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FAQs

HVAC, Plumbing & Revit Design Specialists in Grand Junction, Colorado

FAQs

HVAC

You deserve to know how your system works and how to properly maintain it.

Maintenance is essential to avoid equipment breakdown. You are going to have questions on how to perform the maintenance and how to know when you need a licensed professional for assistance, here are some frequently asked questions:

For a licensed professional technician please call 970-787-0145, or koster@tenmindsmechanical.com

How often do air filters need to be changed?

It varies depending on the type of filter you have and how much traffic you have in your home. If you have a cheaper, disposable filters, we recommend changing them every 30 days. If you have a pleated, or poly filter, we recommend changing them every 90 days. Media filters or CleanEffects filters can last a little longer and should be replaced about once a year.

Do bigger air conditioning units perform better?

Not necessarily. It is important to purchase an air conditioner that is the right size for your home. If you buy an AC unit that’s too big, it will cool your home faster, but it will also be less efficient and will not eliminate humidity well enough. It will have short-run cycles. While it will cool the quickly, it will shut off before it blows enough air across the indoor coil to drain water from your system. This will leave too much moisture in the air, which can lead to mold and mildew in your home. Your system starting and stopping more often may cause it to use more energy and wear down faster. Longer run cycles are more efficient.

How long does an HVAC equipment last?

Hvac system generally last about 15- 20 years. However, your system becomes less efficient and performs worse as it gets older. Therefore, after about 15 years, you may want to start looking for a replacement. Even if you are not having any major problems, modern HVAC systems will save you money on your energy bills because they are more efficient. Plus, they generally come with a 10-year warranties, so you won’t need to worry about replacing them for quite some time.

How often should I have my air conditioning unit serviced?

We recommend having your air conditioner serviced once a year. This will save you on energy and repair costs, Keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, and make it last longer. The longer you put off AC maintenance, the worse your unit will perform, and the more likely it is that it will break down. Trying to save money by delaying maintenance may backfire by forcing you to pay more on energy bills, and potentially, on repairs if a serious issue arises with your system.

What are some ways I could keep my home cool more efficiently?

There are plenty of ways to improve the cooling efficiency in your home. First, you could replace your existing air conditioner with a newer, more efficient one. This will significantly lower your energy bills and cool your home much more effectively. Schedule a consultation with a Tenminds Technicians today to see how we can help you find a unit that fits your home.

If you aren’t ready to upgrade your air conditioner, you can improve efficiency by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature. During the summer, set your thermostat to 75 degrees or higher, Every degree counts: Just 1 degree below 75 degree will cause your energy bill to go up 3 to 5 percent.

Another small way to increase your home’s cooling efficiency is to avoid blocking vents. Move any furniture or curtains to evenly distribute air throughout your home. However, if there are rooms in your home that you rarely use, consider closing the vents to avoid wasting energy.

Additionally, you can instal ceiling fans. The U.S. Department of Energy says that a single ceiling fan “will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees with a no reduction in comfort.” As we already mentioned, every degree will save you money on your energy bill, Finally, make sure to get annual maintenance from a licensed technician to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible, and to fix any potential issues.

Does Tenminds Mechanical have an emergency program?

YES! You can call us any time night or day, weekend or holiday, for 24/7 emergency service for heating, cooling, or plumbing system.

Does Tenminds Mechanical have a referral program?

YES! We love good feed back, there for we created a referral program to show that one good deed can help another to our friends and family. When you spread the word about our elite services we will give both parties a $35 credit.

Should I get a Heat Pump or a Furnace in Colorado?

Heat pumps are well-suited for warmer climates. As long as the outdoor temperatures stay above freezing, a heat pump will consume electricity more efficiently than a furnace. This can be hard decision for homeowners in Colorado. If you’re due for a new HVAC system, Tenminds Mechanical can help you make the right choice. We service virtually every make and model of furnace and heat pump, so matter what you decide, we will be there for you.


FAQs

Heat Pumps

Lots of people are excited about heat pumps these days

And there’s a lot to be excited about, from their efficiency to their environmental benefits, to the incentives available to install one. But as with any technology, people have questions. Here’s some answers to common questions people have about heat pumps that Tenminds Mechanical has encountered.

For a licensed professional technician please call 970-787-0145, or koster@tenmindsmechanical.com

If I have no ducts, what type of heat pump system should I be looking for?

A ductless mini-split system can be a great option for homeowners without any ducts!

Can you have floor based heating and a heat pump?

Yes! There are heat pump systems available for radiant floor heating.

Does a ducted system replace an existing gas furnace?

Typically it can. Most heat pump HVAC systems will leverage existing ducts (not mini splits though).

Is it possible to have a ducted and ductless hybrid heat pump system?

Yes, it is possible to have a centrally ducted system supplemented with mini- split heads. This can be a great option for rooms that are especially hot or cold without ducts supplying it.

How would a mini-split heat pump system work with radiant heating?

The mini split can be used for cooling and heating in the warmer seasons, then the radiant heating can be used through the coldest months of winter.

Can you compensate for a drafty house with a higher capacity heat pump?

You can size the heat pump for the larger load, but usually the best investment is to improve the level of insulation and efficiency of your home with weatherization and building envelope improvement.

Can a ducted heat pump be installed in a crawl space?

It depends on the size of the crawl space, but it’s definitely possible!

How common is it to install a heat pump HVAC system and water heater together?

It’s very common to upgrade a heat pump and water heater in one go!

Are heat pump water heaters more or less efficient than an electric tankless water heater?

Heat pump water heaters are the most efficient way to heat water, but the tradeoff is that they heat water slightly slower and they do expel cold air.

What applications are recommended for air to water heat pumps?

Air to water heat pumps work very well in a wide range of climates. Harvest Thermal uses a high efficiency heat pump water heater that is cold climate compatible, providing the same output down to 4 degrees Fahrenheit – and other cold climate heat pumps would also work well.

Can heat pump water heaters collect heat from outdoors rather than from their immediate surroundings?

Yes, you can add ducting to them that allows them to pull air from the outside and then expel the cold air to the outside. It’s a great option for some climates.


FAQs

Boilers

Read through our FAQs about boilers.

For a licensed professional technician please call 970-787-0145, or koster@tenmindsmechanical.com

What is the difference between a boiler and a furnace?

A boiler is part of a heating system that heats your home by using water. A hot water boiler system circulates water in the heat exchanger of your boiler, which is then pumped through pipes to heat baseboards or radiators before returning to the unit to start the cycle all over again. A furnace is part of a heating system that heats your home with hot air. A blower motor moves air through the furnace where it is heated and then distributes the hot air throughout a home’s duct system. The heat is then released from the duct system through the vents and registers in your home.

How often should I have my boiler serviced?

We, along with most manufacturers and contractors, recommend a yearly checkup of your boiler system. These inspections can help catch small fixes before they become expensive repairs, and also maintain the health and safety of your family and loved ones.

How often should my boiler be replaced?

A typical boiler’s lifetime is expected to be 15-20 years. However, things vary, and your boiler may last longer if well maintained, less if it is ignored. Once repairs are needed more frequently, or if they become increasingly expensive, then a replacement boiler may save you money in the long run. An added benefit is that new boilers are almost guaranteed to be much more efficient than older systems.

My boiler is showing faults. Can I fix this myself?

It’s best to get in touch with a Tenminds licensed professional who can diagnose and fix the problem safely and effectively. A fault can mean a wide range of problems and our licensed technician’s have been trained on how to solve the problem.

Can I add zones to my heating system?

Of course! Adding zones to your heating system can help keep the main living areas of your home warm and comfortable, while maximizing energy efficiency by lowering the heat in unoccupied rooms or other areas of your home that don’t need as much warmth.

What is a condensing boiler?

A condensing boiler is a high-efficiency boiler which runs at a lower temperature than older, traditional-style boilers. Condensing boilers are able to collect gas generated by burning fuels like gas and oil and use it to heat water entering the system, saving money and reducing carbon emissions in the process.

Why does my combi boiler not work as well when I use multiple hot water outlets?

Combi boilers are designed to offer a rise in temperature depending on the flow rate passing through the boiler. As more hot water outlets are used, both the flow and temperature will be shared between the channels.


FAQs

HVR, EVR

ERV stands for Energy Recovery Ventilator and HRV stands for Heat Recovery Ventilator,

and is regularly referred to as an air exchanger and an ERV ventilation system. They are designed to be connected into the HVAC system in your home, office, or any other building. They pull fresh, clean air into the building and take out stale/unclean air. They consist of two fans and a heat exchanger that makes it possible to transfer heat and moisture between the two air streams. It transfers the heat and moisture in order for the building to retain heat while in operation, which is obviously quite important during the winter months.

For a licensed professional technician please call 970-787-0145, or koster@tenmindsmechanical.com

Why is proper ventilation in my home so important?

Controlling moisture levels in your home – Moisture comes from cooking, bathing and breathing. Too much moisture may not only cause condensation which can damage the structure of your home but also provides a breeding ground for mould, mildew & bacteria. Ridding your home of pollutants and Contaminants – construction materials used in new homes and furniture as well as regular household products may release toxic fumes and gases that contribute to poor indoor air quality and possible health issues.

How is a Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) System different from a regular air exchanger?

Both air exchange and HRV systems move old, stale air out of your home and draw fresh air in. The difference is that an air exchanger expels heat – as well as your money! A HRV system transfers (recovers) as much as 80% of the heat energy from the out-going air to the clean fresh air coming in. Good for the environment and for your wallet.

How do I maintain my ventilation system once it’s installed?

Regular Maintenance of your HRV system is required to keep it working properly. In fact an improperly serviced HRV system may not only contaminate the incoming air but also reduce the transfer of heat energy from 80% to as low as 20%.

Are there health benefits to installing a HRV system?

According to health reports, 1 in 4 people have reported health problems linked to poor indoor air quality. Indoor pollutants can contribute to health issues such as allergies, headaches, fatigue, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Removing contaminated air from your home and bringing in fresh air can alleviate these symptoms.

Does the same air get recycled?

No. There are two vents: one draws the warm stale and polluted air from the living areas of your home through the HRV system to be released outside. The second draws
a continuous stream of cool fresh air in through the system to be distributed throughout your home. The ducts run side by side and only the heat energy is transferred from one to the other.

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