The best answer to this question is whenever it’s dirty. A normal 1” pleated filter typically needs to be replaced every 3 months to be on the safe side, and a 4” media filter should be replaced every 6 months.

When considering the hundreds of thermostats on the market, you will start to see words like programmable, non-programmable, 1 heat/one cool or 2 heat/2 cool, and Wi-Fi. So what kind of thermostat should you buy? There is no one thermostat that will work for everyone. Programmable thermostats have the ability to raise and lower the temperature set point based on your schedule and preferences. Although we don’t recommend large jumps or drops in temperature, a few degrees of variation isn’t hard on your system. You just don’t want to come home from work at 4 and ask your air conditioner to drop the temperature 6 degrees. Your unit will most likely run all evening trying to satisfy the thermostat.

It is also important to know what kind of system you have when considering a thermostat. Conventional (Furnace and A/C) thermostats operate and are set up differently from a heat pump thermostat. Also, if your furnace is 2-stage, you might need to consider a thermostat that will handle both stages for heating and/or cooling. Luckily, Mike’s Heating and Air Conditioning takes the guesswork out of it. We would be happy to explain your options to you, install your new thermostat, and even teach you how to use it.

One of the most common reasons for service calls in the summertime during air conditioner season is a dirty condenser coil. Your condenser is the part of the air conditioner that sits outside of your house with the big fan in the middle. Your air conditioner condenser works just like a radiator.

Thanks to things like cottonwood trees and construction, debris buildup on your condenser is inevitable here in Northern Colorado. When debris accumulates on the condenser, airflow through the coil is obstructed, and heat cannot be pulled out of the system, resulting in longer run times and unnecessary wear and tear on key components in your air conditioner. Scheduling yearly maintenance with Mike’s Heating and Air Conditioning is the best way to keep your air conditioner running all season long.

The average lifespan of a furnace or air conditioner, if installed correctly, is typically 15 years. However, it is not uncommon to get 20+ years out of your system if it is taken care of properly.

Yearly maintenance, consistent filter changes, a clean condenser coil, and good airflow all contribute to a long-lasting and reliable system. Mike’s Heating and Air Conditioning is dedicated to keeping your equipment safe and in good working condition throughout the life of your system.

There are a few simple things you, as a homeowner, can check before making a service appointment when your equipment is not working.

• Check the thermostat batteries. Sometimes, the thermostat screen will go blank, which could indicate dead batteries, no power to the furnace, or a bad thermostat.
• Check airflow. Is your filter clean? Are all your floor supply registers open? Have you blocked a large return air grille?
• Check the power. Ensure the furnace switch is on and that the breaker hasn’t tripped.

If there is no obvious solution, it may be time to schedule a service appointment. At Mike’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we will almost always get to you the same day in an emergency, and our appointments are always made with a one-hour window for arrival time. You can always expect family-friendly service when scheduling an appointment with us.