If you live in Colorado or have ever visited for vacation, then you get just how unpredictable the weather is in the Front Range area.
It’s totally normal for Colorado homeowners to run their heat during the morning and switch to AC in the afternoon, and this is largely due to rapid humidity and temperature fluctuations—which ultimately take a serious toll on a home’s HVAC system.
We reached out to the Broomfield HVAC service specialists at Apex Clean Air to get a better idea of what HVAC maintenance and upkeep is like for people living in the heart of the Rockies, and what we learned is that there are several unique tips that Colorado residents need to keep in mind.
So, check out the below sections to learn more tips about keeping your HVAC system responsive, efficient, and ready for the rollercoaster that is Colorado’s climate!
Keeping Up With Rapid Temperature Shifts By Investing In A Smart Thermostat
It’s normal for temperatures to swing around 30 degrees throughout the course of a day in Colorado, which means that traditional HVAC thermostats are always going to have difficulty keeping up with these rapid fluctuations.
But the good news for Colorado homeowners is that smart thermostats are now making it a lot easier to do the following:
- Switch automatically between cooling and heating
- Remotely adjust HVAC settings through a convenient phone app
- Create customized, efficient HVAC schedules
This cutting-edge HVAC technology prevents systems from inadvertently being overworked, which also helps homeowners significantly save on their monthly energy bills.
Don’t Neglect Seasonal HVAC Maintenance In Colorado
Although seasonal HVAC maintenance is important regardless of where you live, it’s particularly important for Colorado residents due to the extreme climate shifts and rapid temperature fluctuations.
A bi-annual maintenance plan is typically enough for every household, and this includes an AC tune-up in the springtime and furnace maintenance in the fall. This maintenance helps ensure that a property’s system is correctly lubricated, cleaned and ready to take on higher than normal usage.
It also doesn’t hurt when experienced HVAC service technicians verify and catch lingering system issues long before they turn into mid-season breakdowns!
Insulating & Sealing To Combat Colorado’s Outdoor Extremes
The Rockies naturally bring a lot of cold air into the Front Range area, and it’s no secret how Colorado is prone to some of the driest summer heat out of anywhere in the United States.
This is why local homeowners need to insulate their ducts and attic, seal gaps near doors and windows, and weatherstrip as much as possible.
Good home insulation helps reduce the overall strain on an HVAC system, which leads to more stable indoor temperatures.
Don’t Forget About Indoor Air Quality, Especially During Wildfire Season
Between dry conditions and summer wildfires, it’s common for Colorado’s outdoor air quality to drop very quickly. This is one of many reasons why locals need to do their part to protect their property’s indoor air quality (IAQ).
Some easy strategies to keep in mind include:
- Upgrading to MERV 13 or HEPA filters
- Regularly replacing HVAC filters around every 1-3 months
- Investing in whole-home air purifiers
Cleaner indoor air isn’t just good for your health, because it’ll also ensure that your HVAC system runs efficiently throughout the long-term future as well.
Knowing When To Switch To Emergency Heat & When Not To
This tip is especially important for homes with heat pump systems, because Colorado experiences a lot of freezing nights that might require emergency heat settings.
What’s important to keep in mind is that these settings will use a lot more electricity, so you should only switch to emergency heat when:
- Ice or snow is blocking your outdoor unit
- Your heat pump system is failing
- Your HVAC technician has recommended it on a temporary basis
Remaining Mindful Of Your HVAC System’s Age
It’s no secret how Colorado’s drastic seasonal shifts can significantly shorten residential HVAC system lifespans, which is why locals have to be extra vigilant about their maintenance and needed repairs.
If your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, is over 15 years old, or is simply struggling to maintain your indoor comfort, then it’s likely time to consider a replacement appointment with your local technicians.
Colorado Homeowners Must Be Proactive When It Comes To Taking Care Of Their HVAC Systems!
Being a full-time Colorado resident comes with all sorts of unexpected turns, and this is especially when it comes to weather.
A lot of homeowners don’t quite fully understand just how hectic these local weather shifts are on residential HVAC systems, but a little bit of planning and upkeep always goes a long way to ensure indoor comfort—no matter what the Rockies throw your way!
