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

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

Monday, November 22nd, 2021

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.

Tags: Air Filters, Heating, HVAC, Indoor Air Quality
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Common Heat Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

Monday, September 20th, 2021

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.

Shut off power to the heat pump at the circuit breaker in the home.
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!
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.

Tags: heat pump, Heating
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Why Is My Heat Pump Not Keeping Up?

Friday, May 21st, 2021

Contrary to what the name might suggest, heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool a home. When your heat pump isn’t keeping up with your demands when you need it most, however, there can be a number of issues at play. Keep reading to discover what might be keeping your heat pump from reaching your set temperature, and what you should do when that happens.

What Can Keep a Heat Pump From Reaching a Set Temperature?

Unit is Iced Over

Setting your thermostat below 70°F can cause your heat pump system to frost or even completely freeze up. When this happens, your unit won’t run as efficiently and will likely have trouble reaching a set temperature.

Additionally, your system can be prone to more issues if you continue to use it while it’s iced over. The fan blades on your system, for example, can break, or refrigerant may leak within the outdoor unit.

System Isn’t Running

If your system is having trouble just turning on, it likely won’t be able to consistently reach the temperatures you’re setting. This could quickly turn into an emergency, especially during extremely hot or cold weather, so it’s important to call on a professional heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality technician immediately after noticing that your heat pump unit is not turning on.

A professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s heat pump repair or replacement services.

Vents in the Home are Closed

If some rooms feel as though they’re at the temperature you’ve set and other rooms feel significantly warmer or cooler, the issue could be as simple as having vents in your rooms that are closed. Ensure that all rooms in the home have open vents before reaching out to a professional about having your unit inspected.

Allowing the air to circulate and flow freely can do wonders in helping your home reach the temperature that you’ve set.

What are Some Common Heat Pump Problems?

Lack of Power

The risk of having a heat pump is that they’re fully electric, which can cause issues in the event that your home’s power supply goes out. If your heat pump isn’t turning on but you haven’t recently suffered a power outage, ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped.

A lack of power to your heat pump for too long can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and not work when the AC turns back on. If the system hasn’t had power for over half an hour, get in touch with a professional to learn about the best way to turn the system back on to ensure you don’t experience any issues.

Unreliable Thermostat

Sometimes, a heat pump that doesn’t reach the set temperature can be the fault of your thermostat, rather than the heat pump itself. If you’ve had your heat pump inspected and everything appears to be normal, have your thermostat checked. The unit could be calibrated incorrectly and not communicating with the heat pump.

Reversing Valve is Broken

The reversing valve within your heat pump is the part that allows the unit to be used for both heating and cooling. When this valve is broken, it can cause inefficient heating and cooling and should be fixed immediately.

A-1 Mechanical Solves Heat Pump Issues

Heat pumps are complex systems that can often be confusing. When your heat pump experiences any issues that cause it to not work as efficiently as it once did, you should get in touch with an HVAC professional. Doing so will ensure that the issue is fixed properly to give your family enhanced comfort and safety all year long.

The experts at A-1 Mechanical know that you can’t afford to be without proper heating and cooling during the coldest and hottest of days. If your heat pump isn’t working properly and experiences any of the issues above, or any not on that list, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Heat Pump Services

For all of your HVAC system service needs in the Lansing or the Grand Rapids, MI area, get in contact with the experts at A-1 Mechanical, and schedule an appointment today. We’ll provide your heat pump with the service and attention to detail that you deserve.

Tags: Heat Pumps, Heating
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Different Types of Heating Systems and the Advantages of Each

Friday, March 26th, 2021

Did you know that you have options when it comes to heating your home? You don’t have to stay with the gas-powered furnace. If you’re building a new home, or it’s time to replace your heating system, now is a great opportunity to research Different Types of Home Heating Systems. There are pros and cons to all three, but you can trust the experts at A-1 Mechanical to fix any problems you have when it comes to repairs.

What Are the Different Types of Home Heating Systems?

Keeping your home comfortable during cold winter months is essential in Lansing and Grand Rapids. You want a heating system that you can rely on year after year. A-1 Mechanical breaks down the three different types of home heating systems and the advantages of each.

Furnaces

Furnaces use gas to generate heat by combusting fuel. This ensures that you’ll always have heat in your house no matter the temperature outside. The furnace controls the temperature in the entire house with a thermostat. Most furnaces can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Advantages of a Furnace
Although furnaces are larger than heat pumps, they are less noisy. Furnaces are a more reliable source of heat in colder climates. You are also probably familiar with how a central heating system operates since it’s been a reliable heating source for homes for decades. Newer models improve on efficiency, making sure your heating bills aren’t extravagant.

Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are another popular type of forced-air heating system. Air-source heat pumps can perform both the functions of a furnace and an air conditioner, providing cool and warm air inside. Heat pumps are relatively small and can be mounted outside your home. When connected with mini splits, your house can be divided into different zones. These zones can accommodate different levels of comfort among your family members. If you have a large house, or want to create multiple zones, you may need more than one heat pump.

Advantages of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are very energy efficient. They use much less energy than a furnace, making them less expensive to operate. Since they also operate as an air conditioner, you may save on cooling costs as well. Heat pumps are also cheaper to install than a furnace.

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating is the most energy efficient type of heating system. Pipes are inserted into the ground and the heat from the Earth is transferred into your home. This air can be heated or cooled, depending on the season. In order for a heat pump to work, a system of interconnected pipes used as heat exchangers are placed underground. To have the pipes installed, you’ll need holes dug in your yard which could affect your landscaping. Geothermal heat pumps can come with a lot of upfront costs. It is usually the most expensive heating system to install, but government tax rebates can help offset the cost.

Advantages of Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is warmer than the air provided by heat pumps, but not as warm as a traditional furnace. However, there is still enough heat to keep your home more comfortable, making it the most efficient-heating system. The lifespan of geothermal heating is 20+ years, much longer than a furnace or heat pump.

Trust A-1 Mechanical for All of Your Heating Needs

When it comes to choosing a heating system that works best for you, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical to assess your home’s heating needs. We provide options at various price points and can provide estimates for installation. Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about our heating systems. Our heating and cooling technicians can repair, maintain, and install all types of heating and air conditioning systems.

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Why Is My Furnace Flue Pipe Rusting?

Friday, March 26th, 2021

When you look at your furnace, you’ll notice a large pipe sticking out of it that leads into a wall or ceiling. From the outside of your house, you may notice a pipe sticking out of your roof. Both of these pipes are your furnace flue pipes. They exhaust water vapor, carbon monoxide, and other gasses from your home. These pipes are essential for keeping the air flowing in your home and making sure toxic gases do not harm you or your family. If you notice that either one of your Furnace Flue Pipes Rusting, this could be a sign of worse problems to come.

A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling is your furnace and heating specialist. Repairing or replacing a furnace flue pipe could involve climbing on your roof or getting dirty. It’s best to trust the professionals to inspect your furnace as well when you notice any sort of rust in your HVAC system.

Why is My Furnace’s Flue Pipe Rusting?

There are a few reasons your furnace’s flue pipes are rusting. Ideally, combustion within a furnace would have two side effects: water vapor and carbon dioxide. However, no furnace is 100% efficient, and in every furnace some portion of the gas fails to combust entirely. This partial combustion results in the creation of byproducts like carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses. These gases are pushed through the furnace flue pipes and exhausted from the home.

When your furnace isn’t burning gas as efficiently as it could, there may be more byproducts being created in your furnace than you realize. These byproducts have chemical reactions with your exhaust pipes, causing them to rust.

Another reason why your furnace flue pipes are rusting is because there is an imbalance in the air to fuel mixture in your furnace. This could happen if you have a new furnace that is not compatible with your flue pipes, or there is insufficient pressure differential causing gases to have difficulty leaving your home. Rusty furnace flue pipes might just need to be replaced, or they could be a telling sign about the performance of your furnace.

I Have Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes

Furnace flue pipes aren’t always easy to see. If you’ve noticed strange odors in your house when your heat is on, or lack of airflow in your house, it’s best to inspect your furnace flue pipes. One should be attached from the furnace to the wall. Another might be on your roof. If you find rust on either, they could be a sign of issues that should be addressed immediately.

Rusted furnace flue pipes are more common in older homes and could be a sign of an aging HVAC system. If you had a new furnace installed recently, your pre-existing flue pipes might not be compatible with your new system. The best thing to do is to replace your pipes right away. Luckily, this is a relatively inexpensive fix, and it can prevent a dangerous situation in the future.

What If I Don’t Replace My Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes?

Think about rust on a car. You can slow down the growth of additional rust, but you can’t make the rust go away. It will get worse and corrode parts of your car. The same thing can happen with rusty pipes. Not only is rust unsightly, it can corrode and prevent toxic gases from leaving your house.

If toxic gases like carbon monoxide leak into your house, the results could be deadly. This is why you shouldn’t put off replacing rusty pipes. To prevent rusting in your HVAC system, it’s important to have it regularly cleaned and inspected to keep it running efficiently and safely.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Your Furnace and Heating Services

A-1 Mechanical is here for all your HVAC services. Whether it’s inspecting and replacing rusted furnace flue pipes, or replacing your furnace, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical for all your heating and cooling needs.

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What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace?

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

Whether you’re in the market for a new furnace or have concerns about your existing unit, there is one question we hear often from Grand Rapids area homeowners – how long does a gas furnace last? A-1 Mechanical explains how long these furnaces typically last, what you can do to get the most life out of your gas furnace, and how to spot signs of impending system failure. For all of your home’s heating system needs, contact us today.

How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

The service life of your furnace depends on different factors such as type, use, and care – no two furnaces or heating systems are exactly the same.

Residential gas furnaces typically last about 15 years. This estimate is just an average, though, as the life expectancy of a residential gas furnace depends most on the way you use it and how you take care of it, year after year.

Improving Gas Furnace Service Life

Getting the most years of service from your gas furnace starts at installation. Whether the system was sized appropriately for the space and installed correctly greatly affects its average lifespan. A furnace that is too big or too small for the home must work harder to keep the indoor living areas comfortable, either by running for longer periods or short cycling as heat is rapidly added to the space. Incorrectly sized furnaces experience faster wear and tear which causes breakdowns and takes the system out of service prematurely.

When installing a new furnace in your Grand Rapids home, work with a licensed heating professional who will properly determine the correct equipment size for your space. Consider hiring an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians who are known to deliver superior installation services for new furnace equipment.

After your furnace is installed, you’ll need to have it regularly maintained to keep it running in optimal condition year after year. Here in Michigan, furnaces typically run most of the winter. If you like to keep your home’s temperature in the 70s, your furnace will run more often than if you kept the temperature in the high 60s. Heavy use speeds up wear and tear, and you may require furnace replacement sooner than if the system was not used as frequently. As you use your furnace each winter, consider lowering your thermostat to keep heating costs low and to help boost the unit’s average lifespan.

Lastly, the life expectancy of a gas furnace is most greatly impacted by the maintenance it receives over its years of service. Gas furnaces require professional maintenance tune ups each year to preserve system efficiency, counteract wear and tear, and prevent damage as best as possible. A neglected furnace will typically require replacement sooner than one that received its annual tune ups each year. Protect your investment by making regular maintenance a priority. A-1 Mechanical offers furnace maintenance plans to make this care as easy as possible!

Warning Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you need furnace replacement. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate your furnace is on its last leg:

If your gas furnace is between 15 to 20 years old, replacement could be needed at any time so it’s best to start preparing when your system reaches this age range.
If your energy bills have steadily risen over the past few winters without a clear explanation, the declining efficiency of your furnace is likely to blame.
If your furnace is having a hard time keeping your living areas supplied with ample heating, a new furnace may be the solution to your comfort problems.
Furnaces usually see more breakdowns in their final two years of service – if you’ve been calling us more often for furnace repairs the last few winters, it’s likely time to replace your furnace.

Gas Furnace Services from A-1 Mechanical

A-1 Mechanical helps Grand Rapids area home and business owners care for their furnaces through regular maintenance so they can maximize the average life expectancy of their furnace. For furnace repairs or installation of a new gas furnace, contact us anytime to make an appointment with one of our heating and air conditioning technicians.

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How Does Geothermal Heating Work? A Step-By-Step Guide

Thursday, February 11th, 2021

Geothermal heating and cooling systems provide the most energy-efficient means to control temperatures inside Grand Rapids homes and businesses. While it’s not a new technology, many people have either not heard of it or aren’t aware of how it works. In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical discuss how geothermal heat pumps work and their benefits to help you better understand this amazing HVAC technology!

Parts of a Geothermal Heating & Cooling System

Our step-by-step guide on geothermal heating and cooling systems begins with an explanation of how these systems’ components work. Geothermal systems consist of three main parts: a ground loop, a heat pump, and a distribution system.

The ground loop is a piping system that is buried on the property. It is either a closed loop or an open loop, which opens into a water source nearby, such as a pond or well. These underground pipes are filled with fluid that assists in heat exchange.
The geothermal heat pump exchanges heat between the air and the ground loop system, extracting heat from the air or the ground loop depending on whether heating or cooling is in use.
The distribution system is the method which delivers heated or cooled air throughout the home. Forced air geothermal HVAC systems use ductwork to deliver conditioned air inside, just like a conventional furnace or air conditioning system. Some geothermal heating and cooling systems may be configured with hydronic distribution, a network of fluid-filled piping that runs throughout the home to carry heat energy. The heat pump’s heat exchanger exchanges heat between the fluid in these pipes and the fluid within the ground loop instead of between the air and ground loop fluid.

How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

A geothermal system works by exchanging heat between the air and the ground. Because temperatures below ground remain consistent around 55 degrees Fahrenheit all year, there is always significant energy available to heat your home – and it’s free energy! Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how ground source heat pumps provide heat for your home:

Fluid within the ground loop absorbs heat from the surrounding earth.
This fluid is pumped through the ground loop up to the heat pump, which is housed inside the home.
The heat pump’s heat exchanger uses the energy to warm the air that passes through the unit.
The heated air circulates through the ductwork into indoor areas throughout the home or building.

Ground source heat pumps are great because they also provide indoor cooling! Here’s how a geothermal system works for cooling:

The heat pump’s heat exchanger extracts heat from the air circulating through the system.
The heat pump transfers this heat to the fluid within the system.
The fluid is pumped down through the ground loop, carrying heat.
Heat from the fluid is deposited into the earth or water source that serves as the system’s heat sink, or receptacle for heat energy.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs

You should consider this highly efficient heating and cooling system for your Grand Rapids area home or business. Gain extremely low-cost comfort, quiet operation, and long operating life with a new geothermal heating and cooling system. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to request an estimate.

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Why Won’t My Furnace Turn On?

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

One of the biggest issues Grand Rapids area homeowners face during the winter is a broken-down furnace. Several issues can cause a furnace failure – some may be quickly solved through troubleshooting, while others require professional repairs. When you’re faced with a furnace that won’t turn on, here are the most common reasons why and what to do about them.

1. Wrong Thermostat Settings

The first thing to do is check your thermostat to see if it’s operating or set correctly. Your thermostat is the controller of your furnace’s operation, signaling it to fire up when indoor air is too cold and shut down once proper indoor temperatures are reached. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, it won’t communicate properly with your furnace, resulting in furnace problems, including a unit that won’t turn on when it’s expected to.

Check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to HEAT.
The set temperature should be higher than the current room temperature.

2. No Power

All components of the heating system need to have power for the furnace to work. If there’s not a power outage affecting your home, check individual switches and power sources to ensure every system component is properly powered.

If the thermostat has a blank display or you cannot adjust it, the unit’s batteries may be dead. Replace them with a fresh set. If the thermostat is hardwired, check the circuit breaker that controls its circuit. If the breaker has tripped, reset it to restore power to the thermostat.
Check the circuit breakers that deliver electricity to the furnace. If the circuit breakers have tripped, reset them.
Check the on/off switch located on or near your furnace, and make sure it is set to the ON position.
If you own a natural gas furnace, make sure the gas valve is open to let the system receive fuel.
For oil or liquid propane furnaces, check your fuel tank to verify there is enough fuel for heating system operation. For oil tanks, keep the fuel volume above four inches; for liquid propane tanks, order a tank refill before the tank volume dips below 25 percent.

3. Pilot Light Is Out

While modern furnaces use electronic ignition, some older furnaces still use pilot lights. If the pilot light goes out due to a draft or system issue, you’ll have a furnace that won’t be able to create heat.

Find the pilot light assembly, which is usually located toward the furnace’s bottom. See if your furnace flame is burning or if it is out.
If the pilot light is out, you’ll need to relight it. First, stop any drafts that could’ve caused the pilot to extinguish. Turn the pilot switch off for at least five minutes to allow any gas to dissipate.
When ready, follow the instructions in your furnace’s owner’s manual to relight the pilot.
Once the pilot is relit, watch to see that it burns a strong blue flame and does not extinguish again. If it does go out, there could be an issue with a thermocouple. If the flame is weak and yellow, there could be dirt or other debris clogging the air intake. Call your HVAC technician to assess and repair the system.

4. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty filters can cause heating systems to overheat because they restrict air flow. If this occurs, you’ll notice that your furnace isn’t turning on – the system’s safety controls shut down operation to allow the equipment to cool.

Remove the faulty or dirty filter, and replace it with a new one. Be sure to use the same size air filter, and insert it into the filter cabinet in the proper direction.
Check filters monthly during the winter and change them as needed – it’s often necessary to replace filters more frequently this time of year because of increased heating use.

5. Blower Motor Issue

If the blower motor malfunctions, your forced air furnace may run but your home will not receive any heat. Inspect the blower to see if the issue can be resolved. You may need to contact a qualified HVAC company for repair services.

Shut off power to the furnace, and remove the access panel to the blower chamber. Check for any debris that may be blocking the fan blades or heavy dirt that could be clogging up the motor. Clean as necessary.
Check the belt linking the motor and fan. If it has slipped or become loose, you may be able to tighten and reposition it. If the belt has broken, it needs to be replaced.
If you cannot find the blower motor issue, it’s time to call for professional furnace repair.

Get Heating Help from A-1 Mechanical

Don’t let a furnace that won’t turn on compromise the comfort of your family this winter – call A-1 Mechanical for fast, reliable furnace repair. Our technicians will get to the bottom of furnace issues and make repairs to help you avoid facing a furnace that’s not turning on for the remainder of the season. Contact us today to get your furnace working properly again in no time.

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What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Humidifier?

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

Dry air can cause many health and comfort issues among Grand Rapids area residents during the winter. Because the air is naturally dry during the holiday season, homeowners struggle to keep relative humidity levels inside the home balanced. A whole house humidifier helps you manage indoor humidity and avoid the negative consequences of prolonged dry air exposure. Contact the indoor air quality experts at A-1 Mechanical today for installation of a whole house humidifier.

How Do Whole House Humidifiers Work?

A whole home humidifier is different from portable units many have in their homes. Instead of treating just a small area, a whole house humidifier is capable of treating dry air across the entire home. It works with your heating and cooling system to add moisture to the air as it cycles through your ductwork and heating system. Properly humidified and heated air is then delivered back to your living areas.

In addition to humidification for the entire home, a whole house humidifier is energy efficient and easy to care for. You don’t have to continuously refill the reservoir like you do with portable units, as the humidifier has a dedicated plumbing supply line to provide water. There’s no need to sanitize and clean it several times throughout the season, either. Simple maintenance and a new water panel in the fall is typically all that’s needed!

The Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Humidifier

Using a whole house humidifier benefits your family in many ways. With your humidifier running this winter during lower temperatures, you can keep your household healthier and more comfortable!

Prevent Viral Transmission & Illnesses

Did you know that viruses linger longer in low humidity? When the air in your home doesn’t have enough humidity, these particles remain in the air where they are able to circulate throughout the house and potentially spread among family members. Properly humidified air causes these particles to fall out of suspension, which helps prevent transmission. Use a whole house humidifier to keep the level of humidity in the 25 to 45 percent range this winter.

Another reason to keep indoor air properly moisturized during the winter is to keep nasal passages damp. When the tissue inside your nostrils dries out due to dry air exposure, you are more likely to catch a cold or other virus. When moist, this membrane provides a natural barrier against viruses and bacteria.

Avoid Dry Air Irritations

In addition to dry nasal passages, exposure to dry air and low humidity levels hurt the body in other ways, such as:

Chapped or cracked lips
Dry skin
Dry throats
Sore throats
Bloody noses
Increased allergy symptoms

When there is enough humidity in the air, your body is exposed to the moisture it needs to prevent such issues.

Maintain Warmth

Relative humidity levels don’t just impact moisture levels, they also affect how warm your home feels. When the air is dry, you feel colder because your skin’s moisture evaporates at a faster rate. When air is humidified, evaporation occurs more slowly – moisture stays on the skin, helping your body hold in its warmth. Thus, you feel warmer.

Homeowners who use whole house humidifiers often find they’re able to turn their thermostats down a couple of degrees and still stay comfortable. By reducing heating system use, a whole house humidifier is able to help your household conserve energy and save money throughout the winter.

Contact A-1 Mechanical to Learn More about Installing a Whole House Humidifier

Are you ready to have a whole home humidifier installed in your Lansing or Grand Rapids area residence? The professionals at A-1 Mechanical are here to help you keep your home properly humidified this winter and protect your family’s health. Contact us today to request an estimate for installing a whole house humidifier.

Tags: Heating, Indoor Air Quality
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Why Does My Furnace Make a Banging Noise When It Shuts Off?

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

Furnaces, like other types of mechanical equipment, make some noise during operation, start up, and shut down. If you’re wondering why your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off, you’re not alone. Many homeowners throughout the Grand Rapids area have questions about this common sound produced by furnaces.

Furnace Makes Banging Noise When It Shuts Off

A banging noise is a common concern among homeowners. A-1 Mechanical explains the likely causes of this noise and what needs to be done to correct the issue.

Dirty Furnace Filter

Typically, when a heater makes a loud banging noise when it turns off, it’s the sound of metal contracting. As the furnace cycles, air is pushed through the duct system into your living areas. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing warm air to back up in the system. This backup of heat causes the metal of your ducts and the furnace itself to expand and bow outward. Once the heating cycle stops, the sheet metal of the ductwork and the metal panels of your furnace cool and contract, producing a ‘bang’ or ‘pop’ that you hear inside your home.

To correct this cause of furnace banging noises, change the air filter. Make sure to replace filters on a regular schedule, and check them monthly over the winter season. Filters may fill up at a faster rate due to increased heating system use, requiring more frequent changes. Make sure you always use the right size filter – there should not be significant gaps between the filter and its housing. A incorrectly sized filter can also allow excess dust into your system.

Dirty Ductwork

An accumulation of dirt and debris inside your ductwork may also be to blame when your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. These deposits within the ducts can hinder airflow and trap warm air inside instead of allowing it to flow into your living areas. The ducts warm up and expand, then contract as they cool once the heating cycle is finished, producing a loud banging noise. Duct cleaning removes buildup from the interior of your ductwork so air can move through the system as intended, which reduces the likelihood of a banging noise after each heating cycle.

Banging Noise When Furnace Starts

Now you know why a furnace makes a banging sound when it turns off – but what about when the system starts? It is possible for a banging sound to occur when the heater starts up. This noise is typically caused by dirty burners.

Dirt can build up on the burners over time as the system operates. Carbon also accumulates on the burners as a natural byproduct of combustion.

Dirty burners cause an issue called delayed ignition – this means dirt has prevented the burners from quickly igniting the gas. Instead, gas builds up in the combustion chamber. Once the burners are finally able to ignite, there is a larger volume of gas present, so the banging noise you hear is the sound of this gas finally igniting. If you believe your furnace suffers from dirty burners and delayed ignition, call for furnace repair right away. Ignoring this issue could lead to a damaged heat exchanger or create a possible fire hazard in your home.

Furnace Care from A-1 Mechanical

If your furnace makes a banging noise when it turns off, give A-1 Mechanical a call for fast and reliable repair service. Our technicians examine your heating system to find the source of the banging sound you hear and perform lasting repairs to eliminate the issue, restoring quiet furnace operation. Count on our team any time you experience troubles with the furnace or heating system inside your Lansing area home.

Tags: Heating
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