Author: Eric

Where Are My Air Filters Located?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on Where Are My Air Filters Located?

All central heating and cooling systems have an air filter, but the location of the filter can vary from one unit to another. Most air filters are relatively easy to locate, but others can be somewhat difficult.

Below is a quick guide to assist you when locating your air filters.

On HVAC systems with a return in each room, there is typically an air filter behind each return vent.
If you are dealing with a horizontal HVAC unit where the return air duct is attached on the air handler’s side, the filter is often found in a slot on the intake side of the unit.
If you have a vertical air handler that has the return air duct entering on the top of the air handler, the filter most likely will slide into a slot that is located just above the HVAC unit.
If you have a vertical air handler with the return air duct entering just below the air handler, the filter will fit into a slot that is located just below the HVAC unit.
On other HVAC units, the air filter might be behind the return air vent on a wall inside your residence.

The Importance of the Air Filter

Just as the name implies, air filters clean the air. They do more than just keep out dust and pollen, they also keep out larger particles and protect your HVAC system from damage. HVAC problems can commonly occur if filters are unchanged after they have become too dirty and clogged. After reading that you’re probably looking around at your vents to see how dirty they look! If they’re visibly dirty just by looking at them, that’s a bad sign.

There are risks that you can face when you don’t change the air filter on your HVAC system in a timely manner. It will accumulate dust, mold, and other dangerous particles that will be released into the air and negatively impact the indoor air quality. When you have a clogged air filter, it will take more energy and your utility bills will increase considerably. Clogged filters will force your system to work overtime which leads to higher energy costs.

How To Keep Your HVAC Up To Par

You can prevent potential problems and keep your HVAC unit in tip-top shape and ensure you have the best air quality possible. It’s as simple as making sure you have the air filter changed regularly. It’s also wise to have your HVAC unit inspected regularly to be sure everything is working properly. Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning performs dozens of inspections each week.

Establishing a relationship with a trustworthy HVAC company that you can call when you need maintenance or repairs is crucial. Our company takes pride in having over 1,000 positive Google reviews. We’re the most experienced and trustworthy company in Denver.

When Should You Change Your Air Filter?

You should change your unit’s air filter every 1-3 months. If you’re in an area with a lot of pollen and dust, it would be best to change them sooner rather than later. You should review your owner’s manual for your unit, and it will tell you what kind of filter you will need and what the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) range that your specific unit should fall into.

As always, Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is here to help with any HVAC needs. Give us a call and we’ll help you out!

The Importance of Duct Cleaning

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on The Importance of Duct Cleaning

Some homeowners may be breathing air that’s as contaminated as the air inside an automotive workshop and not even know it. Maintaining indoor air pollution requires vigilance, good housekeeping, and occasionally, the help of an HVAC professional. In some instances, the air quality in the home can be drastically improved by duct cleaning. Duct cleaning involves cleaning the components of a forced-air system that’s part of your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Air ducts are one of the critical systems in your home because they circulate the air you and your family breathe.

The heating and cooling systems may differ from home to home, but the most common is a forced-air system. It typically includes the supply and return registers/ducts, heat exchangers and cooling coils, grills, condensate drip pans, fan motors and housing, and the air handler’s enclosure. Without proper maintenance, or exposure to moisture that shouldn’t be there, any of these components can become contaminated. Airborne contaminants in your home can build up in these components and affect air quality and eventually, your family’s health.

When most people consider their air quality, they might first think about their children or those in the family with allergies or asthma. Regardless of age or health, everyone can benefit from good air quality. If your home’s air ducts are contributing to poor air quality, even the healthiest person’s immune system can be worn down over time by exposure to contaminants. Respiratory health issues, environmental allergies, and asthma can all be aggravated by what’s in your HVAC system.

It should be noted that air ducts themselves aren’t usually the leading cause of poor air quality. Most ducts simply conduct the air through the home, and there’s not much to be concerned with.

However, over time, the dirt and particles passing through them can adhere to the surfaces of the ducts. This build-up can eventually lead to more significant problems. Over time, ducts can become clogged with excessive build-up of dust, pet hair, cooking grease particles, smoke from fireplaces or cigarettes and other pollutants. Once they’ve built up, these contaminants will then be recirculated and released into your home through the vents. If you suspect there was rodent or insect problem in the home, these can also end up in the ducts.

You may think that changing your furnace filter more frequently will completely solve the problem of poor air quality, but high-efficiency furnace filters are not intended to protect you. They are designed to protect your furnace and HVAC system. Removing visible airborne particles is essential. Throwing away a used filter covered with dirt and dust is satisfying and terrifying all at once. Changing your filters frequently is vital to prevent duct contamination. But there are still airborne contaminants furnace filters may not necessarily catch.

You can reduce the amount of dust and contaminants circulating in your home’s HVAC by cleaning regularly. Vacuuming can stir up a tremendous amount of dust, so choose a vacuum cleaner with a true HEPA filter or high-efficiency filtering vacuum bags. Have your home’s heating and cooling systems checked by an HVAC professional yearly, especially before winter.

WHEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING THE DUCTS CLEANED:

If you are noticing bad, musty or earthy odors in the air coming from the air registers, excessive dust or restricted airflow, you should consider having your ducts inspected and cleaned. If your home has sustained any type of water damage or leaks, you’ll want to be sure there isn’t moisture and mold growing in the HVAC system.

PURCHASE OF A HOME, NEW OR OLD:

If you have recently purchased or moved into a home, it might be a good idea to have a visual inspection and cleaning of the ducts.

We’ve seen brand new homes with ducts full of construction debris that was never cleared out. While the construction materials themselves are probably not hazardous, they could attract other dust particles, and build-up will start.

Surprisingly, this also occurs in older homes if the ducts were never cleaned. Many older homes were built with materials we now know to be hazardous. If there is debris in the ducts from insulation, lead paint, asbestos materials, or other dangerous substances, you’ll want to get all of that cleared out of your ducts. We cannot emphasize enough that if asbestos or lead paint contamination is suspected that you utilize a service provider who is trained and equipped for handling these materials. You do not want the problem made worse if these materials recirculated through the home if they are disturbed and not properly removed.

SUSPECTED PRESENCE OF MOLD

Many homeowners have concerns about mold in their HVAC systems, and if you are experiencing a musty, damp smell, you may be correct. It’s important to know that while the build-up of dust and dirt may appear to be mold, a test should be conducted if this is suspected. This is important for several reasons.

First of all, confirmation of the presence of mold should be done by an expert. Some strains of mold require a laboratory test of the sample. Most HVAC systems have sections that cannot be inspected visually. If your service provider indicates there is mold present, you’ll want them to show you an image taken with a camera that can be sent into the ducts and a sample to be tested. Mold in air ducts can cause serious health problems if left unaddressed. Some providers will want to apply an antimicrobial, ozone, or biocide treatment to the interior of your ducting as part of cleaning mold. It’s critical to understand exactly what they would be using and how. If the problem could be mitigated with physical cleaning, maintenance or repairs of the problem areas, this may be a better approach as you don’t want these substances introduced into the living spaces of your home if you can avoid it.

If ducting is not properly sealed and insulated correctly in areas of the home, this could allow condensation moisture (and then mold) into the ducting. If there are issues elsewhere in the home causing the mold problem such as cooling coils, a leaking pipe or cracked duct allowing moisture inside, these issues must be corrected. Otherwise, the mold will keep coming back.

INSULATED DUCTING

If your ducts are insulated and you suspect the insulation has gotten wet or dirty, they should be inspected visually. When the insulation has been exposed to water or has mold on it, it cannot be cleaned and should instead be removed and replaced. If your ducting passes over or past fiberglass that has mold or contamination it, this should also be replaced.

WOOD-BURNING STOVE OR FIREPLACE IN THE HOME

Homes with a fuel or wood-burning stove, fireplace, or furnace should have the HVAC system (including ducting) inspected and cleaned before winter. Build-up and soot can be dangerous from these systems and contribute to carbon monoxide poisoning.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD DUCT CLEANING SERVICE

When you decide to have your ducts cleaned, choose your service provider wisely. Some states require licensing for duct cleaners. Get a written agreement that spells out the total cost and scope, and how long it will take. Ask providers to show you or explain what contamination needs to be cleaned. Some duct cleaners insist you should get ducts cleaned just for the sake of cleaning them.

Understand what kind of ducting you have- is it sheet metal, fiberglass, or flex-duct? Ensure your service provider is equipped for all of these, as many homes have a combination of these kinds of HVAC components.

Be sure to ask what procedures they will use. Are their processes and equipment compliant with NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) standards? If your ducting is insulated, are they able to comply with NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturer’s Association) standards to ensure your HVAC system is not damaged or compromised? The EPA does not certify service providers, so avoid providers who claim to have this certification.

Avoid cleaners that use any techniques that would involve introducing any additional moisture into your ducts, i.e., steamers or high-pressure water cleaning.

Your service provider should answer all of your questions knowledgeably.

When your ducts are cleaned, there may be as much as 10 pounds of dust and debris removed. Shocking? Not really.

Proper maintenance and preventative measures of your home’s systems will keep you and your family safer and ensure you don’t get catastrophic surprises down the road. When you know the air you’re breathing in your home is not passing through a portal of potentially harmful contaminants, you can literally breathe easier.

Are You Taking Care of Your Furnace?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Heating. No Comments on Are You Taking Care of Your Furnace?

You depend on your furnace. It keeps your family and pets warm and it helps protect your plumbing from damage. Your furnace plays an important role in your home. Since your furnace is good to you, you should be good to it. Your furnace needs to be properly taken care of and needs to undergo routine maintenance so you can ensure it is functioning its best and that it lasts for as long as possible.

Your furnace is one of the most important pieces of equipment to your home. While it is most likely an unattractive metal box either in your basement, attic, crawl space, or closet, it is the most important feature in your home during cold weather. You want to make sure it is ready for colder days that lie ahead, so here a few things that you can do to make sure it is ready to serve you well.

There are several things that you can do on your own to make sure your furnace is taken care of, and if it needs help that you cannot handle, then make a call to an expert that you can trust to handle the task. Take the time to understand what you can do to take care of your furnace and understand the maintenance process.

How To Take Care of Your Furnace

Here are a few things that you can do to help keep your furnace in tip-top shape.

Inspect the air filters – You should do a monthly inspection of your furnace’s air filters. If it looks dirty, you should change it. Frequently changing the filter will help prevent dirt and debris accumulating in your system, which would lead to lower efficiency and cause equipment to fail.
Keep a functioning carbon monoxide detector – You should make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in operating order in your home. If your furnace malfunctions or fails, it can cause a carbon monoxide leak. You will want a carbon monoxide detector that is either battery operated or that has battery back-up. Make sure you have one on every level of your home – including the basement.
Be sure to keep the vents clear and clean – Before the cold weather arrives and you use your furnace for the first time this season, you will need to remove the covers from heating vents on the ceilings and floors throughout your home. Be sure to vacuum out all the ducts where pet dander, dust, dirt, and small toys and other small items can end up. These cause your furnace to work harder, which will increase utility bills and shorten your furnace’s life.

There are some routine maintenance steps that should be left to the professionals. Here are a few things that you should call an expert to do:

An annual tune-up – Your furnace needs an annual pre-season check-up. It can help you avoid expensive problems later. An expert will make sure that the thermostat is working like it should, that the system cycles off and on as it should, and will go through a list of checks, which include:

Oiling the moving parts
Tightening any loose electrical connections
Inspecting any gas connections

After you have had all the routine maintenance done, you should listen and notice for any problems. If you notice any unusual noise coming from the furnace, you should immediately call a heating expert to come check out your furnace and fix any problems. It could be that a part has failed, a part has come loose, another cleaning could be needed, or a sign that your furnace has served its purpose and its lifespan is up. All furnaces must be replaced at some point in time. When you are proactive and work to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape, you will get better service and make sure you maximize the lifespan of the unit. You are also making sure it is operating safely, and there are no fire hazards, that the unit is clean, and that there are no carbon monoxide concerns.

Talk With A Heating Expert

You should establish a relationship with a heating expert in your area. That way, when you need repairs or service, you can call them, and they will be familiar with your unit and your situation. These professionals will be able to make sure your unit is up to par and that all the appropriate maintenance has been done. With the help of a heating professional, you can save yourself time and money over the long run.

What is a Heat Pump?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Heating. No Comments on What is a Heat Pump?

If you live in a climate like Denver, Colorado, a heat pump can be an excellent way to efficiently heat and cool your home. A heat pump essentially shifts warm air from one area to another. It usually consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor component that utilizes a compressor to absorb and release heat travelling between the indoor and outdoor components. These pumps move heat versus generate it, costing much less to operate than a standard HVAC closed-loop system. We’ll get into the nitty gritty of how a heat pump works so that you can make the most educated decision when choosing how to invest into cooling and heating your home.

Before getting started, here’s a common question we hear from homeowners. “How is a heat pump different from a furnace?” Furnaces burn fuel to generate heat. A heat pump extracts heat energy from the air passing through it.

How does a heat pump work?

Heat pumps work by moving heat energy. Even in cooler air, there is heat that can be shifted into the home to raise the indoor temperatures.

When the home needs to be cooled, the heat pump can shift the heat energy from the home to the outdoors.
The refrigeration system for a heat pump is made up of two coils of tubing, one on the outside, and one indoors, a compressor, and aluminum fins to facilitate the transfer of heat.
When the heat pump is warming, the refrigerant in the outside coils extracts airborne heat energy and evaporates into a gas as it warms.
As it passes into the indoor coils, the heat is then released from the refrigerant as it cools and liquifies again.
For cooling, the process can be reversed.

Different types of heat pumps

There are several different kinds of heat pumps and the most commonly used is an air-source style heat pump. Commonly paired with a home with ducting, this transfers heat between your home and the outside environment. These systems can reduce the amount of electricity used by as much as 50%. Pretty good cost savings! They are effective at reducing humidity, even more so than some typical air conditioning systems. New technology advances for these systems make them more versatile than in the past. In temperatures where winters are cold, heat pump systems are installed to augment an existing heating source or to work in conjunction with other systems. Most heat pumps will utilize an electric resistance heater as a back-up source in cold weather but they can also be equipped with burners, such as a combustion system using propane, natural gas or wood.

Components of these systems that make them more efficient than previous technology include improvements on the design of coils and compressors. Expansion valves allow more control of refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils, and variable speed blowers heighten the efficiency of the components. Variable speed blowers or dual-speed motors keep the air within the home moving more slowly than a forced-air system. The variable speed prevents drafts and makes the unit far more efficient.

Some units even have the means to heat water using waste heat from the heat pump’s cooling mode. This technology is called a desuperheater, and can heat water more efficiently than a standard water heater.

Older homes or homes that don’t have ducts can utilize what’s called a mini-split heat pump to augment heating systems. A mini-split pump is also ideal for tiny houses or other highly efficient builds. These also use the outdoor compressor and interior air-handler setup. Many mini-split heat pump systems allow for multiple interior air handlers, allowing the homeowner to create zones with individual thermostats. This kind of set-up can be extremely efficient as it makes it easy to heat or cool only the areas that are occupied. The mini-split heat pumps are very efficient as they don’t experience the energy loss that occurs when air is passed through ducts. They are easy to install and highly versatile. It’s critical to hire a qualified installer or technician when putting in a mini-split heat pump as they have very specific requirements to be met during both planning and installation.

Positives and negatives of a heat pump

Like any system, a heat pump system does have its strengths and weaknesses. Fans and compressors can make noise and should be located accordingly. Noise-absorbing bases and surrounds can be used for a heat pump system. These units should be installed away from high levels of wind or airflow. Heat pump systems have to have specific levels of refrigerant charge and airflow for them to work well. Mini-split heat pump systems are more likely to require regular preventative maintenance checks by a qualified technician who works with refrigerant. It may take a little time to get the system tweaked just right for each home.

The efficiency for these pumps is measured by the HSPF, or Heating Season Performance Factor and the SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. HSPF is calculated by the space heating needs required during the season (measured in Btu) divided by how much electrical energy was consumed (measured in watt-hours) during the season the unit was heating the home. SEER is calculated by the total heat that the heat pump removed from the home during the warmer season (measured in Btu), divided by how much electrical energy it took to power the pump, which is also measured in watt-hours. When choosing a heat pump, consider your climate. For warmer climates, the SEER rate will be more important than the HSPF rate for obvious reasons.

Heat pump systems are an outstanding option to consider even for areas of the United States that have colder winters. A lot of our clients here in Denver, Colorado use heat pumps. While the initial investment is higher and need for professional installation may be a concern for the homeowner, the potential for long-term energy savings and increased efficiency could pay for itself in a short period of time.

Why is My AC Running Constantly?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on Why is My AC Running Constantly?

On the hot days you have your air conditioner turned on. While it should kick on to get to the desired temperature, you notice that it isn’t kicking off. Instead, your AC is running constantly. While it is normal for your AC to stay on non-stop when the temperature is extremely high – such as in the 90s and higher so it can keep the house comfortable despite all the heat – there are times when you should be concerned.

You need to familiarize yourself with your unit and be able to recognize problems. If you have a problem, you will want to call for service right away before the problem worsens. Your technician will be able to recognize any changes in the unit and address the issues promptly and properly. When you have a dependable HVAC technician that you can count on, you can make sure your unit is working up to speed and you can make sure that you get the maximum lifespan from the unit.

If your AC is running non-stop and the room temperature isn’t comfortable, then you need to call your HVAC repair service. When the unit keeps running and your home hasn’t reached the desired temperature, you have an issue that is keeping the system from properly delivering the desired results. There are several different causes for such problems. Here are some of the possibilities:

Your AC system requires a certain level of airflow to properly cool your home. If the airflow gets restricted or blocked, the AC unit will run longer and work harder. If you have cool airflow, but at weakened amounts coming from the vents, then it could be a sign of restricted airflow. This could be the result of a dirty air filter, disconnected or leaking ducts, or blocked and closed air vents.
Another common cause for these problems is a dirty evaporator coil in the inside unit. This makes it challenging for the coolant or freon to absorb the heat from the hot air. You an also have the same problem if you have dirt building up on the condenser coils on the outside unit. Either of these situations will leave your AC struggling to remove heat from your house. Check to see if there is visible dirt on the coils and if the air coming from the vents is either warm or not as cool as it should be. Make sure you schedule routine maintenance so an AC professional can make sure the coils are cleaned.
If your system’s refrigerant level is lower than it should be, the AC unit will struggle to reach the desired temperature and then it will run non-stop. You can check for the signs that are associated with this issue, such as a hissing or bubbling noise, warm air from the AC vents, and ice buildup on the unit’s exterior or on the refrigerant line. You will need an AC technician to check the unit, find any leaks and repair them, then add more refrigerant.
And yet another problem is having an AC unit that is too small for your home. Having an undersized unit is an issue because the system will run non-stop and still not meet the cooling demands of your residence. If you have an evaporator coil that is frozen because the pressure on the inside unit is too low, or if you have normal airflow expelling from your vents but your home never reaches the desired temperature, it may mean that need that you need a larger unit.

Routine Maintenance is a Necessity

You need to establish a relationship with a dependable AC repair company that serves your community. When you schedule routine maintenance, you can help prevent problems and avoid situations that can be stressful and uncomfortable. Your technician can catch many problems before they worsen and will also be able to tell you if you need a larger unit, or if your unit has about reached the end of its lifecycle.
A qualified HVAC technician will be able to check your system thoroughly, determining if it needs repairs, and if it needs to be recharged with freon. By thoroughly inspecting your system and cleaning it, you can rest assured that your unit is in the best operating condition and that it will provide you quality results. If your system isn’t operating as it should, or if it is time for your routine maintenance for your HVAC unit, call to schedule an appointment today.

FAQs About Replacing HVAC Systems

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Air Conditioning. No Comments on FAQs About Replacing HVAC Systems

Your home needs a dependable HVAC unit that efficiently uses energy to keep your family comfortable. Before you replace your HVAC unit, or have repairs made to your existing HVAC system, you will need to have some questions answered. When you talk with your HVAC professional, he or she will be able to help you get the answers that you need to make the best decision for your specific needs and your home or business.

What Does HVAC Stand For?

First things first, what does HVAC stand for? Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Usually, when the term HVAC is used, it is referring to the entire heating and cooling system. This could be either outdoor or indoor units, duct work, controls, air filters, and registers. There are several different kinds of HVAC systems and they can accommodate different sized houses or businesses. There are several different manufacturers of HVAC units, and an HVAC technician will be able to tell you the differences and the specifics about your options.

When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

If your HVAC unit needs repeated repairs, it’s probably time to replace the unit. A system that is functioning properly should only need occasional work. If you have tried to fix the system on many occasions and it isn’t properly cooling and heating your home, it may be time to replace the unit. Older systems are not as energy efficient, and you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run by replacing your unit.

Should All HVAC Equipment Be Replaced At Once?

It is suggested that all HVAC equipment be replaced at the same time. If a part of the system breaks and needs to be replaced, you do have the option to replace just the broken part, but you may find that replacing the entire system is more efficient and cost-effective. If one major part fails, you should consider that the rest of the unit is the same age and is much more likely to fail soon.

What Size HVAC Unit Is Best For My Needs?

The size of the space that you are cooling and/or heating determines the size of the HVAC unit that you need. The larger the size of the space that needs to be heated and cooled, the larger the unit you need to purchase. As an example, a 5,000-square-foot house will need a much larger unit than a small 1,000-square-foot dwelling. Some larger two story homes even have 2 units. One for upstairs and one for downstairs.

Which Type Of HVAC System Should I Buy?

The energy requirements, space, environment, and your heating and cooling needs must be taken into consideration when you decide which HVAC unit to buy for your home or business. When you call an HVAC professional, they can come to your place and do an assessment to determine which kind of unit will work best for your specific situation. They will consider all the details of your specific situation then help come up with an effective solution for your needs. At Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, we’ve replaced thousands of furnaces and AC units over the years so we’ll have some answers for you.

How Much Does An HVAC System Cost?

When determining the cost of an HVAC system there are several things that come into play. Larger systems are more expensive than smaller systems. The location of the building, the space in which the unit will be located, and the features of the HVAC system. The difficulty that it is to replace the unit also plays a role in the cost as well. The cost of the unit, its components, labor, and any other parts and materials all add to the investment. At Golden West, we give estimates of how much everything should cost before doing the work.

What Is The Average Lifespan Of An HVAC Unit?

Most HVAC units have a 10-to 20-year lifespan. However, many professionals recommend replacing the unit every 12 years to ensure you have a system that runs efficiently and effectively. With proper installation of the unit and routine maintenance your system could last for as long as 20 years.

If My HVAC System Is Working Okay, Should I Replace It?

You should only replace an HVAC unit if it is in your best interest. Talk with an HVAC expert if your unit is older than 12 years old because you may still be able to save money by getting a new energy efficient unit. While a new unit may be a large investment, you could save as much as 50 percent on your energy expenses and that can add up to a significant amount.

How Often Should I Have Maintenance Done To My HVAC Unit?

You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once a year. The technician will tell you how often your air filter should be replaced. If you have pets in your home, you may have to change it more often. Feel free to call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning at any time. We’ll have a technician ready to help you out!

What To Do Before A Boiler Installation

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on What To Do Before A Boiler Installation

Investing in a new boiler and having it installed is a pretty big process. Getting a new boiler can be a relief, especially if you depend on it for heating your home or for hot water. It’s important to be prepared for the project. Below are a few things that you should do before having a boiler installed in your home:

First, ask the installer what to expect. Companies use different processes and protocol. You should ask if they will provide exact dates and times for work, or if you will simply be given a window for installation. Find out if they will need to access specific parts of your home or if they need access to utilities. You want to properly prepare in advance. By understanding the needs of the installer, and how they plan to approach the job, you can make sure the job is handled more efficiently and effectively. It also brings some peace of mind when you have the correct expectations for the job.
You will need to clear the area. Make sure that the hallways and access doors to the boiler room are cleaned out so the installers have plenty of room to work. You need a clear path to the boiler room as well. You don’t want to delay the installer, and you want them to be able to easily access the area and get the new boiler and parts in there with ease.
You will not have basic utilities like water and electricity during the removal of the old boiler and the installation of the new one. You should be prepared for this before work is started. This means you should be showered or bathed, your meal prepared, and so forth before the installation experts arrive. It is also recommended that sensitive electronics, such as computers be shut down before power is cut. Make sure everything that could be damaged by a sudden power outage is properly turned off before the utilities are shut off.
If your space is tight, or if you have concerns about damage to your landscaping, you should create a staging area for the technicians. This could be an area that has been cleared out or a drop cloth laid out on the lawn to protect the area. The installer will need space to lay out tools. Drop cloths are helpful between the boiler room and entrance door. Be sure to tape down any drop cloths so they are not fall hazards. Sometimes the staging area is in a carport or on a driveway. It just depends on where your boiler is located and how it will be accessed.

Hire a Company with Boiler Experience

Your boiler is a stand-alone appliance connected to an existing system in your home. The most important part of having a new boiler installed is hiring a licensed and experienced technician who is skilled in boiler repair and installation. Take the time to ask the technician any questions that you may have regarding the installation process and the boiler itself.

Your technician will visit your home before the installation and check the entire system. At that time, your technician will be able to recommend the right kind of boiler and determine how to approach the job. That way, he or she can properly plan the installation process. Your technician will make sure that your new boiler is more effective and more efficient.

This process may involve the primary and secondary piping. The thermostat may also be relocated. Because heat rises, having a thermostat on a top floor can leave the lower levels cold. But if your thermostat is on the lower level, the upper levels can get too hot. Your technician will know the best approach to take and where to put the thermostat for optimal results.

Installing a new boiler can improve your home’s overall comfort level and your utility expenses. If you think it is time to upgrade your home’s boiler, call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning and we’ll be able to help you out!

How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

Hot water is a comfort that many people take for granted. You realize how important it is when your hot water heater stops working. It’s seemingly effortless to turn on the water taps and adjust the hot or warm water as needed. The supply of heated water in most homes comes from a traditional tank-style water heater. Some homes are equipped with tankless water heaters as well.

Regardless of the type of water heater installed in your home, it’s important to know its current age and what the average lifespan of the unit is. If you didn’t purchase and install the existing water heater in your home, you may be able to determine how old it is based on the serial number. Most manufacturers include the manufacture date and year of the water heater in its serial number or there may be an installation sticker in place.

The average lifespan for a tank style water heater is between 8 and 12 years. If you’ve determined your tank style water heater is between the 8-12 year range, you may want to have plans for a replacement in the near future in case it fails. A failed water can cause more damage to a home instead of just no hot water. If corrosion or rust has damaged the tank to the point where it leaks, it could result in water damage to the home. This is one of the biggest causes of major water damage to a home.

Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. It is important to understand that they too are susceptible to the same problems as tank style heaters. They can be damaged by corrosion caused by the thousands of gallons of water circulating through them.

As your water heater ages, there will be signs that it is deteriorating. Once you know there is a problem with your water heater, it may be time to call a trusted plumbing company to install a new water heater for you.

There are many other signs that a water heater is ailing. A few are listed below.

Water that smells foul or looks discolored when hot water is running could indicate a problem.
There is a pool of water around your water heater. This is an obvious sign of a leak.
Yellowish or red water could be a sign of rust.
Noise coming from the water heater could indicate the buildup of sediment in the bottom of the tank. When this occurs, the layer of sediment can harden and then causes the heater to become noisy when it’s in use.
If you notice you’re running out of hot water sooner, or water is not very warm, this is also an indicator the water heater is in trouble.

What shortens a water heater’s life span?

In today’s market, consumers are often concerned with functional obsolescence of products, as it seems like some things seem deliberately constructed to fail after a certain period of time. Tank-style water heaters aren’t necessarily designed to fail, they just begin to give out when there is build-up or corrosion on its components and on the inside of the water tank.

Many factors can shorten the life of a water heater. The interior lining of standard tank water heaters are protected by an anode rod. This is a metal core that attracts corrosive particles present in the water through electrolysis. When it becomes corroded, the tank of the water heater is no longer protected and the corrosion and rusting will then spread to the water tank itself. Corrosion will destroy a water heater tank and once it’s begun, the entire water heater must be replaced. Anode rods can be replaced in some models of water heaters to extend the life of the unit but not all of them have that option.

It’s possible to extend the life of your tank-style water heater by completing regular maintenance. The water heater can be flushed, meaning the water at the bottom of the heater (where most of the sediment and corrosive particles build up) is drained out. Naturally, this has to be done with great care since the water in the tank is hot. In areas where the water is very hard and full of minerals that cause buildup and lime scale, water heaters don’t last as long, so maintenance is important. Use of a lime-scale build-up inhibitor can also help protect the water heater. Not only does corrosion damage the water heater over time, it reduces its efficiency and costs you more in utility costs. So even if your water heater is still going strong, after ten years or so it may be running far less efficiently than it did when it was new and cost savings can be realized with a replacement.

Golden-West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning has replaced thousands of water heaters. We happily service anyone in the Denver metro area. Feel free to give us a call!

How Long Does a Boiler Last?

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Heating. No Comments on How Long Does a Boiler Last?

A boiler plays an integral role in your house. It is a major investment, so it’s good to know how long you should expect it to last. Of course that answer can vary significantly and is dependent on a few things. These include the kind of boiler that you have, if it has been properly maintained, what the weather conditions are, and some other factors.

For example, a cast iron water boiler last longer than a cast iron steam boiler. Boilers can be affected by things such as the water quality, radiators, and leaking water pipes. If there are corrosive water conditions, you need to make sure the water is properly conditioned.

Another good example would be a high efficiency, condensing gas boiler. These should last for about 15 years or longer, but it must be properly installed and maintained. Golden West’s HVAC team can help you make an informed decision about which kind of boiler works best for your specific needs.

Boiler Installation

You should hire a licensed HVAC company to ensure that your boiler is properly installed. You want to make sure that you’re getting the maximum results and many years of quality service. A boiler is designed to create heat, but if there are mistakes made throughout the attached piping, then you may not get desirable results.

A professional heating contractor will be able to ensure there is correct placement of circulators, expansion tanks, zone valves, and venting so you will get the desired results and your boiler will live up to its expectations.

If the boiler and its components are not properly installed, then the boiler will not operate as intended. It will not live up to the manufacturer’s expectations. It has been reported that most repairs made to boilers are because of the improper installation of the boiler and/or its components.

Maintaining Your Boiler

Many people think that if the boiler is properly installed there is nothing left to do. That is far from the truth. Annual maintenance should be done by a professional heating technician. When it comes to boiler maintenance, they must regularly clean the heat exchangers and that will require less energy to be needed for proper heating of the home.

The cleaner the unit’s heat exchanger, the more efficient the boiler will operate. When the technician is servicing the home’s boiler, they also will check the system for leaks. Even the smallest of leaks can cause problems.

The boiler control should be checked annually for any errors. The technician will check to see that the boiler is running as it is intended.

Boiler Size And Quality

Choosing the correct boiler size also plays a major role in the lifespan. Your professional heating technician will be able to help you assess your needs and determine what size boiler you need to keep your house comfortable.

Unfortunately, many people have boilers larger than they need installed. An oversized boiler is often caused by the installer not completing a comprehensive calculation of heat loss. If your boiler is too large, it will short cycle, which means that it will kick on and then shut off very frequently.

The frequent off and on processes are more damaging to the unit than running for a long time period. The frequent off and on will cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as permanent damage. Also, remember that you get what you pay for, so if you want to get the best results and the longest lifespan, you should choose a well-built, high-quality boiler.

It is also important to buy a boiler that is made from better parts with a higher level of attention to its manufacturing process. You want to make sure you choose a well-trained boiler installer who understands how the process works and who will make sure that everything is done as it should be.

Affected By The Season

The length of the colder months and the temperatures play a role in your boiler’s lifespan as well. For example, a boiler will be used more in Alaska than in Tennessee. The longer, colder winters are going to lead to more runtime.

If it is time for a new boiler, call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning. We have worked on thousands of boilers over the years!

Tips for Unclogging a Garbage Disposal

Written by Eric on December 11, 2025. Posted in Plumbing. No Comments on Tips for Unclogging a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a great asset to your kitchen, but if it gets clogged, it can become a real hassle to fix. You need to know how to properly and safely unclog a garbage disposal and also know what to do in order to avoid a clog.

Avoiding Garbage Disposal Clogs

By being proactive and watching what goes down the drain, you can reduce the risk of a garbage disposal clog.

There are several items that you should never put down your drain. Manufacturers indicate that you should not let fibrous products, starchy products, eggshells, grease, or oil go through a garbage disposal.
When you use a garbage disposal, let the water continuously run through to clear any debris.
When you are disposing any food waste, be sure to do so in small batches.
Clean your garbage disposal on a regular basis. You can use a combination of vinegar and baking soda to clean the garbage disposal.

How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal

Here are a few tips for safely addressing the problem and getting your garbage disposal functioning again:

Unplug the garbage disposal. For your safety, it is crucial to have your garbage disposal unplugged when fixing it.
Get a flashlight so you can see inside the drain. You may be able to see the cause for the clog, such as a dropped utensil, a bone, a chunk of food, or something similar. You may be able to get access to the clog and remove it with pliers or a kitchen tool like a narrow tong.
If the clog still persists and you’ve safely cleared the drain, you might need a sink plunger. Take a plunger to try to loosen up the clog in the garbage disposal drain. You may need to spend several minutes plunging the garbage disposal drain. Put the plunger directly over top of the sink drain, making sure that the plunger has the drain completely covered.
Lift the plunger and look to inspect the water flow. If there is still a clog, repeat the process multiple times to try to release the clog from the garbage disposal.
If the garbage disposal is still clogged, call a professional plumber. A plumber will know how to proceed with the clog removal and has the tools, skills, and equipment needed to get the clog out and your garbage disposal functioning again.

Establish A Relationship With A Plumber

You should establish a good working relationship with a licensed plumber in your area. A qualified plumber can make sure that your garbage disposal is properly maintained and operating as it should. If you are located in the Denver metro area and your garbage disposal is clogged, call Golden West Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning to schedule a visit. We will troubleshoot your problem and make sure it is properly addressed. Our team is highly qualified and has experience replacing hundreds of garbage disposals each year.

Author: Eric

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