Our Company
Are Emporia technicians licensed and insured?
Our technicians are either certified to perform their jobs or supervised by a NATE certified technician. Each of our employees are covered by an extensive insurance policy that covers all conceivable incidences.
Do I have to pull a permit for my heating and air conditioning work?
In Colorado, you generally need a permit for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) work. The requirements for permits can vary depending on the specific location and type of work being done, so it’s important to check with your local building department to find out the requirements for your area.
In general, permits are required for HVAC work that involves any structural modifications or changes to the existing electrical or plumbing systems. This includes installing or replacing furnaces, air conditioning units, ductwork, and ventilation systems.
Permits are important because they ensure that the work is done safely and in compliance with local building codes and regulations. They also provide a record of the work that was done, which can be helpful for future maintenance and repair needs, as well as for resale of the property.
If you are planning HVAC work on your property, it’s a good idea to work with a licensed HVAC contractor who can help you navigate the permit process and ensure that the work is done safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations. Emporia will obtain your permit for you and arrange for any inspections needed.
Does Emporia offer Xcel Rebates?
Emporia is a participating vendor with Xcel Energy’s rebate program. We will apply for the rebate for you and you will get a check in 4-6 weeks. Xcel does have some limitations that we are well versed in.
Is Emporia a local licensed heating and cooling company?
Emporia Is a local, family owned and operated company. We opened in 2018 and are growing rapidly and love to take great care of our customers.
General HVAC
When should I have my heating and cooling equipment serviced?
Your HVAC systems should be serviced before the start of each Fall (furnace) and Spring (AC) season. Your manufacturer may require this service in order to maintain your warranty.
How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?
Your air filters should be replaced every one to three months depending on usage. This is vitally important to the performance of your HVAC systems and your indoor air quality.
How important is my indoor air quality?
The short answer? VERY important! Your indoor air quality can be as much as 100 times worse than the outdoor air. Improving and maintaining your indoor air quality is vitally important to your home and family.
What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?
Installing a programmable thermostat in your home helps you take control of how much energy you use for heating and cooling. If used effectively, a programmable thermostat can help you improve energy efficiency and save money on utility bills.
What routine maintenance should I perform?
Every furnace and air conditioner is different and the manufacturer’s specifications vary. However, you should expect to regularly:
- Inspect and replace your furnace’s air filter
- Clean dust and dirt from your air conditioner’s outside unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Clear weeds and debris from around the outside unit
- Get your systems professionally inspected once a year to ensure optimal performance.
How often should I change my humidifier filter?
You should replace your humidifier filter at least once a year. Excess build-up of minerals, dirt, and pollutants can cause wear and damage to your humidifier, as well as making it operate less efficiently.
How often should I change my thermostat batteries?
It’s best to change your thermostat batteries at least once per year, or more often if you notice any problems with inconsistent operation. Note: low batteries can cause your furnace or air conditioner to operate inconsistently, or not at all.
What would void my manufacturer’s warranty?
There are a number of circumstances that can void a manufacturer’s warranty:
- Failure to perform inspections, maintenance, and cleaning as required
- Use of counterfeit, non-standard, or non-authorized parts or accessories
- Installation of any system or component by anyone other than a licensed, certified contractor
- Relocation of heating/cooling equipment from its original position in your home
Your manufacturer’s warranty provides important protection for you in the event of a breakdown. If you are unsure about any aspect of repair, maintenance, inspection, or installation of your system, contact Emporia for more information.
Cooling
What should I do about my frozen air conditioner?
When your AC freezes up, either inside or at the outdoor unit, you have a problem. When your AC is frozen, you could subject your system to serious damage if it isn’t addressed promptly. Turn your AC off and call an experienced technician out before using the AC again
How do I know when it’s time for an AC replacement?
It is difficult to determine whether to keep putting money into an aging unit for repairs or to upgrade to a new, more efficient AC. A well maintained AC unit should last 10-15 years. Once the equipment starts to need frequent repairs, you should consider replacement.
What’s wrong with my noisy air conditioner? Can I fix it myself?
You shouldn’t attempt to fix your noisy air conditioner on your own! Unless you have professional knowledge of HVAC electrical system layouts and the proper tools to test all the working components of your AC, you are putting yourself and your air conditioner at a significant risk for harm.
What is the best thermostat setting for summer?
Saving money on your monthly electric bills in the summer is important—so what is the best thermostat setting during the hottest season of the year? We recommend keeping your thermostat set to 72 degrees (at the lowest) with the fan set to AUTO rather than ON. Remember, your AC can only cool so fast. Above average temperatures can make your AC struggle and work hard. Lowering the temperature will not cool your home faster, it will only make your equipment work harder than it needs to.
Why is R-22 being phased out?
HCFC-22, commonly called R-22, has been a common refrigerant used in residential heat pumps and air conditioners for more than 40 years. R-22 units could leak and contribute to ozone depletion. Also, the making of R-22 results in a byproduct that contributes to global warming. This refrigerant is now being phased out by the EPA. By January 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22.
Is Air Conditioning High SEER worth the money in Colorado?
In Colorado, the decision to invest in a high SEER air conditioning unit largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the efficiency of an air conditioning unit, and a higher SEER rating indicates that the unit is more energy efficient. While high SEER air conditioning units are generally more expensive upfront, they can save you money on energy bills in the long run, particularly if you live in an area with high energy costs.
In Colorado, where summers can be hot and dry, an air conditioning unit is essential for keeping your home cool and comfortable. If you use your air conditioner frequently throughout the summer months, a high SEER unit may be worth the investment, as it can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Additionally, if you plan to stay in your home for many years, a high SEER air conditioning unit can provide long-term savings on energy costs. However, if you plan to sell your home in the near future, the upfront cost of a high SEER unit may not provide a significant return on investment.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in a high SEER air conditioning unit in Colorado depends on your individual circumstances, including your budget, energy usage patterns, and long-term plans for your home.
Heating
When should I replace my furnace?
A well maintained furnace can last 15+ years. There are a number of factors that contribute to the need for a furnace replacement. How old is your furnace? If it’s over 10 – 15 years old, it’s likely time for a furnace replacement—simply because this will improve your energy efficiency. Other factors include: how well it’s heating your home, how often it requires repairs, how much it costs to heat your home, etc.
Do I really need a furnace cleaning every year?
Yes! Not only does a furnace cleaning improve the performance and efficiency of your system, most manufacturer warranties require annual service to maintain the warranty.
Do I need to replace my boiler?
Since boilers have very few moving parts, they tend to be incredibly durable and reliable throughout the course of their life. However, even the most dependable appliances will reach the end of their life eventually. Regular maintenance will help your boiler last longer.
What should I do when the heat goes out?
We have a few tips on what you should do when the heat goes out. Checking/changing thermostat batteries, layering your clothes, calling the power company to see if there are outages in your area, and calling an HVAC technician for repairs.If the rest of the power in your home is working but your heat isn’t running, contact Emporia Home Services right away because the problem is most likely related to your heating system. In the event of an emergency we can schedule your service as soon as possible to help ensure a safe, warm environment for you and your family.
What is hydronic heating?
Also called radiant heating, a hydronic heating system circulates hot water or another heated liquid through plastic piping installed beneath the floors, in baseboards, or through radiators. Hydronic heating allows you to precisely control the temperature in specific zones throughout your home.
Other System types-
How many types of HVAC are there?
There are four main types of HVAC systems: split systems, hybrid systems, duct-free systems, and packaged heating and air systems. Each of these types of HVAC units have pro’s and con’s, and knowing these factors can help you decide which is best for you.
How does a heat pump work?
The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air or ground and becomes a gas. The compressor then compresses the refrigerant gas, which increases its temperature and pressure. The high-temperature refrigerant gas then enters the indoor unit and passes through a coil, where it releases heat to warm the indoor air. The refrigerant then returns to the outdoor unit, where it releases the heat it gained during the heating cycle, and the process starts over again.
During the cooling season, the heat pump works in reverse, extracting heat from the indoor air and releasing it outside to cool the indoor air. The refrigerant circulates in the opposite direction, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it to the outside air.
One advantage of a heat pump is that it can provide both heating and cooling using the same system, which can be more energy efficient than separate heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps can also be powered by renewable energy sources like solar power, making them an environmentally friendly option for heating and cooling your home.
What is a ductless mini-split system?
A ductless mini-split system is an alternative to traditional heating and cooling like central air. Ductless HVAC works similarly to central heating and cooling, except that it doesn’t require ductwork. Your mini-split system will have an indoor and outdoor unit, but it will only require a small hole to be cut through the exterior wall—just big enough for a tube of refrigerant to pass through. Inside your home, the air will be conditioned and returned into the room by the same unit.
How does a ductless heat pump work?
Many people use ductless mini-split systems for cooling, but we usually recommend installing heat pump systems, so they can be used for both heating and cooling. This can help improve your overall energy-efficiency! A ductless heat pump is an efficient zonal heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ducts. It comprises just an outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handling units, linked by a refrigerant line.
What is dual zone air conditioning?
A dual zone air conditioning system is a network of thermostats and duct dampers that regulates the amount of cooled air each zone (one or more rooms) receives throughout the day. Zoning technology allows homeowners to cool only the occupied areas of living space at any given time or to set different temperatures in different areas of the home.
What are the benefits of HVAC zoning?
Zoned HVAC allows for better comfort control, decreased energy bills, and higher energy efficiency (energy waste is reduced because your HVAC equipment won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature throughout the house).
How can I improve the indoor air quality in my home?
Since you probably spend a majority of your time indoors, the air quality here is a major factor in determining your overall health. To help you and your family breathe easier, make an effort to improve IAQ.
- Inspect your air filter monthly and replace it at least every six months.
- Install a whole-house humidifier to increase relative humidity during the dry winter months.
- Install an air purifier to trap airborne contaminants.
- Run the exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen when you shower and cook to vent moist air outside.
- Reduce your use of chemicals, artificial fragrances, and aerosol products indoors.
- Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a year.
- Vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that features a HEPA filter.
- Never idle your car in the garage, even with the door wide open.
Why does indoor humidity matter?
- Too much humidity can make you feel cold and clammy. Condensation forms on cold surfaces, mold begins to grow, and allergens thrive. Too little humidity is just as bad, resulting in sore throats, dry sinuses, and itchy skin. Static electricity gives you painful shocks throughout the day, and the dry conditions cause wood cabinets and floors to crack.
- The ideal indoor relative humidity level is about 30 to 40 percent. Running a dehumidifier alongside your air conditioner helps bring the humidity down in the summer, while a humidifier operating in tandem with your furnace raises the humidity in the winter. A humidistat built into a whole-house unit allows you to precisely control the humidity level to meet your needs.
How can I increase the efficiency and life of my home’s heating and cooling systems?
Apart from routine maintenance, there are a few ways to increase your system’s operation:
- Clean and replace your filters frequently.
- Turn on the blower or fan, which provides constant air movement throughout the home, and allows for better filtration.
- Install shades, drapes, shutters, or screens on windows that are exposed to extreme sunlight to keep room temperatures at moderate levels.
What can I do if my system doesn’t work well in certain rooms?
A little bit of variation in temperature between rooms is normal, especially if you only have one thermostat. However, it can also be a sign of poorly designed ducts or air filtration issues. Schedule a free consultation so we can identify the problem and offer solutions to fix it.
How much do new HVAC systems cost?
Installing a whole-house HVAC system can cost between $7,000 and $16,000, based on a national average. The exact cost of installation will depend on the size of your house, the type of new system you wish to install and the existing state of your home’s duct work.