How Do Air Purifiers Improve Health?

May 21st, 2021
Air Purifier

While you can’t see bacteria and viruses that lead to sickness traveling in your air, those contaminants are very likely still present. However, there are ways that you can fight back and improve your home’s indoor air quality.

We all want to protect our families in any way possible. Air purifiers can help your family stay safe and healthy from bacteria, viruses, and other indoor air pollution that might be traveling in your indoor air supply. Keep reading to learn more about how air purifiers work, as well as how they can be used to improve your family’s health and reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.

How Do Air Purifiers Work?

You’re probably familiar with how air filters work. Air filters work by removing any harmful indoor particles from the air. Air purifiers, on the other hand, go a step beyond. They remove air pollutants and harmful particles in the air and then sanitize the air supply to add an extra layer of protection.

Because air purifiers actually sanitize the air that your family breathes, most homes find them to be far more effective than air filtration systems.

How Air Purifiers Can Improve Your Health

Many common airborne diseases are contracted through small pathogens that might be traveling through your air. That’s why common colds and flus are able to spread so quickly between family members.

An air purification system catches and removes these pathogens and volatile organic compounds and then sanitizes the air to completely eliminate any traces of dangerous pathogens and particles.

These systems are a great way to improve the overall health of those within your home, but it’s important to note that they won’t completely eliminate all particles. Dangerous particles that can cause sickness can still live on surfaces such as tables, walls, and carpeting.

How Air Purifiers Reduce Allergy and Asthma Symptoms

Common irritants and allergens such as dust, mold, and bacteria can wreak havoc on anybody who suffers from common allergies or asthma. Breathing in particles from these pollutants can make anyone feel miserable throughout the day.

However, air purifiers and air cleaners can help by eliminating these allergens and decreasing mold growth. Save yourself and your family from the constant sneezing and coughing caused by allergy symptoms with the installation of an air purification system.

Get in touch with us today for more information about how air purifiers can provide health benefits by reducing and even eliminating allergy and asthma symptoms.

Can Air Purifiers Improve Sleep?

Thanks to the elimination of irritating and potentially harmful indoor air pollutants by an air purifier, you’ll feel better and get sick less. You’ll be breathing easier, allowing you and your family to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

With better sleep from your air purifier comes benefits such as a better immune system and improved cognitive abilities. An air purification system can help your family stay safe, healthy, and happy.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Air Purifier Services

The experts at A-1 Mechanical want to help your family stay safe, healthy, and comfortable all year long. If anybody within your house is dealing with allergies or asthma symptoms, or you’ve had more illnesses than normal running through your family, get in contact with us today to schedule an appointment for air purifier installation or other indoor air quality services. We’ll help you breathe healthier, more comfortable air than ever before.

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Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner

May 21st, 2021
Air Conditioning

With proper maintenance, an air conditioning system typically lasts around 15 years. When you experience frequent repairs or outages, however, you may need to install a new AC before then. In addition to frequent repairs and outages, there are other signs you need a new air conditioner. Read on to learn more about the signs your air conditioner needs to be replaced and how to prevent an outage during the hottest months of the year.

Common Signs It’s Time to Replace Your AC

Your air conditioner needs replaced if it’s showing any of the following warning signs:

  1. Your air conditioner is more than 15 years old
  2. Low energy efficiency
  3. Frequent repairs
  4. High indoor humidity

We’ll cover them in more detail below.

1.) Your Air Conditioner is More Than 15 Years Old

When properly maintained, air conditioners typically last around 15 years. If you are unsure of the age of your AC unit, schedule a maintenance check, and ask your technician. When your AC unit is roughly 12 years old, start planning for a replacement.

Professional HVAC contractors run through a rough cost and benefit analysis with you when your AC unit is 12 to 15 years old. If you find a major repair earlier and could upgrade to a more efficient model, consider it.

The difference in energy efficiency and the cost to operate often negates the replacement cost. This way you have the information you need to decide whether continued repairs or a new unit is best for your family’s financial plan.

Your HVAC contractor easily determines the best AC unit and style for your home and lifestyle.

2.) Low Energy Efficiency

If your energy bills seem unusually high during the warmer months, the culprit is probably an inefficient air conditioner. This is another sign you may want to replace your air conditioner.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings measure the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. The higher the SEER rating, the less energy your air conditioner uses to cool your home. AC units on the market have at least a 13 SEER. However, if you have an older air conditioner in your home, the SEER rating is potentially 6 or less.

New ENERGY STAR air conditioners are beneficial to your wallet, as well as better for the environment. Whether you upgrade to save on energy costs, or to improve your environmental impact, a new AC unit lowers your monthly energy bill.

3.) Frequent Air Conditioner Repairs

Frequent cooling system repairs and service calls are signs that you need a new air conditioner. They potentially cost more in the end than a new system. A new air conditioning system saves you money on pricey repairs, as well as energy bills, if you install a more efficient system.

A good HVAC system technician provides a full picture of your current air conditioner costs as well as the costs associated with a new system. You might be surprised how much you save with a new air conditioner versus patching up your old one.

4.) High Humidity

Air conditioners remove humidity from the air as part of the cooling process. If your home’s air feels uncomfortable, the excess humidity is often to blame.

When the air conditioner cycles but does not seem to remove your home’s humidity, it is time for a check. A trained heating and cooling technician tests the humidity in your home and diagnoses any problems with your air conditioner.

Unsure If You Need a New Air Conditioner? Get a Free Estimate from A-1 Mechanical

If your home exhibits any signs you need to replace your air conditioner, give A-1 Mechanical a call! Our expert technicians believe your comfort is a priority. We provide maintenance, repairs, and new installations all summer long. Contact us today to keep your home and family cool all summer!

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Is It Safe to Leave Your Home’s Air Conditioner On if You’re Not Home?

April 30th, 2021
Air Conditioning

As the weather steadily gets warmer, homes across Michigan will start using their air conditioners again. While air conditioners are a great way to cool down and keep you comfortable during the hotter months, many homeowners remain unsure of what they should do with the AC when they’re away from home, especially for longer periods of time. Is it best to keep it running as normal, have it run at a higher temperature, or shut the system off completely?

In our most recent blog, the technicians at A-1 Mechanical answer these important questions.

Why You Might Want to Turn Your AC Unit Off

If you’ll be away from home for days or even weeks for work or vacation, you’re likely considering turning your AC off. Most commonly, homeowners might turn their air conditioner off in an effort to save money on energy costs.

The team at A-1 Mechanical absolutely understands your desire to save on your energy bills. If nobody will be home to enjoy the comfort provided by your air conditioner, it might at first seem to make sense to turn the system off altogether. However, it’s safer to keep your air conditioner on when you’re not home.

Benefits of Keeping Your AC Unit Turned On

You’re likely aware that your home’s air conditioner does more than just keep your home at a nice, comfortable temperature. It also dehumidifies your home’s air supply. Without a running air conditioner, homes in warmer and more humid climates can experience mold and fungi growth, among other issues caused by high humidity.

Keeping your air conditioner turned on when you’re not home will allow the indoor air supply to be dehumidified, lowering the likelihood of any mold developing while you’re away. For this reason, it’s safer to leave your air conditioner on. However, that’s not to say there aren’t ways to save on your energy bills when you’re not at home for an extended period of time.

How to Save On Your Energy Bill When You’re Not Home

While you shouldn’t choose to turn the cooling system off entirely, adjustments can be made to the system to ensure that you’re still saving on your energy bills. For example, setting the temperature about 7 to 10 degrees higher than normal will cause the air conditioner to run less frequently. You’ll save on energy, while still allowing your AC to stay on and remove excess humidity.

If your home has a programmable or smart thermostat, there’s even more reason to turn the thermostat up before leaving! Depending on your specific model, you can program your thermostat to stay at the higher temperature while you’re gone and have it automatically lower the temperature just prior to returning. This increases energy savings and allows you to return to a home that is instantly cool and comfortable.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for HVAC Services

A-1 Mechanical provides high-quality HVAC services to customers in Lansing, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and their surrounding areas. For air conditioning services or programmable thermostat installation, get in contact with us today. We’ll ensure that the job is completed quickly and effectively, keeping your home safe and comfortable.

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Different Types of Heating Systems and the Advantages of Each

March 26th, 2021
Heating

Did you know that you have options when it comes to heating your home? You don’t have to stay with the gas-powered furnace. If you’re building a new home, or it’s time to replace your heating system, now is a great opportunity to research Different Types of Home Heating Systems. There are pros and cons to all three, but you can trust the experts at A-1 Mechanical to fix any problems you have when it comes to repairs.

What Are the Different Types of Home Heating Systems?

Keeping your home comfortable during cold winter months is essential in Lansing and Grand Rapids. You want a heating system that you can rely on year after year. A-1 Mechanical breaks down the three different types of home heating systems and the advantages of each.

Furnaces

Furnaces use gas to generate heat by combusting fuel. This ensures that you’ll always have heat in your house no matter the temperature outside. The furnace controls the temperature in the entire house with a thermostat. Most furnaces can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Advantages of a Furnace
Although furnaces are larger than heat pumps, they are less noisy. Furnaces are a more reliable source of heat in colder climates. You are also probably familiar with how a central heating system operates since it’s been a reliable heating source for homes for decades. Newer models improve on efficiency, making sure your heating bills aren’t extravagant.

Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are another popular type of forced-air heating system. Air-source heat pumps can perform both the functions of a furnace and an air conditioner, providing cool and warm air inside. Heat pumps are relatively small and can be mounted outside your home. When connected with mini splits, your house can be divided into different zones. These zones can accommodate different levels of comfort among your family members. If you have a large house, or want to create multiple zones, you may need more than one heat pump.

Advantages of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are very energy efficient. They use much less energy than a furnace, making them less expensive to operate. Since they also operate as an air conditioner, you may save on cooling costs as well. Heat pumps are also cheaper to install than a furnace.

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating is the most energy efficient type of heating system. Pipes are inserted into the ground and the heat from the Earth is transferred into your home. This air can be heated or cooled, depending on the season. In order for a heat pump to work, a system of interconnected pipes used as heat exchangers are placed underground. To have the pipes installed, you’ll need holes dug in your yard which could affect your landscaping. Geothermal heat pumps can come with a lot of upfront costs. It is usually the most expensive heating system to install, but government tax rebates can help offset the cost.

Advantages of Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is warmer than the air provided by heat pumps, but not as warm as a traditional furnace. However, there is still enough heat to keep your home more comfortable, making it the most efficient-heating system. The lifespan of geothermal heating is 20+ years, much longer than a furnace or heat pump.

Trust A-1 Mechanical for All of Your Heating Needs

When it comes to choosing a heating system that works best for you, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical to assess your home’s heating needs. We provide options at various price points and can provide estimates for installation. Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about our heating systems. Our heating and cooling technicians can repair, maintain, and install all types of heating and air conditioning systems.

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Why Is My Furnace Flue Pipe Rusting?

March 26th, 2021
Furnace

When you look at your furnace, you’ll notice a large pipe sticking out of it that leads into a wall or ceiling. From the outside of your house, you may notice a pipe sticking out of your roof. Both of these pipes are your furnace flue pipes. They exhaust water vapor, carbon monoxide, and other gasses from your home. These pipes are essential for keeping the air flowing in your home and making sure toxic gases do not harm you or your family. If you notice that either one of your Furnace Flue Pipes Rusting, this could be a sign of worse problems to come.

A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling is your furnace and heating specialist. Repairing or replacing a furnace flue pipe could involve climbing on your roof or getting dirty. It’s best to trust the professionals to inspect your furnace as well when you notice any sort of rust in your HVAC system.

Why is My Furnace’s Flue Pipe Rusting?

There are a few reasons your furnace’s flue pipes are rusting. Ideally, combustion within a furnace would have two side effects: water vapor and carbon dioxide. However, no furnace is 100% efficient, and in every furnace some portion of the gas fails to combust entirely. This partial combustion results in the creation of byproducts like carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses. These gases are pushed through the furnace flue pipes and exhausted from the home.

When your furnace isn’t burning gas as efficiently as it could, there may be more byproducts being created in your furnace than you realize. These byproducts have chemical reactions with your exhaust pipes, causing them to rust.

Another reason why your furnace flue pipes are rusting is because there is an imbalance in the air to fuel mixture in your furnace. This could happen if you have a new furnace that is not compatible with your flue pipes, or there is insufficient pressure differential causing gases to have difficulty leaving your home. Rusty furnace flue pipes might just need to be replaced, or they could be a telling sign about the performance of your furnace.

I Have Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes

Furnace flue pipes aren’t always easy to see. If you’ve noticed strange odors in your house when your heat is on, or lack of airflow in your house, it’s best to inspect your furnace flue pipes. One should be attached from the furnace to the wall. Another might be on your roof. If you find rust on either, they could be a sign of issues that should be addressed immediately.

Rusted furnace flue pipes are more common in older homes and could be a sign of an aging HVAC system. If you had a new furnace installed recently, your pre-existing flue pipes might not be compatible with your new system. The best thing to do is to replace your pipes right away. Luckily, this is a relatively inexpensive fix, and it can prevent a dangerous situation in the future.

What If I Don’t Replace My Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes?

Think about rust on a car. You can slow down the growth of additional rust, but you can’t make the rust go away. It will get worse and corrode parts of your car. The same thing can happen with rusty pipes. Not only is rust unsightly, it can corrode and prevent toxic gases from leaving your house.

If toxic gases like carbon monoxide leak into your house, the results could be deadly. This is why you shouldn’t put off replacing rusty pipes. To prevent rusting in your HVAC system, it’s important to have it regularly cleaned and inspected to keep it running efficiently and safely.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Your Furnace and Heating Services

A-1 Mechanical is here for all your HVAC services. Whether it’s inspecting and replacing rusted furnace flue pipes, or replacing your furnace, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical for all your heating and cooling needs.

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What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace?

February 11th, 2021
Gas Furnace

Whether you’re in the market for a new furnace or have concerns about your existing unit, there is one question we hear often from Grand Rapids area homeowners – how long does a gas furnace last? A-1 Mechanical explains how long these furnaces typically last, what you can do to get the most life out of your gas furnace, and how to spot signs of impending system failure. For all of your home’s heating system needs, contact us today.

How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

The service life of your furnace depends on different factors such as type, use, and care – no two furnaces or heating systems are exactly the same.

Residential gas furnaces typically last about 15 years. This estimate is just an average, though, as the life expectancy of a residential gas furnace depends most on the way you use it and how you take care of it, year after year.

Improving Gas Furnace Service Life

Getting the most years of service from your gas furnace starts at installation. Whether the system was sized appropriately for the space and installed correctly greatly affects its average lifespan. A furnace that is too big or too small for the home must work harder to keep the indoor living areas comfortable, either by running for longer periods or short cycling as heat is rapidly added to the space. Incorrectly sized furnaces experience faster wear and tear which causes breakdowns and takes the system out of service prematurely.

When installing a new furnace in your Grand Rapids home, work with a licensed heating professional who will properly determine the correct equipment size for your space. Consider hiring an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians who are known to deliver superior installation services for new furnace equipment.

After your furnace is installed, you’ll need to have it regularly maintained to keep it running in optimal condition year after year. Here in Michigan, furnaces typically run most of the winter. If you like to keep your home’s temperature in the 70s, your furnace will run more often than if you kept the temperature in the high 60s. Heavy use speeds up wear and tear, and you may require furnace replacement sooner than if the system was not used as frequently. As you use your furnace each winter, consider lowering your thermostat to keep heating costs low and to help boost the unit’s average lifespan.

Lastly, the life expectancy of a gas furnace is most greatly impacted by the maintenance it receives over its years of service. Gas furnaces require professional maintenance tune ups each year to preserve system efficiency, counteract wear and tear, and prevent damage as best as possible. A neglected furnace will typically require replacement sooner than one that received its annual tune ups each year. Protect your investment by making regular maintenance a priority. A-1 Mechanical offers furnace maintenance plans to make this care as easy as possible!

Warning Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you need furnace replacement. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate your furnace is on its last leg:

  • If your gas furnace is between 15 to 20 years old, replacement could be needed at any time so it’s best to start preparing when your system reaches this age range.
  • If your energy bills have steadily risen over the past few winters without a clear explanation, the declining efficiency of your furnace is likely to blame.
  • If your furnace is having a hard time keeping your living areas supplied with ample heating, a new furnace may be the solution to your comfort problems.
  • Furnaces usually see more breakdowns in their final two years of service – if you’ve been calling us more often for furnace repairs the last few winters, it’s likely time to replace your furnace.


Gas Furnace Services from A-1 Mechanical

A-1 Mechanical helps Grand Rapids area home and business owners care for their furnaces through regular maintenance so they can maximize the average life expectancy of their furnace. For furnace repairs or installation of a new gas furnace, contact us anytime to make an appointment with one of our heating and air conditioning technicians.

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How Does Geothermal Heating Work? A Step-By-Step Guide

February 11th, 2021
Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating and cooling systems provide the most energy-efficient means to control temperatures inside Grand Rapids homes and businesses. While it’s not a new technology, many people have either not heard of it or aren’t aware of how it works. In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical discuss how geothermal heat pumps work and their benefits to help you better understand this amazing HVAC technology!

Parts of a Geothermal Heating & Cooling System

Our step-by-step guide on geothermal heating and cooling systems begins with an explanation of how these systems’ components work. Geothermal systems consist of three main parts: a ground loop, a heat pump, and a distribution system.

  • The ground loop is a piping system that is buried on the property. It is either a closed loop or an open loop, which opens into a water source nearby, such as a pond or well. These underground pipes are filled with fluid that assists in heat exchange.
  • The geothermal heat pump exchanges heat between the air and the ground loop system, extracting heat from the air or the ground loop depending on whether heating or cooling is in use.
  • The distribution system is the method which delivers heated or cooled air throughout the home. Forced air geothermal HVAC systems use ductwork to deliver conditioned air inside, just like a conventional furnace or air conditioning system. Some geothermal heating and cooling systems may be configured with hydronic distribution, a network of fluid-filled piping that runs throughout the home to carry heat energy. The heat pump’s heat exchanger exchanges heat between the fluid in these pipes and the fluid within the ground loop instead of between the air and ground loop fluid.


How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

A geothermal system works by exchanging heat between the air and the ground. Because temperatures below ground remain consistent around 55 degrees Fahrenheit all year, there is always significant energy available to heat your home – and it’s free energy! Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how ground source heat pumps provide heat for your home:

  1. Fluid within the ground loop absorbs heat from the surrounding earth.
  2. This fluid is pumped through the ground loop up to the heat pump, which is housed inside the home.
  3. The heat pump’s heat exchanger uses the energy to warm the air that passes through the unit.
  4. The heated air circulates through the ductwork into indoor areas throughout the home or building.

Ground source heat pumps are great because they also provide indoor cooling! Here’s how a geothermal system works for cooling:

  1. The heat pump’s heat exchanger extracts heat from the air circulating through the system.
  2. The heat pump transfers this heat to the fluid within the system.
  3. The fluid is pumped down through the ground loop, carrying heat.
  4. Heat from the fluid is deposited into the earth or water source that serves as the system’s heat sink, or receptacle for heat energy.


Contact A-1 Mechanical for Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs

You should consider this highly efficient heating and cooling system for your Grand Rapids area home or business. Gain extremely low-cost comfort, quiet operation, and long operating life with a new geothermal heating and cooling system. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to request an estimate.

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Why Won’t My Furnace Turn On?

December 16th, 2020
Furnace

One of the biggest issues Grand Rapids area homeowners face during the winter is a broken-down furnace. Several issues can cause a furnace failure – some may be quickly solved through troubleshooting, while others require professional repairs. When you’re faced with a furnace that won’t turn on, here are the most common reasons why and what to do about them.

1. Wrong Thermostat Settings

The first thing to do is check your thermostat to see if it’s operating or set correctly. Your thermostat is the controller of your furnace’s operation, signaling it to fire up when indoor air is too cold and shut down once proper indoor temperatures are reached. If the thermostat isn’t set correctly, it won’t communicate properly with your furnace, resulting in furnace problems, including a unit that won’t turn on when it’s expected to.

  • Check the thermostat to make sure it’s set to HEAT.
  • The set temperature should be higher than the current room temperature.

2. No Power

All components of the heating system need to have power for the furnace to work. If there’s not a power outage affecting your home, check individual switches and power sources to ensure every system component is properly powered.

  • If the thermostat has a blank display or you cannot adjust it, the unit’s batteries may be dead. Replace them with a fresh set. If the thermostat is hardwired, check the circuit breaker that controls its circuit. If the breaker has tripped, reset it to restore power to the thermostat.
  • Check the circuit breakers that deliver electricity to the furnace. If the circuit breakers have tripped, reset them.
  • Check the on/off switch located on or near your furnace, and make sure it is set to the ON position.
  • If you own a natural gas furnace, make sure the gas valve is open to let the system receive fuel.
  • For oil or liquid propane furnaces, check your fuel tank to verify there is enough fuel for heating system operation. For oil tanks, keep the fuel volume above four inches; for liquid propane tanks, order a tank refill before the tank volume dips below 25 percent.

3. Pilot Light Is Out

While modern furnaces use electronic ignition, some older furnaces still use pilot lights. If the pilot light goes out due to a draft or system issue, you’ll have a furnace that won’t be able to create heat.

  • Find the pilot light assembly, which is usually located toward the furnace’s bottom. See if your furnace flame is burning or if it is out.
  • If the pilot light is out, you’ll need to relight it. First, stop any drafts that could’ve caused the pilot to extinguish. Turn the pilot switch off for at least five minutes to allow any gas to dissipate.
  • When ready, follow the instructions in your furnace’s owner’s manual to relight the pilot.
  • Once the pilot is relit, watch to see that it burns a strong blue flame and does not extinguish again. If it does go out, there could be an issue with a thermocouple. If the flame is weak and yellow, there could be dirt or other debris clogging the air intake. Call your HVAC technician to assess and repair the system.

4. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty filters can cause heating systems to overheat because they restrict air flow. If this occurs, you’ll notice that your furnace isn’t turning on – the system’s safety controls shut down operation to allow the equipment to cool.

  • Remove the faulty or dirty filter, and replace it with a new one. Be sure to use the same size air filter, and insert it into the filter cabinet in the proper direction.
  • Check filters monthly during the winter and change them as needed – it’s often necessary to replace filters more frequently this time of year because of increased heating use.

5. Blower Motor Issue

If the blower motor malfunctions, your forced air furnace may run but your home will not receive any heat. Inspect the blower to see if the issue can be resolved. You may need to contact a qualified HVAC company for repair services.

  • Shut off power to the furnace, and remove the access panel to the blower chamber. Check for any debris that may be blocking the fan blades or heavy dirt that could be clogging up the motor. Clean as necessary.
  • Check the belt linking the motor and fan. If it has slipped or become loose, you may be able to tighten and reposition it. If the belt has broken, it needs to be replaced.
  • If you cannot find the blower motor issue, it’s time to call for professional furnace repair.


Get Heating Help from A-1 Mechanical

Don’t let a furnace that won’t turn on compromise the comfort of your family this winter – call A-1 Mechanical for fast, reliable furnace repair. Our technicians will get to the bottom of furnace issues and make repairs to help you avoid facing a furnace that’s not turning on for the remainder of the season. Contact us today to get your furnace working properly again in no time.

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What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Humidifier?

December 16th, 2020
Whole Home Humidifier

Dry air can cause many health and comfort issues among Grand Rapids area residents during the winter. Because the air is naturally dry during the holiday season, homeowners struggle to keep relative humidity levels inside the home balanced. A whole house humidifier helps you manage indoor humidity and avoid the negative consequences of prolonged dry air exposure. Contact the indoor air quality experts at A-1 Mechanical today for installation of a whole house humidifier.

How Do Whole House Humidifiers Work?

A whole home humidifier is different from portable units many have in their homes. Instead of treating just a small area, a whole house humidifier is capable of treating dry air across the entire home. It works with your heating and cooling system to add moisture to the air as it cycles through your ductwork and heating system. Properly humidified and heated air is then delivered back to your living areas.

In addition to humidification for the entire home, a whole house humidifier is energy efficient and easy to care for. You don’t have to continuously refill the reservoir like you do with portable units, as the humidifier has a dedicated plumbing supply line to provide water. There’s no need to sanitize and clean it several times throughout the season, either. Simple maintenance and a new water panel in the fall is typically all that’s needed!

The Benefits of Installing a Whole Home Humidifier

Using a whole house humidifier benefits your family in many ways. With your humidifier running this winter during lower temperatures, you can keep your household healthier and more comfortable!

Prevent Viral Transmission & Illnesses

Did you know that viruses linger longer in low humidity? When the air in your home doesn’t have enough humidity, these particles remain in the air where they are able to circulate throughout the house and potentially spread among family members. Properly humidified air causes these particles to fall out of suspension, which helps prevent transmission. Use a whole house humidifier to keep the level of humidity in the 25 to 45 percent range this winter.

Another reason to keep indoor air properly moisturized during the winter is to keep nasal passages damp. When the tissue inside your nostrils dries out due to dry air exposure, you are more likely to catch a cold or other virus. When moist, this membrane provides a natural barrier against viruses and bacteria.

Avoid Dry Air Irritations

In addition to dry nasal passages, exposure to dry air and low humidity levels hurt the body in other ways, such as:

  • Chapped or cracked lips
  • Dry skin
  • Dry throats
  • Sore throats
  • Bloody noses
  • Increased allergy symptoms

When there is enough humidity in the air, your body is exposed to the moisture it needs to prevent such issues.

Maintain Warmth

Relative humidity levels don’t just impact moisture levels, they also affect how warm your home feels. When the air is dry, you feel colder because your skin’s moisture evaporates at a faster rate. When air is humidified, evaporation occurs more slowly – moisture stays on the skin, helping your body hold in its warmth. Thus, you feel warmer.

Homeowners who use whole house humidifiers often find they’re able to turn their thermostats down a couple of degrees and still stay comfortable. By reducing heating system use, a whole house humidifier is able to help your household conserve energy and save money throughout the winter.

Contact A-1 Mechanical to Learn More about Installing a Whole House Humidifier

Are you ready to have a whole home humidifier installed in your Lansing or Grand Rapids area residence? The professionals at A-1 Mechanical are here to help you keep your home properly humidified this winter and protect your family’s health. Contact us today to request an estimate for installing a whole house humidifier.

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Why Does My Furnace Make a Banging Noise When It Shuts Off?

November 17th, 2020
Heating

Furnaces, like other types of mechanical equipment, make some noise during operation, start up, and shut down. If you’re wondering why your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off, you’re not alone. Many homeowners throughout the Grand Rapids area have questions about this common sound produced by furnaces.

Furnace Makes Banging Noise When It Shuts Off

A banging noise is a common concern among homeowners. A-1 Mechanical explains the likely causes of this noise and what needs to be done to correct the issue.

Dirty Furnace Filter

Typically, when a heater makes a loud banging noise when it turns off, it’s the sound of metal contracting. As the furnace cycles, air is pushed through the duct system into your living areas. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing warm air to back up in the system. This backup of heat causes the metal of your ducts and the furnace itself to expand and bow outward. Once the heating cycle stops, the sheet metal of the ductwork and the metal panels of your furnace cool and contract, producing a ‘bang’ or ‘pop’ that you hear inside your home.

To correct this cause of furnace banging noises, change the air filter. Make sure to replace filters on a regular schedule, and check them monthly over the winter season. Filters may fill up at a faster rate due to increased heating system use, requiring more frequent changes. Make sure you always use the right size filter – there should not be significant gaps between the filter and its housing. A incorrectly sized filter can also allow excess dust into your system.

Dirty Ductwork

An accumulation of dirt and debris inside your ductwork may also be to blame when your furnace makes a banging noise when it shuts off. These deposits within the ducts can hinder airflow and trap warm air inside instead of allowing it to flow into your living areas. The ducts warm up and expand, then contract as they cool once the heating cycle is finished, producing a loud banging noise. Duct cleaning removes buildup from the interior of your ductwork so air can move through the system as intended, which reduces the likelihood of a banging noise after each heating cycle.

Banging Noise When Furnace Starts

Now you know why a furnace makes a banging sound when it turns off – but what about when the system starts? It is possible for a banging sound to occur when the heater starts up. This noise is typically caused by dirty burners.

Dirt can build up on the burners over time as the system operates. Carbon also accumulates on the burners as a natural byproduct of combustion.

Dirty burners cause an issue called delayed ignition – this means dirt has prevented the burners from quickly igniting the gas. Instead, gas builds up in the combustion chamber. Once the burners are finally able to ignite, there is a larger volume of gas present, so the banging noise you hear is the sound of this gas finally igniting. If you believe your furnace suffers from dirty burners and delayed ignition, call for furnace repair right away. Ignoring this issue could lead to a damaged heat exchanger or create a possible fire hazard in your home.

Furnace Care from A-1 Mechanical

If your furnace makes a banging noise when it turns off, give A-1 Mechanical a call for fast and reliable repair service. Our technicians examine your heating system to find the source of the banging sound you hear and perform lasting repairs to eliminate the issue, restoring quiet furnace operation. Count on our team any time you experience troubles with the furnace or heating system inside your Lansing area home.

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