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Do you remember the last time your air conditioning unit received a tune up? If you can’t recall, then your AC is likely well overdue for maintenance.
For your air conditioning system to run efficiently, avoid breakdowns and operate past its useful life expectancy, it should be inspected by a technician once per year in the spring before you turn the system on for the first time.
At A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling, our NATE-certified technicians provide expert tune ups so your air conditioner unit is in tip-top shape and ready for the long summer ahead. Air conditioner inspection in the spring can go a long way in helping it last through the dog days of summer.
What Are the Benefits of a Spring AC Tune Up?
Spring is ideally the best time to have maintenance performed on your unit. However, if you didn’t schedule an inspection in the spring, it’s never too late to call your friends at A-1 Mechanical to perform the service.
The benefits of preventative AC maintenance include:
Improving Overall Performance
When professional maintenance is performed, a trained eye evaluates your unit and every component for existing malfunctions and issues that could cause poor performance. We resolve these issues early on and make necessary repairs before they become more serious and lead to expensive repairs. Once we’ve completed any repairs, your AC unit is less likely to break down over the summer months.
Increasing Energy Efficiency
Regular maintenance on your air conditioner unit improves its overall energy efficiency. A dirty air filter clogged with contaminants, for example, makes it difficult for the system to distribute air, which places it under more stress and causes potential breakdowns. This, in turn, leads to higher energy bills.
Extending Service Life
An air conditioning system typically lasts 10 to 12 years, but regularly maintained units tend to last much longer. Tuning up an air conditioner can go a long way in helping it run smoothly for years to come.
Protecting Your Warranty
Many manufacturers require annual maintenance on the system. If you fail to do so, the manufacturer can void your warranty, and you’d be on the hook for any expensive repairs or replacement.
What’s Included in an Air Conditioner Tune Up?
An HVAC technician performs several inspections on your AC unit. According to the pros at A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling and Energy.gov, the following tasks are performed during a routine tune up:
Check belts for wear
Lubricate motors and check all moving parts
Test for refrigerant leaks and check the right amount is being used
Seal ductwork leaks in central systems, if necessary
Check the thermostat’s accuracy
Measure the airflow through the evaporator coil
Clean and tighten all electrical connections and inspect electrical terminals
Replace the furnace air filter
Recommend any needed repairs
Clean the condenser coils
Maintenance Agreements for Air Conditioner Tune Ups
A-1 Mechanical’s preventive maintenance plans for air conditioners cover your system’s annual tune up to preserve efficiency and performance. You’ll also earn benefits that will save you money when it’s time to replace or repair the system. A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling offers two levels of air conditioning maintenance plans. Commercial air conditioning maintenance plans are also available. Contact us now to learn more.
Trust the Pros at A-1 Mechanical for All Your AC Needs
At A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling, we’ve served the greater Lansing, Michigan, community since 1983 and started servicing the Grand Rapids area market in 2006. More recently, we entered the Wyoming, Michigan market. Whether you’re in need of an AC tune up, repair or system replacement, you can trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical to get the job done right the first time. Contact A-1 Mechanical today!
Most people love springtime because of warmer weather, increased daylight, blooming flowers and animal life. But for millions of Americans, spring also triggers the start of dreadful allergy season.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to escape these pesky allergens even from the comforts of your home. Allergens are just one of many contaminants that can wreak havoc on your home’s air quality – and your family’s health.
One of the best methods of improving your home’s air quality is through a whole house air cleaner. If you’re interested in eliminating allergens, pollutants and contaminants in your home for good, give the experts at A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling a call today to discuss indoor air quality solutions.
What Is a Whole Home Air Cleaner?
Whole house air purifiers work to eliminate contaminants before they get into the ductwork and into living areas. Many homeowners who suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues can benefit from having one. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, younger people, older adults and people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease spend more time indoors and could see health improvements from having an air purifier installed.
Air purifiers are sold as either stand-up units that can service a room or two, or larger, whole house units that can be affixed right into the HVAC system, mounted between the air handler and the return ductwork. These types of purifiers can service an entire home.
Common Pollutants Found in a Home
Whole home air purifiers improve indoor air quality by removing up to 99 percent of allergens and contaminants, including:
Pollen
Bacteria
Viruses
Dust Mites
Pet dander
Mold spores
Tobacco smoke
Combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide
Lead
Asbestos
Benefits of a Whole Home Air Cleaner
Lansing and Grand Rapids area homes with allergy and asthma sufferers greatly benefit from the installation of whole home air purifiers. These systems use superior air filters to remove airborne contaminants as air flows through your HVAC system.
According to the EPA, it’s estimated that people spend about 90% of the time indoors, where air quality can be two to five worse than that outdoors.
Some of the benefits of a whole home air cleaner include:
Longer-Lasting HVAC System
Just like a typical furnace air filter, a whole home air purifier helps your HVAC system run more efficiently – thus extending its lifespan – by filtering out contaminants that cause it to work harder. Increased stress on the system leads to breakdowns and need for repairs.
Healthier Air
Obviously, the biggest benefit of an air purifier is cleaner, healthier air. Reducing germs, allergens and dust in your home will reduce health issues, including allergies and respiratory illness.
Contact A-1 Mechanical for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs
A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling is your trusted source for indoor air quality. A-1 Mechanical’s NATE-certified technicians pair you with the right whole home air purifier to address your specific concerns.
We have solutions for all of your indoor air quality needs, whether it be humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners or zoned systems to eliminate hot and cold spots around your home. For more information about our air purification solutions, please contact us today.
We, at A-1 Mechanical, pride ourselves on being part of the communities we serve. Our services are critical and to keep you safe we have implemented a ZERO CONTACT service call.
In light of COVID-19, we would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the policies and procedures that A-1 Mechanical has in place to protect the health and safety of you, our customer, and our team.
Our policies and procedures:
We have added sanitizing stations in our trucks.
We have a safety kit for tech that include face masks, rubber gloves, shoe covers.
We have limited access to our facility to A-1 Mechanical personnel only.
We have discontinued all large gathering events for the next 30 days.
We encourage our team members, customers, and community to:
Dry hands with paper towels instead of cloth towels.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home if sick or showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with disposable tissues and then wash hands.
Closely monitor and adapt recommendations and guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Please know the wellness and safety of our team and customers continues to be our top priority. If you do have a service-related emergency, we encourage you to continue choosing A-1 Mechanical for your Heating and Air Conditioning needs. It is possible that this will impact our business in other unforeseen ways and we commit to doing our best to minimize the impact. We appreciate your loyalty and trust as a valued customer. We’re here to keep you comfortable.
Is your heat pump not blowing hot air? This frustrating problem is common with heat pump owners, but it doesn’t always mean your system is damaged. Check out these common reasons that heat pumps may not produce hot air constantly and when to consult with a professional at A-1 Mechanical.
Common Reasons For Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air
If you notice that the heat coming out of your vents isn’t as warm as you would like it to be, go through this list before you worry. However, remember, any time you find your heat pump not blowing hot air, call a Lansing, MI heating repair contractor to have them troubleshoot the issue for you.
Air May Be Warm, But Not Feel Like It
When your heat pump produces warm air, the air blowing out of your vents will be somewhere in the 85 to 92°F range. However, this temperature pales in comparison with the air emanating from a gas furnace, which is typically between 130 to 140°F. If you are new to a heat pump system, keep in mind that the air coming from your vents will not feel as warm as the air stemming from a gas furnace, but heat pumps will warm your home to the desired temperature — if you give it time.
Heat Pump System Could Be In “Defrost” Mode
When the weather outdoors drops, condensation and frost accumulate on the outdoor components of your heat pump. To keep your system operational, it triggers a “defrost mode,” which runs every 30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the model of heat pump you have. When defrost mode runs, the air coming from your vents will feel cool. However, when defrost mode ends, the system will return to providing warm air.
Your Heat Pump Could Have A Refrigerant Leak
Your heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer any warmth from the air outside into your home. Unfortunately, if there is a leak in your line somewhere, it could inhibit your heat pump’s ability to provide this service, creating cold air from your vents.
Frozen Outdoor Components on Your Heat Pump
Occasionally, refrigerant leaks cause outdoor components to freeze, even after several defrost cycles. If this is the case, your heat pump system needs to be professionally addressed. You may see frost or ice buildup on your outdoor heat pump unit that does not seem to melt. The system is unable to work and blow hot air in this case.
Damaged Reversing Valve
Heat pumps are special because they heat your home during the winter and provide air conditioning to your home during summer. This process changes with the help of a reversing valve, which switches the direction of the refrigerant. However, if your reversing valve is damaged, your system may be stuck in air conditioning mode.
When Should You Call For A Heat Pump Repair?
It’s always a good idea to keep your fingers on the pulse of your HVAC system. Here at A-1 Mechanical, we recommend calling whenever you see there is an ongoing problem, or if there are new changes to your heat pump system that are creating heating and cooling problems.
Problems? A-1 Mechanical is Here to Help
Our team has been helping residents throughout the greater Lansing and Grand Rapids area since 1983s, and we are committed to taking care of the job the right way the first time. We offer residential and commercial heating and cooling service, helping people to stay safe and comfortable. For heat pump repair, schedule heating service today.
During the cold winter months, many of us wonder if the home is too cool or overly warm, especially if focused on saving money on heating. When you find yourself wondering what’s the best thermostat setting for the winter, understand the ideal settings and know when to break the rules. This information is essential to maximize your home comfort and energy savings.
What Temperature to Set My Thermostat in Winter?
During the winter, the recommended room temperature is 68°F when you are awake and at home. While this setting seems low at first, your body acclimates to this lower temperature over time, and it does feel comfortable.
Many people choose to program their Grand Rapids thermostats for the ideal temperature of 68°F when they are home during the day, and then move the settings up on the weekends when they will be relaxing. Others choose to find more warmth elsewhere, such as an extra sweater when doing chores around the house or a thicker bedspread for the winter months.
Best Times to Set Back the Thermostat
A properly set thermostat certainly helps reduce your home heating expenses. When you move those settings down even lower, savings dramatically increase. The Department of Energy reports that you save up to 10% a year on energy when you set your thermostat down no more than 8°F for eight hours a day. Here are a few great times you can save with an energy-efficient temperature setting for winter:
Sleep
Consider lowering your thermostat at night. In addition to a reduction in heating costs, set your thermostat as low as 60°F for ideal sleep, as it helps you to get some much needed rest. If you find this setback to be a little chilly, add an extra blanket to your bed or use a thicker comforter and see if you are comfortable this way before you increase the temperature.
Exercise
When you exercise, you become warmer naturally, which means you are able to turn down the heat. If you have a long day of chores planned, turn down your thermostat setting for winter savings and keep your body comfortable while you labor through the day.
Vacation
While it’s not wise to turn your heat completely off during much of the winter season, lowering the interior temperature to 55°F while you are away will save energy for this period. Use your programmable thermostat’s hold or vacation feature to temporarily override temperature schedules to use the best thermostat setting for winter vacations. Always program low settings on second homes or vacation properties.
How To Keep Cold Air Out
Prevent low indoor temperatures when you take measures to keep the cold air out of your home. Seal any cracks or holes around the exterior of your home, including spots around cables and air vents. Apply weather stripping on doors, and check windows for leaks. Keep doors closed as much as possible and encourage family members and guests to either visit in the entryway with the door closed or on the porch with the door closed.
Let A-1 Mechanical Answer Your Thermostat Setting Questions
Setting your thermostat for winter does not have to be tricky – we are here to help. At A-1 Mechanical, we want you to know that we are always here to assist you, whether you need a new thermostat or an entirely new furnace. Contact us today to learn more about thermostat upgrades for your home.
The lifespan of your furnace depends on a few different factors. While different types of furnaces have an average expected service life, furnace usage and maintenance have a great impact on the amount of life you actually receive from your equipment.
It’s important that you know how long furnaces last so you have the opportunity to prepare for replacement without being left in the cold. In addition to maintenance that helps your furnace live longer, know the signs that tell you replacement is on the horizon.
How Long Do Furnaces Typically Last?
The two most common types of furnaces found in Grand Rapids area homes are a gas furnace and electric furnace. A furnace’s longevity depends on the type of furnace you own.
A gas furnace on average lasts between 15 and 20 years.
An electric furnace lasts between 20 and 30 years.
Electric furnaces usually last longer than gas furnace models because their design is much simpler. No combustion takes place, and electric heating technology is pretty straightforward. Electric furnace installation in Grand Rapids is often cheaper to install than their gas counterparts, but their drawback is they can cost more to operate, which eliminates the savings.
Extending Furnace Life
If you want to extend the life of your furnace, the most important factor is maintenance. We discuss this factor so you can see how good practices extend the life of your furnace, while neglect is likely to cut years off the furnace’s service life.
Furnace maintenance is highly recommended on an annual basis. Professional maintenance works to improve furnace performance and efficiency by eliminating wear and tear as well as other normal use issues that build up over a heating season.
A well-maintained furnace uses less energy and is less likely to break down or sustain damage, which keeps it in service longer. Well-maintained furnaces often live well beyond their expected useful service life.
On the other hand, neglecting furnace maintenance is a good way to ensure early furnace replacement.
When to Replace a Furnace
It’s always better to replace your furnace before it breaks down for good. No one wants to be left without heat in the winter! How do you know when it’s time? Look for the following signs:
Your furnace is at or beyond its expected average service life.
Your heating bills are higher without a clear cause.
Your home isn’t staying as warm and comfortable as it used to.
Your furnace needs frequent and/or expensive repairs.
Furnace Installation from A-1 Mechanical
If you are approaching your furnace’s average service life, it is time to investigate your options for replacement. Our skilled heating technicians help you compare new furnaces and select the best choice for your household and budget. We perform skilled installation so your new furnace offers the performance and efficiency you expect.
Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about furnace installation and new heating equipment.
An important component of gas furnaces is the burner – your furnace may have one, or multiple. The burner is the component where gas mixes with air then is burned to create heat. Gas furnace burners need to be cleaned as part of regular furnace maintenance, but we don’t recommend for homeowners to do this themselves. Instead, rely on an experienced HVAC technician who knows what they’re doing to safely clean the burner.
The Problem with Plugged Furnace Burners
Over time, it is possible for the burners in your furnace to become plugged. When they do, heat output is reduced, and your furnace struggles to keep your home warm. Your furnace may also experience difficulty starting up when it’s time to run a heating cycle.
Dirt from the air and rust that develops on metal components build up within a gas furnace’s burners. This buildup blocks the gas piping that delivers fuel to the burners. Clogs in the burners are common at the beginning of heating season or any other long period of no use, such as when you move into a home that has not been occupied in quite some time.
Because this buildup impacts the furnace’s heating performance, it is important to have your burners cleaned annually. Clean burners offer better heating performance and efficiency for a more comfortable home.
When to Clean Gas Furnace Burners
There are several steps an HVAC technician will take when cleaning gas furnace burners to eliminate clogs and buildup.
Safety is always the first priority when cleaning gas furnace burners. Our HVAC technicians will shut off electrical power to your furnace at the home’s main electrical panel and find the gas supply line that runs into your furnace and close the valve.
They’ll then remove the metal panel on the furnace’s exterior to access combustion equipment and set it aside. A technician will carefully remove the burners from the furnace and use a vacuum attachment with a soft-bristled brush to clean off debris from the surface of the burners.
The technician will use compressed air to blow out any debris that is stuck inside the burners before turning them upside down and tapping their sides to dislodge unreachable debris within. We’ll replace the clean burners back onto their assemblies and clip into place.
The final step is taking a clean, damp rag and wiping down the interior of the burner compartment.
Rely on a Certified Technician for Burner Cleaning
If you notice poor performance from your furnace throughout the heating season, it’s wise to have an experienced HVAC technician check the burners to see if the issue is caused by a clog in this component.
It is always wise to contact your HVAC company to complete a job such as this. Your technician investigates the burners and safely cleans them to eliminate clogs causing poor performance.
Call A-1 Mechanical for Furnace Help Today
Whether you suspect dirty burners or another issue, don’t suffer a day longer with poor heating performance. Call A-1 Mechanical today for expert furnace maintenance and repair.
When outdoor temperatures start to drop in the fall, Grand Rapids area homeowners sometimes face a unique issue: animals in HVAC system equipment. Animals and pests that infiltrate your heating and cooling systems have the potential to cause great damage, so you want to take measures that keep them out. A-1 Mechanical shares how to spot animals in HVAC system equipment and how to prevent this pest problem.
Why Animals Enter HVAC Systems
It’s no secret that fall is chilly in our area – the animals outside feel this temperature change, too! When the days become shorter and colder, they begin to look for shelter and warmth. Unfortunately for homeowners, HVAC systems are often an attractive refuge for Michigan critters such as:
Mice
Rats
Squirrels
Chipmunks
Cats
Opossums
Raccoons
Animals in HVAC system equipment get inside either by causing damage to create an entrance, or they enter through existing openings. They also cause significant damage while inside your system components, chewing wires, leaving droppings, and more. Animal damage often requires significant furnace repairs. With pests inside your heating and cooling system, especially if they are able to enter the duct system, you are likely to experience foul odors inside the home and may be exposed to diseases carried by these animals.
After an animal infestation in your HVAC system, you want to have your ducts and other equipment cleaned to remove droppings and debris left behind. Have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected by a professional to identify component damage and ensure repairs are made to avoid further problems with your heating and cooling equipment.
How to Tell if You Have Animals in HVAC System Equipment
Fortunately for Grand Rapids homeowners, animals in HVAC system equipment give off noticeable signs. If you have animals in your heating and cooling system, you are likely to notice:
Foul odors from the animal’s nest, droppings, or even a dead animal.
Noises as the animals move around in your system, coming from ceilings, walls, and below the floor where your ductwork runs.
Holes that allow entry – flexible ductwork is especially prone to chewing and clawing from animals, but pests also make their way into your system through holes along the foundation of your home.
Prevent Animals from Entering Your HVAC System
The best way to prevent an issue with animals in HVAC system equipment is to take action before they get in. This fall, take the following steps to prevent a cold weather animal infestation:
Look around your home for points of entry. If you identify holes along your foundation, seal them up.
Examine visible ducts in areas like your crawl space, attic, and basement. If there are any gaps, holes, or disconnected sections, an animal is able to enter. Repair these duct issues right away.
Check your dryer exhaust vent. While animals won’t necessarily enter into your HVAC system this way, it’s another common point that animals use to enter homes. Make sure your exhaust vent cover is secured.
HVAC Help from A-1 Mechanical
If you experience animals in your HVAC system this fall season, call A-1 Mechanical for help. Our licensed HVAC technicians repair the damage caused by the infestation and help prevent further animal problems at your home. Contact us today to schedule service.
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.
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!
“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
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.
