What should I do when my AC freezes up?

If your AC freezes up, turn the system off and allow the ice to completely thaw before running it again. Once the ice has thawed, check your air filter and make sure it is clean and replace it if it is dirty. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow and contribute to an AC freezing up. Do not try to break the ice off or use heat to speed up the thawing process, as this can damage the equipment. If the AC freezes again after the filter is clean and the system has completely thawed, the underlying problem should be diagnosed by a qualified HVAC technician.

How often should I schedule for a furnace maintenance?

You should generally schedule furnace maintenance once a year, ideally in early fall before Colorado’s heating season begins. Annual maintenance helps identify worn or failing components, improve system efficiency, verify safe operation, and reduce the likelihood of an unexpected breakdown during a cold snap. For older furnaces or systems that run heavily, your HVAC technician may recommend more frequent inspections.

What are the common signs that indicate my AC needs repair?

Common signs your AC may need repair include warm air coming from the vents, weak airflow, unusual noises or odors, frequent cycling, water or refrigerant leaks, ice forming on the system, unusually high energy bills, or an AC that struggles to maintain the thermostat setting. If your system repeatedly freezes, shuts off, makes unusual noises, or stops cooling properly, it is best to have an HVAC professional diagnose the problem before continuing to operate it. Addressing smaller problems early can sometimes prevent more expensive repairs.

How often should I replace my air purifier?

How often you should replace or service an air purifier depends on the type of system, filter, and components it uses. Many whole-home air cleaners use replaceable filters that may need to be changed every 2–3 months, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations and conditions in the home. Homes with pets, allergies, remodeling or construction dust, or higher indoor particle levels may require more frequent filter changes. If you have a UV air purification system, the UV bulb typically needs to be replaced periodically rather than replacing the entire system. Because air purification systems vary significantly, it is highly recommended to have an HVAC specialist evaluate your system and walk you through the appropriate maintenance and replacement schedule for your specific equipment.

How often should I replace my air filter?

Most HVAC air filters should be replaced approximately every 1–3 months, although the correct interval depends on the filter type and your home. Homes with pets, multiple occupants, allergies, smokers, or significant dust may need more frequent filter changes. A dirty filter restricts airflow, makes your HVAC system work harder, and can contribute to reduced efficiency and problems such as an AC evaporator coil freezing. When in doubt, check the filter monthly and replace it when it becomes visibly dirty or according to the manufacturer's recommendation

How long does a furnace last?

A properly maintained furnace typically lasts approximately 15–20 years, although lifespan can vary depending on the furnace type, installation quality, usage, maintenance history, and operating conditions. Colorado furnaces can experience significant use during winter, making regular maintenance particularly important. As a furnace approaches 15 years or older, homeowners should consider its repair history, efficiency, reliability, and replacement cost when deciding whether continued repairs make financial sense.

Why does my furnace keeps shutting off?

A furnace that repeatedly turns off before completing a heating cycle may be experiencing restricted airflow, a dirty filter, a dirty flame sensor, overheating, a thermostat problem, or another mechanical or electrical issue. This behavior is sometimes called short cycling. A dirty filter is one of the simplest things to check, but repeated shutdowns should not be ignored because the furnace may be activating a safety control. If replacing the filter does not solve the problem, have a qualified HVAC technician diagnose the system.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

A furnace can blow cold air for several reasons, including a dirty air filter, thermostat settings, ignition problems, a dirty flame sensor, a malfunctioning limit switch, or another furnace component failure. It is also normal for a furnace to briefly blow cooler air at the beginning or end of a heating cycle. However, if your furnace consistently blows cold air while the thermostat is calling for heat, check your thermostat and filter first. If the problem continues, professional furnace service may be necessary.

Why is my thermostat blank?

A blank thermostat can be caused by dead batteries, a tripped circuit breaker, loss of power to the HVAC system, a blown fuse, loose wiring, or a problem with the furnace or air conditioner. If your thermostat uses batteries, replacing them is a good first step. You should also check your HVAC electrical breakers, but don't repeatedly reset a breaker that continues to trip. If the thermostat remains blank after basic checks, an HVAC technician can determine whether the issue is with the thermostat, wiring, or HVAC equipment.

Why does my HVAC freeze up?

An HVAC system can freeze up when airflow is restricted or the system is not operating correctly. Common causes include a dirty air filter, blocked return or supply vents, a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant, a refrigerant leak, or a malfunctioning blower motor. If you notice ice on your AC's refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, turn the system off and allow it to thaw completely. Do not attempt to remove the ice with a sharp object or use artificial heat to melt it. If the system freezes again after thawing, have a qualified HVAC technician inspect it to identify and correct the underlying problem.

What to do when the furnace doesn't turn on?

If your furnace doesn't turn on, first check your thermostat to make sure it is set to heat and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Next, check that the furnace has power, the circuit breaker has not tripped, and the furnace switch is turned on. You should also check the air filter, since a severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause the furnace to shut down for safety. If your furnace still will not start, avoid repeatedly resetting the system and contact an HVAC professional.