Kill 99% of Germs Within 3 Feet of a Sneeze- The Best Air Purification in the Industry

If you are anything like me, you hate germs!  Especially those that keep your kids home from school and your whole family feeling awful!  Finally, there is a solution, the ​REME HALO®.  The HAlo not only eliminates viruses and bacteria throughout your air and on surfaces in your home, it also causes allergens and other particulates to bunch together to easily be caught by your filter, making your home germ, allergen and odor free.  That's right... I said odor free.  In studies, pet odors were ruduced by 72% within the first 24 hours of use!  
Wondering how it all works?  Check out the video below.  
​Ready to get yours now?  Click socoheatingandcooling.com/quote.html or give us a call or text at 719-551-2232 to get your quote now!

What is an A/C Tune Up?

An A/C tune up is basic maintenance for your AC system. We are used to maintaining and tuning up our cars to increase their life spans and catch problems before they happen. The same is true for your A/C.

A/C Tune Ups should be done once a year. They keep your system running at peak performance and help find problems before they happen so you aren't stuck mid-summer sweating it out!

During our A/C Tune Up your technician will:

Inspect your coil

Test and measure outputs on components that more commonly fail over time

Inspect your filters 

Tighten components and terminals that become loose over time

Check all safety controls

Inspect refrigerant lines and insulation

Test refrigerant pressures and temperature

Verify the air output at the vents

Clear debris 

Calibrate thermostat

At the end of your tune-up you will receive an easy to read score sheet to keep that will go over everything about your system and give a clear picture of its performance.

Contact us by phone or text 719-551-2232 to schedule your tune up today!
http://www.socoheatingandcooling.com

Why is an in home consultation important?

The top of our frequently asked questions list is "Can't you just give me a ballpark?"  The honest answer is yes, but that ballpark is several thousand dollars wide and might not help you budget at all.

There are dozens of variables that can affect the size and options available to you, keep reading to find out more.

What are we looking for?

When our technician comes to your home we are taking many variables into account to make sure your estimate is as accurate as we can make it.

We are looking at:

The size of your home 

The amount of air that flows through your home is to some degree determined by the square footage. 

The layout/design of your home

Homes with unique layouts, vaulted ceilings and lots of windows have unique challenges since they may affect the amount of air that needs to be heated/cooled or like in the case of older windows make it a more difficult job.

Your existing equipment and ductwork

We may be able to continue utilizing some of your existing equipment.  If you are adding A/C for example, your furnace may be in fine working order, or it may not be able to handle the proper air flow.  Some homes have sufficient duct work for all their system needs.  Others may be in poor condition and need to be adjusted or even replaced.  

Your electrical set up

Some homes are pre-wired for A/C, others it is added easily, while still others need an entire electrical upgrade.

Measurements

We need to know the size of the space where the equipment will be installed to make sure your system is the right size and we have enough materials to get the job done right and efficiently.

It is important to us that all of our customers understand what they are buying before they buy it.  A one size fits all, never fits everyone the same and we want to make sure you are involved in the process of creating your ideal system.  Once we have evaluated your home, we will provide you with available options to meet your immediate needs.

Then there are the options.

Just like when purchasing a new car, your heating and cooling systems all come with options.  

Below are a few:

Efficiency

You hear this word time and time again.  Is it efficient?  Efficiency is a tricky subject depending on what it means to you.  Is your goal a lower electric bill? a greener system? A tax credit?  Your answer to these questions will change your options.

Thermostats

Traditional single use thermostats are a thing of the past.  Now they are able to control smart houses, link up to security systems, utilize apps to manage temperatures when you are away from home, and so much more.  There are several options available so we can make sure to get you the best match for your needs and lifestyle.  

To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade

Often replacing multiple pieces of equipment at the same time are much less expensive than replacing them individually over the course of a few years.  It is important to consider this when adding new equipment to significantly older less efficient equipment.

Humidifiers 

With the dry air in Colorado these are in high demand and can often be installed at deep discounts when combined with a system

Air Purification System

Today's are purification systems can eliminate allergens, dust, bacteria and virus at a stunning 99.9%.  Systems include extreme filtration and even UV lights installed directly into duct work.

Accurate estimates provided during in home consultations are key to a no surprises installation that is exactly what you need to keep your family and wallet comfortable all year long. Consultations are always free and can be scheduled by calling or texting 719-551-2232.

http://www.socoheatingandcooling.com

My A/C is broken! What to check before you call.

It is that time of year again.  That time of year where everything is fine until you finally break down and turn on the A/C.  If you find yours isn't working when you fire it up, here is what you should check.

Check your Filter

Dirty filters cause the majority of A/C problems. Your filter is located in your furnace and your air conditioner relies on the furnace to blow the cold air.  When the filter is dirty the air can't get through.
If your filter IS dirty, often this can cause the unit to ice up.  If you see ice, turn your A/C to off, and turn your fan to on.  Allow it to thaw before using it with a clean filter.

Check the Breaker

If your A/C isn't running at all, check the breaker.  Keep in mind some houses have more than one breaker box and it could be in a secondary box as well.
A tripped breaker can indicate a problem, so if it happens repeatedly, have it checked by an expert.

Check the Outside Unit

First of all, if the house is new to you, be sure you have A/C and check for the outside unit.  Many houses in Colorado do not have A/C by default as in many other states and it can be an unpleasant surprise for new home owners.
If you do find an outdoor unit make sure it is not covered in debris and that air can circulate through it easily.  This may require a quick rinse with the hose or removal of weeds.

Call Us

If all of the above fails, just give us a call 719-551-2232 or email office@socoheatingandcooling.com and we can help get you cool!

Stay Cool Colorado Springs!

http://www.socoheatingandcooling.com

Say Goodbye to Allergies: The Top Air Purification Systems in the Industry

If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring?  Pollen.

They bring pollen... and with that seasonal allergies.

You don't have to accept a spring filled with itchy eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing.  

Air purification is your solution.

Modern technology has done wonderful things and air can actually be purified as it circulates through your house through your existing HVAC system.  Air purification systems can remove 99% of airborne particles, allergens, bacteria and even viruses in your home.  

Top Air Purification Systems:

Trane CleanEffects System
Trane CleanEffects is a patented specialized filter that removes more allergens and bacteria than ever before, including: dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and even bacteria.  It offers quiet operation and and an easy to clean reusable filter.  Trane Clean Effects is 100 times more effective than a traditional 1-inch filter and can remove 99.98% of allergens and pollutants from any air that passes through it.

REME® Halo In Duct Air Purifier

The REME® Halo is installed inside of your duct work.  It actively sends a Hydro-Peroxide plasma through the air, which breakdown and destroy any pollutants they come in contact with.  By installing directly into the ductwork, your entire HVAC system works to combat dust, dander, pollen, and mold spores throughout your house.  The REME® reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach three feet.

Air purification is a must for all families, especially those with allergies!  

To find out more schedule a free consultation at 719-551-2232 and get the right fit system for your home, budget and lifestyle!

Stay Cool. Stay Cozy. Stay Allergy Free!

http://www.socoheatingandcooling.com

Thermostat or the first step in full home automation?

I am regularly amazed at the pace of change in the home heating and cooling industry.  Take thermostats for example.  Why just make your home hotter or cooler when you can make it custom?

What do I mean?  We all know modern thermostats can be controlled from your phone or tablet.  But did you know you can extend that to your lights, the garage door or a full home security system?

The Nexia thermostat from Trane offers a complete home automation suit that is fully customizable to your home.  With easy to connect accessories, the do it yourselfer can easily expand the system to include flood protection from broken pipes and HD security cameras.  Want to know when the kids get home from school?  Install the z wave enable locks from Schlage to be notified whenever their door code is used.

With Amazon’s home helper Echo, you can even control your thermostat and the rest of your home with the sound of your voice.

At this rate, your central furnace and A/C are about to become the coolest tech in your house! 

Find out more on our website at http://socoheatingandcooling.com/home-automation.html

Stay Modern.

Ben

What You Need to Know Before Adding or Replacing Central Air Conditioining

Spring is here and that means another summer is just around the corner.  This is also the time of year people start thinking about adding or replacing the air conditioner to make sure this summer is more comfortable than last year was. But where do you begin?  How do you know you are making the right choice for your home?  Most importantly, how do you make sure you don’t get ripped off?  These are all great questions homeowners ask all the time. 

Choosing the Right Contractor

The first and most important thing is your contractor.  Do your research.  On line reviews are great, but look for an recommendation from someone you know who used that company.  Not all contractors are the same and neither are the technicians.  Make sure you feel comfortable.  Here are some good questions to ask and things to look for.

• Do they have the required MECH IV licensing to perform service here in the Pikes Peak Region?  This is a special license to our region.  The high altitude has dramatic effects on both your furnace and the air conditioner.
• Is the technician in your home NATE certified?  This is a technical certification of competence that requires regular ongoing training to maintain.  While it is no guarantee of quality or skill, it can demonstrate a solid baseline of knowledge.
• Will the person providing you with an estimate be involved with the installation?  Generally, the larger companies have completely separate install crews.  That can mean broken promises and later upcharges for “unforeseen issues”.  If the person generating your estimate will also be involved with the installation, it can make for a much smoother process with fewer surprises.

What You Need to Know About Equipment Brands

Next up is the age old question:  Who makes the best unit?  Are you ready for the answer to a question that has baffled home owners for eons?  The answer is “Whatever the preferred brand is of your trusted, licensed and vetted contractor”!  That’s it.  The truth of online reviews for heating and cooling products is that people’s overall happiness is in most cases determined by the quality of the install rather than the quality of the equipment.  I like Trane equipment.  Bob likes Carrier Equipment.  Homeowners like working equipment.

Ok folks, stay with me now…  It’s time for some technical stuff.

Terms You Need to Know Before Talking to a Contractor

SEER – This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.   It basically goes like this.  The Higher the SEER rating, the lower the cost of operation but the higher your initial investment.
TONS – Technicians and contractors will often refer to the TON size of your outdoor condensing unit.  This is short hand for the BTU rating, or amount of cooling created, of your system.  12,000 BTUs equals one TON of capacity.  In very general terms, you need 12,000 BTUs of capacity for every 600 sqft of conditioned space.  There are many other conditions that contribute to the proper sizing of your unit.  A quality contractor will perform a load calculation to ensure the right fit.
Single Stage, Two Stage and Variable Speed – Modern air conditioning units come in a number of configurations these days.  A single stage unit is the AC we are all familiar with.  It comes on, it goes off.  Two stage units will operate at half their capacity during the cooler parts of the day.  This makes for more consistent temperatures inside your home without the hot and cold spikes most people are familiar with and does it all while using much less energy.  Variable speed units are the Rolls Royce of AC, allowing you to maintain exact temperature controls at all times while using far less power and much quieter operation.

Furnace Replacement

The last question I get asked a lot is “Do I have to replace my furnace too”?  The answer is, not always.  But if your furnace is more than 10 years old, it is likely that the added work and stress of running the AC will shorten the life span of your furnace.  You can generally save money when installing both at the same time too.  So if your furnace is less than 30 years old and your contractor tells you you MUST replace the furnace too, get a second opinion just to be safe.

Getting the Best Deal Possible

Here is my last tad bit.  Want to know the best time to get a deal on a new AC unit?  It’s now in early springs.  While the temps outside hover right around perfection, no one needs us.  So in order to entice homeowners to do their planned upgrades now, many contractors will offer special promotions and discounts.

Well everybody, I hope this was helpful!

Stay cool Colorado,

Ben Carter

http://www.socoheatingandcooling.com