Why Is My House So Humid?

June 26th, 2019
Air Conditioning

Michiganders understand high humidity is just one of the tradeoffs of living near the Great Lakes, but you may still ask “why is my house so humid?” Unfortunately, proximity to a water source like the Great Lakes increases the amount of moisture in the air and makes the air feel warmer, especially in the mornings.

Humidity tells you the moisture content, or how much water vapor is present in the air. When humidity is high, it feels muggy or “sticky” because sweat doesn’t evaporate easily.

Conversely, when humidity is low, your skin is drier and it’s easier to become dehydrated. Think of winter, when we’re indoors, the air is dry (and colder). We tend to have more issues with dry skin in the winter because more moisture evaporates from our bodies.

In this blog, we’ll review the difference between relative humidity and dew point, what is an achievable and recommended humidity level indoors and how your HVAC system works to control moisture.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND DEW POINT

Relative Humidity

The relative humidity is measured as a percentage. It defines if the air is saturated. If the relative humidity registers as 100 percent, for example, the air is saturated. If the percentage is 50, it means the air contains half of the water vapor required to be saturated.

As the amount of water vapor in the air increases, the relative humidity increases too. Now, if the temperature drops but the water vapor stays constant, the relative humidity goes up. If the temperature rises while the water vapor is the same, the relative humidity goes down.

Why? Because colder air needs less moisture to achieve saturation than warmer air. For example, in the morning, when the dew is still fresh on the grass, the relative humidity is higher. The morning air is cooler and closer to saturation.

Finally, cold air is denser than warm air, which leaves more room for water vapor in the warm air of summer.

Dew Point

Although you’ve probably heard someone say, “it’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” dew point is actually a better marker of humidity because it’s not dependent on temperature.

The dew point is the temperature in which the air must cool in order to be saturated. Below the dew point, water condenses from the air to surfaces, like the morning grass. Because it’s not related to temperature, the dew point doesn’t change as much during the day. So, in short, the answer to why is my house so humid is simply the air is nearly or fully saturated.

RISKS OF TOO MUCH HUMIDITY

When the humidity is high indoors, your home runs into certain risks including poor air quality. High indoor humidity often causes:

  • Mold and mildew growth
  • The right environment for dust mites to multiply
  • Insects and rodents seeking moisture. They leave behind droppings, nesting material and other particulates in your ventilation.
  • Cupping in hardwood floors and warping of wooden doors, door frames, and more
  • Uncomfortable living conditions for those with certain respiratory or cardiac conditions.

Humidity increases breathing difficulties for people with asthma, COPD, congestive heart failure and other conditions. Excess humidity increases allergy and asthma triggers like dust mites and mold and mildew spores.

HOW HUMIDITY AFFECTS COOLING

Too much moisture in the air traps heat and makes it feel hotter than the actual temperature. Therefore, it’s important to invest in an air conditioner or heat pump to both cool and dehumidify your home. Michigan weather might be great for growing blueberries, but if it’s humid inside, it may be hard to be comfortable and sleep well.

Humans cool their bodies by sweating. However, if there’s a lot of water vapor in the air, sweat can’t easily evaporate off our skin. At 100 percent relative humidity, for example, sweat won’t evaporate at all because the air is already completely saturated with water vapor.

Many people have ceiling fans to cool their homes, however, it is important to understand that fans do nothing to cool the air. They, in fact, provide a breeze to help your perspiration evaporate easier. They don’t cool the air, they help you feel cooler.

HOW AIR CONDITIONERS COOL YOUR HOME

Your air conditioning unit does more than just blow cold air into your home. It extracts heat and water vapor from the air to meet the temperature set by the thermostat. Inside your air conditioning unit are coils filled with refrigerant.

Refrigerant is a substance which moves back and forth between liquid and gas states to absorb and release heat. As the hot humid air from inside your home passes over these coils, the liquid refrigerant absorbs the heat and turns it into a gas.

To keep your home at a cool temperature, the air conditioner compresses the air inside the coils until it returns to liquid. The extra heat generated by compressing this gas releases outside the home via condenser coils and a second fan.

HOW AIR CONDITIONERS REDUCE HUMIDITY

High humidity makes the inside of your home feel clammy. Fortunately, an air conditioning unit extracts moisture with an evaporator coil. As humid air passes over the evaporator coil, it condenses and drains into a condensate pan.

To avoid water damage, keep an eye on your condensate pan. If you find water around your indoor air handler or suspect a clog in the line, call A-1 Mechanical for assistance. A small amount of water can easily create thousands of dollars of damage.

TIRED OF ASKING WHY IS MY HOUSE SO HUMID? CALL A-1 MECHANICAL FOR RELIEF

If the high indoor humidity is too uncomfortable or compromising the health of a family member, call our team in Lansing or Grand Rapids for help. We’re proud to offer a range of heating and cooling services to our communities including air conditioner installation and AC service and repair. You won’t need to ask “why is my house so humid” again!

We also have a selection of indoor air quality products such as whole house dehumidifiers designed to work with your central heating and air. For a free estimate on new HVAC equipment or to book AC repair or service, call A-1 Mechanical at 517-348-0302.

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How to Prevent Air Conditioner Damage to Save Money

May 14th, 2019
Air Conditioning

A quality air conditioning unit lasts for more than a decade. Air conditioning provides an oasis from the extreme heat of summer. Providing both comfort and security for your family is important. Your HVAC system is an expensive investment so it’s critical to know how to prevent air conditioner damage. Wear and tear over time results in high energy bills, and expensive air conditioner repairs may even result in premature air conditioning replacement in the future.

There are many factors that can damage your air conditioner. Both the summer sun and the frigid winters can weather your AC unit. Your HVAC unit has many moving parts which mean neglecting the air conditioner can lead to damage. A dirty HVAC system that frequently breaks down is also more prone to require replacement. A-1 Mechanical stresses the importance of properly maintaining your air conditioner to get the most out of your HVAC system.

5 Steps to Prevent Air Conditioner Damage

There are a number of key tips on how to prevent air conditioner damage and save money every month and for the lifetime of your equipment. As a local Lansing, Michigan HVAC contractor A-1 Mechanical provides our extensive experience and knowledge to help you save money. For many homeowners your HVAC system can benefit from following these steps:

Protect Your AC Unit with a Cover

When the AC unit is dormant in the late fall and winter, a protective cover prevents elements like rain, snow, leaves, and dirt from directly damaging your AC system. As we transition into warmer weather in Lansing and Grand Rapids, people seek comfort from their air conditioning units to keep them cool. Of course, you must remember to protect your unit with a cover in the fall and remove the cover from the AC unit before turning on the air conditioner.

A cover helps prevent air conditioner damage when used properly. A common mistake is to turn your air conditioning on while covered, which causes the unit to overheat quickly. This usually becomes a costly mistake if parts are ruined due to overheating. In some cases, the damage requires an air conditioning system replacement.

Inspect Furnace Filter Monthly

One of the easiest ways we know how to prevent air conditioner damage is to check your HVAC unit’s air filter every month. A dirty air filter chokes the components within the air handler and ductwork. This causes airflow to be restricted. Many furnace repairs can be linked to a dirty filter. A clean air filter helps your AC unit remain energy efficient and improves your indoor air quality.

This is simple air conditioner maintenance you can do yourself. When the filter is clogged, your system works harder to push air through it to heat or cool your home. This strains the system and ages it faster. It also requires more energy which increases your utility bills. Finally, it speeds up the path to increased repairs and even breakdowns. When you look at your air filter, first take note of any dirt or dust collected in the filter. If there is a significant amount, replace it with a new filter. Since air filters help to reduce energy costs, many homeowners choose to replace air filters monthly.

When purchasing a new furnace filter, each manufacturer recommends a compatible filter. There are many filters in the marketplace that make many claims. Always defer to the manufacturer of your HVAC system. Making sure you get the right filter type as well as a filter with the right dimensions ad type. Different types of furnace filters include fiberglass, pleated, and media. The wrong air filter can damage your air handler and air conditioner. By trusting the manufacturer your air conditioning runs properly, reduces energy bills, and prevents breakdowns.

Regularly replacing your furnace filter with the proper filter maintains the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and prevents excess wear and tear.

Clean The Outdoor Unit

Outdoor AC compressors lose airflow and thus, energy efficiency when leaves, dirt, dust and other debris collect on it. There are many sources of airborne debris that can clog your system and impact compressors. This is because the clogged air conditioner vents can’t circulate air efficiently. This, similar to a dirty air filter, causes the unit to work harder to produce the same cooling results. Cleaning restrictions from around the unit is a simple chore to perform weekly as part of your yard work. Clean systems produce cold air more efficiently and save energy.

Airborne debris also settles on air conditioner coils. Dirty air conditioner coils create an insulating effect. This makes it hard for the unit to vent the heat from your home to the outdoors. This increases cooling costs and impacts the comfort throughout your entire house.

Anytime you are in your backyard and especially after severe storms, make a quick check around your AC compressor. Specifically, pay attention during the spring storm season and during the autumn months when leaves are falling. Beware of ice on your AC unit and after the snow melts.

Inside your home keeping the area around your air handler is also important. You should think of your entire system as benefiting from steady airflow that is clean. Air will never be completely free of particulate but the cleaner you keep the area around your equipment, inside your system, and within your home, the better performance and indoor air quality.

Install Smart Thermostat

You’re probably already aware of the benefits of programmable thermostats and home automation systems, but there are certain things to keep in mind. For example, if you set your thermostat too low, you may decrease the lifespan of your AC unit through overuse. Each degree can save energy.

Programmable thermostats are helpful when you have a set work schedule. Programming your thermostat to use less energy is powerful. Using your air conditioning when you are not home is a waste of money. For many homeowners and busy families your life is not set by a work schedule, though.

Smart thermostats save on air conditioning bills by adapting to your actual activity. The smart thermostat adjusts your AC unit to respond when you leave your home. The less your air conditioner works the longer it lasts.

Schedule Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance

The final piece of advice on how to prevent air conditioner damage is to schedule preventive air conditioner maintenance. While these other steps are important DIY steps, professional HVAC maintenance is valuable for saving energy. Calibrating your system with professional HVAC professionals each spring assures your system maintains warranty and prevents surprise breakdowns.

Each brand of air conditioner requires unique steps. Professional HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical follow manufacturer guidelines and perform our thorough processes. Our experience and training guide our vision for helping homeowners achieve better performance and prevent air conditioner damage.

With a regular maintenance plan with a licensed heating and air company, you catch minor air conditioner problems before it needs more expensive repairs. This saves you money and avoids the expense and inconvenience of an unexpected major air conditioner repair later. Clean AC units with clean and well-functioning components cost less to operate. Our team also helps to verify ventilation is working properly and thermostats are optimized to save money.

If you do experience issues contact our team as soon as possible. A-1 Mechanical has experience with all types of repairs from the fan not spinning to complete breakdowns.

FOR MORE TIPS ON HOW TO PREVENT AIR CONDITIONER DAMAGE CALL A-1 MECHANICAL in LANSING, MI

If you are interested in our residential air conditioner repair service or a maintenance tune up, please contact our team. We help reduce air conditioner bills and protect you against damage.

A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers just like you keep their air conditioning units in optimal running condition.

We bring heating and air service, repair, and installation to Lansing communities such as Haslett, Williamston, Dimondale, Eaton Rapids, Charlotte and Grand Ledge.

You’ll also find us in the Grand Rapids area, including Byron Center, Grandville, Jenison, Kentwood, Plainfield, Walker, Cutlerville, Wyoming, Comstock, Park and East Grand Rapids.

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Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Unit Replacement

May 14th, 2019
Air Conditioning

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.

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Benefits of Home Automation Systems

May 14th, 2019
Home Improvement

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.

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Air Conditioning Tips for the Cooling Season

May 14th, 2019
Air Conditioning

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.

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Is My Air Conditioning Unit Oversized?

May 14th, 2019
Air Conditioning

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.

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3 HVAC Systems for New Home Construction

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

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)

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

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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