thermostat’s cover and check on the wiring. See if the wire connections are secure, but call in a professional furnace repair service to help if you are unsure of anything.

Calling a professional is wise, but first, check on the furnace repair cost. Some repairs will need new gadgets, so check with your technician about the cost.

2. Keep Air Filters Clean

You need a clean air filter to enhance your HVAC filtration and efficiency. That is vital because HVAC air filtration and efficiency are the foundations of indoor air quality.

Simply put, the air filters are powerful control parts of the HVAC systems. We keep our indoor air clean and dust-free by using proper filtration.

Here are our cleaning guidelines on how to clean your apartment air filter:

For condos or those with pets, clean the filters at least twice a year.

For a typical home, do it every 90 days.

For an office setting, do it after every two months.

If you have kids, pets, or anyone with allergies in your home, change the air filters every 20-60 days.

Dust and particles make the system work harder, which has harmful risks to your health. You may say the air filter protects the HVAC system, but it also improves the overall indoor air quality.

3. Routinely Clean Around the HVAC

Make cleaning the HVAC area a routine. When debris and materials get in the way, they disrupt the system’s ability to work.

It’s not only debris that affects the HVAC system; dust and dirt can also influence its efficiency. When cleaning, make sure the burners do not have a layer of dust.

You can opt to schedule a professional cleaning since you do not want your heating system to break down during winter.

An expert HVAC technician will spot damages in coils, see whether the pressure is okay, and notice if the airflow is not working okay. A professional will also perform an oil furnace repair which increases your heating system efficiency.

4. Check Over Your Heat Exchange

A professional has to clean your heating exchange annually. That way, we remove any soot build-up or debris and materials.

When the technician performs the cleaning task, they will also check for leaks and cracks. Cracks allow dangerous fumes to mix with the air when you turn on your HVAC system.

They should fix any cracks and leaks in the heating exchange. If you do not repair them in time, they will cause breathing illnesses. When you ignore the issue for a long time, it can cause serious illness or death.

5. Consider a Maintenance Agreement

The agreement will ensure continuous comfort in your home through all seasons. A maintenance agreement keeps your furnace and HVAC system working efficiently.

Maintenance keeps the furnace running smooth and also increases its life expectancy. The agreement is a nice way of minimizing unexpected repairs and costs.

They ensure the system is working efficiently and at peak performance. Your HVAC life expectancy will also increase. Most homeowners can clean an air filter.

But, for thorough maintenance, you will need an expert HVAC technician. The maintenance agreement with a professional will eventually pay for itself.

That is so because they can diagnose problems in the system before they become costly repairs. Also, when the system receives regular servicing, it keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid.

6. Check on the Igniter Switch

Do you own an older gas furnace? If so, you must check on the igniter switch before winter arrives. Manufacturers now install an electronic igniter on modern furnaces.

You only push the button to switch on the system. When you find a problem with the igniter switch, do not hesitate to call an expert technician.

Contact a Professional Furnace Repair Service Today

A proper furnace repair may be difficult if you do not have a mechanical background. Call in a professional when it gets uncomfortable handling a furnace repair task.

Are you looking for furnace repair services in the Denver metro?

At Walrath Mechanical Co, we offer premier HVAC services to our clients. Our services enhance your apartment comfort by maintaining a functional furnace throughout winter.

Contact us now to keep your furnace in good condition throughout winter.

The post Six Furnace Repair Tips for the Winter Months appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

There are three main types you might consider. Read on as we discuss the commercial HVAC options available to your business.

What Is Commercial HVAC?

Commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units (HVAC) serve the same purpose as residential ones. They aim to keep the temperature in a building comfortable, either by heating or cooling, while maintaining a moderate level of humidity. With commercial HVAC it is done on a larger scale.

With this increase, the problems that need to be solved are slightly different. Fuel to heat the building needs a bigger source, ventilation systems need to be bigger and so do cooling systems. Done correctly, your system should also reduce odor, prevent mold, mildew growth, and dilute harmful gases.

Important HVAC System Parts

Commercial HVAC systems are made up of a number of parts. All need regular maintenance to keep your business premises temperate and comfortable for those who work and visit there.

Thermostat

The thermostat controls your whole HVAC system. It sends a signal telling it to cool or heat depending on the desired temperature. This can be set on a timer, or controlled remotely using a SMART thermostat.

Heat Exchanger

This is an important part of the furnace. It heats the air that is pulled into the unit.

Furnace

This is where the heat comes from your HVAC system. It is one of the largest pieces and must be kept in working order with regular maintenance.

Ductwork and Vents

Ductwork and vents move the air around the building. In commercial enterprises, these are extremely important as the air often has to travel a long way. Vents can be closed off and opened to heat or cool specific areas.

Refrigerant Lines

Refrigerant is a substance that takes heat from the air and cools an area. It is important as without it you won’t get any cooling in your system. Switching between a liquid and gas state throughout the process it works in a cycle.

Types of Commercial HVAC

For commercial buildings, three main configurations are used. If you don’t know which you have, or which you should get installed then speak with commercial HVAC companies for help.

Split Systems

Split systems are often used in multi-residence properties but are also great for small businesses. You may find them in compact offices and shops. They connect to a building’s ductwork and operate through a thermostat.

These units do have some downsides. The larger the building, the more units you may need. As these tend to go on the side or roof of a building this can get expensive and the area can soon become filled with HVAC units.

Packaged Systems

Packaged systems are compact, smaller units that contain everything you need. They will house a compressor, condenser, evaporator coil, and fan coil.

You will often see these units in a place where residents need control over their individual room space. Hotels, hospital wards, and condominiums often have packaged units.

VRF Systems

VRF systems are the most advanced HVAC systems on the market. Instead of using ducts, they send refrigerant from an outdoor unit. The more refrigerant each room gets dictates its temperature.

These systems have a number of advantages over others. Efficiency is increased by around 30% compared to other ducted systems. They have more accurate temperature adjustments, take up very little space, and are easy to install.

Cost is the main downside as they can be expensive. Many also need a backup condenser in case of a breakdown.

How Do They Work?

All HVAC systems share similar principles. How this works depends on if they are heating or cooling.

Heating

Heating begins when the thermostat sends a signal to the furnace to increase the temperature. The gas burner begins and the heat from this heats the exchanger. It is the job of this to then turn the heat into air as it flows through the exchanger itself.

A motor and fan push this heated air through the system. Ductwork will deliver it to the rest of your building. Opening and closing ducts will deposit it in different zones and areas.

Cooling

This process starts with the refrigerant. It will take heat from the atmosphere and then transport it to the outside of the system. The refrigerant starts off in gas form and the compressor will compact it, raising its temperature.

The chemical then transfers into a condensation coil. Heat releases and the gas turns into a liquid. Warm air transfers outside by a blower and is released over an evaporator.

Once complete, the liquid cools again. It turns into a gas and repeats the process in a cycle. This continues until the desired temperature is reached.

Ventilation

Without ventilation, none of this would work. It allows fresh air into the commercial property. Without it, unhealthy gases could build up along with mold and mildew.

Vents use a series of pipes and flues to do this. They will open and close as necessary, releasing and bringing air into the building and systems.

Commercial HVAC Companies Near Me

Commercial HVAC is essential to the maintenance of your property. This does not mean it has to be a big deal or even costly. With regular maintenance, you can prevent any problems before they occur.

Walrath Mechanical Co. should be your first stop for HVAC maintenance. We serve Lakewood and the surrounding Colorado areas. Contact us here to discuss your needs.

The post HVAC Help: What Is a Commercial HVAC System? appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

Doing so can give you someone to call whenever there’s a repair need. Anytime that you’re having problems, you can contact a technician to come out and take a look.

See below for more information on how to find the best residential air conditioning services near you.

1. Research Their Reputation

Maybe you’ve just moved to the Denver area and are looking for a service that you can trust. Perhaps you were burned by another air conditioning firm and need a new service to avoid the old one.

Whatever the case might be, it’s always helpful to look into the reputation of any residential air conditioning service that you’re thinking about hiring. Doing so can give you more confidence when you go to book an appointment.

The best way to read up on a company’s reputation is through online reviews. You can find these by either Googling the name of the company you wish to hire or reading the customer testimonials on their website.

Regardless of whichever route you choose, make sure to ask yourself a few of the questions below to get a better feel for the service:

• Do the customers seem satisfied with the service that they received?
• What issues were they having with their AC before they called? Did the technician fix it?
• Do the clients feel that the service justifies the price?
• How many times has the client used the air conditioning firm?
• Are there any recurring negative comments about the company’s service or staff?

2. Find an Insured Business

No matter what residential air conditioning service you hire or how many people work for them, the service you hire is a business first and foremost. That means that they have certain liabilities they should have coverage for, just in case an emergency were to occur.

Imagine the horror of hiring an air conditioning firm, having the service damage your property in some way, then finding out that they don’t have any business insurance coverage. Now, you’re the one that’s left to pay the damage, injuries, etc.

Before you hire any residential air conditioning services, make sure that they have all of the proper business insurance policies in place. Don’t be afraid to ask; if they have policies, then they won’t be afraid to share that information with you.

Make sure you learn about the policies specifically. Do they have business liability insurance to cover any damage or mistakes on the job? Do they have workers’ compensation to protect their workers from any injuries sustained on the worksite (your property)?

Both of these policies (and others like them) are beneficial for the company, the workers, and the client(s). It may not lower the risk of an accident, but it can create financial security during one!

3. Find a Strong Communicator

There are two types of residential air conditioning services out there: those that prioritize communication with their clients and those that do not. You want to make sure you hire a company that falls into the former.

That way, the company can explain to you what the problem is, how long it will take to fix it, the solutions they’re going to perform, and so on.

You can gauge a company’s communication skills by the very first phone call. Be sure to ask them as many questions as you’d like and see how they respond.

Do they take the time to answer your questions or do you feel like they’re trying to rush you off of the phone? Are they putting the explanation in terms that you’d understand or do they just fill sentence after sentence with technician jargon?

4. Understand the Process

If you’re hiring a residential air conditioning service for the first time, then you’ll want to have a firm understanding of how they perform their services. How quickly can they get out to you? How long does the process generally take?

Usually, a technician can make an educated guess on your dilemma over the phone. Using that educated guess, they’ll give you a rough outline of what you can expect when the technician comes by.

You should also ask for the name of the technician that they’re sending to your property, just to ensure optimum safety.

5. Find a Knowledgeable Resource

Ideally, the service that you hire will be someone that you can contact any time that you have air conditioning or heater problems from this day forward.

But before you commit to a service, you want to make sure that they know their stuff. A great company doesn’t just come in and perform the service, they look at the overall indoor air quality as well.

For example, here at Walrath, we can help you get several products that can improve your air quality such as humidifiers, air cleaners, air filters, germicidal lamps, and more.

Invest in a Trusted Residential Air Conditioning Service

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on how to choose the best residential air conditioning service in Denver, be sure to use this to your advantage.

Take the time to read this article for more information on the 7 common HVAC problems that require an expert’s touch. To get started, please give us a call at 303-232-4343 and we will be happy to assist you further.

The post How to Choose the Best Residential Air Conditioning Service appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

While they are amazing systems to have, there are times where they make not work like they used to, whether it is because they are older or something is damaged.

These systems are very complicated, and handling a repair on your own is not the best idea. The safest way to handle fixing HVAC units is by hiring an HVAC repair service.

To learn about the many reasons you should hire a professional to fix your HVAC system, continue reading.

Benefits of Hiring an HVAC Repair Service

There are a lot of benefits to hiring a professional to repair and work on your HVAC system.

The fact that they are a professional is just one of the many benefits.

1. Save Money

While at first, it may seem like hiring someone will cost you a lot of money, this is a way to save money.

People may avoid hiring someone, which can lead to more damage appearing. This will cost you more money in the long run. Hiring someone when you find any possible damage will not only fix the current issue but will help you avoid your HVAC repair budget going up in price.

2. Fast and Convenient Service

Hiring someone will take one thing off your to-do list.

Quality companies that work with air conditioning and heating will get to you as soon as possible to start their repair. Some companies offer 24-hour service, which is perfect for unexpected damage.

Not only does their experience help them get their job done fast, but it gives you one less thing to worry about doing. They simply take care of the HVAC unit for you.

3. Proper Training and Certifications

Professional technicians will have the proper training and certifications that are needed to correctly repair HVAC units.

They will have training that they have obtained through years of experience working on these systems. As they go through their training, they eventually get their licensing and certifications that make a place reputable.

Finding out whether or not a company is properly training their technicians and has the required certifications and licensing can be found on their website usually.

4. Plenty of Experience

When something needs to be repaired or looked at, hiring a professional is necessary if you are looking for someone with experience.

While some people may have a basic understanding of HVAC systems, professionals spend a lot of their time working with these systems, giving them more experience than others.

The more experience someone has, the more you can trust them to offer exceptional service.

5. Safe Services

Not only does someone need to be able to properly repair and offer maintenance, but they need to know what the safety protocols are as well.

If someone is not a professional, a couple of things can happen that are not safe. Injuries can occur if someone does not know how to properly use HVAC repair tools, and they can put someone else in danger if they dismiss any protocols.

Those that are professionals and properly trained follow all protocols making the repair safe.

6. Educated in HVAC Systems

Technology is always evolving, and as it does, people have to continue learning about it in order to use it.

Professional technicians continue to educate themselves as more advanced HVAC units develop. Their education in common HVAC systems and newer ones that are developing makes them more credible, as they understand how these work.

If someone is not educated properly, they will not be able to offer the service needed in order to make the repair successful.

7. The Efficiency of HVAC Unit Improves

When you hire a professional, the efficiency of your HVAC unit will improve.

These technicians have the required and desired knowledge and experience needed for repairs. Because of that, they will offer quality work to improve the way your HVAC system is working.

Improving the efficiency can prevent you from buying a new HVAC system sooner than you expected to, saving you money.

How to Find the Right Professionals

Now that you know the benefits of hiring a professional, you may be wondering how exactly to find the right professional for your repair needs.

Some ways to choose a company:

• Look into their certifications and licensing
• Read their reviews
• Learn about how well their technicians are trained
• Look into what services they provide
• Look into where they offer services
• Consider their professionalism

Making sure the company you are looking into has the qualities you are looking for is essential. Most companies offer all of this information listed above on their website.

Reaching out to the company with any questions or concerns will not only get you the answers you are looking for but will help you get an idea of how well they serve their customers. Hiring a company that is not only professional but helpful and kind is an important quality as well.

Hire an HVAC Professional Today

Walrath Mechanical Co. is dedicated to offering you exceptional services for both residential and commercial customers. Walrath has properly trained technicians with a ton of experience that are available for 24-hour service.

Also, Walrath offers a variety of services, including HVAC repairs. The technicians have worked with many customers and have continued to help them with any repair and maintenance needs.

Contact us if you need an HVAC repair service or have any questions regarding any services that are offered.

The post 7 Reasons You Should Hire an HVAC Repair Service appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

Here at Walrath HVAC, we believe that HVAC companies should grow their business relationship with each of their clients. That they should install and maintain the system over its entire lifespan.

See below for an in-depth guide on how to find local HVAC contractors that you can trust and build a meaningful connection with.

1. Positive Client Feedback

Before you find an HVAC contractor to hire, you want to make sure you’re looking at this through the right lens. An HVAC service is first and foremost, a business. Therefore, they must prioritize customer service and satisfaction above all else.

How can you make sure that you’re hiring the right HVAC contractors? By gathering intel before you even pick up the phone or fill out an online contact form.

What better way to get insight into an HVAC business’s track record than by asking their previous and current clients? Technology has made this easier than ever by allowing you to read through online reviews. These can be found either through the service’s website or by Googling the company.

If you wish to gain more insight, then you can ask the HVAC contractor for two or three client references to reach out to. There you can ask them the following questions (you can use these as you read through online reviews as well):

• Are the clients satisfied with the customer service that they received?
• What services have they had the HVAC contractor perform? How was it?
• Has the HVAC system had any setbacks since their initial visit?
• How long has the client worked with this HVAC contractor?
• How does this contractor compare to other HVAC contractors they’ve tried in the Denver area?

2. Search for a Variety of Services

It’s always great to find a trusted HVAC installation company, but what if that’s the only service that they perform? Now, you have to find another HVAC contractor—who didn’t install the unit—to oversee the care and maintenance of that system.

Ideally, you want to find someone that can help you throughout the entire lifespan of your HVAC system. They can point you towards the best system for your needs, install it, and maintain it. To find a contractor like that, you should focus on learning about all the services that they offer.

Here at Walrath Heating and Air Conditioning, we provide a plethora of heating and cooling solutions to our Denver clients, such as:

• 24-Hour maintenance service
• Access to professional service technicians
• Planned service agreements
• System design (and insight)
• Sales and Installation

We can help you find the right system for your needs. We have a deep inventory of products to ensure your Denver property is always staying comfortable during the summer and winter months.

3. Ensure They’re Insured

You never want to go into business with an HVAC contractor (or any other labor-intensive service) that doesn’t have its insurance needs in order. Doing so can be putting you in a very risky situation.

Imagine the horror of having a technician get injured while performing a service at your house. If the HVAC contractor’s service you hired doesn’t have business insurance in place, you could be held financially liable, since it occurred on your property.

You need to make sure that the company you hire has coverages for things such as business liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and so on. These are used to protect their company, their workers, and their clients (you) from any financial setback.

While it might be unorthodox, don’t be afraid to ask the HVAC contractor about their insurance coverages while you’re on the phone with them. If they have it in place, they’ll have no issues telling you about it.

4. Look for Positive Communication

You deserve to be kept in the loop with your HVAC project. A reputable HVAC contractor will always prioritize strong communication with their clients.

You can gauge this during the initial call. Give them a ring and ask them as many questions as possible regarding their product inventory, processes, services, and so on. If they take the time to answer all of these questions honestly, then you can have more confidence in their business model.

However, if the contractor tries to beat around the bush or rush you off the phone, then cross that company off your list.

5. Hire Experience

The HVAC system is one of the most important aspects of your house. It ensures that you’re warm during those cold mile-high winters, as well as cool and calm during the hot summers.

For that reason, the contractor you hire to install/maintain it should have the necessary years of experience. This will ensure that you can entrust them with the care of your entire unit.

Take the time to look at the credentials of any HVAC expert you speak to. How long have they been in business? How do they train their staff? What certifications do they have?

Hire Local HVAC Contractors for Your Property Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on hiring local HVAC contractors, be sure to use all of this information to your advantage.

To learn more about your system, be sure to read this article for the 7 most common HVAC problems that will require an expert to fix.

For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out to us via phone at 303-232-4343 and we will be happy to assist you further.

The post What to Look For Before Choosing Local HVAC Contractors appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

A dusty smell, for example, is nothing to worry about, especially when you use your AC for the first time after a season of lying dormant. It’s typical and expected for dust to accumulate in your system, although this smell should fade after a few days once your unit has burned everything off.

In contrast, more potent or lingering smells can be a real cause for concern. So, what kinds of funny AC odors should you be on the lookout for? Keep reading to find out!

Rotten Eggs

Does my AC smell bad or are there rotten eggs in the pantry? If the eggy smell of sulfur is filling your home whenever the air conditioning is on, you might have a gas leak. And, as you might expect, this isn’t a funny AC odor you should take lightly.

But, rather than calling an HVAC expert, it’s best to shut off your gas, evacuate your home, and call the fire brigade. Low levels of gas exposure are hazardous to your health but continued exposure can cause a loss of consciousness and even death.

Smelly Socks

One of the most unpleasant air conditioner odors has to be the distinctive smell of dirty socks. HVAC professionals even refer to this common AC issue as “dirty sock syndrome”. Although, the smell is often a whole lot more potent than the odors coming from your average laundry basket.

The most likely source of this smell is bacteria growing on your air conditioning unit’s condenser coils. These coils are vital to your air conditioning unit’s functioning, working to absorb heat and make the treated air cool. But once they start to emit the odor of stinky socks, this is a sure sign that they need to be cleaned and sanitized by an HVAC professional.

Burning

The smell of burning is never a good sign, but especially not if it’s coming from your air conditioning unit. As soon as you catch a whiff of burning, turn your HVAC system off, evacuate your home, and call the fire department.

Once you’re back home and in no immediate danger, call an HVAC expert to investigate. Burning is one of the air conditioner odors that can indicate several different problems. But, whether it’s an overheated motor, frayed wiring, or another mechanical issue, none of them are good news.

Gunpowder

Other burning types of smells can have more of a distinctive gunpowder-like aroma. This particular odor often suggests that a fried fan motor or circuit board could be to blame. Since these are both serious issues with the potential to endanger your respiratory system, it’s always a good idea to call out your trusted HVAC technician before running your system again.

Exhaust Fumes

Certain toxic air conditioner smells can smell more like the exhaust fumes from a car. These types of AC smells often mean that you have a fluid leak in your HVAC system. This leaking fluid then drips onto the motor or other heated mechanical part, and then creates the exhaust smell.

These fumes can be dangerous for your health, especially since you’re inhaling them in an enclosed space. If you think you might have a fluid leak in your HVAC unit, call an HVAC professional straight away.

Chemicals

Other very dangerous types of AC smells are those which smell chemical in nature. If your air conditioner smells like formaldehyde, paint thinner, or another chemical, switch it off immediately. These toxic air conditioner odors could be a sign that liquid is leaking inside your system. Not only does this pose a serious threat to your health, but chemical odors also often mean that your HVAC unit is well on the way to a serious malfunction.

Mold and Mildew

Does your air conditioner smell musty or damp? If you notice air conditioner odors like these, mold or mildew may have settled into your AC unit’s interior.

When your AC is running, a lot of condensation builds up. If this moisture doesn’t drain away properly, this can escape into ducts and cause mold to form. While a moldy HVAC system isn’t a serious issue, it can create poor air quality within your home, increasing the risk of respiratory problems. So, although you can continue to use your unit while you’re waiting for your HVAC expert to locate and remove the mold, it’s important to act fast for the sake of your family’s health.

Garbage

It’s common for animals such as mice, rats, and raccoons to seek refuge in HVAC systems during the winter. Unfortunately for these critters, they don’t always make it out to see the spring.

If you turn on the air conditioning and are immediately hit with the strong smell of garbage, this could be a sign that something has died in your HVAC system. In this case, turn off your air conditioning, open the windows to get rid of these foul air conditioner odors, and call either pest control or your HVAC maintenance specialist.

Recognizing Different Air Conditioner Smells

Some of these air conditioning smells indicate that your HVAC system needs a service. Other, more toxic, air conditioner smells indicate that more urgent intervention is necessary.

Either way, regular HVAC inspections can help you catch potential issues before they result in the dangerous internal damage that can cause these funny AC odors.

Are strange air conditioner odors coming from your system? Don’t hesitate to contact us about this or any other HVAC issues today!

The post The Different Types of Air Conditioner Smells and What They Mean appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

The annual energy bill for a typical, single-family home reaches about $2,060. Over 40% of that expense is dedicated to heating and cooling your home. Without regular HVAC inspections, the cost could continue to rise.

On the fence about hiring a routine AC repair service? Here are nine reasons you shouldn’t wait.

After reading this guide, you can make a  more informed choice for your home, family, and wallet. Keep reading to discover the benefits of routine HVAC check-ups today!

1. Avoid Emergencies

Have you ever tried hosting a party in the dead of summer with a broken AC unit? You don’t want to wait until peak weather months for an HVAC emergency. Instead, consider regular HVAC inspections.

Air conditioning contractors can review your unit during the fall and spring months. They’ll make sure everything is running properly.

If it looks like a potential problem might arise in the future, they can help you determine your options. You can fix your unit before a party in the middle of summer or winter. Otherwise, you might have to deal with a lot of unhappy guests.

Scheduling routine maintenance checks can help you avoid emergency fixes, too. Otherwise, you might have to pay extra if you’re scheduling a last-minute appointment.

Scheduling routine checks can help you avoid a long wait period. Instead, you can find peace of mind knowing your HVAC contractor will arrive for your scheduled appointment.

With routine checks, your unit won’t crash unexpectedly. You won’t have to worry about unwanted surprises ruining your day.

2. Clear the Air

Without realizing it, you breathe in dust, dander, and other allergens every single day. These allergens can include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold. Unfortunately, these allergens can trigger respiratory issues.

If a member of your family has asthma, breathing in allergens could trigger an attack.

Instead, call your local air conditioning contractors. They’ll clean your air ducts and AC filters. Routine maintenance can keep these airborne allergens and pollutants at bay.

Otherwise, they could start to fill the air, impacting your family’s health.

If members of your family have started sneezing and sniffling, call an HVAC contractor right away.

3. Longer Lifespan

When smaller components of your unit experience wear and tear, it can impact the entire unit. Your HVAC unit will need to work twice as hard to work. Working itself overtime could impact your unit’s longevity.

If your unit breaks down, you might have to pay a few thousand dollars for a new one.

Instead, consider scheduling regular HVAC inspections. You can catch small problems before they become major issues. Catching potential issues early on can prolong the unit’s lifespan.

Your professional HVAC contractor can review every component of your unit. They’ll pinpoint potential issues and components that are wearing down. Then, they’ll make recommendations to ensure the longevity of your unit.

Extending the unit’s lifespan could save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

4. Lower Utility Bills

Energy use doubles across America every 20 years. If components of your unit start to wear down, your unit will work harder. Your energy bills will start to rise as a result.

Instead, consider calling your local cooling and heating contractors. They’ll ensure your unit is working at maximum efficiency. Improving your unit’s energy efficiency can help you avoid unwanted costs.

If you delay regular inspections, however, your energy bills will only continue to rise. Remember, the unit might break down, too.

Instead, catch small problems before they become major expenses.

5. Lasting Comfort

Your unit should keep you cool all summer and warm throughout the winter months. Without routine inspections, however, your unit might struggle to work. Your family might not feel comfortable throughout these peak weather months as a result.

If your unit isn’t distributing air evenly throughout your home, call your local HVAC contractor. They’ll pinpoint the source of the problem.

In fact, your unit might not respond to the settings on the screen if there’s an internal issue. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, schedule an AC and furnace repair service before problems arise.

You won’t have to sit in uncomfortable temperatures anymore.

Instead, regular checks will ensure your unit works as intended. You can remain comfortable year-round, regardless of the weather outside.

6. Safety for All

Carbon dioxide is poisonous and odorless. The gas could start to invade your home before you can realize it. If you have an older furnace, make sure to call for routine maintenance checks.

Your heating contractors can make sure the unit properly vents carbon dioxide out of your home. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire family is safe.

7. Reduce Your Footprint

Regular HVAC inspections could benefit the environment, too. If you’re concerned about your green footprint, call an HVAC technician. They can review your unit’s current efficiency.

If your unit is wearing down and consuming more fuel, it could have a larger impact on the environment. Instead, consider a natural gas system of a programmable thermostat. You can reduce your footprint and energy bills.

Here are a few ways you can improve your unit’s efficiency.

8. Warranty Requirements

Some HVAC manufacturers require you to schedule annual HVAC maintenance to ensure your unit is running properly. Otherwise, they won’t accept any claims you file.

Filing regular inspections can help if you have an insurance policy you want to maintain.

9. Peace of Mind

Scheduling routine HVAC inspections can give you overall peace of mind.

You won’t have to worry about your unit breaking down at the worst possible moment. Instead, you’ll know your HVAC contractors are on top of it. They’ll help you recognize problems before they happen.

You won’t have to concern yourself with DIY repairs. Instead, you can rely on your air conditioning contractors. If there’s ever an issue, they can arrive at your home for a quick fix.

Clean, Cool Air: 9 Reasons for Regular HVAC Inspections

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Instead, consider these nine benefits of regular HVAC inspections. Scheduling regular check-ups can prolong your unit’s lifespan and give you peace of mind.

You can avoid a major breakdown and costly repairs, too.

Ready to schedule your next maintenance check? We’re happy to help.

Contact us today to get started.

The post The Importance of Regular HVAC Inspections appeared first on Walrath HVAC.

With that said, your air conditioner may indeed be working, but it could also be operating far under capacity. For example, perhaps you notice your power bills getting higher, your thermostat cycling a bit too often, or your AC unit making strange sounds. None of these are things to let go ignored.

So, to help you stay cool and save money this summer, here are a few simple tricks to make sure you have the most reliable air conditioner efficiency and how you can improve air conditioner efficiency.

1. Clear Your Indoor Vents

Maintaining airflow is one of the most crucial ways to prevent stuffy, hot air in your home. To facilitate this, your vents should be as unblocked and unclogged as possible. Dust, pet hair, and various airborne debris all build up faster than you might think, so consistent vacuuming of your vents’ air filters is absolutely essential.

You may also want to re-arrange some furniture to ensure that nothing too large sits in the way of your vents or blocks them. Investing in a high-quality air filter can also be very beneficial for your home’s airflow.

2. Be Wary of Heat-Producing Appliances

Using your oven or dryer can quickly make a hot day much hotter. An oven’s heat rises, and your dryer quite literally sucks warm air into your home, so you should stay conscious of using either during the day’s hottest hours.

Also, your thermostat should not be close to such devices, lamps included. This can cause it to overcompensate in response to the heat these items produce, making your AC unit work harder than it should.

3. Close Doors and Cover Windows

It might seem like a no-brainer, but the cold air that is filling your home should not be escaping! Should you ever need to keep a door or window open for an extended stretch of time, be sure to turn your AC unit off first to keep from wasting energy.

Still, even if your windows are closed, the sunlight of a hot summer day can rapidly warm up any indoor space. Drawing curtains, shades, or drapes over your windows will always be a helpful way to fight back that heat.

4. Increase Your Thermostat’s Temperature

All manner of factors can keep indoor air temperature constantly fluctuating in response to the day’s heat. Thus, it’s best to keep your thermostat prepared for exactly that. As the months get warmer, you should actually raise your thermostat’s temperature by approximately 5 degrees (or rather, to the highest comfortable temperature).

This might seem counter-productive for a hot day, but it will actually keep your AC unit from overexerting to maintain an untenable temperature. In the end, this will save you money and energy as you tend to alternate means of keeping your home cool.

5. Clear Your Drain Line

Right above your furnace, your AC system should have an indoor cooling coil, and right next to that cooling coil should be your AC system’s drain. If this drain becomes blocked for any reason, it can mean serious problems for your air conditioner.

Pour one cup of chlorine bleach down the AC drain, then rinse it with water. This should be enough to keep your drain line clear throughout the course of the entire summer. It also pays to make sure that your outdoor drain lines aren’t covered with any dirt or mulch.

6. Insulate Your Home’s Ductwork

Most of us don’t find much reason to be roaming around our attics all that often, let alone during the summer. However, in those unconditioned spaces, the occasional leak is bound to happen.

A careful inspection of the ductwork running through your attic will ensure whether you are experiencing any leaks. Should you detect any, you can seal them yourself using special duct-sealing tape.

If you find or suspect a leak, take action. Consult professional HVAC services, as they might more accurately pinpoint the problem and use high-grade material to repair the leaks and insulate the ducts.

7. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Many air conditioners simply become less efficient as they age, and such deterioration can become quite a financial burden if left unchecked for too long. As we go about our busy lives, it can be hard to stay vigilant about these things, but a quick check can save you much inconvenience and headache in the end.

Air conditioner manufacturers recommend re-tooling your AC unit once a year, preferably before the hottest months arrive. The cost of annual maintenance might seem daunting at first, but it will almost certainly save you from the burden of having to replace too many damaged parts at once.

Air Conditioner Efficiency

If your AC unit still seems to be running inefficiently after you have given it the care and attention it demands, then now is not the time to hesitate. Like it or not, the hottest weather is still on its way and you do not want to risk going without a way to stay cool!

Your air conditioner efficiency is our primary concern. Whether you need a simple repair or a replacement, contact us today, and we can get to the root of your problem at whatever time works for you and help you beat the heat.

The post 7 Ways to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency appeared first on Walrath HVAC.