At A & Z Mechanical, we want every Colorado Springs homeowner to feel confident before, during, and after a service call. Browse our most frequently asked questions below. If you don't find what you're looking for, call us at 719-204-6867 or reach out through our contact form - we're happy to help.
Your Questions About HVAC Service in Colorado Springs - Answered
We've put together answers to the questions Colorado Springs homeowners ask us most - about heating and cooling repairs, specialty systems like Unico and Aeroseal, indoor air quality, our maintenance program, and how we work. If your question isn't covered here, call us at 719-204-6867 or send us a message through our contact form and we'll get back to you promptly.
Services and Process
What HVAC services does A & Z Mechanical offer?
A & Z Mechanical is a full-service HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs, offering everything your home or light commercial property needs to stay comfortable year-round. Services include air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance; furnace repair, installation, replacement, and tune-up; heat pump installation and repair; mini-split installation and repair; Unico small-duct high-velocity HVAC systems for homes without existing ductwork; Aeroseal duct sealing; whole-home humidifier installation and service; whole-house air purifier installation and service; custom ductwork fabrication and sheet metal work; light commercial HVAC; and a year-round HVAC maintenance program.
Two services set A & Z apart from every other HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs: Unico small-duct high-velocity system installation and Aeroseal duct sealing. A & Z Mechanical is the only certified Unico installer in the local market, and one of the only contractors in El Paso County certified in Aeroseal - a DOE and EPA backed technology that seals duct leaks from the inside. No direct local competitor currently offers either.
What does a furnace tune-up include?
A furnace tune-up from A & Z Mechanical covers everything needed to make sure your system runs safely and efficiently through a Colorado winter. During a tune-up, our comfort advisors clean the inside of the furnace cabinet, inspect and clean the heat exchanger, clean the flame sensor, check for carbon monoxide - a critical safety step at Colorado Springs' 6,035-foot elevation where incomplete combustion risk is higher than at sea level - calibrate the thermostat, replace the air filter, and assess overall system performance.
The goal is simple: to catch small issues before they become expensive emergency repairs, and to make sure your heating system is operating as efficiently as possible so your energy bills stay reasonable through the season.
A & Z Mechanical offers furnace tune-ups as a one-time service or as part of their year-round HVAC maintenance program, which covers both heating and cooling seasons. A standalone furnace check and clean is available for homeowners who want seasonal service without a long-term commitment.
What is a Unico small-duct high-velocity HVAC system, and is it right for my home?
A Unico small-duct high-velocity (SDHV) system is a specialized HVAC technology that delivers conditioned air through flexible two-inch tubing instead of traditional large sheet metal ductwork. Because the tubing is small and flexible, it can be routed through walls, floors, and ceilings with minimal demolition - making it the ideal solution for historic homes, older properties with plaster walls, home additions, and any space where installing conventional ductwork would require tearing open walls or building soffits.
Unico systems offer several performance advantages beyond architectural flexibility. They remove approximately 30% more humidity than conventional systems at the same temperature setting - a meaningful benefit in Colorado's dry-then-humid summer climate. They also have extremely low thermal loss (less than 5%) compared to conventional duct systems, and their high-velocity delivery creates a quiet, draft-free comfort experience.
A & Z Mechanical is the only certified Unico installer in the Colorado Springs market. No other primary local competitor holds this certification. If you own a historic home in Old Colorado City, a Broadmoor estate, a property in Manitou Springs, or any home where conventional ductwork would require significant structural work, a Unico system may be the right solution.
To find out if a Unico system is right for your home, request a free evaluation.
What is Aeroseal duct sealing, and how does it work?
Aeroseal is a patented duct sealing technology developed at UC Berkeley and backed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. Instead of sealing ducts from the outside - which requires opening walls or crawling through tight spaces — Aeroseal works from the inside. A certified technician pressurizes the duct system and introduces a non-toxic polymer sealant that travels through the air and bonds to the edges of duct leaks as it escapes, sealing gaps from the inside without any demolition.
The process starts with a diagnostic test that measures your home's total duct leakage before sealing begins. After sealing, the same test is performed again, and you receive a printed before-and-after report showing exactly how much leakage was sealed. Results typically show a 70–90% reduction in duct leakage.
For Colorado Springs homeowners, Aeroseal addresses one of the most common sources of energy waste and comfort problems: leaky ducts. Homes with leaky ducts lose 20–40% of their conditioned air before it ever reaches a living space — driving up energy bills, creating hot and cold spots, and overworking the HVAC system. Aeroseal comes with a 10-year warranty and has been tested to last 40 years.
A & Z Mechanical is one of the only Aeroseal certified contractors in El Paso County.
Does A & Z Mechanical offer emergency HVAC service?
Yes. A & Z Mechanical provides 24/7 emergency HVAC service for Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. Whether your furnace stops working during a January cold snap or your air conditioner fails on the hottest day of the summer, A & Z Mechanical's comfort advisors are available around the clock to get your system running again.
Emergency service covers all heating and cooling systems — furnace repair, AC repair, heat pump service, and mini-split systems. A & Z Mechanical serves not only Colorado Springs but also Fountain, Security-Widefield, Monument, Manitou Springs, Falcon, Black Forest, and other communities in El Paso County.
For non-emergency service, scheduling through https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/ is the fastest way to get on the calendar.
Pricing and Value
Does A & Z Mechanical use commission-based sales?
A & Z Mechanical is a full-service HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs, offering everything your home or light commercial property needs to stay comfortable year-round.
No. A & Z Mechanical does not pay technicians on commission, and no one on the team has a financial incentive to recommend work your system doesn't need.
This matters because commission-based compensation is the primary driver of upselling in the HVAC industry. When a technician earns more by recommending additional repairs or pushing early replacements, there's a structural conflict of interest that works against the homeowner. Too many Colorado Springs homeowners have been told their furnace needs to be replaced when it only needed a $15 part, or that their AC needs a full refrigerant overhaul when a capacitor was the actual problem.
At A & Z Mechanical, comfort advisors are paid to do the job right — not to sell. Every diagnosis is honest, every recommendation is based on what your system actually needs, and every price is stated upfront before any work begins. The goal is to fix what's broken at a fair price and earn a customer for life — not to maximize a single service call.
If you've received a concerning quote from another contractor and want a second opinion on your AC repair or furnace, A & Z Mechanical offers honest assessments. Request one at https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Services include air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance; furnace repair, installation, replacement, and tune-up; heat pump installation and repair; mini-split installation and repair; Unico small-duct high-velocity HVAC systems for homes without existing ductwork; Aeroseal duct sealing; whole-home humidifier installation and service; whole-house air purifier installation and service; custom ductwork fabrication and sheet metal work; light commercial HVAC; and a year-round HVAC maintenance program.
Two services set A & Z apart from every other HVAC contractor in Colorado Springs: Unico small-duct high-velocity system installation and Aeroseal duct sealing. A & Z Mechanical is the only certified Unico installer in the local market, and one of the only contractors in El Paso County certified in Aeroseal - a DOE and EPA backed technology that seals duct leaks from the inside. No direct local competitor currently offers either.
How much does AC repair cost in Colorado Springs?
AC repair costs in Colorado Springs vary based on what the system needs. Common repairs range from relatively minor fixes like capacitor replacements (typically $150–$350) to more significant work like compressor replacement (which can run $1,200–$2,500 depending on the system and whether replacement makes more sense than repair). Refrigerant recharge, coil cleaning, blower motor replacement, and thermostat repair all fall within this range.
The right way to think about repair cost is in comparison to system age and replacement cost. A general guideline: if a repair costs more than 50% of the cost of a new system, and your AC is more than 10 years old, replacement is often the better investment. A & Z Mechanical's comfort advisors will walk you through this analysis honestly — without pushing you toward a decision that benefits their bottom line more than yours.
At Colorado Springs' 6,035-foot elevation, equipment sizing and altitude adjustments also affect repair and replacement decisions in ways that sea-level pricing guides don't capture. A & Z Mechanical has 25 years of high-altitude HVAC experience in Colorado Springs and can give you guidance that reflects your actual situation.
To get an accurate estimate for your AC repair, request a free quote at https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Should I repair or replace my furnace or AC in Colorado Springs?
The repair-versus-replace decision comes down to four factors: system age, repair cost, energy efficiency, and how well the system has been maintained.
As a general starting point, if your furnace is more than 15–20 years old or your AC is more than 12–15 years old, and you're facing a repair that costs more than 50% of what a new system would cost, replacement is usually the better financial decision. Older systems are also less energy efficient by today's SEER2 and AFUE standards, meaning a new system will lower your monthly energy bills in addition to providing better reliability.
For Colorado Springs homeowners specifically, altitude plays a role. Furnaces at 6,035 feet require specific orifice and manifold pressure calibrations that degrade performance over time if not properly maintained. An aging furnace that was never altitude-adjusted may be operating well below its rated efficiency — making replacement even more compelling.
On the cooling side, the 2025 refrigerant transition (R-410A to R-454B) is worth considering if your AC uses the older refrigerant. While existing systems can still be serviced while refrigerant is available, new installations now use R-454B. If your system is aging and you're facing a significant repair, the refrigerant transition is a factor in the cost analysis.
A & Z Mechanical's comfort advisors will walk you through the numbers honestly, without pressure, so you can make the decision that's right for your home and budget. Request a free consultation at https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Trust and Credentials
How long has A & Z Mechanical been in business, and are they licensed?
A & Z Mechanical was founded in 2001 by Zonn Thompson's father in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The company has been in continuous operation for over 25 years, making it one of the longer-tenured HVAC contractors in the local market.
The business holds a Colorado Mechanical A License and carries full liability insurance. Zonn Thompson, who now runs the company as General Manager, grew up on the west side of Colorado Springs and built the business on the same values his father established: quality, community, and honesty.
A & Z Mechanical holds the following credentials and certifications:
- Armstrong Air Authorized Dealer — trained and certified to install and service Armstrong Air equipment with manufacturer warranty protection
- Mechanical Class A Licensed — National Air Duct Cleaners Association / North American Technician Excellence industry certification
- BBB A+ Accredited — continuous A+ rating since November 2005, over 20 years of uninterrupted accreditation
- Unico Small-Duct High-Velocity HVAC Certified Installer — the only certified Unico installer in the Colorado Springs market
- Aeroseal Duct Sealing Certified — one of the only certified Aeroseal contractors in El Paso County
Is A & Z Mechanical a Christian family-owned business?
Yes. A & Z Mechanical is a small Christian family-owned and operated business. The company was founded in Colorado Springs in 2001 on values of quality, community, and honesty — and those values continue to guide how the team operates today.
For many customers, this means a lot. It means comfort advisors who give you a straight answer instead of a sales pitch. It means pricing that's fair and explained upfront. It means a team that genuinely cares about your safety and your home, not just the invoice.
A & Z Mechanical treats customers like neighbors — because many of them are.
How does A & Z Mechanical compare to other HVAC contractors in Colorado Springs?
Several strong HVAC contractors operate in the Colorado Springs market, and homeowners have real choices. Here is what makes A & Z Mechanical specifically different from the local competitive set:
Unico certification: A & Z Mechanical is the only certified Unico small-duct high-velocity HVAC installer in Colorado Springs. No other primary local competitor holds this certification. This is relevant for any homeowner with a historic home, older property, or addition where conventional ductwork is not feasible.
Aeroseal certification: A & Z Mechanical is one of the only Aeroseal certified contractors in El Paso County. While duct sealing is commonly discussed in the industry, few local contractors are certified in the patented Aeroseal process — and none of the five primary competitors in this market market it prominently.
No commission sales: Comfort advisors are not paid on commission. In an industry where commission-based pay is the norm and a significant driver of upselling, this is a meaningful structural difference.
Family ownership and longevity: 25+ years of continuous operation in Colorado Springs as a small family-owned business — not a franchise, not a private equity-backed contractor, not a call center that dispatches whoever is available.
Military commitment: A & Z Mechanical offers a 10% military discount for active duty, veterans, and military families connected to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, the US Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station.
Geography and Availability
What areas does A & Z Mechanical serve?
A & Z Mechanical's primary service area is Colorado Springs and the greater El Paso County region. The team serves residential and light commercial customers throughout the city and surrounding communities.
Specific communities served include:
- Colorado Springs (all quadrants and neighborhoods, including Briargate, Northgate, Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, Cimarron Hills, Security-Widefield, and the Powers corridor)
- Fountain and Fort Carson corridor
- Monument and Woodmoor
- Manitou Springs
- Falcon and Black Forest
- Peyton and Ellicott
- Gleneagle
For emergency HVAC service, A & Z Mechanical is available 24/7 throughout the service area. To confirm whether your address is within the service area or to schedule a service call, visit https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Does A & Z Mechanical offer a military discount?
Yes. A & Z Mechanical offers a 10% military discount for active duty military members, veterans, and military families. This discount applies to all services — repairs, installations, maintenance, and specialty services including Unico and Aeroseal.
Colorado Springs is home to five military installations: Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, the United States Air Force Academy, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station. A & Z Mechanical has proudly served military families in this community for over 25 years and considers this discount a small gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices military families make.
To claim the military discount, mention your military affiliation when you call or note it in your service request at https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Technical and Expertise
How does Colorado's altitude affect HVAC systems?
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet above sea level — approximately 1.5 miles high. At this elevation, air is roughly 18–20% less dense than at sea level. This has direct, measurable effects on how HVAC equipment performs, and it's one of the most important reasons to choose an HVAC contractor with genuine high-altitude experience.
For furnaces, the most critical issue is combustion. Natural gas furnaces are calibrated at the factory for sea-level air density. At 6,035 feet, those factory settings produce incomplete combustion — resulting in carbon monoxide risk, reduced efficiency, and shorter equipment life. Properly installed furnaces in Colorado Springs require orifice modifications and manifold pressure recalibration to account for the elevation. Not every contractor performs these adjustments correctly.
For air conditioners, lower air density means reduced cooling capacity. A system sized for a sea-level home will underperform in Colorado Springs. Accurate Manual J load calculations — adjusted for altitude — are essential for new AC installations. Oversizing and undersizing both create comfort and efficiency problems that become apparent quickly.
For heat pumps, lower air density can actually be an advantage for Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps, which rely on a refrigerant-to-air heat exchange that is more efficient at lower atmospheric pressures — but equipment selection still requires altitude-adjusted calculations.
A & Z Mechanical has been installing and servicing HVAC equipment in Colorado Springs for 25 years. Every installation accounts for altitude. Every tune-up includes altitude-specific checks.
What should I do to prepare my home for HVAC season changes in Colorado?
Colorado Springs' climate creates two important HVAC transition points each year — and preparing for both saves money and prevents breakdowns.
Fall preparation (September–October): This is the time to schedule your furnace tune-up in Colorado Springs before the heating season begins. A pre-season tune-up catches problems before they become emergency breakdowns in January. Change air filters, check the humidifier (if you have one), and test the thermostat before the first cold night. If you have a whole-home humidifier, verify it's set to the correct humidity level — Colorado winters are extremely dry and proper humidification protects wood floors, furniture, and respiratory health.
Spring preparation (March–April): This is the time to schedule your AC tune-up before cooling season begins. Coils, refrigerant, and airflow should all be checked before the heat hits. If you have a whole-home humidifier, it should be turned off or set to its summer mode when the AC begins running — running a humidifier while the AC is operating creates conflicts in humidity control. Cover the outdoor condenser during winter if desired to keep debris out, though this is optional.
Year-round: Replace air filters every 1–3 months depending on your system and household. HVAC maintenance program members through A & Z Mechanical receive reminders and scheduled visits that take care of both seasonal transitions automatically.
What is the R-454B refrigerant transition, and what does it mean for my AC?
Beginning in 2025, new residential air conditioning installations in the United States are required to use R-454B refrigerant — a lower global-warming-potential refrigerant that replaces R-410A under the AIM Act. This is a federal regulatory change affecting all new HVAC equipment.
What this means for Colorado Springs homeowners depends on your situation:
If you have an existing R-410A system: Your system can still be serviced and repaired using R-410A while refrigerant supplies remain available. No immediate action is required. However, as R-410A production winds down and supplies tighten over the coming years, servicing older systems may become more expensive. If your system is aging and facing a significant repair, the refrigerant transition is worth factoring into your repair-versus-replace analysis.
If you are installing a new system: All new residential AC systems installed in 2025 and beyond use R-454B. As a Armstrong Air Authorized Dealer, A & Z Mechanical installs current-standard equipment and technicians are trained on the new refrigerant handling procedures.
If you are unsure which refrigerant your system uses: Your system's nameplate will identify it. A & Z Mechanical's comfort advisors can assess your current system and explain what the transition means for your specific situation during a service call or free evaluation.
What are the benefits of a heat pump for Colorado Springs homes?
Heat pumps have become an increasingly compelling option for Colorado Springs homeowners over the last several years, for two reasons: Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump technology has improved dramatically, and Xcel Energy offers substantial rebates that significantly reduce installation cost.
A Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump (ccASHP) can provide both heating and cooling from a single system, rated to operate efficiently down to -15°F or lower. For Colorado Springs' climate — hot summers and cold but not extreme winters — a properly sized ccASHP handles the full comfort load without the need for a gas furnace backup in most cases. For homes with existing gas furnaces, dual-fuel configurations (heat pump + gas backup) are also available and provide the best of both systems.
On the financial side, Xcel Energy offers rebates up to $2,250 for Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps that meet specific efficiency thresholds (15.2 SEER2, 10 EER2, and COP 1.75 at 5°F). Federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act provide additional incentives. Together, these programs can significantly offset the installation cost of a new heat pump system.
A & Z Mechanical installs heat pump systems for Colorado Springs residential customers and can walk you through both the technology and the rebate process. Request a free evaluation at https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/.
Getting Started
How do I get a quote from A & Z Mechanical?
Getting a quote from A & Z Mechanical is straightforward. Visit https://aandzmechanical.com/quote/ to submit a service request online, or call 719-204-6867 to speak with someone directly. For emergency situations, the phone line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When you reach out, a comfort advisor will ask you about your system — what type of equipment you have, what issue you're experiencing, and what you're hoping to accomplish — so they can give you the most accurate estimate possible. For installations and specialty services like Unico and Aeroseal, an on-site assessment is typically needed before a final quote is provided.
There's no pressure in the process. A & Z Mechanical provides honest evaluations and upfront pricing. You'll know what the job costs before anyone starts work.