Heating and Cooling Tips for Colorado Springs

Be Safe

Always have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.  Code requires a detector on every floor of the home with bedrooms.  Remember that you cannot smell or see CO. Replace your detectors periodically, most detectors are effective for only 7 years.  Smoke detectors do not detect CO, if you are unsure about your detectors or need a CO detector our technicians can help.

 

If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY. Carbon monoxide can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death.



Change Filters

Replace or clean furnace filters as recommended. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Due to the high altitude of Colorado Springs your furnace and air conditioner are working with less air already, so keep those filters fresh and the air flowing freely.

 

Most electronic air cleaners have filter cells that need to be washed out every 6-12 months, some have a disposable filter that need to be changed also.  Electronic air cleaners capture up to 99% of airborne particles.  Ask your Roberts Heating & Cooling technician if one is right for your home.

 

If you have allergies and use a micro particle filter be aware these filters restrict more air out of the box than a normal filter.  It's important to change these filters often so the furnace doesn't overheat or AC freeze up.  Switching from disposable micro particle filters to an electronic air cleaner can save $1500 to $2000 over the air cleaners life.  

 

Maintenance

Schedule a furnace or air conditioner "tune-up."  Keeping your furnace and AC clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use, saving up to 5 percent of heating costs.  Maintenance can also prevent costly breakdowns.

 

Thermostats

Set your thermostat back when at work or asleep.  Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can also save money and increase the comfort level in your home.  There are a wide range of digital and programmable thermostats, let us know if we can install one for your system.

 

Water Heaters

Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the "normal" setting or 120-degrees Fahrenheit, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7-11 percent of water heating costs.