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Since air conditioners are an investment in your home, it makes sense that you would want to do your research before spending all that money. A licensed cooling system technician will be able to help you pick the best air conditioner for your budget and home cooling needs.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
When browsing new air conditioners, be sure to look at their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The government has recently required all air conditioners to have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. If an air conditioning unit has a rating anywhere between 14 and 22, then you can be sure it is energy efficient. If an air conditioning unit has a rating anywhere between 14 and 22, then you can be sure it is energy efficient.
High SEER ratings are reflective of high energy efficiencies. This means that for the same amount of energy, an energy efficient air conditioner puts out more cold air for the same cost as non-efficient models.
PRICE
When shopping for a new air conditioning unit you will have to consider both the price of the unit and the cost of installation. While some homeowners try to save money by purchasing a new air conditioning unit on their own, we don’t’ recommend it. If you are unsure what size air conditioner to purchase for your home an experienced heating and cooling contractor can help you find the right size air conditioner within your price range.
You’re better off paying money for a licensed HVAC contractor to help you pick out an appropriate central air conditioning model than to be stuck with an expensive cooling appliance that doesn’t work properly.
SIZE
The air conditioning unit size must be proportional to the size of the house; otherwise there will be complications with your residential heating and cooling system. For example, if you get a unit that’s too small for your house, it will not be big enough to provide cool air to your entire home. On the other hand, if you purchase a unit that’s too big for your house, you will end up reducing your energy efficiency and paying higher energy bills for all the electricity your oversized unit uses. This is because units that are too big for their respective houses frequently turn on and off.
Before taking a recommendation from a HVAC professional, make sure that they first do a load calculation to determine the best size air conditioner for your home. A load calculation for air conditioners takes into account the square footage of your home, along with other factors such as insulation.
If you are interested in our air conditioner unit replacement service, please feel free to call one of our Lansing cooling system technicians at (517) 272-8629. A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping homeowners enjoy comfortable homes year-round.
Have you ever wanted to more closely monitor and control your home’s temperature? Most of us have felt that way when our homes are at an uncomfortable temperature. In order to find out if a home automation system or smart home gadget is the right choice for your residential heating and cooling system, we recommend you contact a licensed HVAC technician in your area.
REMOTELY CONTROL YOUR HOME’S TEMPERATURE
With the home automation system, you are able to monitor and change the temperature settings via the touch screen thermostat or a smartphone app. The mobile app for your newly-installed home automation system can help you remotely control temperatures from anywhere.
This user-friendly feature is perfect for people who have to travel a lot for their jobs or who like to go on long vacations. For example, for extended trips during the winter, you can decrease the temperature of the house while you’re away to save money. Remember that the minimum temperature to keep pipes from freezing is 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
ADJUST TEMPERATURES FOR THE COOLING SEASON
During the spring and fall months, the temperature can vary dramatically during the course of a day. For example, it isn’t uncommon during the spring months for it to be 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning and 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon. For this reason, it may be necessary to run the furnace during the early morning hours, but not in the afternoon. With a residential home automation system, you are able to customize heating and cooling settings to compensate for the seasonal temperature fluctuations outside.
INCREASE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY
If you are looking to increase the energy efficiency of your home, a quality home automation system is a great start. By tracking how your heating and cooling appliances are used during the week, you can determine how to better make use of energy dollars. Home automation systems help you take manageable steps toward energy efficiency.
SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY BILLS
Whenever you increase the energy efficiency of your home, you are also saving money on your energy bills. While a few bucks a month may not seem like a big deal, over the years this can add up to significant savings. Most of the customers we work with enjoy having a little extra pocket money each month to spend on other things besides heating and cooling their homes. Plus, you have the satisfaction of making smart energy-saving choices for your home’s heating and cooling system.
COORDINATE SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEMS
If you already have a safety or security system installed in your home, you can connect it to your new home automation system. Through the home automation system app, you are able to watch live feed from your home’s connected security cameras. This integrated safety feature can help you feel more secure if you have to travel for long periods of time. If you have to work full time, it can also help you make sure your older children arrive safely from school.
For home automation system installation, you should contact an experienced Lansing heating and cooling contractor. Once the system is installed, they can help you get acquainted with your new technology.
If you are interested in our home automation system installation service, please feel free to call one of our licensed Lansing HVAC technicians at (517) 272-8629. A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers maintain comfortable homes with the latest heating and cooling technology.
With summer rapidly approaching, many homeowners are getting ready to run their air conditioner units full time. However, before making that switch, be sure to check out our tips for how to make your home more energy efficient and save money on energy bills. It’s always good practice to schedule preventative air conditioner maintenance before the hottest months of the year. That way, you won’t be stuck sweating in July while your neighbors enjoy air conditioned comfort.
Hiring a licensed heating and cooling technician to inspect your air conditioning unit can help save you money in the long run.
CHECK FILTERS MONTHLY
Air conditioner filters are responsible for catching any dust and other airborne allergens from entering your home. While this is great for improving the air quality in your home, it’s also important to check your air filters once a month. When a filter is clogged, it blocks the flow of air. This causes your air conditioning unit to work harder in order to compensate for less air passage.
Checking the filters monthly is a simple way to ensure your energy efficient air conditioning unit keeps running efficiently. If you notice a lot of dust and other debris in your filter, be sure to change it. Changing an air conditioning unit filter is simple enough that you can do it on your own without calling an air conditioning repair technician.
CLEAR DEBRIS FROM OUTDOOR UNIT
Over time, dirt, dust, leaves, and other outdoor debris can collect on your outdoor air conditioning unit to block the transfer of cool and warm air. When the air conditioner isn’t able to run at full capacity, it is forced to work harder to put out the same level of cool air. This decreases your home’s energy efficiency.
To save money on your next energy bill, make sure that you check your outdoor unit to make sure there are no obstructions. This is a good thing to check for during the autumn months when the leaves start to fall. You should also check once the snow melts in the spring.
BLOCK OUT HARSH SUNLIGHT AND RUN FANS
Sun streaming through your windows brings natural light to your home. However, these sun rays also carry heat, which can quickly increase the temperature in your home. To combat this problem, be sure to close your blinds when the sun reaches its peak.
We also advise that you run fans to help circulate the air in your home and create a wind chill effect. If your home has a second story, you may want to strategically place extra fans to account for the fact that heat rises. Well-placed fans for cooling are usually enough to keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the cooling season.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF COOL MORNINGS AND NIGHTS
If you’ve lived in Michigan for long enough, you know that the spring and fall months are known for their cool weather patterns. Take advantage of these cool mornings and evenings by opening up the windows to let in fresh air.
Not only does fresh air have a lot of health benefits, but it will also help decrease the burden on your air conditioning unit. Whenever you can let Mother Nature cool your home, you should take advantage. Especially since these opportunities will fade by the time summer comes around.
SCHEDULE AIR CONDITIONER SERVICE
With any heating or cooling appliance, it’s important to invest in regular maintenance so that it will last for as long as possible. Air conditioner replacement can be a financial burden on families, which is why it is important to keep it running effectively and efficiently by scheduling air conditioning maintenance checks so that any minor issues can be fixed before they grow into larger, more expensive, HVAC repairs.
If you are interested in scheduling an air conditioning repair or maintenance visit, please feel free to call our licensed Lansing HVAC technicians at (517) 272-8629. A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping Lansing homeowners keep their homes comfortable year-round through quality air conditioning unit services.
Air conditioners are designed to both cool and dehumidify your home. However, oversized air conditioners aren’t able to run long enough to remove the humidity from your home. Below, you will find the top signs your air conditioner is too big for your home. For more information, we recommend you call a reputable heating and cooling contractor in your area.
YOUR HOME HAS HIGH HUMIDITY
Your home feels humid, but lowering your thermostat has no effect. In order to best cool your home, you need an air conditioner that will be able to run long enough to have an effect on the humidity. An overpowered air conditioning unit will be able to cool your home in a short amount of time. However, they don’t run long enough to get rid of the mugginess.
Just because an air conditioning unit is bigger, doesn’t mean that it’s better. An effective A/C will run for a period of time long enough to effectively cool and dehumidify the air. An ineffective A/C will turn on long enough to satisfy the temperature setting on your thermostat, but not long enough to give you relief from the indoor humidity.
THE FAN CONSTANTLY TURNS ON AND OFF
Air conditioners come in different sizes to accommodate the different sizes of homes and commercial buildings. However, when an air conditioner is too big for its respective building, it lowers the temperature too quickly. While instant coolness may not sound like a bad thing, keep in mind that this also results in shorter cooling cycles and fluctuating indoor temperatures.
Having a comfortable home relies on being able to maintain a steady indoor temperature. To resolve the issues associated with your oversized air conditioning unit, we recommend you contact an experienced cooling systems company in your area.
YOUR ENERGY BILLS ARE HIGH
Whenever your air conditioner turns on and off, it consumes energy. This means until you resolve the issue of having an oversized air conditioner, you will be paying too much for your energy bills each month. High energy bills are just another sign that your inefficient air conditioner could be too big for your home or commercial building.
To fully understand the inefficiency of oversized air conditioners, compare how your A/C is run to how you drive your car. Have you ever noticed that you get more miles per gallon when you drive on the freeway? This is because driving at a constant speed uses less energy than when you have to constantly stop and go.
The same principle applies to your air conditioner unit. Energy efficient air conditioners will run for long uninterrupted periods of time to effectively cool and dehumidify your home. To increase the energy efficiency of your home, we recommend hiring a qualified HVAC technician to do load calculations. Load calculations ensure that you install the right size A/C for your home.
If you want to learn more about our oversized air conditioner services, please feel free to give our Lansing cooling system technicians a call at (517) 272-8629. The Lansing heating and cooling technicians at A-1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping homeowners keep their homes comfortable year-round.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you prepared for a carbon monoxide leak? If undetected, carbon monoxide can build up inside your home until it reaches deadly levels for both animals and humans. A heating and cooling contractor will be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks while performing furnace maintenance.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get everyone outside (including pets) and call 911. Below, you’ll find five carbon monoxide facts we think every homeowner should know.
1.) YOU CAN’T SMELL, SEE, OR TASTE CARBON MONOXIDE
If there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home, you won’t be able to tell unless there is a reaction from your carbon monoxide detector. This is why it’s also important to schedule furnace inspections so carbon monoxide leaks can be detected as soon as possible.
2.) CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY
Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by breathing in carbon monoxide, which blocks the body’s absorption of oxygen. If you or someone you know has carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment. You should never ignore the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Dizziness
Headache
Weakness
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Chest pain
Many of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those for the flu. If there has been a recent carbon monoxide leak in your home, do not dismiss any of these symptoms. Go to the hospital to receive medical care. In these situations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3.) CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN OCCUR DURING VARIABLE LENGTHS OF TIME
Depending on the severity of the leak, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen over a short or long period of time. This is why you need to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are always in working order. A small leak may go undetected for a while, creating health risks for you and your family.
4.) CARBON MONOXIDE ISN’T JUST PRODUCED FROM FIRES
It’s a common misconception that carbon monoxide is only produced by fires. In reality, carbon monoxide leaks can come from many possible sources. For example, carbon monoxide can build up when fuel is burned by cars, trucks, stoves, or furnaces.
5.) HIRING A REPUTABLE HEATING AND COOLING COMPANY CAN HELP PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS
To prevent the health risks associated with undetected carbon monoxide leaks, it’s important to make sure you invest in fire safety prevention measures. Many homes already have carbon monoxide detectors installed. However, it is important to make sure these devices are tested regularly to ensure they are in working order in case of an emergency. A furnace repair company will also know how to inspect your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks.
A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers keep their homes safe from furnace carbon monoxide leaks. If you are interested in any of our heating and cooling services, please feel free to call our Lansing furnace repair contractors at (517) 272-8629.
