Blog | A-1 Mechanical

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.

4 Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

August 14th, 2023

If you own a heat pump, you’re probably quite happy with its performance. These two-in-one heating and cooling systems are increasing in popularity and for good reason. But just like with any major system, they still require the occasional repair need from every now and then.

What are some signs that your heat pump needs repair? Unusual noises, a heat pump that won’t switch modes, short cycling, and decreased airflow are all good signs that it’s time to call us for professional heat pump repair. Let’s go into more detail so you’ll know which repairs shouldn’t wait.

Are Heat Pumps and Mini Splits the Same Thing?

July 17th, 2023

Are you on the search for a new HVAC system? Have you been Googling heating and cooling near me, trying to figure out what type of system is the best? Many homeowners who are in the market for a new air conditioner or furnace are feeling confused by all the options that are now available.

One of the systems that has probably come up in your research is a heat pump. You may even be confused if you’re searching for an air conditioner and you’re constantly getting something with “heat” in the name.

A common question we get is: “Are heat pumps and mini splits the same thing?” The short answer is yes, but they also have many differences. Let’s go over what heat pumps and mini splits are so you can be an informed homeowner when it’s time to purchase a new system.

5 Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems

July 3rd, 2023

If your home has a central air conditioner, you’re still probably familiar with ductless cooling systems. Perhaps a friend or relative owns one or maybe you’ve rented a place on Airbnb or been in a shop that had an air conditioner mounted on the wall.

This type of air conditioner is called a ductless mini split. It’s actually a 2-in-1 system that not only provides cooling, but can heat a home as well. If you’re considering AC installation and are curious about these systems, read on to learn the 5 benefits of ductless mini split systems.

How to Set Your AC During Extreme Heat

June 19th, 2023

Extreme heat is an issue that’s becoming more common in Michigan. In fact, we just experienced record-high temperatures and it’s not even summer. These heat waves are occurring earlier in the season and happen more often.

When unusually high temperatures are in the forecast, homeowners want to know: “What temperature should I set my AC at during extreme heat?” The simple answer is you should set it at the highest temperature that you’re comfortable with. But there’s more to it than that.

It’s also important to seriously ask yourself how well your AC has performed when temperatures have skyrocketed. You can’t afford to be without your air conditioning system during a heat wave. Let’s take a look at some things to consider so you can hopefully avoid an interruption in service during record-high temperatures.