Blog | A-1 Mechanical

Do Heat Pumps Struggle in Cold Weather?

January 1st, 2024

If you’re in the market for a new heating system, a heat pump has undoubtedly come up on your list of contenders. But you have one concern and that’s because you’ve heard that a heat pump struggles in cold weather. With our cold winter weather here in Michigan, you’re not sure it can handle the cold.

We’ve written this blog specifically to let you know that you shouldn’t be at all concerned about a heat pump’s ability to heat your home. Plus, there are cold weather heat pumps to choose from. You might even be interested in a dual fuel system. Let’s go over your options and assuage your fears.

How to Choose a New Furnace for Your Michigan Home

December 18th, 2023

When it comes to heating your Lansing home, the furnace is still the top choice among homeowners here in Michigan. Although heat pumps are surging in popularity, many people still prefer to stick with the good ol’ reliable furnace.

That’s because furnaces are a tried-and-true method of heating a home. If you have your heart set on a furnace replacement, there are still some factors to consider before choosing your next system. These factors will affect not only the initial purchase price but how much you spend to operate your furnace over the course of its lifespan. Let’s explain.

Why Is My Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air?

December 4th, 2023

Your heat pump works hard to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. As a 2-in-1 HVAC system, you look forward to its ability to keep your home comfortable all year round.

That’s why in the winter, it can be extremely frustrating when a heat pump is not blowing hot air. Cold air is what you want in the summer, not the winter.

You may be wondering if your heat pump is simply failing to change from cooling to heating mode or if something else is causing the issue. Let’s look at 4 possible causes of a heat pump that’s not blowing hot air.

Why It’s So Important to Change a Furnace Filter

November 20th, 2023

technician-standing-beside-van-with-arms-folded

November is the month when the really cold weather takes hold of our region and you begin relying heavily on your furnace. Your heating system is the workhorse of your home, keeping your family warm and safe when temperatures plummet.

Besides scheduling a maintenance appointment, one of the most important things you can do to make sure your furnace is running at peak efficiency is to change the air filter regularly during the heating season. But a common question we get from homeowners has to do with how often to change the air filter.

The filter should be changed every 1-3 months the furnace is in use. Let’s go over why it’s so essential to change the filter on a regular basis and how doing so helps keep your furnace from breaking down unexpectedly.

Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger Is A Safety Hazard

November 6th, 2023

Natural gas furnaces are a popular heating system in the United States. About 47% of US homeowners use a natural gas furnace to heat their homes–that’s almost half! Considering that gas furnaces are an efficient method of heating a home, it’s no surprise that they’re so popular for keeping homes comfortable and cozy.

Although gas furnaces are built with safety features to prevent gas leaks, no system is 100% safe. If you make up the 47% of homeowners using a natural gas furnace, it’s important to be aware of things that could go wrong.

A rare issue but a potentially hazardous and lethal one is a cracked heat exchanger. If you own a gas furnace, you need to be aware of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger in your home. That way, you’ll know to call us immediately for furnace repair.

Signs of Common Furnace Issues and What’s Causing Them

October 23rd, 2023

Your furnace is essential to keeping your home warm and cozy during our uncomfortable, cold winters. When a furnace is working as it should, you’ll hardly even notice how well it’s doing its job. But when issues arise, your furnace will let you know almost immediately. From weak airflow to strange noises, furnace issues can be common this time of year.

As for what’s causing them, a lot of these issues will happen if you’ve neglected routine furnace maintenance. This essential service is an opportunity for our technicians to catch those issues that are brewing before they bubble over and become a major inconvenience.

How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter?

October 9th, 2023

A common question we get from homeowners has to do with how often to change the air filter. If you Google this info, the results can be confusing with recommendations from every month from twice a year. It’s understandable why people get confused!

Although the easiest answer is, “Change the air filter when it’s dirty,” it’s a little more nuanced than that. There are a lot of factors that determine how often you should change the HVAC filter. From your household size to whether you have pets, let’s answer the question more definitively.

How to Prepare Your Furnace for Heating Season

September 25th, 2023

It’s officially fall and that means you’ll soon be making the change from using your air conditioner to using your furnace. Before you switch the heating system on for the first time, there are a few things you should do.

A few DIY maintenance tips along with scheduling a furnace check-up with one of our NATE-certified technicians will go a long way in making sure your furnace operates at peak performance this heating season. Let’s go over 5 essential things you should do before turning on your furnace for the first time.

Why Fall Furnace Tune-Ups Are So Important

September 11th, 2023

Fall is right around the corner and with it comes many things. The kids go back to school, the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and you transition from using your air conditioner to using your furnace. This period of transition is the one where every HVAC company strongly recommends getting furnace maintenance, us included.

A well-functioning furnace is essential for getting your family through the entire winter. And the absolute best way to ensure its proper functioning is to have it tuned up. That’s because during maintenance, our technicians will check for any issues that could become problematic if left unchecked. We’ll clean the furnace and perform a series of essential checks not only to ensure its functionality, but its safety as well. Let’s go over some of the benefits of scheduling furnace maintenance this fall.

Why Does My Furnace Make Loud Noises When It Turns Off?

August 28th, 2023

A common question we get from homeowners has to do with unusual furnace noises that occur both at startup and once a heating cycle is completed. Although some of these noises are normal and nothing to worry about, some can be quite serious and require immediate attention.

Whether your furnace makes loud noises when turning off or makes a booming noise when it turns on, let’s go over the most common causes of these sounds. That way, you’ll know which ones are normal and which ones warrant a call for immediate repairs.