A-1 Mechanical Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Why Is My Heating Bill So High?

Friday, October 14th, 2022

Why at Causes a High Heating Bill?

Heating

A sudden rise in your monthly energy costs can be caused by a number of reasons. The most common causes that lead to unexpectedly high heating bills are:

  • Colder outdoor temperatures than what’s typical for the area
  • Lack of heating system maintenance
  • Air leaks in the home
  • Poor insulation
  • Dirty furnace filters

Top Ways to Lower Heating Bills

These energy-saving strategies help homeowners improve home energy efficiency to lower heating bills.

Schedule a Preventative Maintenance Tune-Up

Ideally, before the busy heating season arrives, schedule a preventive maintenance tune-up for your Lansing or Grand Rapids heating system in the fall. Gas furnaces, electric furnaces, heat pumps – no matter your heating system type, a maintenance tune-up helps the system function more efficiently throughout the season.

Seal Ducts

The average Lansing and Grand Rapids area home loses 20 to 30 percent of its heated air through duct leaks. Damage, gaps, loose fittings, and disconnected sections allow heated air to escape before it reaches your rooms while letting chilly air into the ducts.

Because of this loss, the heating system compensates by expending more energy to replace the heat lost. This extra heat production uses 20 to 30 percent more energy. Duct repair eliminates these costly leaks to lower your heating and cooling costs significantly.

Seal Air Leaks

An issue that homeowners often overlook is the amount of air they lose through air leaks. Heated air is also able to escape through other areas of the home, such as:

  • Windows and doors that don’t shut tightly
  • Gaps and cracks around window frames and door jambs
  • Vent, piping, or wiring holes through exterior walls
  • Uninsulated or under-insulated attics, basements, and crawl spaces

To reduce heat loss, air leak sealing is a must. Add weatherstripping to all exterior doorways. Seal windows and door frames both indoors and out. Seal around the exterior wall penetrations outdoors as well as on the interior of the wall. This will help your home to keep in its heated air and help keep your monthly energy bill down.

Improve Insulation

Heating and cooling your home can be a significant expense, particularly if your home is not well insulated. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their homes are not as energy efficient as they could be. Older homes are especially prone to this problem, as they were often built before modern insulation standards were put in place.

As a result, upgrading your insulation can be a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and lower your monthly electric bills and heating costs. In addition, proper insulation can help to reduce noise levels and create a more comfortable living environment.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

We’ve met many homeowners who bought a smart thermostat at a big box store and found it doesn’t work well with their existing system. For example, do you have a single-speed or variable-speed system? It makes a difference in which smart thermostat is best for your home and we can help you find the right one. The addition of a programmable thermostat can help bring your costs lower than the typical electric bill.

Curious about modern thermostats? Call us, and we’ll send a Comfort Consultant to your home. They will evaluate your current HVAC system, ask you about your energy goals, and recommend a thermostat.

Change Your Furnace Filter

Dirty furnace filters block the flow of air through your heating system. This forces the blower motor to expend more energy to pull air through the system and push heated air into your living areas.

Avoid this problem when you regularly replace your furnace filter. How often depends on the type of filter, heating usage, and other factors specific to your home. Most people get by with furnace filter changes every two to three months.

Upgrade Your Heating Unit

If you’re among the millions of Americans who’ve been hit hard by high heating bills this winter, you may be looking for ways to lower your costs. One option you may want to consider is installing a new furnace or heat pump. Though the initial investment may be higher than simply continuing to use your current system, new furnaces and heat pumps are much more energy efficient.

This means that they’ll use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in lower monthly bills. Additionally, newer models are often able to better maintain a consistent temperature, which can also help to reduce costs.

Put an End to Expensive Heating Bills

If you’re wondering why is my heating bill so high, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with high energy bills in the winter. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help lower your costs and make your home more comfortable.

Get in Contact with A-1 Mechanical Today

Contact us today for assistance making energy-saving improvements to your home. We’ll work with you to create a plan that fits your needs and helps you save money on your heating bill this winter.

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HVAC Options for Older Homes in Michigan

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022

What Makes an Older Home Different?

HVAC in Older Houses

The first thing to consider is exactly how old your home is. If your home was built before the 1950s, there is a good chance it does not have the ductwork needed for today’s HVAC systems. This eliminates traditional central air conditioning and heating systems as a viable method for your home’s heating and cooling needs unless you want to spend thousands of extra dollars on having a new duct system installed.

We are well aware of the difficulties of living in an old house and have come up with the best solutions to optimize an older home’s heating and air conditioning system.

Ductless System

A solution we often recommend for homeowners in older homes is a ductless system, also called a mini-split system. As the name suggests, these HVAC systems do not use any ductwork at all! Ductless systems use individual air handler units in each room; this allows for complete control over the temperature in separate spaces or “zones.”

Since there is no need for ductwork, homeowners of older houses absolutely love the convenience of ductless HVAC systems. When paired with a heat pump, they can also be used for both your home’s heating and cooling while helping to cut back on your monthly electric bills.

Ductless mini-split systems are versatile and can be operated on a by-room basis. This is because each “zone” has its own thermostat that can be controlled independently of the others. If you do not want a particular room to have heating or cooling, but the rest of the house should, you can simply adjust the temperature in that room. This also makes them energy efficient and one of our favorite modern HVAC options.

High-Velocity HVAC System

In today’s homes, ductwork is usually in areas of the house that we cannot see. Meaning, that if your home was not built with the intention of having central heating and cooling, then you probably do not have the space necessary to make ducts work.

Fortunately, high-velocity systems operate differently, using dedicated units connected to “mini-ducts.” Unfortunately, high-velocity systems also typically come with a price tag that is higher than ductless systems.

High-velocity HVAC systems are similar to traditional HVAC systems in that they provide heating or cooling using a heat pump or compressor and then distribute the air into a home’s living areas. The most significant difference is how the air is distributed in a high-velocity system.

Instead of traditional ductwork, high-velocity HVAC systems use much smaller tubes and vents, which are about 5 inches in diameter and much smaller than vents that are about 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

Using the smaller tubes and vents allows them to need less space in the home to be effective, making them a perfect choice for an older home that cannot support modern-day HVAC systems. Homeowners also love that the smaller size allows them to be better hidden in the home, adding to the home’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Why Trust A-1 Mechanical?

When dealing with something as important as your home’s heating and cooling, you do not want to work with just any company you find on Facebook. A-1 Mechanical has been one of the most trusted HVAC companies in the area for years. We have built a solid reputation for high-quality work and fantastic customer service.

Older homes can be tricky to work on and, and when installation is performed incorrectly, it could result in irreversible damage, which is why it is crucial to work with an experienced company that has done it before. Our team is well-versed in HVAC solutions for older homes and would love to help walk you through the process and get you exactly what you need.

Contact Us Today

If you are ready to upgrade your home with a new HVAC system from the state’s premier HVAC company, do not hesitate to reach out!

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and schedule an appointment!

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How Come My Heat Pump Cycles on and Off?

Wednesday, March 30th, 2022
Heat Pump

The extreme temperature changes in both the spring and fall time mean that for most Michigan homeowners, a working heat pump is more than just a comfort. It is a necessity. This is why we believe it is so important to never be in a position where your heat pump may be compromised. At A-1 Mechanical, we are eager to help homeowners understand how heat pumps work. We also strive to answer every day questions and understand the issues they can cause, like short cycling. However, we understand that you’re not an HVAC expert and may have questions yourself, such as: “Why does my heat pump cycle on and off?” We’ll explain.

What Is Heat Pump Short Cycling?

Simply put, when a heat pump short cycles it is able to turn on, but it does not complete its full cycle. This causes the heat pump to quickly shut down and turn back on again. This eventually can turn into a vicious cycle that leaves your heat pump in worse shape due to excessive wear and tear from turning off and on too frequently.

Reasons a Heat Pump Can Short Cycle

Like any machine in your home that receives daily use, there are a plethora of reasons why your heat pump is short cycling. A few of them include:

Faulty Electrical Components

Trouble with the electric control board that controls your home’s HVAC system is a common cause of heat pump short cycling. The electric control board not only is in sync with your home’s thermostat, but it is in complete charge of when your HVAC system turns on or off.

There could be a number of electrical connection issues or faulty components that are causing the short cycling issue. Regardless, get in contact with an experienced technician before tackling any of the electrical problems you may be having.

Any blown fuses or problems with your home’s breaker board could also affect your heat pump’s ability to perform.

Thermostat Issues

While we are all about smart home automation and upgrading your home into the 21st century, new home technology is not without its faults. A thermostat leaves plenty of room for error. So, if you begin to notice your heat pump short cycling, there is a chance your thermostat is not working as it should, causing the heat pump to turn on and off uncontrollably.

An easy way to check on the status of your thermostat is to check its batteries and connections. An issue with either of those things could lead to short cycling.

Low Refrigerant Levels

You may notice that your heat pump is not keeping your home as cool as you would like it. This could be due to a low level of refrigerant. This can add extra stress to your unit and not allow it to work as optimally as it should, leading to short cycling.

Clogged Air Filter

A dirty or clogged air filter can greatly impact the efficiency of your heat pump. When the level of dust and other contaminants is too high in a filter, your heat pump is unable to perform, which can lead to short cycling. Swapping out your air filters often can help prevent this and further issues with your machine.

What to Do when Your Heat Pump Short Cycles

Once you have come to the conclusion that what your heat pump is doing is in fact short cycling, you have a couple of options.

If the issue is easily recognizable, such as issues with the thermostat’s battery or connection, then you may be able to solve the problem yourself. However, we almost always recommend contacting a team of professionals that you can trust if your heat pump is short cycling. Your home is one of the most important things in life, so don’t trust just anyone with it.

Choose A-1 Mechanical for Any Heat Pump Problems

A-1 Mechanical has been serving the Lansing and Grand Rapids community with pride for years and are excited to continue to do so. With the industry standard for technology and the best team of technicians in the business, we are excited to have the opportunity to show you the difference of working with the best.

If you are experiencing any issues with your heat pump or HVAC system, don’t hesitate to give us a call or schedule an appointment. We are eager and ready to serve you and keep your home safe and comfortable!

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How to Install HVAC Zone Control Dampers

Tuesday, March 1st, 2022
HVAC Zone Control

For far too many homes, some areas of the house will be the perfect temperature, while other rooms suffer from hot and cold spots creating an uneven temperature throughout the room. This is a frustrating issue that can not only cause discomfort but also much higher heating and cooling bills.

In the latest blog post from A-1 Mechanical, we’ll discuss how an HVAC zone control system can fix these issues with dampers, as well as how they’re installed. For more helpful information about HVAC zone control dampers, reach out to A-1 Mechanical.

What Are HVAC Zone Control Dampers?

Zone control dampers allow heated or cooled air to spread amongst the rooms in your home, leading to more even and regulated temperatures. Zone dampers are plates that are used to redirect air to all areas of the home, ensuring that warm or cool air reaches the areas that it is supposed to.

In an HVAC system without zone dampers, air freely flows through your ductwork and out of the vents within your home. This can cause uneven distribution, as there is not any equipment in place that could otherwise ensure that all areas of the home receive the same access to the air from your heating and cooling system.

Why Should You Install HVAC Zone Control Dampers?

A zone control system offers significant energy savings, as your HVAC system won’t need to stay on as long in order to bring your home to the set temperature. As heated and cooled air is evenly distributed throughout the home, a zone control system makes it much easier for the house to reach your set temperature.

In addition to the energy savings, you’ll also find that a zone control system can affect the comfort of your home. For homes that struggle with hot and cold spots, dampers can provide a very effective solution. Zone control systems help to keep each room of the home at the same temperature.

Installing HVAC Zone Control Dampers

Installing zone control dampers is a job that is, ideally, left up to professional HVAC system technicians. There are many things to consider, such as the size of your ducts, the type of dampers that your ductwork requires, the location of the dampers, and more.

When you contact an experienced professional to install your zone control dampers, they’ll help answer any questions you might have. They’ll provide the best location for the dampers, as well as the best type of dampers, to provide the best results. Once you’ve had a zone control system installed into your HVAC system, you’ll notice an upgrade in energy efficiency. When you control airflow to all the rooms in your house, you’ll notice a decrease in heating and cooling costs because you won’t waste energy heating unoccupied rooms. Some zone control systems include their own thermostat, or all the dampers can be controlled with a central control panel.

There are a lot of different features and options available for zone control systems. If you’re interested in upgrading your HVAC equipment, talk to the professional technicians at A-1 Mechanical to learn more about For HVAC zone control damper installation in the Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI areas.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for HVAC Zone Control Dampers

Keeping all areas of your home the same temperature is key to a safe, happy, and healthy household. Installing HVAC zone control dampers can be exactly what your home needs to increase comfort and safety levels.

Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of dampers, or to schedule an appointment for installation services.

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When Should I Replace My Furnace?

Friday, January 28th, 2022
New Furnace

With winter approaching, the last thing Grand Rapids area homeowners want to encounter is a lack of heat. To avoid this cold weather crisis, there is one important question you should be asking – when should I replace my furnace? The heating professionals at A-1 Mechanical explain the expected service life of this equipment and how to determine when replacement is needed.

How Long Does a Furnace Last?

While no two furnaces are alike, this type of equipment does have an average expected service life. Knowing how many years you can anticipate using your current system is helpful.

  • Gas furnaces usually last between 15 to 20 years.
  • Electric furnaces typically last between 20 to 30 years.

The reason electric furnaces tend to run longer than gas units is that electric models are usually more durable, and they don’t require as much maintenance. When choosing a new efficient furnace or heating system to purchase and install at home, you want to consider expected service life as well as other important factors, such as utility costs.

When Should I Replace My Furnace?

Additionally, you don’t want to use average service life as the only factor in your decision to replace your electric or natural gas furnace. The actual lifespan of any furnace unit is greatly impacted by factors including:

  • Household heating habits
  • Indoor air quality
  • Furnace maintenance regularity
  • System sizing
  • Equipment quality
  • Installation quality

Depending on the factors above, your furnace’s service life could exceed the average range – or fail to come close to it. As you decide whether or not to replace your furnace, consider the following furnace attributes:

  • Did your furnace receive a professional tune up each year? Units that receive regular preventative maintenance are often found to last to the upper limit of the average service life range or even beyond it. Maintenance tune ups counteract wear and tear damage as well as other system issues that can take your furnace out of service sooner. If you have skipped on regular maintenance, your furnace may not last as long as the average unit.
  • How do you use your furnace? If you like to keep your home at 73 degrees in the winter, the unit will run longer than a furnace in a home kept around 68 degrees for the season. It experiences more run time and more wear and tear which can lead to an earlier breakdown.
  • What’s your home’s air quality like? If your home has a high level of dust and other types of particle pollution, these contaminants can harm the furnace and cause it to break down sooner than a unit in a home with less indoor air pollution.
  • What was your experience when you first had the furnace installed? Did you work with a licensed contractor who sized the new furnace correctly? A furnace that is too big or too small for the home will fail sooner than a unit that is the correct capacity. Installation quality can affect the longevity of a furnace, which is why it is so important to hire a licensed, qualified HVAC contractor to perform this work. Also, not all furnaces are created equal – some brands and models are more budget-friendly, but they may not have the durability that a more expensive unit can offer, causing them to fail sooner than the alternatives.


Furnace Replacement Warning Signs

With the above information in mind, you should also be aware of the warning signs a furnace can give that tell you replacement is needed soon. Observe your HVAC system, and see if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Higher heating bills without explanation. Furnaces lose efficiency as the years go on, causing energy bills to rise. Also, older models likely don’t offer the initial efficiency ratings as available through current equipment, meaning it costs you more to keep using that old furnace than if you were using a new heating unit. If your heating costs have gone up each year without another explanation like increased use or higher fuel costs, an aging furnace is a likely culprit. Consider ongoing costs to heat the home when considering installing a more efficient heating system.
  • It’s difficult to keep the home comfortable. Struggling furnaces are notorious for poor comfort control, causing symptoms such as uneven heating, not enough heat, and cold spots throughout the home. Sometimes the root of these issues can be repaired, but if poor comfort control isn’t your only symptom, you likely need to replace your furnace.
  • Frequent repairs. Furnaces typically need more repairs in their final two years of life. If you’ve called us for furnace repair more often over the last year or more, it’s time to figure out a replacement plan.
  • Costly repairs. If your furnace needs expensive repair work, sometimes repairs aren’t the best option. If the needed furnace repairs total around half the cost of a new system, or more, you may decide this money is better spent investing in a new furnace. Due to the expense, weigh major repair needs before you decide whether to replace your furnace.


Furnace Replacement in Grand Rapids, MI

Trying to decide when it’s best to repair or replace your furnace can be a difficult decision to make. However, no matter what you decide, the heating and air conditioning pros at A-1 Mechanical are ready to help. We’ll help you know when it’s time to replace your furnace to ensure that you can keep your house warm for many years to come.

Contact our team today to learn more about furnace options and request an estimate for furnace replacement in your home.

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Will I Be Able to Buy a Furnace This Winter?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives over the past two years, including our ability to buy HVAC equipment.

A slowdown in production of heating and air conditioning equipment, due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and higher demands, have led to a shortage in HVAC materials. Because there’s a high demand for HVAC equipment and a shortage of supplies, it may take longer for your local heating and cooling company to obtain the necessary parts needed to repair or replace your heating equipment this winter. Prices for new parts may also increase.

A-1 Mechanical is constantly monitoring the shortage, and hopes to share good news in the coming months when demand and supply begin to regulate. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the HVAC shortage or would like to contact us for services, contact A-1 Mechanical today.

What You Can Do During the HVAC Shortage

There are a few things homeowners can do during the HVAC shortage to ensure they have a working heating system throughout the winter.

1. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Even if you’ve never scheduled HVAC maintenance in the past, now is the time to consider doing so. During a tune up, our technicians clean and inspect all necessary parts to ensure everything is operating properly and efficiently. We can also identify and fix smaller issues before they lead to something more serious and expensive, including a total system breakdown. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your heating system lasts through the cold Michigan winter.

2. Make Necessary Repairs

Has your heating system exhibited any signs of issues lately such as loud noises, strange smells, poor performance or reduced indoor air quality? If so, consider contacting an HVAC professional to take a look at your furnace. Waiting too long can result in a major repair or complete system breakdown, leaving you stranded without heat in the winter. Repairing the issue now will prevent more serious issues from occurring down the line, and give us time to order the appropriate replacement parts.

3. Consider Buying a New Furnace

If you have an older, inefficient heating system, consider replacement services now. Although it may take time for your new system to come in, it’s still a good idea to get the process started early instead of waiting until there’s an emergency and your heating system stops working on one of the coldest days of the year. Some of the signs you may need a new furnace include:

  • The system is more than 15 years old
  • Strange smells or noises
  • Short cycling
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Rising energy bills
  • Cold sports around the house


Contact A-1 Mechanical for Reliable Heating Services

We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. We will do everything we can to ensure you have a properly functioning furnace this winter. If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

When you turn on the heat in your Grand Rapids area home, do you notice an odd odor wafting from your vents? If so, you’re probably wondering: “Why does my furnace smell?” A-1 Mechanical is here to help you decode furnace odors you may experience this heating season, including what each type of odor means and when these smells indicate possible troubles with your heating system.

Why Does My Furnace Smell?

When a funky odor comes out of your vents, try not to panic! Furnace odors are not always a cause for concern, and certain smells are completely normal. Decode the furnace odor you experience using our guide below – with this helpful information, you’ll know when to call us for help and when you can relax and let the odor pass.

Decoding Strange Furnace Smells

There are many different odors that cause homeowners to question why their furnace smells? Below, find the potential causes of common furnace odors that may pop up over the course of this year’s heating season.

Burning Smell

A burning smell from the furnace is quite common the very first time the furnace is used in the late fall.

Burning odors when you first start the furnace each year occur as the furnace burns off the fine layer of dust that has settled on internal system components, such as the burners or heat exchanger, over the off season. This odor can be more noticeable if you haven’t had your furnace professionally tuned up for the year, as cleaning is a part of this service. Usually, the odor should resolve after an hour or so if it is caused by the dust layer burning off – if the smell of burning persists, call us for furnace repair to diagnose the source of the odor.

Aside from burning dust, burning odors from a furnace can also be caused by overheated components inside the unit, including wiring or a motor that’s burning out. These burning odors can also smell metallic or similar to burning plastic, rubber, or oil.

Rotten Egg Smell

If you have a natural gas furnace, beware of the rotten egg smell inside your home. This odor indicates a possible gas leak somewhere in the system that is allowing the escaped natural gas to mix with the air supply and circulate into your home. Utility providers add an odorant to natural gas so that people can easily identify it in case of a leak, as natural gas naturally has no smell.

If you smell rotten eggs when using your furnace, shut off your furnace immediately, get all occupants out of the house, and call your gas utility provider to identify the source of the leak. If the furnace is determined to be the source of your natural gas leak, call us for furnace repair. Do not use the furnace again until it has been inspected, serviced, and cleared for use by a heating professional.

Chemical Smell

If you smell an odd yet sweet odor reminiscent of formaldehyde, it is possible that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked. A rattling noise noticed along with this odor is a strong indicator of this problem. A cracked heat exchanger can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to mix with heated air and enter your home, exposing your family.

When this smell occurs, evacuate the home immediately. Once everyone is in a safe location, call us to have your furnace repaired. Do not reenter the home until a professional alerts you that it is safe to do so.

Furnace Repairs in Grand Rapids, MI

Why does my furnace smell? Hopefully if you notice furnace odors this winter, you’ll be able to easily decode them with our guide above. If you experience furnace odors that are a cause for concern as mentioned in this article or notice a smell not listed here, call A-1 Mechanical to request an appointment with an HVAC technician for furnace repair in your Grand Rapids area home.

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What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Heating

The winter air in the Grand Rapids area is naturally drier due to lower outdoor temperatures. Because air isn’t able to hold as much moisture at lower temperatures than when it’s warm, this season is notorious for dry winter air issues in the home.

If you use a humidifier to combat dry air indoors, you may be wondering: “What should I set my humidistat to during the winter months?” A-1 Mechanical shares professional advice for home indoor humidity management this winter, including ideal humidistat settings.

What Is a Humidistat?

First, let’s explain what a humidistat is. A humidistat is a control used for humidity monitoring and to adjust the output of home humidifiers. This device is also sometimes called a hygrometer, which is technically a device that only monitors indoor humidity levels and doesn’t control an appliance.

Think of a humidistat as a thermostat for your whole home humidifier. It shows you a current humidity reading like a thermostat shows the temperature. It also allows you to adjust the use of the humidifier, just as the thermostat allows you to control the use of your heating and air conditioning system.

What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

You might have heard that the ideal relative humidity for a home is between 30 to 50 percent – and this is generally correct in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This time of year, keeping relative humidity all the way up to 50 percent can lead to moisture problems indoors, causing condensation on window panes, window framing, and other surfaces.

In the winter when the air is quite cold, keeping your indoor relative humidity level below 30 percent may be more appropriate. Ideal indoor humidity levels really depend on the outdoor air temperature.

  • If the temperature outdoors is around -10 degrees, set your humidistat at 20 percent.
  • When the outdoor temperature is near 0 degrees, use a humidistat setting of 25 percent.
  • For outdoor temperatures around 10 degrees, set the humidistat to 30 percent.
  • At an outdoor temperature around 20 degrees, a 35 percent humidistat setting is appropriate.
  • For an outdoor temperature near 30 degrees, set your humidistat at 40 percent.


If you are unable to track the outdoor temperatures day after day, you can find the ideal humidity settings for your home by observing conditions and adjusting the humidistat appropriately. Start with a relative humidity set between the typical 30 to 50 percent. If you notice condensation forming on walls, windows, or other surfaces in the home, adjust your humidistat settings downward to lower the indoor relative humidity level. Lower the relative humidity settings as needed to achieve the ideal indoor humidity conditions for your home and the current outdoor temperature.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Installation of a Whole House Humidifier

With professional advice from A-1 Mechanical, we hope you’ll be able to easily manage indoor relative humidity levels all through the season! If your home suffers from low humidity in the winter, a whole home humidifier is an excellent solution that will allow you to effortlessly add moisture to your home’s air and achieve a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the winter months. For whole home humidifier installation in Grand Rapids, MI, call A-1 Mechanical today!

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What Are the Different Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems?

Monday, November 22nd, 2021
HVAC Filters

As a homeowner, you should already know that replacing your HVAC system’s air filter on a regular basis is important to the longevity of your equipment, system energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. When shopping for a replacement air filter, you may feel overwhelmed with the many different types of HVAC filters available for use with your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. A-1 Mechanical introduces you to the different types of air filters and explains which one might be best for your home.

Efficiency Ratings of Air Filters

Before we get into the different air filters you can purchase, let’s talk about filter efficiency. All types of air filters use MERV ratings to measure their performance efficiency. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and this number tells you how effective a particular filter is at removing airborne particles of a certain size. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter’s performance when removing small pollutant particles.

For air filters that are suitable for use in residential heating and cooling systems, MERV ratings range from 1 to about 13. Though the MERV scale goes all the way up to 20, at a certain point the efficiency of a filter can begin to restrict airflow in an HVAC system which can cause more harm than good. MERV 17 to 20 filters should only be used in commercial buildings and specific environments, while MERV 14 to 16 filters may be used in a residential air cleaner that works alongside the home’s HVAC system.

Typically, new forced air HVAC equipment will come with a standard 1-inch disposable filter that has a MERV rating between 1 to 4. These are the least efficient types of air filters available. Upgrading to a higher MERV filter can provide better protection for your heating and cooling system as well as better contaminant control for improved indoor air quality.

Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

There are several different air filter types you can use in your home’s heating or air conditioning system. Each type has its own pros and cons, so familiarize yourself with the options before you shop for replacement filters.

  • Fiberglass filters: Fiberglass filters use fiberglass material to filter out airborne particles passing through the HVAC system. These air filters are the most budget-friendly option, but their performance is often found lacking by some homeowners. Fiberglass filters have low MERV ratings and are not very effective for removing small particulate matter from the indoor air supply. Also, they need to be replaced more frequently than other types of air filters.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated filters use a cotton or polyester fiber material for filtration. The material is folded into pleats, providing more surface area to trap contaminant particles. This choice is typically a bit more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they are more efficient for removing finer particles from the air as their MERV ratings tend to run in the middle of the road for residential HVAC filters, giving users a longer filter life compared to lower quality options.
  • Washable filters: If you’re concerned about waste, you may opt to use a washable filter for your HVAC system. These types of air filters can be reused over and over again – instead of throwing the used filter away and installing a new one, just wash and dry this filter and use it again! These types of air filters are better for the environment because their use reduces waste, which also allows users to save money on purchasing disposable replacement filters. They do have lower MERV ratings than some disposable filters and aren’t extremely effective at filtering out smaller particles. Because of their low MERV rating, homeowners often need to wash these filters several times each year. If you want low-maintenance air filters, disposables may be your preferred choice.


If you have some type of air cleaner or air purification system that uses a filter installed with your HVAC system, there are different types of air filters available for use in this equipment.

  • Pleated filters designed for use in a media air cleaner filter cabinet can be thicker than ones used in the standard HVAC system, offering higher MERV ratings and longer filter life.
  • Electrostatic filters offer media filtration and use an electrostatic charge to help capture small particles. They sometimes have difficulty effectively trapping larger contaminants though, like mold spores and large dust particles. Depending on the model, these types of air filters can be disposable or washable.
  • HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are extremely efficient, removing as much as 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants including dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Because of their extreme efficiency, HEPA air filters cannot be used in all equipment due to potential airflow restriction.


Find the Right Types of Air Filters for Use in Your HVAC System

Curious as to which types of filters are suitable for use with your HVAC equipment? Contact A-1 Mechanical today to speak with a professional and learn more about your air filter options.

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Common Heat Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

Monday, September 20th, 2021
Heat Pump

As fall arrives, heat pump HVAC systems will start to switch gears, giving the cooling cycle a rest as these units are called upon for heating. Over the cooler months, you may experience heat pump problems that can stand in the way of perfect heating for your home. A-1 Mechanical explains how you can troubleshoot some of the most common heat pump problems and get your heating system back up and running again quickly!

Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air

Heat pumps should blow warm air through the vents when they run as a heating system in fall, winter, and early spring. If you feel cool air coming from your vents, here are a few things to check before you call for repairs to fix your heat pump.

  • Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT, not COOL. If the thermostat is set to COOL mode, the heat pump will run cooling cycles and produce cool air. Settings are sometimes incorrectly changed, causing heat pumps to blow cool air.
  • Check the fan settings on the thermostat as well. The fan should be set to AUTO mode, not ON. If the fan is accidentally set to ON, it will blow cool air into the house during times when the heat pump itself is not actively cycling, causing homeowners to think there’s an issue with their heat pump system.
  • Make sure there is no ice buildup on the outdoor unit. If there is, follow the directions below to melt ice from your unit.
  • The heat pump could be running its defrost cycle when you feel the cool air. The defrost cycle typically runs for about 10 to 15 minutes – wait it out to see if heat returns in the next half hour or so.


Heat Pump Runs All the Time

If it seems like your heat pump is running around the clock, it may seem like there’s an issue to worry about. However, it can be normal for your heat pump to run for long periods – especially if outdoor temperatures are very cold. There are some issues that can contribute to a heat pump running longer than it needs to:

  • Dirty air filters can restrict airflow through the system, forcing your heat pump to run for longer periods to supply the home with enough heating. Check the filter, and replace it with a fresh one if you find the filter is dirty and covered in contaminants.
  • Make sure all of the supply vents and return air registers in your home are opened and unblocked. These vents can be accidentally covered by furniture, rugs, and other items, which restricts airflow through the house and forces the heat pump to run longer periods.
  • Air leaks in ducts, window frames, door jambs, and other problematic areas throughout the house could cause your home to take on excess cool air. This lowers the temperature in your home, forcing the heat pump to run longer periods to make up the warmth you need. Air sealing and duct sealing can eliminate this issue.


Heat Pump Freezes Up

This problem is more common in the winter when outdoor temperatures are chilly. The outdoor heat pump unit may show a layer of frost or ice on its exterior, which is normal and is periodically removed through the system’s defrost cycle. If the defrost cycle isn’t removing this frost or outside conditions prevent the heat pump from shedding ice, the system will not work correctly.

If you find a heavy layer of ice atop your outdoor heat pump, notice the coils are completely encased in frost or ice, or the entire outdoor unit has a layer of ice around it, the system will not work correctly and could sustain damage if the ice is left for too long.

  1. Shut off power to the heat pump at the circuit breaker in the home.
  2. Use a hose to spray the unit with warm water and melt the ice – do not use objects to chip away ice accumulation as that can damage the heat pump system!
  3. If temperatures are above freezing, restore power to the heat pump and run it in fan mode to blow warm air through the unit and help melt any remaining ice.

Frozen heat pump problems occur for various reasons, such as low refrigerant, issues with the defrost cycle, and even water leaking onto the unit from a faulty gutter above. Make sure overhead gutters are flowing properly, and remove any debris from around your unit. Replace the air filter with a clean one if it is dirty. If the heat pump continues to freeze, call your HVAC company for repairs.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Grand Rapids Heat Pump Repair Services

If you’ve tried the heat pump troubleshooting tips above yet are no closer to solving your heat pump problems, now is the time to contact a heating professional for help. A-1 Mechanical performs heat pump repair services for homeowners throughout the Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan areas. Contact us today to request an appointment for heat pump repair services.

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