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

Why You Should Schedule Furnace Maintenance (6 Reasons)

Monday, October 28th, 2019
Furnace Maintenance

If you haven’t checked “schedule furnace maintenance” off your household to-do list yet, now is the time to do so!

When you skip this important annual service, you miss the many important benefits it provides.

How Furnace Maintenance Benefits You

Need a reason to schedule furnace maintenance? A-1 Mechanical gives you six! In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of preventive furnace maintenance, what’s included in a furnace tune up, and why neglecting furnace service negatively affects your health, as well as your wallet!

1. Better Energy Efficiency Lowers Heating Bills

Wear and tear, loose connections and wiring, worn belts, dirt and dust buildup, dirty furnace filters – these issues and more occur over the normal course of furnace use. All diminish a furnace’s energy efficiency. They force the furnace to expend more energy to do its normal job, which costs you extra money.

During furnace maintenance, your HVAC technician performs a thorough tune up to address these common system issues. We oil bearings, tighten belts and connections, clean compartments and components, change furnace filters, and more. These tasks eliminate the obstacles that force a furnace to draw excess energy. A furnace tune up maximizes the system’s energy efficiency, so the furnace uses less energy. Less energy means lower heating bills.

2. Prevent Costly Furnace Repairs with Regular HVAC Maintenance

Furnace repairs can be pricey, but in many cases, repairs are much less expensive if the issue is caught and corrected early. Why? Well, not all problems cause a furnace to stop working – many times, homeowners are unaware one exists. So, they continue to operate the furnace with a minor malfunction, which develops into a more extensive one or even causes a breakdown.

During a maintenance tune up, technicians inspect the entire system and are able to catch and correct minor issues right away. This helps prevent the development of serious damage and problems that are more expensive to repair.

As an added benefit, catching small issues early on can mean the difference between steady, warm comfort all winter long or a sudden breakdown that leaves you in the cold.

3. A Maintained Furnace Enjoys a Longer Service Life

Well-maintained furnaces last longer! Why? Because tune ups regularly address and remedy issues from wear and tear before they progress into system damage. Schedule a furnace tune up each year to help add more years of service life.

In addition, furnace replacement is a pricey project – don’t let your furnace give out early. Furnace tune ups help keep money in your pocket and reduce the risk of unnecessary premature heating system replacement costs.

Murphy’s Law suggests your furnace will break down on the coldest day of the year. We’ve been on many urgent heating repair service calls to know this comes true for a lot of homeowners. Avoid this “bad luck” by preparing now with preventive furnace maintenance.

Here’s a review from Kim W. –

“I called just a few days ago to schedule a time for my furnace check up. I was able to get an appointment very quickly and in a time that worked best for me. The technician was on time and very nice. After about 30 minutes, he was done and said our furnace was in great condition, even for almost 16 years old. A-1 Mechanical is the only company we have ever used for our furnace needs. We are very happy with their service.”

4. Book Furnace Maintenance to Gain Better Performance & Greater Comfort

A maintenance tune up also generates better performance from your heating system. Reducing your risk of a breakdown helps ensure consistent heating system performance over the fall, winter, and early spring.

Furnace maintenance corrects airflow and other performance issues to deliver adequate warmth across the entire home and proper heating cycles, and reduces temperature fluctuations.

5. Breathe Easier with Better Indoor Air Quality

During your furnace maintenance tune up, your technician cleans out furnace compartments and cleans off components, removing dirt, dust, and debris from the system’s interior. Removing these particles prevents them from re-entering your living areas. More airborne particulates diminish the air quality you breathe inside.

Be sure to change your furnace filter as needed. This reduces the number of allergens and other triggers for allergy and asthma symptoms. Your HVAC technician changes the filter if it needs it and if one’s provided.

Some people assume a new filter comes with the tune up but that’s not always true. Remember, a dirty furnace filter can’t provide good airflow to the HVAC system. Obstructed airflow causes your equipment to work harder and strains the system. This decreases efficiency, which increases your heating bills.

Stress on your furnace also increases the likelihood of cracks in the heat exchanger or other major damage requiring repairs or even replacement.

If you schedule a tune up, your HVAC technician changes the furnace filter if provided and if necessary. At A-1 Mechanical, for example, if you request a new furnace filter when you schedule your tune up, we just add it to your total for your convenience. Easy!

6. Schedule Furnace Maintenance to Improve Safety in Your Home

Part of the process a furnace uses to create heat is combustion. When the furnace combusts natural gas, it naturally produces byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas. When a furnace properly operates, it safely vents gases like CO out of your home.

Malfunctions, however, make it possible for carbon monoxide to leak into your home and accumulate. Exposure to high levels of CO sicken humans and animals and in severe cases, is lethal.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 20,000 people visit the emergency room with symptoms each year while more than 400 die.

In Lansing homes with natural gas furnaces and gas-fueled water heaters, carbon monoxide exposure is a serious concern. Well-maintained heating systems reduce the likelihood of a potentially deadly carbon monoxide leak in your home. One way to protect your family is to book a professional tune up each year.

Our technicians inspect critical components, including the heat exchanger, for cracks and other damage. One way CO leaks is due to cracks in the heat exchanger. Cracks occur over time as well as from overuse and equipment stress.

HVAC contractors also inspect venting systems for blockages or leaks leading to a buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. HVAC techs correct any issues found or quickly bring repair or replacement needs to your attention to keep your family safe.

Bonus Tip! Preventive Maintenance Protects Warranties

Unfortunately, many homeowners discover their furnace warranty no longer applies. Why? In many cases, equipment neglect or installation by an unqualified person voids manufacturer warranties. Imagine buying a new car and never changing the oil.

Your HVAC system is probably the most expensive appliance in your home. Don’t let a neighbor’s cousin install it or put off service to save a buck. It could cost you a lot more than you think you saved if there’s a problem and the warranty is rejected. To stay compliant, always use a professionally NATE-certified HVAC contractor to install, repair and service your furnace.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance with A-1 Mechanical Today!

Give your furnace the care it needs to carry your household through another blustery Michigan winter with ease. Don’t forget, we repair and service heating equipment from all major manufacturers. Our friendly technicians arrive with fully-stocked trucks so most issues are resolved within a single visit.

Emergency service is available without overtime charges between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. For superior HVAC repairs in greater Grand Rapids and Lansing, turn to A-1 Mechanical.

Call 517-348-0302 or click to contact A-1 Mechanical to schedule furnace maintenance today!

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Why Is My Heating Bill So High?

Monday, October 28th, 2019
Heating

“Why is my heating bill so high?” is a question we hear from many Lansing and Grand Rapids area homeowners every fall and winter. An unexpected heating bill hundreds of dollars over budget is a surprise no one wants. Learn what drives your heating bill up and what to do to save energy and money this heating season.

Why Is My Heating Bill So High?

The most common causes that lead to unexpectedly high heating bills are:

  • Colder outdoor temperatures than what’s normal 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 heating system preventive maintenance tune up
  • Seal ducts and air leaks throughout the home
  • Use efficient thermostat settings
  • Regularly check and replace furnace filters

Preventive Maintenance Tune Ups Increase Efficiency & Lower Heating Bills

Ideally in the fall, before the busy “heating breakdown season,” schedule a preventive maintenance tune up for your Lansing or Grand Rapids heating system. 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.

Poorly maintained heating equipment consumes excess energy as it heats your home. Wear and tear, damaged and broken components, and airflow blockages make the system work harder to heat and circulate indoor air.

NATE-certified HVAC technicians perform maintenance tune ups and inspect, service, and test all aspects of the heating system. This ensures it performs at peak efficiency over the heating season ahead.

Here’s a review from an HVAC service customer, Amanda M. –

“Such a great experience! Everyone we worked with, from the initial call, to the service visit was knowledgeable, helpful, and so nice. It’s not often I write reviews, but this service was above and beyond!”

Duct Sealing & Air Leak Sealing Reduce Heating Load

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 heat lost. This extra heat production uses 20 to 30 percent more energy. Duct repair eliminates these costly leaks to significantly lower your heating bills.

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. Replace damaged insulation and raise insulation levels throughout the home. 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.

Energy Efficiency Thermostat Settings Save on Electric & Gas Bills

When it’s chilly outside, many homeowners continue to raise the temperature on their thermostats to keep the home warm. Every degree you go up adds cost to your heating bill. Instead, use energy-conscious thermostat settings to maximize efficiency.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a thermostat setting of 68 degrees when the home is occupied during the daytime. As you sleep or when the home is empty, lower the setting to conserve energy.

Eight-hour temperature setbacks of four to six degrees generate up to 10 percent savings on heating bills! Easily implement energy efficient temperature settings when you trade your old manual thermostat for a programmable or smart thermostat!

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

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.

Change Furnace Filters and Lower Heating Bills

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.

Throughout heating season, check your filter monthly to determine if a change is needed early. During periods of heavy system use, this is often the case. If you have pets, smoke, are sensitive to pollen or other allergy and asthma triggers, change it monthly or more frequently.

A-1 Mechanical Solves the “Why Is My Heating Bill So High?” Question

If your heating bills are shockingly high this season, take action to start saving right away!

Call 517-348-0302 for A-1 Mechanical to identify causes behind high heating bills in your heating system and solutions to bring your bills back down.

Don’t forget about traditional tips either! For example, let the sunshine in your south and east-facing windows then trap the warmth inside with thermal-insulated curtains. Switch your ceiling fan to slowly rotate clockwise for winter. This should push the warmer air at the ceiling level back down along the walls to floor-level.

Soon, you’ll enjoy cheaper utility bills over the winter. For heating repairs, service, and new furnace installation contact A-1 Mechanical today.

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3 HVAC Systems for New Home Construction

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
HVAC Systems

Are you trying to decide on a HVAC system for new construction? This is an important decision that can impact how much you pay for future energy bills while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round. In this blog post, we will go over three different types of heating and cooling systems for your new custom-built home. For more information, we recommend getting in touch with licensed heating and cooling contractors near you with experience in new home construction.

DUCTLESS SYSTEMS

Ductless systems allow you to create zones of comfort in your home. Do you or a family member prefer a lower temperature setting than the rest of the family? No problem. A ductless heating and cooling system allows you to set different temperatures for different areas of your home.

Ductless HVAC units are more energy efficient than their ducted counterparts because no energy is lost while traveling through the ducts. Preventing energy loss can help you save money on utility bills over time. Ductless systems are also quieter than other HVAC systems, which can make for a more peaceful home.

Having control over temperature settings throughout your home can even help you save money on energy bills. For example, you may want to set the upstairs ductless HVAC units for a lower temperature in the summer to account for the fact that heat rises. Units downstairs can be set at a higher temperature.

FURNACES

Gas furnaces work by safely igniting gas via the pilot light to heat air. This air is then forced through the vents in your home to provide warmth in the winter. You are able to control when your furnace turns on through the thermostat. For example, the furnace will only kick on if the temperature in your home drops below the programmed temperature.

Furnaces are a reliable way to heat your home during the long winter months. However, you’ll also need to install an air conditioning unit to keep your home comfortable in hot weather. A heating and cooling contractor can let you know what HVAC systems work well in your climate.

HEAT PUMPS

Did you know that the temperature underneath the surface of the earth stays around 47 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round? Heat pump systems take advantage of this by pumping hot air out of your home in the summer and warm air into your home in the winter. If you decide to install geothermal heat pumps, your contractor will need to dig holes near your house where the pipes will be installed. Heat pump installation is much easier when building a new home because you don’t have to worry about how it’ll affect landscaping.

The Lansing heating and cooling contractors at A-1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping homeowners make informed decisions during new home construction through quality furnace installation and air conditioning installations services. If you are interested in learning which heating and cooling system is best for your custom built home, give us a call at (517) 272-8629.

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Why You Should Schedule Furnace Maintenance

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Furnace Maintenance

Did you know that an annual furnace inspection can save you money in the long run? Not only is a heating and cooling contractor able to change out a dirty furnace filter, but they are also able to make small repairs that prevent your heating system from failing in the middle of winter. In this blog post, we will explain how more and more homeowners are saving energy and money by having their furnaces serviced this year.

STAY WARM ALL WINTER

Did you know that up to 75% of the furnaces that unexpectedly quit last winter didn’t receive regular maintenance? For homeowners, this is good news because it means you can keep your home comfortable throughout the winter by scheduling a furnace service visit and making necessary repairs.

PREVENT EXPENSIVE FURNACE REPAIRS

If a service visit reveals you need furnace repairs, odds are that you’ll pay less money than if you had waited for the furnace to break down. Furnace maintenance saves homeowners money because it gives technicians the opportunity to fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs. Safeguard your budget by scheduling a furnace maintenance visit today.

PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

In the United States, carbon monoxide leaks are responsible for causing 500 deaths and 15,000 visits to emergency rooms each year. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that starves your body of oxygen and can cause flu-like symptoms or even loss of consciousness. Most carbon monoxide leaks are caused when household appliances (like furnaces) aren’t able to burn fuels completely. Thankfully, you can protect you and your family by scheduling a furnace inspection.

While it’s normal for small levels of carbon monoxide to exit the exhaust, there shouldn’t be any traces of the gas leaking into your home. A reputable furnace maintenance company will check the venting, gassing, and electrical mechanisms to ensure they are in working order.

IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A furnace maintenance plan includes an annual tune-up so your furnace will be ready for the winter. You might be surprised by how much energy and money you can save by changing a dirty furnace filter. Air filters are responsible for filtering out contaminants in the air, such as dust, dirt, pollen, or dog hair.

A dirty air filter blocks the flow of air, which causes the furnace to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. Make sure your furnace always runs efficiently by scheduling an annual furnace tune-up and changing the air filter every 3 to 12 months, depending on the type of filter. Improved energy efficiency means paying less for energy bills in the long run.

IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Since you’ll be running your furnace for several months, it’s important you replace the air filter. Furnace air filters are able to trap contaminants in the air, which is good news for people with allergies or asthma. When you hire a furnace repair contractor to inspect the furnace and change the filter, you are taking steps to improve the air quality in your home.

The Lansing furnace repair contractors at A-1 Mechanical work hard to earn your business by making sure your furnace is ready for the heating season. If you are interested in scheduling a furnace tune-up before the snow flies, give our HVAC technicians a call at (517) 272-8629.

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How to Prepare Your Furnace for Winter (2019 Guide)

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Furnace

To save money on energy bills be sure to prepare your furnace for winter. In this blog post, we give our top five tips on how to increase energy efficiency and get more from your furnace or other heating system. For more information, we recommend reaching out to a heating and cooling company to schedule fall furnace maintenance.

Best Tips to Get Furnaces Ready for Cold Weather

  • Program Thermostat Or Home Automation System
  • Replace Furnace Filters
  • Unblock Registers, Radiators, and Baseboard Heaters
  • Let In Sunlight
  • Schedule Fall Furnace Maintenance

Adjust Thermostat for Winter; How Smart Thermostats Help

To save energy, program your thermostat or home automation system for the winter. The smaller the discrepancy between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more money you save. In cold weather, this means setting the thermostat for as low a temperature as is comfortable. Your furnace works harder and uses more energy when it has to maintain a high indoor temperature.

A home automation system allows you to remotely control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world. In this example, a home automation system generally means a WiFi-connected or “smart” thermostat.

image credit to energy.gov

Benefits of Smart Thermostats

These modern thermostats are accessible from an app on your tablet or smartphone. Change the temperature from work or tucked in bed upstairs. Smart thermostats go further than programmable WiFi thermostats with additional sensors and artificial intelligence.

Once you program it manually for a couple weeks, it “learns” your household’s rhythms and adapts on its own. For the best value, consult with your trusted HVAC contractor. Don’t be swayed by a slick promotion at a big box store. Some thermostats work with specific systems better than others.

A visit from a professional evaluates which thermostat is best for your single or variable-speed system and where to install it. At A-1 Mechanical, we’re happy to provide our expertise for you or a loved one.

Our team assesses the heating and cooling system as well as inquires about energy goals and typical occupancy. He or she installs the thermostat, and teaches the homeowner how to use it.

Most modern thermostats also alert you to maintenance needs, such as a filter change or if the furnace behaves abnormally, for example.

This information helps you address issues with furnace repair or service before a spike in your heating bill or a breakdown happens.

Set Thermostat in Winter when Away from Home

If you plan on being away from home for a winter vacation or work trip, we recommend setting a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower than 55 degrees risks the chance of frozen pipes.

Check Furnace Filters Monthly; Change as Needed

We recommend you replace furnace filters every 3 to 12 months depending on the type of filter your furnace uses. The air filter in your furnace is responsible for trapping contaminants in the air like dust, dirt, and pollen. A dirty air filter blocks air passage and makes the furnace work harder to produce the same amount of heat. Replacing air filters keeps your furnace energy efficient.

Remove Airflow Obstructions; Keep Vents Open

Some rooms, or even spots in some rooms feel colder than others? Be sure vents are open and nothing is blocking registers, radiators, or baseboard heaters. For example, it’s not uncommon for a living room to feel colder than the rest of the house because the couch is blocking the radiator. Long drapes, toys or even seasonal decorations like Christmas trees can prevent heat from entering rooms.

HVAC Myth

It’s a myth that closing vents or doors to rarely used rooms lowers your heating bills. It disrupts the air pressure balance in the home. Ever hear a door push open or pull shut on its own? You don’t have a ghost. The heating and air system probably kicked on and pushed enough air through the room to move the door. If you’re empty nesters or just live in a large house, ductless mini splits might be best for you.

Ductless Mini Splits – HVAC Problem Solvers

Ductless mini splits provide zone heating and cooling through your whole home with individual temperatures in each zone. Or, keep your central heating and air system, run it at a lower temperature in the winter and use ductless units in the two or three rooms you use the most to increase your comfort.

Trap Heat from Sunny Windows Inside

Open drapes and shades to let sunlight through eastern or southern-facing windows. Because sunlight carries heat, there’s no downside to enjoying the sunshine on a dreary winter day. What heat passes through your windows helps rooms feel cozier. At night, close blinds or drapes as an extra layer of protection against cold air seeping through windows.

When you switch from summer to winter linens, consider swapping airy curtains for heavier drapes. They’ll block drafts and hold solar heat inside at night.

If you’re considering planting trees on your property, plant evergreens to block wind and snow drifts from the house. Plant deciduous trees on the south and east sides of the house. They’ll shade your house during the hottest days while letting sun through after they’ve lost their leaves. Consult with a local nursery or landscaper for the best outcome.

Schedule Fall Heating Maintenance Including Furnace Tune Ups

After months of humidity and a lack of ventilation, there’s a risk of corrosion in your furnace. Plus, it’s easy to forget how it may have limped along at the end of the last heating season.

Here’s a video detailing what you can expect from a typical tune up to prepare your furnace for winter…

Aside from regular filter changes, the best piece of advice is to prepare your furnace for winter with preventive maintenance. A furnace inspection during the service visit reveals whether you need small repairs before the heating season.

Your technician also looks for signs of rodent or insect infestation. Sometimes rodents chew wiring, or leave behind nesting material or other unseemly debris. This detritus impacts airflow and pollutes your indoor air quality. The main reasons to book a furnace tune up each year are:

  • Cleans, tests, and lubricates components for optimal energy efficiency, which saves money on heating bills
  • Extends lifespan of equipment because it catches problems while minor and less expensive to resolve
  • Most manufacturer warranties require regular HVAC maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor to remain valid
  • The cost of furnace maintenance is significantly less than it costs to repair a furnace that quits unexpectedly in the middle of winter.

Related blog: Why You Should Schedule Furnace Maintenance

How to Maintain a Heat Pump

If you’re unfamiliar, a heat pump both heats and cools homes. It operates like a regular air conditioner in the summer. It extracts heat and moisture from the indoor air and pumps it outside. In the winter, it pulls warmth from outdoor air – even in cold weather – and uses it to warm the house. This type is known to HVAC contractors as an “air source” heat pump. Geothermal heat pumps, which pull heat from the earth or a nearby water source are known as “ground source” heat pumps.

In extreme cold or several days of freezing temperatures in a row, heat pumps use an auxiliary heat source. Sometimes referred to as “emergency heat,” electric heat strips operate in some ways like the heating element in a toaster or electric oven.

In a heat pump, air passes over these “hot strips” and absorb the warmth before moving onto interior rooms. Heat pumps will draw from these as needed.

If, for example, a tree branch fell on your outdoor compressor unit and prevented the heat pump from normal operation, you could switch to just “emergency heat.” This switch on your indoor air handler unit turns your air handler into an electric furnace. This truly is “emergency heat” as a substitute until your heat pump is repaired or replaced.

In the past, heat pumps were less popular up north because the heat strips were expensive to use. Now, however, energy efficiency and HVAC technology are more in line and many Michigan homes use heat pumps.

To maintain them, however, they need two tune ups each year. Because a single heat pump provides both heating and cooling, it needs seasonal tune ups before each season. Likewise, an air conditioner needs one tune up each year and a furnace needs one tune up. Just like an air conditioner and furnace combo, check the filter regularly and remove airflow obstructions.

How to Protect AC Compressor from Ice and Winter Weather

If you use a furnace, it’s wise to protect your outdoor AC compressor from falling ice and other Michigan winter weather. Many people secure a large plastic trash can lid or even a kids saucer sled with bungee cords. Some use a plywood sheet cut to size and held down with a brick. The goal is to protect the fan blades from damage.

Winter storms like to test us, so stay one step ahead and protect your AC compressor from damage. Finally, do not use a tarp or plastic sheeting. This traps moisture inside and sets you up for mold and other problems.

Remember, if you use a heat pump – do not do this. Your heat pump runs all year and needs full ventilation.

Prepare Furnace for Winter with Help from A-1 Mechanical

A-1 Mechanical is a Lansing furnace repair and maintenance company dedicated to helping homeowners prepare furnaces for cold weather. If you are interested in learning more about how to prepare your furnace for winter or our furnace maintenance service plans, give our Lansing HVAC company a call at (517) 348-0302.

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How to Choose HVAC Systems for New Home Construction

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Heating

Building your dream home can be an exciting (and stressful) process. During the planning phase, you will need to make a lot of important decisions that will impact the function and comfort of your new home.

In this blog post, we will go over questions designed to help you choose an HVAC system for new home construction. If you have further questions, we recommend consulting with a Lansing heating and cooling contractor near you.

WHERE ARE YOU BUILDING?

The climate will determine which HVAC systems are practical to heat and cool your home. For example, you’ll want a reliable home heating system for the cold Michigan winters. Both furnaces and heat pumps supply reliable heat for homeowners during the winter months. Heat pumps work by taking advantage of air underneath the surface of the earth that stays around 47 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Depending on the temperature, this air is used to heat or cool your home. Furnaces work by igniting gas to heat air. This warm air is then forced through ducts to heat your home.

DO YOU WANT AIR CONDITIONING?

For most Michiganders, the answer to this question is yes. The next step is to determine what to pick from the different types of air conditioning systems. If you want customized air-conditioned comfort in a specific room, you may want to go with ductless systems. Ductless systems are also great for any additions you decide to build after initial construction. If you want cool air pumped throughout your home, you’ll want to invest in an air conditioning unit.

IS ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Energy-efficient heating and cooling appliances often have higher start-up costs, but lower energy costs in the long term. According to homeadvisor.com, the national average cost of heat pump installation is $5,386 while the cost for new furnace installation is $4,177. Some homeowners consider energy-efficient HVAC systems a worthy investment in their home while others may not place energy efficiency as a high priority.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating for an air conditioner measures its energy efficiency, which is the amount of energy it takes to produce a certain amount of cool air. Energy-efficient air conditioners will have high SEER ratings. Furnaces and boilers use AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) to measure energy efficiency.

WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?

While radiant floor heating may currently be on your wish list, check to see if it’s feasible for your budget. According to Angie’s List, the cost of hydronic radiant floor heating runs between $9,000 and $22,500 for a 1,500 square foot home. Keep in mind that radiant flooring is often a supplemental source of heat for climates that experience wide temperature fluctuations.

Furnaces cost significantly less and are able to heat your entire home during the most bitter winter days. Your budget will ultimately determine what new construction HVAC systems are feasible to install. For example, many homeowners choose to only install radiant heating in certain rooms, such as the kitchen.

A-1 Mechanical is a Lansing heating and cooling company dedicated to helping homeowners pick the right HVAC system for their future residences. If you are interested in learning more about our new home construction HVAC services, give us a call at (517) 272-8629.

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Why is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Furnace

When the temperature drops outside, the last thing you want to deal with is a gas furnace that doesn’t work. We understand the frustration homeowners feel when they have to schedule furnace repairs, which is why we always strive to let homeowners know what they can do to prolong the lives of their furnaces.

In this blog post, the Lansing furnace repair contractors at A-1 Mechanical will go over the reasons why your furnace is blowing cold air so you can keep your home comfortable year-round.

THERMOSTAT IS SET TO “ON”, NOT “AUTO”

If your furnace is blowing cold air, don’t panic. The solution may be simpler than you think. Before calling a heating and cooling company, check to see that your thermostat is set to “AUTO”. This will be the first thing a furnace repair contractor checks.

Your furnace is designed to kick on once the temperature inside your home drops below the programmed temperature setting. When the thermostat is programmed to “AUTO”, this means the furnace blower will only push air through the vents when the burners are on.

If the thermostat is set to “ON”, the furnace blower will constantly push air through the vents, regardless of whether it’s heated or not. Changing this setting yourself is simple and can save you the cost of having a HVAC repair contractor come out to your home.

FURNACE OVERHEATED

You’ll know your furnace has overheated if you notice it blowing hot air, then cold air, before stopping completely. As a safety precaution, your furnace will automatically shut off the burners and continue running air to cool down the unit. Your furnace completely shuts off once it has reached a safe temperature.

A common reason why furnaces overheat is dirty air filters, which block airflow and cause your furnace to work harder to produce the same amount of heated air. If you recognize the signs of an overheated furnace, call a furnace repair company as soon as possible. A dirty air filter is easy and inexpensive to replace compared to having to repair the heat exchanger.

PILOT LIGHT IS OUT

The pilot light is responsible for igniting the gas in your furnace and heating air. However, if the pilot light is out, your furnace will only be able to blow cold air. Each furnace is a little bit different for how to light the pilot. Be sure to check with the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to light a gas furnace. If the pilot light refuses to stay lit, you’ll need to call a furnace contractor to fix any issues with the thermocouple. While minor issues can be handled by experienced homeowners, you should always call a professional for any residential furnace repairs outside your comfort zone.

The HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical want to make sure your HVAC system doesn’t surprise you with sudden costly repairs. If your home could benefit from any of our furnace installation and replacement services or furnace repair services, please contact our Lansing heating and cooling contractors at (517) 272-8629.

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Advantages of Gas Furnaces Over Oil Furnaces

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Heating

The average furnace lasts between 15 and 20 years. If you plan on replacing your home furnace in the near future, you’ll want to keep reading to learn why more and more homeowners are choosing gas furnaces over oil furnaces. While not all homes need to switch to natural gas, gas furnaces allow you to reap many benefits.

For more information, the furnace installation contractors at A-1 Mechanical recommend reaching out to a heating and cooling company near you.

NATURAL GAS IS ABUNDANT

Natural gas is a plentiful resource through most of the United States and Canada, which is why many homeowners use it to heat their homes. Since natural gas is abundant, the cost of running a natural gas furnace is likely to remain stable and affordable. For this reason, choosing natural gas to heat your home this winter makes financial sense, especially if you choose a high efficiency gas furnace. Oil furnaces, on the other hand, are variable for how much they cost to run. Much of our oil comes from foreign countries, which is why the price varies over time.

MOST LANSING HOMES HAVE NATURAL GAS LINES

Most homes in the Lansing area are connected to natural gas lines. If this is the case for your home, you may want to seriously consider a gas furnace. Since the setup for a gas furnace is already in place, you won’t have to spend as much money on furnace installation as you would to retrofit an oil furnace.

YOU DON’T NEED A STORAGE TANK

Oil furnaces require a storage tank kept in the basement. You’ll also need to have oil delivered to your house when you’re running low on fuel for your heating furnace. With natural gas furnaces, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of fuel delivery. Instead, the utility company supplies natural gas directly to your home. If you’re tired of looking at a bulky storage tank taking up space in your basement, you may want to consider gas furnace installation.

GAS FURNACES ARE QUIET

If you have an oil furnace close to your home’s living space (not the basement), you may be tired of hearing all the noise it makes. Choosing to install a gas furnace can reduce the amount of noise you hear on a daily basis. Most homeowners appreciate the quiet operation of gas furnaces. Keep in mind that noise from your oil furnace may not be an issue if it is tucked away in the basement.

GAS FURNACES ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT

The cost to replace a house furnace is worth it if you invest in an energy efficient model. However, it’s important to understand the terms used to describe the differences between oil and gas furnaces. BTU (British thermal unit) refers to how much heat energy is produced while AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures energy efficiency.

While oil furnaces offer more heat per BTU, gas furnaces are more energy efficient. This means that burning oil produces more heat for your home, but burning natural gas takes less energy to produce the same amount of heat. If you are interested in paying lower energy bills, we recommend installing a high-efficiency furnace powered by natural gas.

The Lansing furnace installation contractors at A1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping you choose the best gas furnace for your home. We also offer furnace service and furnace repair for homeowners. If you are interested in our gas furnace installation service, be sure to give us a call at (517) 272-8629.

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How Furnace Service Prevents Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Indoor Air Quality

More than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because it can quickly starve your body of oxygen, all the while being completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Thankfully, carbon monoxide poisoning is completely preventable when you install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector and hire a heating and cooling contractor to perform furnace repairs and maintenance.

HOW HVAC CONTRACTORS DETECT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

While it’s normal for small levels of carbon monoxide to exit the furnace exhaust, there shouldn’t be any traces of the gas leaking into your home. Thankfully, a furnace maintenance contractor will be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks during your furnace service.

HOW CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS WORK

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to go off once they detect a certain level of carbon monoxide in the air. Depending on the type of carbon monoxide detector you install, the alarm may be triggered by different mechanisms, such as changes in electrical currents, lowered electrical resistance, or color-changing gel. Once a carbon monoxide alarm has gone off, you won’t be able to reset it until the carbon monoxide has dissipated.

WHAT CAUSES CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

Carbon monoxide can leak from household appliances when fuels like oil, natural gas, and propane aren’t burned completely. For example, a gas furnace could leak carbon monoxide if it doesn’t receive regular maintenance. As an extra layer of protection, a furnace repair company may recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors for each floor of your home or commercial building so leaks are detected as soon as possible. The sooner carbon monoxide leaks are detected, the less risk there is for people getting hurt.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SYMPTOMS

Call 911 and seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home or commercial building. The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are likely to show up first in children, the elderly, and pets.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Dull headache
  • Indigestion
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness

If you notice your symptoms lessening when you spend time outside the home, this could be a sign that there’s a carbon monoxide leak. Since the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic those of the flu, it can be difficult to recognize when there’s a leak without a carbon monoxide leak alarm.

WHAT TO DO DURING A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK

If the carbon monoxide detector goes off, you’ll need to get all people and pets outside. If you are able, open windows as you escape the building. Do not stop to pack belongings and do not go back in the house or commercial building for any reason. Each inhalation of carbon monoxide causes more permanent damage to your body.

Once you are safely outside, call 911. The local fire department will inspect the building and make necessary repairs so the building is safe. In the meantime, you and anyone else exposed to the carbon monoxide will need to go to the nearest emergency room. Carbon monoxide detector systems save lives, which is why we recommend smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for every household. We also recommend you schedule preventative furnace maintenance so leaks are caught as soon as possible.

The Lansing furnace repair contractors at A-1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping customers prevent carbon monoxide leaks in their homes and commercial buildings. If you are interested in furnace repair services, give us a call at (517) 272-8629.

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Air Source Heat Pumps FAQs

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Heat Pumps

Even when you’re reaching for your winter coat, a heat pump will be able to extract heat from outdoor air to keep your home comfortable. Heat pumps work by moving heat energy from outdoor air into your home (or vice versa). To help you choose the best HVAC system for your home, our heating and cooling system contractors at A-1 Mechanical compiled a list of frequently asked questions we get from customers about air-source heat pumps.

Keep reading to learn how heat pumps help reduce energy bills so you save money in the long run. For more information, call your local HVAC contractor.

HOW DO AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS WORK?

Heat pumps use differences in air temperature to heat and cool your home. Even the coldest winter air has heat energy. A heat pump uses a refrigeration system (similar to an air conditioner) containing a compressor and two coils. During the winter, liquid refrigerant in the outside coils extracts heat from the air and evaporates into a gas. From there, the heat energy is send to the indoor coils where it is used to heat your home. As the refrigerant cools, it turns back into a liquid. The refrigerant flows in the opposite direction in the summer to keep your home cool.

WHAT IS A DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP?

Mini split heat pumps can be installed anywhere in your home to create temperature zones. Like the name suggests, ductless heat pumps don’t need ducts to work, which makes them perfect for home additions out of range of your original heating and cooling system. A mini split system is also great if you and your family don’t always agree on thermostat controls. Ductless heating and cooling means you won’t have to shiver in your turtleneck and sweater while your kids complain how hot it is.

HOW DO HEAT PUMPS REDUCE ENERGY BILLS?

A heat pump system reduces the strain on your furnace and air conditioning unit while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. By only using your furnace and air conditioner for supplemental heating and cooling, you’ll save money on repairs.

Unlike other home heating systems that convert fuel into energy, a heat pump simply moves heat from one place to another. Since heat pumps use less energy to heat and cool your home, you’ll start saving money on utility bills. According to ConsumerReports.org, air-source heat pumps can reduce your winter energy bills by about 50% if you’re currently using a baseboard heater or electric furnace.

DO HEAT PUMPS DE-HUMIDIFY YOUR HOME?

Yes. In fact, air-source heat pumps remove humidity better than central air conditioners. Part of what can make summers so miserable is the humidity that comes with high temperatures. Thankfully, a heat pump system is able to remove humidity so you can stay comfortable on even the muggiest days.

Our Lansing HVAC contractors at A-1 Mechanical offer a range of heating and cooling services so your home stays comfortable year-round. To learn if a heat pump system are right for your house or to learn how to use and maintain your heat pump contact our team.

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