Have questions about your home’s heating, cooling, plumbing, water quality, or indoor air quality systems? Explore answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask the Horizon Services team.
If you don’t see your question below, contact Horizon Services to speak with our team or schedule service.
Heating & Furnace FAQs
Why isn’t my furnace turning on?
A furnace may fail to start because of thermostat settings, a dirty air filter, a tripped breaker, an ignition problem, or another mechanical or electrical issue. Check that your thermostat is set to heat and that the furnace has power. If the system still won’t start, a professional HVAC technician can diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repair.
Learn more about furnace repair, replacement, and installation.
How do I know whether to repair or replace my furnace?
Repair may make sense when your furnace is relatively young, has been reliable, and needs a straightforward fix. Replacement may be worth considering when breakdowns become frequent, comfort declines, efficiency drops, or a major repair would require a significant investment in an aging system.
Horizon can evaluate your equipment and help you compare furnace repair and replacement options.
How often should my furnace be serviced?
Annual furnace maintenance is generally recommended, ideally before the heating season begins. Routine service gives a technician an opportunity to inspect the equipment, clean key components, identify developing problems, and confirm that the system is operating properly before Colorado’s colder weather arrives.
Ask about Horizon’s Peak Advantage Service Agreement for ongoing maintenance.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Cold air from a furnace can result from thermostat settings, restricted airflow, ignition or burner problems, overheating, or other system issues. If the furnace continues blowing cool air after you’ve checked the thermostat and filter, schedule professional service rather than repeatedly restarting the equipment.
Visit our furnace service page for more information.
Can my furnace cause carbon monoxide problems?
Fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide if combustion or venting problems occur. Homeowners should maintain working carbon monoxide detectors and have gas-fired heating equipment professionally inspected. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the home and follow emergency guidance rather than attempting to troubleshoot the furnace yourself.
Air Conditioning FAQs
Why is my AC running but not cooling my home?
An air conditioner can run without cooling effectively because of a clogged filter, airflow restriction, dirty coils, thermostat issues, refrigerant problems, or failing components. Start by checking your thermostat and air filter. If the problem continues, professional diagnosis can identify the underlying cause.
Schedule air conditioning repair with Horizon Services.
Why does my air conditioner keep turning on and off?
Frequent short cycling can be caused by restricted airflow, thermostat problems, dirty components, improper system sizing, or mechanical issues. Because repeated cycling can increase wear and reduce comfort, it’s worth having the system inspected if the problem persists.
Learn more about Horizon’s AC repair services.
Why is my air conditioner leaking water?
Air conditioners remove moisture from indoor air as they cool. Problems such as a clogged condensate drain, frozen evaporator coil, or drainage issue can cause water to collect around the system. Shut the system off if substantial leaking is occurring and schedule service to help prevent water damage.
How often should I schedule AC maintenance?
Scheduling professional AC maintenance annually, typically before the cooling season, can help identify worn components, address buildup, and prepare the system for summer demand.
Explore the Peak Advantage Service Agreement for routine system maintenance.
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
The answer depends on the system’s age, condition, efficiency, repair history, and the severity of the current problem. A relatively new system with an isolated issue may be worth repairing, while recurring breakdowns or major component failures on an aging system may make replacement more practical.
Compare AC repair and air conditioner installation options.
Heat Pump & Mini-Split FAQs
Do heat pumps work well in Colorado?
Modern heat pumps can provide efficient heating and cooling and can be a good option for many Colorado homes. The appropriate equipment and system design depend on the home’s layout, heating requirements, existing equipment, and local climate conditions. Some homes may also benefit from a supplemental heating source.
Why does my heat pump sometimes produce steam in winter?
During cold weather, a heat pump’s outdoor coil can accumulate frost. The system periodically enters a defrost cycle to melt it, which can create visible steam. That’s generally normal. Heavy ice that does not clear, however, can indicate a problem requiring professional service.
How often do heat pumps need maintenance?
Because a heat pump may operate during both heating and cooling seasons, regular professional maintenance is particularly important. Your technician can recommend an appropriate service schedule based on your equipment and how heavily it operates.
What’s the difference between a heat pump and a furnace?
A furnace creates heat, typically through fuel combustion or electric resistance. A heat pump transfers heat between indoors and outdoors and can provide both heating and cooling. The best option depends on your home, existing equipment, comfort goals, and efficiency priorities.
Are ductless mini-splits suitable for Colorado homes?
They can be. Ductless mini-splits provide zoned heating and cooling without traditional ductwork, making them useful for additions, remodeled spaces, garages, and areas that are difficult to keep comfortable with a central HVAC system.
Boiler FAQs
How do I know if my boiler needs repair?
Potential warning signs include inconsistent heating, unusual noises, leaks, pressure problems, rising energy use, or a boiler that struggles to maintain the desired temperature. Because boiler systems involve hot water, pressure, and sometimes fuel combustion, persistent problems should be professionally diagnosed.
Learn more about boiler repair.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Annual professional boiler maintenance is a good general guideline. Regular inspections can identify leaks, pressure problems, worn components, and other developing issues before peak heating season.
How long does a residential boiler last?
Boiler lifespan varies considerably based on system type, installation quality, maintenance history, water quality, and operating conditions. Rather than replacing a boiler solely because of age, consider its overall condition, efficiency, and repair history.
If replacement is becoming necessary, explore Horizon’s boiler installation services.
Should I repair or replace an older boiler?
An older boiler does not automatically need replacement. However, frequent repairs, declining comfort, reduced efficiency, or major component problems can make replacement worth considering. A professional evaluation can compare the repair investment with the benefits and expected lifespan of a new system.
Indoor Air Quality FAQs
How often should I change my HVAC filter?
The appropriate interval depends on the filter, HVAC system, household conditions, and manufacturer recommendations. Homes with pets, high dust levels, allergies, or heavy system use may need more frequent filter changes. Check the filter regularly and replace it when it becomes visibly dirty or according to the equipment or filter manufacturer’s guidance.
Explore Horizon’s indoor air quality services.
What humidity level should I maintain during a Colorado winter?
There isn’t one ideal setting for every home. Indoor humidity should be balanced against outdoor temperatures and conditions inside the house. Too little humidity can contribute to dry-air discomfort, while excessive humidity can create condensation and moisture problems.
Do whole-home humidifiers help in Colorado?
They can. Colorado’s dry climate and winter heating can contribute to low indoor humidity. A properly selected and maintained whole-home humidifier can add moisture more consistently than portable units and help improve indoor comfort.
What can improve my home’s indoor air quality?
Solutions depend on what’s affecting the home’s air. Regular HVAC maintenance, appropriate filtration, humidity control, ventilation, and air-cleaning equipment can all play a role. An indoor air quality assessment can help determine which improvements are appropriate for your home.
Learn more about residential indoor air quality solutions.
Water Heater & Plumbing FAQs
How do I know if my water heater needs repair or replacement?
Warning signs can include inconsistent hot water, unusual noises, visible leaks, discolored water, or declining performance. Whether repair or replacement makes more sense depends on the unit’s condition, age, repair history, and the nature of the problem.
Explore Horizon’s water heater installation and repair services.
How long do water heaters typically last?
Lifespan varies based on the type of water heater, water quality, installation, maintenance, and household demand. Instead of relying on age alone, watch for declining performance, corrosion, leaks, and increasingly frequent repairs.
What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?
Tankless systems heat water on demand rather than continuously storing a large volume of hot water. Potential benefits include improved efficiency, a compact footprint, and a long-lasting supply of hot water when the equipment is properly sized for household demand.
Why isn’t my water heater producing enough hot water?
Possible causes range from household demand and thermostat settings to sediment buildup, heating-element or burner issues, equipment sizing, or an aging water heater. If the loss of hot water is persistent, professional diagnosis can determine whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is appropriate.
What should I do during a plumbing emergency?
If water is actively leaking or flooding the home, shut off the nearest fixture valve or the home’s main water supply when it is safe to do so. Avoid electrical equipment near standing water and contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Contact Horizon Services if you need plumbing service.
How can I tell if I have a hidden plumbing leak?
Possible signs include unexplained increases in water usage, water stains, damp areas, musty odors, reduced water pressure, or sounds of running water when fixtures aren’t being used. A plumber can investigate suspected leaks and determine their location and cause.
Water Treatment & Water Softener FAQs
How do I know if my home needs a water treatment system?
Signs that may lead homeowners to investigate water treatment include unpleasant taste or odor, sediment, mineral buildup, spotting on dishes, scale around fixtures, or concerns about drinking-water quality. Because these symptoms do not identify exactly what is in the water, testing and professional evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment solution.
What is the difference between water filtration and water softening?
Water filtration systems are designed to address particular substances or water-quality concerns depending on the technology used. Water softeners specifically address hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Some homes may benefit from one system, while others may use both.
What are the signs of hard water?
Common signs include white or chalky deposits around fixtures, spotting on dishes and glassware, soap scum, mineral buildup, difficulty getting soap to lather, and scale around faucets or showerheads.
How does a whole-home water softener work?
A water softener is designed to reduce hardness minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, before the water is distributed throughout the home. The exact process depends on the type of system installed.
How often does a water softener need maintenance?
Maintenance requirements depend on the equipment and manufacturer. Homeowners may need to monitor salt levels, check for salt bridging, clean components when appropriate, and have the system periodically inspected to confirm that it is operating correctly.
Should I repair or replace my water softener?
Consider the system’s age, repair history, performance, availability of replacement parts, household water needs, and the cost of the current repair. A professional evaluation can help determine whether repairing the existing system or replacing it makes more sense.
About Horizon Services
What areas does Horizon Services serve?
Horizon Services serves homeowners throughout Denver and surrounding Colorado communities. Our service territory continues to grow as Horizon and Blue Valley bring their teams and resources together.
View our current service areas to see whether Horizon serves your community.
Does Horizon offer a maintenance plan?
Yes. Horizon’s Peak Advantage Service Agreement offers ongoing maintenance benefits designed to help homeowners stay ahead of HVAC and plumbing problems and keep important home systems properly maintained.
View current benefits and details on the Peak Advantage Service Agreement page.
What HVAC brands does Horizon service?
Horizon services and repairs major HVAC equipment brands. If you’re unsure whether Horizon can service your specific system, contact us with the manufacturer and model information and our team can help.
Are Horizon’s HVAC technicians licensed and insured?
Horizon employs trained HVAC professionals and licensed plumbing professionals to provide residential and commercial home services. Contact Horizon if you need licensing, insurance, or credential information for a specific project.
Learn more about Horizon Services.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request service online or contact Horizon Services directly to schedule HVAC, plumbing, water heater, indoor air quality, garage door, or other available home services.
What does the Blue Valley and Horizon Services merger mean for existing customers?
Blue Valley is becoming part of Horizon Services, bringing the two teams together under the Horizon brand. Existing Blue Valley customers will continue to have access to home comfort services while Horizon expands its team, resources, and service territory.
Visit our Blue Valley and Horizon Services merger page for the latest information about the transition, scheduling, services, and what customers can expect moving forward.
Still Have Questions?
Horizon Services is here to help with heating, cooling, plumbing, indoor air quality, water heater, water treatment, and other home service needs throughout the Denver area.
Contact Horizon Services today to schedule service.