Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups in Arvada

Manufacturers derate gas furnaces about 4 percent per 1,000 feet, which works out to roughly 22 percent at Arvada's elevation. A furnace that was never set up for altitude, or one whose orifices were swapped during a past repair, can burn rich and produce more carbon monoxide. During the tune-up we check manifold gas pressure against the rating plate and the high-altitude instructions and, where the burner design allows, read combustion with an analyzer.

Both northwest communities are still filling in, and graded lots and open land next to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge put a lot of fine dust in the air. That dust ends up on the filter, the blower wheel, and the outdoor coil. On a newer system the spring AC visit usually matters more than the fall one: we wash the condenser coil from the inside out, check the evaporator coil and condensate drain, verify refrigerant charge by subcooling or superheat, and test the capacitor and contactor.

If you are still within the first couple of years, keep the invoice. A dated service record shows the system has been looked after if you ever need a warranty claim.

Denver's official records put the average first freeze around October 7, and the first 90-degree day around June 10. Booking a furnace tune-up in September and an AC tune-up in April or May keeps you ahead of the first cold night and the first hot week, when everyone calls at once. Our full Colorado tune-up checklist lists what to expect on each visit.