Summit County's Premier Hot Water Heating Specialist

Boilers

The boiler is the central component of your home’s system, providing both radiant heating and a primary source of hot water. Hydronic heating works by circulating hot water through pipes embedded in the floors, walls, or radiators, offering a highly efficient and evenly distributed form of heat. This method is known for its energy efficiency, improved air quality, and consistent warmth, as it avoids the drafts and dust stirred up by traditional forced-air systems. It is essential to have a qualified professional address any potential malfunctions or performance issues. At High Country Hydronics, we’re known for prompt and precise diagnostic services and efficient boiler system repairs, ensuring optimal performance of your hydronic heating system.

Here’s how we address some of the most frequent problems:

  • Carbon Monoxide Issues: Carbon monoxide leaks are a serious safety concern. Our team conducts thorough inspections, including ambient air testing, to detect any signs of leakage and ensures your system is properly vented, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe.
  • Leaks or Dripping: Leaks or water drips can lead to system inefficiency or water damage. We quickly locate the source of the leak, whether it’s a valve, pipe, or other component, and perform precise repairs to prevent further damage.
  • Loud Noises: Noisy boilers can be a sign of air in the system, failed components, mineral buildup, or issues with the pressure. We can flush the system, remove blockages, and address any other underlying causes to restore quiet, efficient operation.
  • Corrosion: Corrosion on a boiler can cause leaks and reduced performance. We inspect for signs of rust or deterioration and will perform necessary repairs or replacements to prevent further damage and improve system longevity.
  • System Fluid: We test system fluid pH to determine whether the fluid is too acidic (low pH) or too alkaline (high pH). System fluid that is unbalanced can lead to corrosion and premature failure of many components, including the boiler itself.
  • Glycol: Glycol is essential in systems that operate in colder environments, as it lowers the freezing point of the water within the system. This prevents the water from freezing and causing damage to pipes, valves, and the boiler itself. Additionally, glycol helps protect against corrosion and mineral buildup, enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the system.
  • No Heat: If your system isn’t producing heat, it could be due to a number of issues such as a malfunctioning thermostat, an ignition problem, or a faulty pump. We accurately diagnose the issue and carry out the required repairs to restore warmth to your home as quickly as possible.
 

By relying on High Country Hydronics, you ensure that your heating system is in the hands of professionals who will address these issues efficiently, preventing future problems and enhancing the overall performance and safety of your system.

Boiler Replacement

If your boiler is outdated, undersized, or no longer meeting your heating demands, it may be time to upgrade to a high-efficiency model. Older or inefficient boilers can lead to higher energy consumption, increased utility costs, and potential system failures. High-efficiency boilers, on the other hand, are designed to reduce energy consumption while providing consistent heating performance.

We understand that replacement is a significant investment. Every household has unique heating needs, and we take the time to assess your home’s size and heating requirements to ensure we recommend the most appropriate system. High-efficiency models incorporate advanced technology, such as condensing technology and modulating burners, which allows them to capture and reuse heat that would otherwise be lost in traditional models, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Potential reasons for replacement:

  • Age of the System: The boiler has surpassed its typical 15-year serviceable lifespan, beyond which its efficiency and performance typically decline. At this stage, components may be worn out, leading to higher risks of failure and reduced operational effectiveness.
  • System Reliability: Over time, older boilers become more prone to unexpected breakdowns and system failures. With age, the likelihood of critical components failing increases, leading to periods of downtime and costly emergency repairs. This unreliability and need for frequent repairs can disrupt daily comfort and increase the overall cost of ownership.
  • Increased Safety Risks: As boilers age, safety risks such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide emissions, or pressure malfunctions become more likely. Older systems may lack modern safety features or corrosion-resistant materials, which can compromise the system’s integrity. Replacing an aging boiler ensures the latest safety standards and peace of mind.
  • Outdated Technology: Many older boilers lack advanced control systems and smart technology features found in newer models. These technologies offer greater precision, remote monitoring, and automated adjustments, which enhance energy efficiency and user control. Upgrading to a modern boiler provides more control over your heating system and helps optimize energy usage.
  • Elevated Energy Expenses: Older boilers, especially those with low efficiency ratings, consume more energy to produce the same level of heat. This results in significantly higher energy consumption, leading to increased utility bills. Many older models operate at efficiency levels of just 60-70%, while modern high-efficiency models can exceed 90%.
  • Insufficient Heating Performance: The boiler is unable to provide adequate heating, failing to meet the desired temperature or comfort levels in the home. Over time, aging boilers struggle to maintain consistent heating output, leading to uneven temperatures and reduced comfort. Additionally, inefficiency in heat transfer or circulation may further hinder overall system performance.
  • Environmental Impact: Older boilers may also contribute to higher carbon emissions due to inefficiency. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency boiler can reduce your household’s carbon footprint, helping you meet environmental goals while lowering energy use.

Furnaces

In the harsh, freezing winters of Colorado, a fully operational furnace is essential not only for maintaining comfort but also for ensuring the safety of your home. A malfunctioning furnace can lead to a rapid drop in indoor temperatures, putting your plumbing at risk of freezing, potentially causing burst pipes, which can result in severe water damage and costly repairs. Given the extreme environmental conditions, it is critical to have a reliable heating system.

High Country Hydronics will promptly diagnose and resolve any furnace-related issues. With our expertise, we ensure your heating system operates efficiently, mitigating risks of system failure and maintaining a consistent, safe indoor temperature. Trust us to keep your home warm and protected throughout the winter season.

Here’s how we address some of the most frequent problems:

  • Carbon Monoxide Issues: Carbon monoxide leaks are a serious safety concern. Our team conducts thorough inspections, including ambient air testing, to detect any signs of leakage and ensures your system is properly vented, giving you peace of mind that your home is safe.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Impacted air filters can reduce how fast your home comes up to temperature or simply cause the furnace not to run. Replacing air filters ensures that air circulating in your home remains clean, helping reduce allergens and pollutants.
  • Banging or screeching sounds: This could indicate that the blower wheel is not properly balanced or the ball bearings are wearing out. This needs to be addressed immediately.
  • Flame Sensor Problem: A malfunctioning flame sensor may cause the furnace to shut off unexpectedly or fail to start. This will cause a rapid temperature drop in the home.
  • Overheating or Short Cycling: Short cycling occurs when the furnace frequently turns off and on, often due to overheating or a malfunctioning thermostat. This leads to inconsistent temperatures, increased wear on the furnace, and higher energy bills.
  • Blower continuously running: This could be a faulty safety or rollout switch. This is an indicator of a potentially bigger problem.
 
By addressing all of these factors, High Country Hydronics ensures that your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient. We’re committed to providing high-quality service, whether you need a one-time repair, routine maintenance, or a complete system upgrade. Trust us to keep your heating system running smoothly and efficiently, improving both your home’s comfort and air quality, while ensuring the longevity and safety of your equipment.

Furnace Replacement:

Our goal is to simplify the furnace replacement process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for our customers. If your furnace is aging, prone to breakdowns, or driving up your energy bills, it may be time to upgrade. Our experienced team will evaluate your home’s heating needs, suggest the best furnace option, and carry out the installation quickly and effectively. We prioritize safety, dependable operation, and consistent comfort to keep your home warm and secure during the harsh Colorado winters.

Potential reasons for replacement:

  • Age of the System: The furnace has surpassed its typical 15-year serviceable lifespan, beyond which its efficiency and performance typically decline. At this stage, components may be worn out, leading to higher risks of failure and reduced operational effectiveness.
  • Frequent Maintenance: The furnace requires frequent repairs and ongoing maintenance, which results in increased operational costs. As furnaces age, parts such as valves, safety switches, or heat exchangers may wear out, leading to regular service calls and a rise in repair expenses.
  • Elevated Energy Expenses: Older furnaces, especially those with low efficiency ratings, consume more energy to produce the same level of heat. This results in significantly higher energy consumption, leading to increased utility bills. Many older models operate at efficiency levels of just 60-70%, while modern high-efficiency models can exceed 90%.
  • Insufficient Heating Performance: The furnace is unable to provide adequate heating, failing to meet the desired temperature or comfort levels in the home. Over time, aging furnaces struggle to maintain consistent heating output, leading to uneven temperatures and reduced comfort.

Hot Water Heaters

Hot water heaters are essential in providing a steady supply of hot water for daily activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Through constant use, water heaters are subject to wear and tear, which can lead to a variety of performance issues, including inconsistent temperatures, sediment buildup, or smelly and discolored water. High Country Hydronics can diagnose and resolve water heater issues promptly, ensuring your home remains comfortable with a reliable, consistent flow of hot water.

Here’s how we address some of the most frequent problems:

  • Sediment Buildup: Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate in the tank, reducing heating efficiency and potentially causing damage. Regular flushing of the tank can help maintain optimal performance.
  • Pressure Relief Valve Failure: The pressure relief valve ensures the water heater operates safely by releasing excess pressure. A malfunction or failure of this valve can lead to dangerous situations, including tank rupture. Routine inspections are necessary to check its condition.
  • Thermal Expansion Tanks: When water is heated, it expands, and in a closed plumbing system, this can result in increased pressure. A thermal expansion tank is installed to accommodate this expansion, helping to protect the water heater and plumbing system from excessive pressure that could lead to leaks or component failure. Over time, thermal expansion tanks can lose their charge or become damaged, leading to a need for replacement or recharging to maintain proper system pressure.
  • Corroded Tank: Extended use of a water heater can cause the tank itself to corrode, leading to potential leaks or system failure. Regular maintenance, including anode rod replacement and inspections, helps to mitigate this risk and extend the lifespan of the unit.
  • Water Temperature Issues: Inconsistent or lack of hot water is often caused by malfunctioning heating elements, a faulty thermostat, or a damaged mixing valve. These issues can prevent the system from reaching the desired water temperature, affecting daily activities.
  • Failed Boiler Components: Indirect fired hot water tanks are connected to boilers and typically have a circulator or zone valve that directs heat to the hot water heater. If these fail it will interrupt your hot water service. Regular boiler maintenance will help prevent these failures.
 

Professional service and routine maintenance are crucial in preventing and addressing these issues, ensuring your water heater operates safely and efficiently.

Potential Reasons for Replacement:

The primary reasons for replacing an atmospheric, electric, or indirect-fired hot water tank are age and corrosion, which causes leaks. Over time, wear and tear can lead to system failure, and persistent leaks can compromise the integrity of the unit, making replacement the most reliable solution.

If Your Home is in Summit County, Give Us a Call!

We Service the Following Locations:

Blue River

Breckenridge

Copper

Frisco

Wildernest

Silverthorne

Dillon

Summit Cove

Keystone

Montezuma