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.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading

Why is Your Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

May 14th, 2019
Furnace

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

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

THERMOSTAT IS SET TO “ON”, NOT “AUTO”

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

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

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

FURNACE OVERHEATED

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

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

PILOT LIGHT IS OUT

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

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

Continue Reading

5 Carbon Monoxide Facts You Should Know

May 14th, 2019
Indoor Air Quality

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.

Continue Reading

Advantages of Gas Furnaces Over Oil Furnaces

May 14th, 2019
Heating

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

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

NATURAL GAS IS ABUNDANT

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

MOST LANSING HOMES HAVE NATURAL GAS LINES

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

YOU DON’T NEED A STORAGE TANK

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

GAS FURNACES ARE QUIET

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

GAS FURNACES ARE ENERGY EFFICIENT

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

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

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

Continue Reading

How Furnace Service Prevents Carbon Monoxide Leaks

May 14th, 2019
Indoor Air Quality

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

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

HOW HVAC CONTRACTORS DETECT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

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

HOW CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS WORK

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

WHAT CAUSES CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

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

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SYMPTOMS

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

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

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

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

WHAT TO DO DURING A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK

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

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

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

Continue Reading

Air Source Heat Pumps FAQs

May 14th, 2019
Heat Pumps

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

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

HOW DO AIR-SOURCE HEAT PUMPS WORK?

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

WHAT IS A DUCTLESS HEAT PUMP?

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

HOW DO HEAT PUMPS REDUCE ENERGY BILLS?

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

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

DO HEAT PUMPS DE-HUMIDIFY YOUR HOME?

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

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

Continue Reading

Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips to Save Money

May 14th, 2019
Air Conditioning

Given the hot summers in Michigan, most homeowners run their air conditioners until late September and easily forget about air conditioner maintenance until it’s too late. What if you had air conditioner maintenance tips to guide you? Did you know the neglect of your AC costs you in the long run?

Fortunately, A-1 Mechanical’s qualified HVAC technicians help you catch small issues before they turn into expensive air conditioning repairs or worse, breakdowns. Air conditioning service also ensures your unit runs as efficiently as possible which saves you money on energy bills.

To make preventive maintenance super easy, join one of our maintenance plans. We offer a couple of options for homeowners and customized plans for commercial HVAC clients.

Continue to learn our 5 best air conditioner maintenance tips.

1.) CHANGE AIR CONDITIONER FILTERS

We often sound like a worn out 45 record on this topic, but it’s so important. As the name suggests, air conditioner filters block dust and other airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet hair and dander.

However, if the filter is clogged, it can’t continue to do its job. A dirty filter blocks airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder to produce the same amount of cool air. Check it monthly and change the air filter if it’s dirty.

Don’t be surprised if you have to replace your filters more often during the cooling season. Early spring in Michigan means more mold spores are in the air as the ground thaws and exposes damp and decaying leaves.

As the weather warms tree pollen and other triggers join the allergy party. Changing an air conditioner filter is simple. One way to remember is to check each month when your utility bill arrives. If you’re unsure, ask your HVAC technician next time he or she visits for a tune up.

2.) CLEAR DEBRIS FROM THE OUTDOOR UNIT

Be sure to clear the outdoor AC unit of anything which blocks the heat transfer needed to cool your home. During the autumn, it’s common for fallen leaves to cover your AC unit.

Likewise, make sure the AC unit is clear of grass clippings after mowing your lawn. It’s also wise to avoid cutting grass while the compressor is running, if possible. You don’t want clippings getting sucked into the AC compressor.

Walk around the AC unit after severe weather and clear away yard waste like fallen leaves and twigs. Also, landscape carefully. Avoid the temptation to camouflage the AC unit with shrubbery or fencing.

AC compressors should have two to three feet of clearance for optimal airflow. Why is this important? When debris blocks the outdoor air conditioning unit, the system uses more energy to produce the same amount of cool air.

The energy efficiency and lifespan of your air conditioner decreases when it’s forced to work so hard. To save money on your next energy bill, make sure nothing is blocking the outdoor unit.

3.) CLOSE BLINDS AND RUN FANS

We recommend keeping the blinds closed during the hottest part of the day when the sun reaches its peak. The heat carried by the suns rays quickly heats up your home and makes it uncomfortable during the summer months.

Fans, however, circulate cool air throughout your home to create a wind chill effect. Don’t pay to run the fan if no one’s in the room because they don’t cool the room. They cool the people in it by speeding evaporation of perspiration.

If you live in a two-story house, you’ll want to place extra fans on the second floor. Fans can help keep your home at a comfortable temperature during the summer while reducing stress on your air conditioning unit.

You might consider planting deciduous trees or shrubs. In the summer, they block direct sun from your south-facing windows. In the winter, when they’ve lost their leaves they let the warmth of the sun inside.

4.) OPEN WINDOWS ON COOL DAYS

Your air conditioner will last longer if you only use it on hot days. When the temperature is cool outside, shut off the AC and open up all the windows. The cool fresh air will help you save money that you would have otherwise spent on running your air conditioner.

During early summer, you may be able to get away with leaving the windows open in the mornings and evenings. However, the opportunities to let in cool fresh air quickly fade by the time summer arrives and are less of an option if you live with allergies.

5.) INVEST IN AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE

No homeowner wants to pay for premature air conditioning replacement, which is why we recommend investing in maintenance. It’s truly one of our best air conditioner maintenance tips!

Our HVAC technicians catch minor issues before they snowball into expensive and inconvenient repairs. Air conditioners with regular maintenance run efficiently, cost less to run and last longer.

SAVE MONEY WITH REGULAR AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE FROM A1-MECHANICAL IN LANSING & GRAND RAPIDS

If you are interested in our residential air conditioner repair or a maintenance tune up, please feel free to call our team at (517) 348-0302.

A-1 Mechanical is here to save you money with regular service, comprehensive inspections and quick repairs.

Take these air conditioner maintenance tips and call us with questions. It’s important to handle issues right away. They only get worse and more of a hassle. If you or a family member depend on air conditioning, humidity control or air quality for health reasons, be sure to call right away.

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

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

Continue Reading

Tips for Running Your Furnace Efficiently [Homeowner’s Guide]

May 14th, 2019
Heating

As the leaves change colors and temperatures drop, you’ll need tips for running your furnace efficiently. Because your furnace hasn’t run all summer, your first step is to schedule maintenance with one of our HVAC contractor technicians.

We can help you maintain a high efficiency furnace so you can save money in the long run on energy bills and avoid expensive heating repairs this winter.

Continue reading for our tips for running your furnace efficiently. We’ll give you practical to-dos to get the most comfort from your heating system, use the least amount of energy, and keep your furnace running as long as possible.

Our HVAC contractor techs recommend furnace maintenance as early as possible so you can avoid being without heat in the middle of January. During inspection, we’ll also make sure your furnace runs safely and efficiently.

Furnace Efficiency Tips (Plus Bonus Tips to Lower Heating Bills)

  1. Unblock air vents and registers
  2. Change furnace filters
  3. Program thermostat for winter; upgrade if necessary
  4. Schedule furnace or heat pump maintenance
  5. Remove airflow obstructions from furnace or condenser
  6. Use sun during the day; thermal curtains at night
  7. Set ceiling fans to clockwise during winter
  8. Use the oven for cooking, if feasible – not for heating!
  9. Seal drafts around doors, garage doors and windows
  10. Rethink hard surfaces
  11. Monitor humidity levels; consider a whole house humidifier

Unblock Air Vents and Registers

If you have rearranged furniture since the last time you ran your furnace, you’ll want to make sure there’s nothing blocking the registers, radiators, or baseboard heaters. It’s not uncommon for furniture, toys, or even heavy curtains, to block air vents.

If a room feels colder than the rest of your house, you’ll want to first make sure that nothing is blocking the air vents. Resist the temptation to close off rooms or vents. This is a myth that it saves “heating load” or money on heating bills. What this actually does is disrupt the pressure balance in your home.

Your furnace works harder trying to balance the air pressure. Working harder means more stress on your furnace, more energy consumption, higher utility bills, and an increased risk of repairs or worse, a furnace breakdown and replacement.

Be sure to dust regularly and occasionally, remove the vent and give a quick vacuum using a brush attachment.

Check and Change Furnace Filters

Your furnace filter traps allergens floating in the air like dust, dirt, pollen, and pet hair. However, you’ll need to make sure you change dirty furnace filters every three to 12 months so your furnace continues to run efficiently.

Manufacturer’s recommendations vary, based on the type of HVAC equipment, the filter model, and the household environment.

A dirty filter causes your forced air furnace to run inefficiently. This is because your furnace has to work harder to produce the same amount of heat. Unfortunately, this can cause the house furnace to prematurely break down or drive up your energy bills in the meantime.

For example, a clogged filter may cause the blower motor to overheat and trip safety sensors to shut down the furnace. Clogged filters might push the components to the point that the heat exchanger develops cracks early.

A cracked heat exchanger allows toxic carbon monoxide to escape and put your family at risk. Overall, check your filter monthly and change when it’s dirty, usually every three months. Households with smokers, pets, or members with respiratory illnesses often find monthly is best.

Program Thermostat for Winter

The best way to save money this year is to program your thermostat for cold weather. This means setting your programmable thermostat for as low a temperature as is comfortable. The lower the temperature on your thermostat, the less energy your furnace uses to heat your home.

We recommend lowering the temperature when everyone is out of the house. You may also want to lower the temperature in your home if you plan on going away on a winter vacation. Remember to keep the temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the pipes from freezing.

If you still have a manual or dial thermostat, you have a lot to gain from an upgrade. A programmable, WiFi or “smart” thermostat allows you to dramatically increase your energy efficiency.

Program settings to coincide with household routines, like an empty house during school or work hours on weekdays. Program a different setting for weekends when everyone’s home. The more advanced, the more you can do with it. Adjust WiFi thermostats, for example, using an app on your smartphone.

Change the temperature from work so it’s toasty when you get home if the temperature suddenly drops. In bed upstairs and it feels stuffy? Change the temperature on your smartphone or tablet without leaving your room.

“Smart” thermostats “learn” household routines after a couple of weeks of manual programming. These modern tools bring more customization to your comfort and save energy without the “one size fits all” approach of older manual thermostats.

Interested? Click here to learn more about thermostats. We’re happy to visit and recommend the best pairing for your furnace. We’ll install it and teach you how to use it so you get the most value from it.

Schedule Furnace Maintenance

We always recommend customers schedule their furnace tune ups in the fall so any repairs are complete before the first snow. Our HVAC contractor technicians are able to change dirty filters and do any necessary furnace repairs. The cost of furnace maintenance is less than what you would pay for premature furnace replacement in the middle of winter.

If you use a heat pump, be sure to schedule a tune up for heating season and again in the spring for cooling season. Because heat pumps both heat and cool, they need two seasonal maintenance visits.

Remove Airflow Obstructions from Furnace

Most of us house our HVAC equipment like furnaces and air conditioning air handlers in basements or even garages. We also use these areas for storage. Be sure to keep a three to five-foot area around your furnace clear for good airflow. It’s also a safety issue because you’re burning gas.

Same goes for the outdoor AC compressor unit. It’s less relevant if you use a furnace during the winter, but if you use a heat pump, keep the same buffer zone. Regardless, whether you use a heat pump or an AC, the outdoor unit needs good airflow too.

Keep shrubs, trees, and vegetation two to three feet away. Don’t try to camouflage it with a fence or plants. If you need a fence to protect it from dogs marking it, for example, use a wrought-iron or wide-spindle style.

Use the Sun’s Warmth

Our grandparents used what’s now known as “passive solar.” Planting deciduous trees on the south and east sides of the house shade it during hot summer days. When the trees lose their leaves, they let the sun’s warmth through to warm the house in the winter.

Evergreens, on the other hand, planted strategically, provide a wind break. In winter, keep sunny windows bringing in the warmth. As the sun sets, close the blinds or insulated curtains to “trap” the heat indoors.

Set Ceiling Fans to Clockwise

If you have ceiling fans, switch the blades’ rotation to clockwise for winter. This will draw cool air up and push the accumulated warm air down the walls to where you are. This keeps the rising warm air from hanging out around the ceiling while you shiver below.

Use the Oven for Baking

In the summer, we encourage folks to use the microwave or a toaster oven, to reduce the heat-producing elements in the house. In winter, bake all you like. It’s great crock-pot weather, of course, but when you use your oven it shares the heat with the immediate area. Roast a chicken instead of buying a rotisserie chicken at the deli. Try new cookie recipes and share your creations.

Never use an oven to heat your home by leaving the door open. Never.

Seal Drafts

Are you losing energy from your windows, doors, and garage doors? Seal them where you can to avoid losing heat (and money).

Graphic courtesy of EERE

Rethink Hard Surfaces

Tiled and marble floors may be pretty and easy to wipe up spills, but they’re also cold. Put down more area rugs this winter. They’ll feel great, look cozy, and insulate against drafts.

Monitor Humidity Levels

The more moisture in the air, the warmer we feel, because perspiration has a harder time evaporating. This is why, in the summer, why it feels hotter when the humidity is high. In the winter, we experience the opposite problem.

A lack of moisture in the air accompanies cooler air. It also brings increased static electricity, dry nasal passages, and more sinus infections and nose bleeds. It’s also bad for wooden furniture, instruments, and floors.

Consider a whole house humidifier. They help control the amount of moisture in the air so you’re more comfortable and you can turn down the furnace because the air feels warmer.

For more energy efficiency tips, enjoy the video. Just ignore the part about closing off rooms!

For More Tips for Running Your Furnace Efficiently, Turn to A-1 Mechanical for Help


Our Grand Rapids and Lansing HVAC contractor technicians are dedicated to making sure your furnace works this winter with a range of heating and cooling services. If you wish to schedule a furnace inspection, tune up, or ask questions about your home heating system, call A-1 Mechanical at (517) 348-0302.

Continue Reading

What is a Home Automation System?

May 7th, 2019
Home Improvement

A home automation system allows you to remotely control your home’s indoor temperature around your schedule and the weather outside. In this blog post, we will go over the benefits of smart home systems so you can decide whether it’s worth the cost. For more information on what a home automation system or smart home gadget can do for your house, contact a HVAC technician near you.

REMOTELY CONTROLS TEMPERATURE

Home automation allows you to remotely change the temperature inside your home. This is useful when you plan on being away from your home for an extended period of time. For example, people who travel for business may appreciate being able to control their home’s indoor temperature while on the go. Simply use the smartphone app to monitor and control indoor temperature.

A home automation system can also come in handy when you’re on vacation. There’s no reason why the air conditioner or furnace has to work as hard when there’s no one at home. However, we recommend keeping the indoor temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent pipes from freezing in the winter.

IMPROVES ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Any HVAC technician would be able to tell you that a programmable thermostat is the first step toward a more energy efficient home. A home automation system takes this one step further by tracking how your heating and cooling systems are used during the week. With this information, you can figure out the most efficient way to program your thermostat for your family’s schedule and the seasonal temperatures outside. Increasing the energy efficiency of your home can also decrease how much you pay for energy bills each month.

FOLLOWS YOUR SCHEDULE

Save money with a home automation system. Home automation lets you to program your thermostat around the family’s schedule. For example, you may want to set the thermostat for a lower temperature in the winter while people are gone to school or work and have the indoor temperature increase the hour before people are expected to arrive home.

ADJUSTS FOR SEASONAL TEMPERATURES

During the spring and fall months, it’s not uncommon for there to be a big difference between morning and afternoon temperatures. For example, it’s not uncommon in October for it to be 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon. On a day like that, you may want to program your smart thermostat so that the furnace runs in the morning, but shuts off around noon. A home automation system lets you program indoor temperatures according to the season for maximum energy savings.

CONNECTS TO HOME SECURITY SYSTEM

Did you know that your home automation system can connect to the security system in your home? This means that you are able to watch live feed from your home’s connected security cameras through the home automation system app on your phone. A smart home is a safe home.

If your job takes you away from home a lot, you may feel more secure with connecting a home automation product to your existing security system. The app can also come in handy if you have to work full time, but want to make sure your children arrived home safely from school. If you wish to install a home automation system, we recommend calling a HVAC contractor near you.

Our Lansing HVAC contractors offer smart home systems so you can stay comfortable indoors year-round. To schedule HVAC service, or find the best home automation for your life, call A-1 Mechanical at (517) 272-8629.

Continue Reading