Dry heat and humidity feel completely different, and your HVAC system needs to handle both the right way. If it doesn’t, your home or business feels uncomfortable, your energy bill climbs, and your system works harder than it should. A Plus HVAC can help you get the right setup for your climate—let’s dive into the details.
Dry heat hits hard but doesn’t hang around. It’s hot, sure—but the air feels crisp because there’s barely any moisture in it. You’ll find this kind of climate in desert areas or higher elevations like the Rocky Mountains. On the flip side, humidity brings moisture. Think sticky, heavy air you can practically feel on your skin. That’s common in coastal or tropical regions, but it can also arrive in Colorado after significant rainfall.
These differences mean your HVAC system must do more than just cool or heat the air. It has to manage the air’s moisture content in order to ensure comfort. Furthermore, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that common AC installation errors—such as leaky ducts, incorrect refrigerant charge, and system over or under sizing—increases expected household heating and cooling energy usage by 30%. This is exacerbated even more when excessive dry and humid air is a factor.
In dry climates, homeowners often face a unique set of challenges when it comes to indoor comfort. Common symptoms include dry skin, irritated eyes, allergies, nosebleeds, and static electricity buildup. Fortunately, the right HVAC strategies can help maintain a balanced indoor environment, even in the driest conditions.
Installing a whole-home humidifier directly into your HVAC system is one of the most effective ways to combat dry air. These systems add moisture into the air as it circulates through your ductwork, helping to keep indoor humidity levels within the ideal range of 30–50%. This can significantly reduce dryness-related symptoms and improve overall air quality.
For renters or those not ready to invest in whole-home solutions, high-quality portable humidifiers can be a good alternative. Place them in high-use areas such as bedrooms or living rooms to target the spaces where you spend the most time.
Many modern smart thermostats now include humidity sensors and controls, allowing homeowners to monitor and adjust indoor moisture levels more precisely. Some systems even work in tandem with humidifiers to automate the process based on real-time conditions.
Dry air can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues by allowing dust and allergens to stay airborne longer. Upgrading to HEPA filters or integrating an air purifier into your HVAC system can help capture allergens, pet dander, and dust particles more effectively.
Low humidity can cause certain HVAC components, like rubber seals or ductwork, to dry out and crack. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that your system remains efficient and leak-free, and it gives your technician a chance to spot early signs of wear caused by excessively dry conditions.
Static buildup is a common nuisance in dry homes. Keeping humidity levels balanced not only improves comfort but also reduces the risk of static shocks and protects sensitive electronics.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about your home's humidity levels, consider investing in a hygrometer. This small, inexpensive tool can help you monitor indoor humidity so you can adjust your HVAC system settings or introduce humidification when needed.
By upgrading your HVAC system to address the effects of dry heat, you can improve indoor air quality, protect your health, and make your home significantly more comfortable year-round.
Humidity is generally a problem for coastal and Midwestern regions, but humidity can also build up in Colorado homes, particularly in cold, damp basements. Beyond the sticky, uncomfortable feeling it brings, humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and those musty smells no one finds pleasant. Plus, your AC has to work overtime to cool the air and pull out all that moisture. That means higher energy bills and less comfort.
The fix is high-efficiency AC units with built-in dehumidifiers. They cool and dry the air at the same time, so your home or commercial building feels fresh without feeling cold. If you need extra help, standalone or whole-home/whole-building dehumidifiers step in to keep moisture levels in check. Don’t forget ductwork—proper sealing and insulation prevent condensation buildup, stopping mold before it starts.
With the right system, you’ll beat the humidity without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
Both dry and humid climates put extra strain on your HVAC—and your energy bill. In dry heat, you might blast the AC trying to feel comfortable, which wastes power. In humid places, your AC runs longer because it has to pull moisture out of the air, not just cool it. Either way, your system works harder than it should if it’s not well-maintained.
Keep your HVAC running smoothly with these simple tips:
Investing a little time now means better comfort and lower bills later—no matter where you live.
Comfort is all about managing heat, humidity, and energy in a way that works for you. A well-tuned HVAC system handles all three, keeping your space comfortable no matter the weather outside.
At A Plus Heating & AC, we know how to personalize solutions that suit your home or business perfectly. Give us a call today!
If you're a Colorado homeowner planning for summer, you’ve likely wondered: how much does AC installation cost? For most homes, the average falls between $3,000 and $6,200, but the exact price depends on your system, home size, and installation complexity. An HVAC installation technician can help you estimate costs based on key factors like the unit’s size, its placement, and your current setup.
Several variables go into the price of an AC install, including:
While it’s increasingly less common, some Colorado homes have a gas furnace but no central AC. Fortunately, in these situations, AC can usually be added to your existing system. On the other hand, if your home uses a boiler or lacks ductwork, a ductless mini-split might be the best fit. Most window AC units are DIY-friendly, but for more complicated installations such as through-the-wall units, you can hire a professional to help, often costing between $100 to $300.
Here’s a quick look at average equipment and installation costs:
Warranties are another cost factor to keep in mind. Most AC systems include one, but coverage varies by brand. Some offer basic protection, while others include extended coverage for an added fee.
A stronger warranty may cost more upfront, but can offer you peace of mind and save you money on future repairs. If you're unsure what's best, your HVAC contractor can help you choose the right fit for your home and budget.
Be sure to ask your contractor for a detailed quote that covers these items so there are no surprises later.
To keep AC installation costs manageable, look into local rebates or off-season deals, which can lower your overall price. Financing options like payment plans can also help spread out the cost. Be sure to compare quotes and ask questions, but be sure to stick with licensed, insured contractors familiar with Colorado homes. A little planning goes a long way toward getting a reliable system that fits your budget.
Choosing the right HVAC professional is just as important as picking the right AC unit. A rushed or inexperienced install can lead to higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or a shortened system lifespan. It’s worth going with experienced, reputable professionals, even if the cost is initially higher. Paying a bit more for a qualified tech often saves you money in the long run.
At A Plus Heating and Air, we help homeowners across Northern Colorado stay cool and comfortable with reliable, cost-effective AC installs. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and make sure your system is installed with care and precision.
Ready to get started? Contact A Plus Heating and Air today for a personalized estimate and friendly, local service you can count on.
Springtime in Northern Colorado is not for the faint of heart. One day it’s snowing, the next it’s sunny and 75 degrees. With this kind of weather whiplash, it’s tempting to run your HVAC system around the clock just to stay comfortable. But if you're not careful, that comfort can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid overpaying for HVAC during the spring swings. Here are some cost-savings tips from A Plus Heating and AC, Northern Colorado’s pro choice for home comfort services.
In Northern Colorado, spring is the calm before the summer heat—and the perfect time to schedule an HVAC tune-up. Technicians are less busy than in peak summer months, and if you’re on our HVAC maintenance plan, you’re already good to go! A well-timed maintenance check ensures your system is running efficiently, helps you catch small issues before they become costly repairs, and can even extend the life of your unit.
This is arguably the most important tip to save money on seasonal HVAC. Springtime in Colorado typically brings warm days that can reach into the 80s, with chilly nights plunging down into the 40s, 30s, and occasionally even lower. Even for residents who have lived here a long time, this oscillation can make regulating your home environment in spring confusing and frustrating.
To master the season of swings, set reminders on your phone to adjust manual thermostats, or upgrade to a smart thermostat and program it to turn off the heat in the morning and turn it back on in the evening. Avoid running the heat or A/C when you’re not home, and avoid strain on the system by making programmed or manual thermostat adjustments moderate rather than extreme.
Take advantage of cool nights and warm, breezy days; open your windows during the evening and early morning hours to naturally cool your home if it gets too warm during the day. Using ceiling or box fans strategically can also circulate fresh air and reduce the need for A/C. The less you rely on your HVAC system, the lower your energy bill will be—and the less wear and tear on the system.
On a similar note, use the daytime heat to your advantage as well: turn your heat back on in the evening, just before the sun goes down and the house gets cold again. This means your system won’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature back up for the night.
A clogged air filter or leaky duct can make your HVAC system work twice as hard, driving up costs. Change your air filter every 1-3 months (more often if you have pets), and check windows and doors for drafts. In older homes, especially common in areas like Old Town Fort Collins or central Loveland, these small inefficiencies can add up fast.
Prep for especially long cold or warm stretches by keeping an eye on the 10-day weather forecast. It’s not uncommon for Northern Colorado to see alternating weeks of wintry and warmer weather in the spring, so looking out for these stretches (especially if you’re planning to be away during one) can help you get your thermostat properly dialed in.
Springtime in the Rockies may be unpredictable, but you can stay ahead of all the volatility by enrolling in A Plus Heating’s HVAC maintenance plan. With priority service and biannual tuneups, you’ll be prepared for every season and all the weather Colorado can throw at you.
If you’ve ever wondered whether an air filter or an air purifier is the better choice, you’re not alone—plenty of people assume they do the same thing. The truth is, while they both improve air quality, they tackle the job in very different ways. Here’s what the pros at A Plus Heating & AC have to say about it, so you can get the best air filtration system installation for your home or business.
An air filter is a built-in part of your HVAC system designed to trap dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles as air flows through your home or business. It’s the first line of defense against everyday contaminants, preventing them from recirculating through your vents.
Most air filters are made from fiberglass or pleated fabric, acting as a physical barrier that catches pollutants before they reach your HVAC components—or worse, your lungs. Basic filters improve system efficiency, while high-efficiency HEPA filters go a step further, capturing even finer particles.
An air purifier is a separate device or an integrated system designed to remove a wide range of airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, smoke, and even odors. Unlike standard air filters, which trap larger particles, air purifiers work by actively neutralizing microscopic pollutants. These devices use various technologies, such as HEPA filtration, activated carbon, UV-C light, or ionization, to clean the air. Some models capture pollutants, while others destroy them at a molecular level.
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings measure how effectively an air filter captures particles. This is an important air quality rating for both air filters and purifiers. The scale runs from 1 to 16—higher numbers mean better filtration.
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. While purifiers often use HEPA filters for top-tier air quality, HVAC systems require modifications to handle such dense filtration. Choosing the right MERV rating depends on balancing air quality with system efficiency, as the higher air quality and filtration will demand much more out of your system.
Air Filters: Air filters are affordable and simple to maintain. Standard filters typically cost between $10 and $50, while high-efficiency options like HEPA filters can run upwards of $100. Most need replacing every one to three months, depending on usage and air quality. Swapping them out is a quick DIY task—just slide the old filter out of its slot and pop in a new one (just make sure you get the right size!). Skipping this routine maintenance task will certainly lead to reduced airflow, higher energy bills, and more dust or pollutants circulating in your home or business.
Air Purifiers: Purifiers require a bigger financial commitment, with standalone units ranging from $100 to over $1,000. Whole-home systems, which integrate with HVAC units, start at around $1,500 and can go well beyond that for advanced models. Maintenance depends on the type—HEPA filters need replacing every 6–12 months, UV-C bulbs last about a year, and ionization plates may need periodic cleaning. While more expensive, purifiers provide a level of air quality improvement that filters alone can’t achieve, making them a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing health and cleanliness.
Choosing between an air filter and an air purifier comes down to your air quality needs—filters keep your HVAC system running smoothly, while purifiers achieve the highest levels of air cleanliness. If you’re looking for expert advice on the best solution for your home or business, A Plus Heating & AC is here to help—contact us today!
When winter hits hard, your heat pump might switch to something called “emergency heat”—but what does that really mean for your comfort? It’s an important backup that kicks in when your regular heating system can’t quite keep up. Here’s a brief guide to what emergency heat is, why it’s needed, and when you should start wondering if it’s time for a check-up.
Emergency heat is your heat pump’s response when the temperature outside drops so low that your regular heat pump can no longer pull enough warmth from the air. Normally, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air, but when that air gets too cold (typically below 25°F), it just doesn’t have enough to work with. That’s where emergency heat kicks in. It’s a backup system, usually an electric resistance heater that gets the job done when the heat pump is struggling, quickly raising the temperature in your home.
But here’s the one catch that’s key for you to know: emergency heat isn’t meant to be a long-term solution and should not be used as a primary heat source. It’s a temporary fix designed to keep you warm until your heat pump can get back to its efficient work. In essence, it acts like a backup generator in a power outage—necessary for short periods but not intended to run nonstop.
Before diving into the reasons you might see emergency heat turn on, it’s important to distinguish it from auxiliary heat. You might see these two different modes distinguished on your thermostat as “em heat” and “aux heat.” Auxiliary heat, often activated in moderately cold temperatures, is simply a supplemental heating source to help your heat pump keep up when it’s working a bit harder than usual.
Emergency heat, on the other hand, is what steps in when things are really going south—think extreme cold or system problems, and it tends to be much more expensive to run. Here’s the main reasons why the emergency heat setting will be activated:
When the temperature outside plummets, your heat pump has a harder time extracting warmth from the air. Below about 25°F, the heat pump is struggling to keep up. At this point, emergency heat steps in to fill the gap, making sure your home stays cozy even when the weather outside is frightful.
Sometimes, it’s not the weather but the system that’s the problem. A dirty air filter, low refrigerant levels, or even a faulty component can force your heat pump to rely on emergency heat to keep your home warm. If you notice emergency heat running frequently, it might be time to have a professional come in for a checkup.
Heat pumps work hard to stay efficient, but during really cold spells, ice can build up on the outdoor unit. To keep things running smoothly, the system goes into defrost mode, temporarily shutting down the heating function. During this time, emergency heat steps in to ensure you don’t freeze while the unit is defrosting.
While it’s tempting to let your heat pump run on autopilot, professional maintenance is important to avoid frequent, unnecessary emergency heat activation. A technician can spot small issues before they snowball into expensive problems, ensuring that your system is running efficiently and correctly all year round.
Regular inspections also help catch issues like refrigerant leaks or a clogged filter before they force your system to rely on emergency heat. And let’s face it: if your system is frequently calling for backup, you’re not only raising your energy bills but also compromising the lifespan of your heat pump. A professional will also verify that all components, from the reversing valve to the defrost cycle, are in tip-top shape, so emergency heat stays a rare exception, not the norm.
In short, having your heat pump regularly serviced with professional HVAC maintenance keeps everything running smoothly, saving you from emergency heat overuse, high energy bills, and potential system breakdowns. Reach out to A Plus Heating & AC for a thorough check-up—it’s an investment that’ll keep your home comfortable, all winter long.
Indoor Humidity - the elusive sweet spot no matter the time of year, and a particularly tricky one to nail in Colorado's bone-dry climate. Not only does the combination of high elevation, freezing winters, and scorching sun drain the moisture from the air, but in the worst cases your home's humidity levels can plummet to below 15% in the dead of winter - not exactly the most comfortable place to be (or the healthiest).
If you're after a home that stays comfortable all year round and doesn't bother your respiratory system in the process, you might want to consider a whole-house humidifier that can be attached to your heating and cooling system.
A whole-house humidifier offers a range of health, comfort, and maintenance benefits by keeping your home’s humidity at an optimal level—typically around 30–50%. Proper humidity helps reduce common respiratory issues such as dry sinuses, irritated throats, and aggravated allergy or asthma symptoms. It also minimizes the spread of airborne viruses, which thrive in dry air, helping households stay healthier during colder months. Even skin and eyes benefit from balanced moisture levels, preventing dryness, cracking, and discomfort that many people experience during winter.
Beyond health, whole-house humidifiers significantly improve comfort and can even lead to financial savings. Balanced humidity makes air feel warmer, allowing you to lower your thermostat without sacrificing comfort and potentially reducing heating costs. The added moisture also protects your home’s structure and furnishings—wood floors, trim, musical instruments, and furniture are less likely to crack or warp when humidity is controlled. Because whole-house systems run through your HVAC system, they provide consistent humidity to every room with minimal maintenance, making them a practical and long-lasting upgrade for better home comfort and efficiency.
Here are some of the most common types of whole-house humidifier systems you'll be looking at as a Colorado homeowner, along with how they work and what you can expect to pay.
Bypass Humidifiers – These systems pull warm air from the furnace and use it to evaporate water. They are budget-friendly and best for smaller to mid-sized homes.
Fan-Powered Humidifiers – Similar to bypass units but include a fan that increases evaporation. This makes them suitable for medium to larger homes.
Steam Humidifiers – The most powerful and precise option. These systems boil water to create steam and push it directly into the ductwork, making them ideal for Colorado’s extremely dry climate and family members with respiratory sensitivities.
Whole-Home Portable Units – While not connected to the HVAC system, these units are still able to humidify multiple rooms, which is good for homes without central heating or for renters.
The total price for whole-house humidifier systems can vary depending on your needs and home construction. It’s best to schedule a consultation with our residential HVAC service team to get a more accurate cost breakdown.
The initial investment for a whole-house humidifier varies depending on the type of system, your home’s size, and whether any HVAC modifications are needed. Steam units offer the most consistent results but also come at the highest upfront cost. Regular maintenance is essential to keep any humidifier functioning properly, including cleaning components, replacing pads or canisters and ensuring water lines stay clear. A Plus Heating & AC can manage this as part of your routine HVAC maintenance schedule.
It’s also important to avoid over-humidifying the home. Even in Colorado, excess moisture can lead to condensation on windows or mold growth in ductwork. This is why choosing a system with a built-in humidistat is critical. These devices automatically monitor and adjust humidity levels to ensure that your home system never adds more moisture than necessary.
For many Colorado homeowners, a whole-house humidifier is an investment that pays off in comfort, health, and long-term protection of your home. If dry indoor air is a constant issue or if household members have respiratory sensitivities, the benefits often outweigh the upfront costs.
Our Berthoud residential HVAC service can help you determine which system best suits your home and your goals. You can also ask about our exclusive member service plan, which includes priority service, twice-yearly maintenance, 15% off repairs, and 10% off all air-quality products.
Schedule a consultation and discover the right humidifier setup for a cozier, healthier home — no matter how dry Colorado’s climate gets.
