Seasonal HVAC Tune-Ups in Highlands Ranch

Homes from the late 1990s and 2000s often have original or early-replacement condensing furnaces. Those have condensate traps and drains that clog, pressure switch hoses that crack, and inducer motors that wear. The fall tune-up clears the trap and drain, inspects hoses, checks the inducer, and reads any stored fault codes. Outside, we make sure the plastic intake and exhaust pipes are clear and not facing a spot where snow drifts.

Newer homes in BackCountry and other recent sections often have variable-speed or two-stage equipment, sometimes with zoning. Those systems need the same basic cleaning plus checks of the communicating controls. If your equipment is under warranty, confirm it was registered: Lennox requires registration within 60 days of closing on new construction for extended coverage.

Construction on nearby lots also loads filters and outdoor coils with dust in the first few years, so newer homes benefit from spring coil cleaning as much as older ones.

At about 5,820 feet, gas furnaces should be derated roughly 23 percent from their sea-level rating. We confirm gas pressure against the high-altitude table on every fall visit. In the spring, hail along the south metro is the most common reason a condenser loses capacity. We straighten fins where we can, wash the coil, and photograph damage you may want to include in an insurance claim.

Whatever the age of your home, each Highlands Ranch furnace tune-up covers a carbon monoxide test, burner and flame inspection, flame sensor and igniter service, temperature rise, gas pressure, safety switch tests, and a filter check. Each AC visit covers an inside-out coil cleaning, refrigerant pressures and temperatures, capacitor and contactor tests, condensate drain flushing, and a check of the float switch. You get written findings and an upfront written price before any repair. For homeowners comparing a future replacement, our guide to dual-fuel heat pump and furnace systems explains one common option.

Denver-area weather records put the average first freeze around October 7 and the first 90-degree day near June 10. Book furnace service in September and AC service in April or May. Our HVAC tune-up checklist for Colorado homes lists each step.