A Salute to General William Jackson Palmer.

You may not know the name, but our city of Colorado Springs is beholding to him.  He was a 19th century railroad builder who founded our fair city as a resort town.  You see, railroads brought tourists and visitors to the area from other parts of the United States and abroad.  In the early days, the city was on the junction of seven railways.

Fast forward to the 20th century when NORAD The North American Space Defense Command was located within the city.  Things really got rolling in the 1960’s!  The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Community College, and Colorado Technical University were established in our fair city.

Today, Colorado Springs is the home of nearly half a million people.  Here at Altitude Heating and Air Conditioning we are proud to serve the HVAC needs of that population which continues to grow.  From all of us at Altitude Heating and Air Conditioning to your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

It’s Not the Time of Year for a Tank Top!

However, it may be the right time to go tankless…a new tankless water heater that is.  It is widely known that tankless water heaters use 30 to 50 percent less energy than units with tanks, saving a typical family about $100 or more per year, depending on water usage.  Add in the comfort of always having hot water in your shower and now we’re talking!

The primary disadvantage of an on demand or instant hot water heater is the upfront cost.  The smaller units that you often see won’t produce enough hot water to serve most area households. They’ll only serve one faucet at a time.  It’s a problem if you want to shower while the dishwasher is running.  There are larger units that can handle the demand of a whole family.

What is right for your Colorado Springs household?  We can help you determine if it is the proper time for you to go tankless.  Just give us a call at (719) 209-4955.  We are the Colorado Springs’ HVAC experts at Altitude Heating and Air.  Let’s explore tank or tankless in your home and we will steer you in the right direction.

Holiday Evening- Rock Ledge Ranch

Dec 14th - Holiday Evening- Rock Ledge Ranch

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Rock Ledge Ranch will be transformed with the sights, sounds, and aromas of this traditionally festive season! The evening features tractor rides, old-time musical entertainment, lantern light tours to the 1860’s Homestead Cabin, Blacksmithing demonstrations, barn dancing, Victorian celebrations in the 1880’s Rock Ledge House and Edwardian festivities in the 1907 Orchard House.

 

Getting your Furnace Ready for Winter.

We know, it’s already cold here in the Rockies, but it’s not getting any warmer anytime soon!  You shouldn’t wait another day to have your furnace checked and running in tip-top condition for the next several months.  Anyone who has lived for more than one winter in Colorado Springs knows that cold weather around here is harsher than warm.

Here are just some of the tips to getting your furnace ready:

1.  Change the air filters

2.  Cover the AC condenser

3.  Clean the heat exchanger

4.  Lubricate and clean the blower motor

5.  Have an HVAC pro do all of the above and more

That may be the best advice we can give.  Call the HVAC service professionals at Altitude Heating and Air for the best service, repair, and replacement expertise you can get on your home or office’s heating system.  Altitude heating and Air Services the heating and air conditioning needs of the greater Colorado Springs area.  Just call (719) 209-4955.

Drip, Drip, Drip.

That sound may be music to the ears of a Colorado Springs homeowner, IF that sound is coming from certain faucets that have a steady drip as temperatures plummet.  That is one of the first ways to prevent frozen pipes in your home this winter.  When temperatures drop, the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting like skyrockets is very real!

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages.  But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze.  One suggestion is pipe insulation which can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store.  A study has shown that at 20 degrees the “temperature alert threshold” will be reached.

Be very careful of using space heaters to warm a room.  You’ve heard about the potential dangers therein.  For frozen pipes or other plumbing emergencies in the greater Colorado Springs area you can always count on Altitude Heating and Air.  We will keep your home warm and safe this winter.  Just call (719) 209-4955.   

Veterans Day 2019: Deals For Military Across The Country

Veterans Day 2019: Deals For Military Across The Country 

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 Find Veterans Day 2019 freebies and discounts for active duty and retired military personnel in the United States. 

Time to Consider Your Air Conditioner.

Say what?  We don’t need air conditioning in Colorado Springs this time of year.  What is this all about?  Most central air conditioners have two basic parts: an outdoor unit (compressor/condenser) that sits next to your home and an indoor unit (evaporator) that’s located in a central duct near your furnace. 

We don’t want you to start the summer of 2020 without 2020 air conditioning vision. 

1.  Keep the unit clean

2.  Fix a sinking air conditioner pad

3.  Add an in-line duct booster

4.  Fix the fins

5.  Unclog the condensate drain tube

These are just some of the things that need to be checked by next Spring.  You can wait, of course, but at some point, you will REALLY need your home’s A/C unit working at peak efficiency.  Call us…now or later, at Altitude Heating and Air at for a complete A/C check-up in Colorado Springs at (719) 209-4955.  Procrastination or peace of mind…that is the question!

Halloween Events for 2019

Halloween Events for 2019

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Here's your guide to 2019 Halloween Events in Colorado Springs including haunted mines, ghost tours, family-friendly activities, deals, and more!

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What is Radiant Heat.

Okay, it’s time to get very serious about heating your Colorado Springs area home over the next six months.  What about radiant heat?  It supplies heat directly to the floor or to panels in the wall or even the ceiling of your home.  It delivers heat directly to the people in the room via something known as infrared radiation.

Radiant heating has many different advantages.  It is much more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient even than forced-air heating because it eliminates duct losses.  Did you know that people with allergies often prefer radiant heat because it doesn’t distribute allergens like forced air systems can?

A radiant heating system may be just the answer for your Colorado Springs family home.  Whatever type of heat you have (or wish to have) in your home please remember Altitude Heating and Air for all your heating repairs and installation in the Colorado Springs area.  Just call (719) 209-4955.

The ultimate guide to Oktoberfest in Colorado, 2019 edition

The ultimate guide to Oktoberfest in Colorado, 2019 edition

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"Beer, brats and bands at celebrations around the state."

Okay, I Guess it’s Time to Turn it off.

So you are one of those residents of Colorado Springs that keeps their home’s air conditioning on until the absolute end of summer.  Even you have to admit that it is time to switch from a/c to heat!  In doing so, there some helpful tips that you should know before you shut off that air conditioning system until next summer.

Here are some of them –

1.  Is your thermostat outdated?

2.  Check for wear and tear in your duct work.

3.  Look at all of your home’s vents.

4.  Check the drain line.

I know, you don’t want to mess with your whole home air conditioning system in September.  Of course, you don’t have to, but you may be running the risk of a glitch on the first hot day of 2020.  We hope you’ll think of us for all of your home’s heating and air conditioning needs.  We are Altitude Heating and Air serving the Colorado Springs area at (719) 209-4955.

Repair it or Replace it…That is the Question.

If you live in your Colorado Springs home long enough your sump pump will eventually become an issue.  Many people in our area know that a sump pump is an essential plumbing fixture in their household.  In case you have taken it for granted, your sump pump prevents flooding by removing storm water that can accumulate in the basement of your home. 

“It” (Don’t be scared by the upcoming movie) is living alone in your basement in a bit of a hole and is called a sump pit.  It usually remains out of sight out of mind.  However, its task is immense.  It keeps running when needed to make a stand between your basement and the devastating aftermath of a flood that enters the rest of your beautiful home.

Before that emergency occurs, it may be time to decide if your sump pump needs to be repaired or replaced.  Unless you are a qualified plumber, you may not know.  Those that DO know in Colorado Springs are the sump pump troubleshooters at Altitude Heating and Air.  Give them a call for a thorough sump pump inspection at (719) 209-4955. 

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off 2019, Aug 31 - Sept 2

Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off 2019

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A beautiful way to say goodbye to the summer during the Labor Day Weekend

 

3rd Annual Old Colorado City Car Show , August 18th

3rd Annual Old Colorado City Car Show , August 18th

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"Displaying a wide range of vehicles, custom and classic motorcycles, cars and trucks, foreign and domestic, all years, makes and models. Featuring various restaurants, retail shops, live music and fun for the whole family." 

Are You Ready for Winter?

Is anyone in Colorado Springs ever fully ready?  Winter can hit our area literally overnight, then return to sunny, fall-like conditions the very next day!  It is approaching that time to consider switching your HVAC system from cool to warm.  I know that it is mid-August, but do you want to procrastinate until late September?

Here are some tips to make sure that your furnace is ready for winter –

1.  Set the thermostat from cooling to heating and listen for the heat to kick in.

2.  Change your air filters…of course.

3.  Test the igniter switch.  You may need to relight the pilot light.

4.  Clean the heat exchanger.  It should be done annually.

5.  Lubricate and clean the blower motor.

Suddenly we have gone from simple DIY jobs to more complicated and specific things that need to be done to ensure that your furnace is ready for the long winter ahead.  For peace of mind and knowing the job will be done right call Altitude Heating and Air of Colorado Springs your HVAC go-to team to get your furnace in tip-top shape.  That number is (719) 209-4955. 

Why Repair My Furnace in the Summer?

Most people aren’t thinking about winter, much less whether or not they may need to replace their furnace before Colorado cold weather strikes.  While it may seem a bit early to begin thinking about replacing your furnace, now is precisely the right time if your current unit needs replacing.   

There are several reasons why.

1.  It saves money.  Retail stores are discounting last year’s models.

2.  Convenience…before the rush.

3.  You have time to research options now, not when the temps hit the freezing mark.

Do you suspect that come winter you are going to need a new furnace?  Why not pull the trigger now?  Call the HVAC experts at Altitude Heating and Air.  They have served Colorado Springs and the surrounding area’s heating and air conditioning needs for many years.  Get ahead of the curve before fall.  Call Altitude Heating and Air at (719) 209-4955.

Installing Faucets in your Home.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to install a faucet, but it would be nice if you were trained to do so ahead of time!  These days you should not have to crawl around to install a faucet in your bathroom or kitchen, but there are still things you should know if you really feel that it is a DIY job.

Here are some tips from us to you –

1.  You need to cut out the old faucet.

2.  Grab a basin wrench.

3.  Use silicone to mount the new faucet.

4.  Use the newest supply lines for the job.

5.  Loosen the packing nut if the shutoff valve is stuck.

There are more…or there could be less when you realize that calling a plumbing professional was the best idea in the first place!  In Colorado Springs that call should be made to Altitude Heating and Air the faucet installation pros in the area.  Some jobs are better left to the professionals.  Call Altitude Heating and Air today at (719) 209-4955.

Should your Home Have Central Air Conditioning?

Maybe you are among the hardiest of us in the Colorado Springs area.  The average daily high temperature in the summer around here is well over 80 degrees.  Believe it or not, some homes don’t have air conditioning.  Some older homes, or cottages that were designed to take advantage of the natural breeze, are lacking in this modern amenity.

Here are a few questions to ask –

1.  What is your heating system like?  Is it gas and forced air?

2.  Will your circuit breaker handle the additional electricity?

3.  What is the right a/c unit for your castle?

Once you have asked and answered these questions the next step is to call the whole home air conditioning installation experts in the Colorado Springs area.  That’s Altitude Heating and Air.  The pros at Altitude will assess your particular situation and make recommendations if you like.  Call Altitude before it gets any hotter at (719) 209-4955.

Give Me a V.

A “V” for ventilation that is.  Did you ever wonder what the “V” in HVAC really means?  The H and the AC are rather obvious, then there is that “V” word.  We all know that heating and air conditioning systems comfort our homes and work spaces, but the “V” in HVAC may be something of a mystery.  What is ventilation and why do you need it?

Ventilation is required for both HVAC comfort and good air quality. Without enough ventilation in your space, you will eventually experience comfort issues and even health problems.  These could range from having trouble sleeping in a stuffy bedroom to experiencing Sick Building Syndrome in a commercial space.

Now you know why the “V” word is so important in HVAC.  What is much more important is knowing whom to call when you need HVAC repair or replacement in your home or office.  In Colorado Springs that answer is easy.  It’s Altitude Heating and Air.  Always remember Altitude for your general HVAC needs.  That phone number is (719) 209-4955.

ROCKS SUMMER FEST - June 22-23

ROCKS SUMMER FEST - June 22-23

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Rocks Summer Fest - 13 Bands, One day 

Doors Open at 11:30am

Why you need to Hire a HVAC Contractor for Gas Piping.

An HVAC pro may not be the first person you think of when it comes to gas.  The truth is, they are professionals who work with pipes that carry water and sewage, as well as do installation and repair jobs for faucets, sinks, garbage disposals, sewer lines, etc.  Natural gas pipes are an important part of the services that they offer.

The majority of natural gas piping is made from copper because of its resistance to debilitating corrosion and its relatively light weight.  Gas line repair experts use plastic pipes for some specific uses, such as flexible piping for small areas and narrow gas lines.  A well-trained person knows that it’s vital to make sure gas piping has the same attention as other types of piping.

Simply put, when you have a gas pipe emergency, leave your house and stand outside to use your cell phone to make that call.  Yes, even that could be important if there is a gas leak in your home!  THAT call should be to Altitude Heating and Air the HVAC and plumbing professionals serving greater Colorado Springs.  Call (719) 209-4955.

What you Need to Know about HCFC-22

The most common type of refrigerant used in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment is HCFC-22…better known as R-22.  If your air conditioner or heat pump was manufactured before 2010, it most likely uses R-22 refrigerant.  Check the name plate on your outdoor condenser unit to be sure.

Due to their ozone depletion effects, fluorocarbons, and especially hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), are being phased out by the Environmental Protection Agency.  As a matter of fact, production of HCFC-22 (R-22) will stop completely by 2020.  Ozone-depleting substances are regulated as a class I or class II controlled substance in the U.S. to protect the ozone layer.

What does this all mean to you…a home owner or landlord in the Colorado Springs area?  You can find out by calling Altitude Heating and Air.  The techs at Altitude have been taking care of this area’s air conditioning and heating needs for many years and know the latest on R-22.  Call Altitude Heating and Air today at (719) 209-4955.

Central Air Conditioning.

I know, it is only mid-spring, but soon Colorado Springs will be hot and central air conditioning in your home will be a necessity.  Do you have a whole-house a/c system already, or are you living without one?  Either way, we would like to let you know about some of the options in the whole-house air conditioning category.

Here are some choices –

1.  Split systems…the most common type in the U.S.

2.  Heat pumps…they are a variation of the traditional split system.

3.  Packaged…providing condenser, evaporator, and compressor in a single unit.

Whatever your needs, if you live in the greater Colorado Springs area, we would like to install your new all-home central air conditioning system.  We are proud to offer our years of expertise and assess which system is right for your home.  We are Altitude Heating and Air.  You can find us on the web at altitudehvacco.com.  Just call (719) 209-4955.    

The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour | Rocky Mountain Food Tours

The Original Colorado Springs Food Tour | Rocky Mountain Food Tours

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May 10, 2019 - September 29, 2019

In just three hours, you'll expereince five of downtown Colorado Springs' most distintive cluinary highlights. Each local hot spot will be ready and waiting to serve generous portions of their signature fare. 

 

What is the Average Summer Temperature Around Here?

If it is your first summer in Colorado Springs, you probably don’t know that the average summer high temperature is in the 80’s.  Are you surprised?  You can be sure that long-time residents of our breath-taking area are not.  They know that in the summer Colorado Springs is hot enough to need air conditioning in your home.

If yours goes out, you will want it fixed immediately!  Why not pay some attention to it at the end of April before you need it?  A/C professionals all agree that if you don’t want surprises your home’s air conditioning unit should be checked every year.  What better time to do that than right now?

That’s what we are here for.  We are Colorado Springs’ air conditioning experts.  It is in our name Altitude Heating and Air.  You will be happy that you paid a little bit now to avoid a catastrophic repair in July.  Please call us before the busy season for an a/c inspection.  That phone number is (719) 209-4955.

There is NO Margin for Error.

In the Spring the rains will come to the Colorado Springs area and melting snow has saturated the ground.  When this happens, is your sump pump ready to help you prevent flooding in your home?  When was the last time you had your sump pump tested?  Sump pumps should be tested every three or four months, so if you have not had this done in 2019 it’s time!

Here are some signs that your sump pump needs service –

1.  Strange noises are emanating

2.  Excessive vibration

3.  Infrequent usage…it’s running more than it needs to

4.  The length of time it runs is increasing

5.  You notice rust forming on it

There are many more signs and the Colorado Springs sump pump experts at Altitude Heating and Air know exactly what to look for.  Better yet, they know what to do if they see these or any other indications without doing any more than is necessary.  A broken sump pump would be devastating!  Call Altitude Heating and Air today at (719) 209-4955.

It’s NOT a Gas, Gas, Gas.

It’s no gas (you probably know the old expression) dealing with a faulty gas line in your home.  Homes that use gas for heat and various appliances will have a gas line that comes into their Colorado Springs home. The gas line will connect to a furnace, water heater, stove, or any other appliances that use gas.  Commonly gas used for residential homes is natural gas.

Remember that because of their potentially hazardous nature natural gas lines that are installed in a home are done by a professional.  Over time problems may occur with a gas line.  This can have unintended consequences as a gas leak is a danger to anyone in your home.  Once again, a professional is essential!

That professional gas line repair team in the Colorado Springs area belongs to Altitude Heating and Air.  You don’t just trust anyone to install and repair gas lines no matter where you are.  In our area put your trust in Altitude Heating and Air to do the job safely and accurately every time.  Give them a call for gas line repair at (719) 209-4955.

A New Season is Coming.

In the Spring around Colorado Springs the ground begins to thaw.  Families in our area often turn their attention to HVAC.  Here in March plans will be made to make the transition between cold weather and warmer coming soon to Central Colorado.  Make sure that no detail is overlooked.

Somethings to consider before hiring that perfect HVAC company –

1.  What will be the final projected cost?

2.  When are you expected to pay?

3.  Will they clean up thoroughly?

4.  What if something goes wrong…what are the guarantees?

5.  Are they licensed, insured, and bonded?

That last point is obviously very important.  There are some HVAC companies who may even be unlicensed that can install and repair appliances in your home.  Are you willing to risk that?  For all installation of HVAC related fixtures call on Altitude Heating and Air.  The people you’ve trusted for a decade and a half in the Colorado Springs area at (719) 209-4955.

Your Garbage Disposal May be Calling out for a Plumber.

Ah, wouldn’t it be nice if good things could last forever?  Kitchen appliances are no different. Garbage disposals are an essential kitchen convenience for most homeowners that are used pretty much every day. Peels and other scraps can just be tossed into the sink and straight down the drain, but over time, all of that will take its toll.

Here are some signs that it is time to call a plumber to fix your garbage disposal –

1.  The disposal is on, but not making any noise.

2.  There is a detectable leak.

3.  Slower and slower draining.

4.  It begins to smell.

5.  It becomes flat-out jammed.

Please don’t hesitate!  It is at this moment that your garbage disposal may be repaired instead of entirely replaced.  Lonny Crawford and his crew will figure that out for you.  They are the professional plumbers at Altitude Heating and Air.  Please keep this phone number handy for most plumbing problems in the Colorado Springs area (719) 209-4955.

Instant and Consistent Heat.

If you are without heat in the Colorado Springs area for even one hour you feel it.

Gas furnaces and heaters have control shutoffs to prevent gas leaks, but remember they are not fail-safe.  If you smell something like a rotten egg smell, you could have a gas leak in your house.  DO NOT try to shut off the gas leading to the furnace!

Here are some other tips we hope will help –

1.  Do you have a clean filter?

2.  Try the reset button.

3.  Is your door cover securely fastened?

4.  Do not close more than 20% of the registers.

5.  Here is a simple one.  Is the furnace switch in the “on” position?

If you have done your due diligence and your furnace is not cranking out the appropriate heat, then please call us.  We are Altitude Heating and Air.  We have served the climate control needs of the Colorado Springs area for years and are proud to offer emergency furnace service in 2019 as well.  Please give us a call at (719) 209-4955.

Your Attitude about Altitude.

We here at Altitude Heating and Air want you to know us better.  We have served the Colorado Springs area for a decade and a half with pride and dedication.  We expect to continue doing so for decades to come.  Everyone who lives in the Colorado Springs area knows that we are subject to seasonal changes.

When your furnace (or, in a few months your air conditioning system) suddenly conks out you need someone to come to your home as quickly as possible.  We also offer 24-hour plumbing service, because our techs are schooled in the art of plumbing repair as well.  Take comfort in our continued efforts to keep your family comfortable.

Oh, one more thing.  Because we have pride in the citizens who comprise the area in and around Colorado Springs, we offer teacher, veteran, and senior discounts.  Please ask us about those if we come to your home.  As the New Year begins, we will be there for you in any HVAC or plumbing emergency.  We are Altitude Heating and Air at (719) 209-4955.

Keep on watering through winter to keep trees, shrubs and grass from dehydrating

Keep on watering through winter to keep trees, shrubs and grass from dehydrating 

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"If you think you can leave your plants and trees hibernating until spring, guess again. They’re thirsty in winter, too."