What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

August 18th, 2021
Air Conditioning

As you shop for a new cooling system, there is one important question you need to ask: “What size air conditioner do I need?” It’s important to get the right fit, or else your comfort and costs will be negatively impacted over the lifespan of your new air conditioner. A-1 Mechanical shares what you need to know about air conditioner sizing and how to find the right unit size for your Grand Rapids area home.

What Does Air Conditioner Size Mean?

Air conditioner sizing doesn’t refer to the physical dimensions of the new unit, but rather its capacity to cool a space. Air conditioner sizes are referred to in tons, but tonnage does not refer to the unit’s weight – tonnage refers to the air conditioner’s capacity to remove heat from the home.

The tonnage of an air conditioning unit describes the amount of heat the system can remove over the course of one hour to cool the home. In the HVAC industry, we use British thermal units (BTUs) to measure heat, and there are 12,000 BTUs of heat per one ton of air conditioning. So, a 2-ton air conditioning unit can remove 24,000 BTUs of heat each hour; a 3-ton air conditioner removes 36,000 BTUs of heat per hour, and so on.

Why It’s Important to Buy the Right Size Air Conditioner

When you find out the right size air conditioner your home needs, it’s important you stick to this size as you purchase your new cooling unit. Air conditioners are not one-size-fits-all, and it’s not wise to size up or down to find a better fit as you can do with clothing and other items. This is because the size of your unit will impact the amount of energy the air conditioner consumes, how it operates, and the comfort levels inside your home.

  • If you buy an air conditioner that is too small for the home, the unit will not have enough capacity to remove the necessary heat from the space in order to keep rooms at comfortable temperatures. The unit will run more often as it attempts to make up for its shortcomings, wasting energy and increasing wear and tear, which causes more breakdowns and repairs as well as earlier system failure.
  • An oversized air conditioner won’t keep your home comfortable, either. With excess capacity, the AC unit will rapidly cool but fail to do so evenly, causing discomfort. This creates cooling cycles that are much too short for the health of the appliance, which strain the equipment, add wear and tear, and take the system out of service sooner than a correctly sized air conditioner. They will also not run long enough to remove humidity from the air.


What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

The best way to find out what size air conditioner your home needs is to work with a qualified HVAC technician. Many components play a role in determining the right size AC unit for a home – it’s not just about square footage. Various elements, to name a few, that impact the home’s cooling load (how much heat needs to be removed) include:

  • Square footage
  • Number of stories
  • Ceiling heights
  • Number of windows and doors
  • Insulation levels
  • Building materials
  • Number of occupants
  • Home’s orientation


These elements are factored in as a professional HVAC technician performs a Manual J load calculation, which provides the home’s cooling load. This calculation indicates how many BTUs of heat need to be removed from the space over the course of an hour, so you’ll know the appropriate capacity in tons for your new air conditioner.

Find the Right Air Conditioner for Your Grand Rapids or Lansing Home

If you’re in the market to buy a new central air conditioner, it’s time to call A-1 Mechanical. Our qualified HVAC technicians will determine the right size unit for efficient performance and reliable comfort in your home, and provide skilled installation so your new cooling system performs as expected. Contact us today to request an estimate for air conditioner installation.

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What Are the Advantages of Enrolling in an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

August 18th, 2021
Maintenance Plan

Homeowners tackle maintenance tasks throughout the year to protect their homes, keep their residences looking good, and to make their loved ones as comfortable as possible. Heating and cooling systems like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and other units require regular maintenance, but too often, homeowners overlook this critical service. Find out how you can simplify the upkeep of your home and gain value with an HVAC maintenance plan.

What Is HVAC Maintenance, and Why Is It Needed?

HVAC systems need to be maintained each year by a reputable heating and air conditioning professional. Professional maintenance is a service that inspects, tests, and services critical components of the HVAC system. Professional maintenance is necessary for numerous reasons, including:

  • Improves system performance
  • Increases energy efficiency
  • Reduces wear and tear
  • Minimizes system breakdowns
  • Extends system service life
  • Maintains warranty coverage


A professional tune up should be in addition to simple maintenance you perform between service visits, not in place of it – you still need to change your air filter regularly and correct airflow blockages, along with other routine tasks. Heating systems like furnaces and boilers as well as air conditioners require one annual tune up. Heat pump systems that provide both heating and air conditioning for the home should be tuned up twice per year.

What Is an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

It’s easy to forget to schedule heating and cooling maintenance tune ups throughout the year. Many homeowners don’t pay much mind to HVAC equipment unless it’s causing issues – they are largely out of sight and out of mind. However, skipping this important service can have serious negative consequences when it comes to the condition of your equipment, the comfort of your home, and even your manufacturer’s warranty coverage.

To help homeowners stay on top of their home heating and cooling system maintenance needs, many HVAC contractors in Grand Rapids and throughout the country offer HVAC maintenance plans. HVAC maintenance plans go by many names – you may also hear a heating and cooling contractor refer to them as preventative maintenance agreements, PMAs, service agreements, service plans, or another similar term. While terms vary by company, HVAC maintenance plans include annual heating and cooling tune ups, and often other valuable perks such as discounts and priority service.

Why Should Homeowners Enroll in HVAC Maintenance Plans?

Enrollment in an HVAC maintenance plan provides various benefits that offer value to the homeowner.

  • Your annual heating and cooling system tune ups are covered under HVAC maintenance plans. Maintenance plan members are already on the contractor’s radar, so tune up services can be completed ahead of heating and cooling seasons. Many HVAC maintenance plans include priority scheduling of these appointments, and the company will call you to set a date and time that’s convenient for you. You don’t have to remember to make the call and schedule these services yourself, risking the possibility of forgetting.
  • HVAC maintenance plans ensure your heating and cooling systems receive the dedicated care they need each year to improve performance for better comfort, ensure peak operating efficiency for lower energy costs, reduce the impact of wear and tear to prevent breakdowns and keep your unit in service longer. Tune ups also uphold the terms of your equipment warranty so this protection will be valid should you ever need it.
  • Most HVAC maintenance plans include much more than two annual system tune ups, though. Contractors often offer extra perks for maintenance plan members that go beyond maintenance and enhance convenience and control costs for the homeowner when other services are needed. Repair discounts lower the cost of any repair that may pop up over the season. Equipment discounts and credits can lower the price of new heating and cooling systems when it’s time to replace your units.


Take Care of Your HVAC Maintenance Needs with A-1 Mechanical

A-1 Mechanical offers HVAC maintenance plans for homeowners across the Grand Rapids and Lansing areas. With annual tune up services plus valuable perks for repairs and system replacement, joining a maintenance plan provides the assurance that your comfort systems will be properly cared for. Contact our team today to learn more about available heating and cooling maintenance plans.

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What Are the Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat?

July 19th, 2021
Thermostats

The summer heat can drive up energy bills for homeowners in the Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan areas. With the right tools, though, you can gain increased control over cooling system usage as well as home comfort. Consider having a programmable thermostat installed to save energy and lower heating and cooling bills.

In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical discuss the benefits of programmable thermostats and why you should have one installed in your home.

Cut Summer Air Conditioning Costs

Reduced heating and cooling system energy consumption is one of the most well-known benefits of a programmable thermostat. Starting around the turn of the century, this technology has been promoted as a gold standard for HVAC system control and energy conservation.

The programming features help homeowners achieve the lengthy periods of temperature setbacks needed to generate noticeable energy savings related to heating and cooling. Homeowners are able to schedule six or more temperature adjustments in a day, making it easy to program comfortable, cool temperatures when the family wakes up and returns home after a day away. They can also automatically set temperatures higher during long periods when the household is away or asleep.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that you can save as much as 10 percent on cooling costs when thermostats are turned up 7 to 10 degrees higher than the usual home temperature for just 8 hours each day. The scheduling benefits of a programmable thermostat help homeowners easily achieve such energy savings without making multiple trips to the thermostat each day.

Ensure Precision Comfort, 24 Hours a Day

The scheduling benefits of a programmable thermostat offer more than just energy savings – this technology allows homeowners to precisely cool their living spaces according to the family’s unique routines. Setting higher temperatures to generate savings can create some discomfort when a manual thermostat is used, as the home cannot return to lower, more comfortable temperatures until someone is physically present to make the adjustment.

One of the important benefits of a programmable thermostat is the availability of multiple scheduling capabilities. Programmable thermostat models are available in four unique configurations, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best fits the day-to-day comings and goings of the household.

  • A 1-week model runs the set daily temperature schedule every day of the week.
  • A 5-2-day model allows one set of temperature schedules each weekday, while a unique temperature schedule can be programmed to run on the weekend days.
  • A 5-1-1-day model lets you program one set of temperature schedules to run each weekday, as well as a unique schedule on Saturday and another unique schedule on Sunday.
  • A 7-day model allows unique temperature schedules to be programmed for each of the seven days of the week.

Following the household’s daily routine, temperature adjustments can be scheduled to start slightly before family members arrive home or wake up. Program your thermostat to initiate a temperature change, bringing the indoor temperature down from a lengthy setback period about 15 minutes before the household becomes active. This will bring the home to a comfortable temperature when everyone is home and awake to enjoy it. Also, schedule setback periods to start about 15 minutes or more before the home empties or the household heads to bed – the living areas will stay cool during this period without additional energy usage by the air conditioning system.

If daily plans suddenly change, it’s no problem when your programmable thermostat is equipped with features like Wi-Fi connectivity! Remote access is one of the valuable benefits of a programmable thermostat that has a wireless Internet connection. Using a mobile app, you can adjust thermostat settings from just about anywhere!

Gain the Benefits of a Programmable Thermostat Today!

It’s easy to start reaping the benefits of a programmable or smart thermostat in your home. Turn to A-1 Mechanical for installation of a programmable thermostat in your Lansing or Grand Rapids area home! With a number of quality programmable thermostats to choose from, you’ll find the best choice for your household’s needs. Contact us today to request an estimate for programmable thermostat installation.

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Blowing Hot Air?

July 19th, 2021
Air Conditioning

Cool air blowing throughout your home provides a refuge from hot summer days. When you find the air conditioner blowing warm air, your frustration levels are likely to rise alongside the heat within your house! As frustrating as it may be, air conditioning, or AC, blowing hot air is actually a pretty common problem. Many causes may be resolved with some DIY troubleshooting of your air conditioning unit.

As a local Grand Rapids business, the technicians at A-1 Mechanical aim to protect the safety of our neighbors. Before you experience an issue within your AC unit know the most common causes, what to do to fix it, and when to call in our expert air conditioner repair pros for solutions. This may keep your AC unit blowing cold air without interruption.

Causes Behind an Air Conditioner Blowing Warm Air

If you have an air conditioner blowing hot air during the summer months, here are the most common causes and what you can do to correct them or when you should call for AC repair services.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

In larger households, it’s easy for thermostat settings to be adjusted without the knowledge of other family members. If someone accidentally turns the thermostat to HEAT mode, it won’t be your air conditioning system generating hot air – it’s actually your furnace running, heating the home! If vents are blowing warm air check your thermostat first.

Another issue with thermostat settings that can send hot air into the home is a fan set to ON mode instead of AUTO. When the AUTO setting is selected, your HVAC system’s fan only runs with a cooling cycle to circulate chilled air into living spaces across the house. When ON mode is selected, the fan will run all the time. In between cooling cycles, the fan pushes warm air through the vents, because air is not actively being cooled.

Some thermostats feature a lock setting. This feature prevents switching between modes and adjusting the temperature settings. Since many homeowners only interact with the thermostat occasionally, it is easy to think you changed modes even though the thermostat was locked. In these cases, the issue is simple to resolve.

Whenever you have an AC system that’s blowing hot air, it’s wise to check the thermostat settings first.

  • Make sure the thermostat switch is set to COOL mode, not HEAT or HEAT/COOL.
  • Check the fan settings switch and make sure it is set to AUTO mode, and not ON.
  • On smart thermostats you should verify that the app is working by adjusting settings directly on the display.

As they age, thermostats can become faulty. Components may corrode and fail due to time, power surges and other factors. If the display is not working properly or if the thermostat is over 10 years old, our team can install a new thermostat and improve the efficiency of your system.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter can cause your air conditioner to blow hot air out of the vents. When contaminants build up, a blockage may be created. Clogged air filters force your cooling system to work harder, starving the system of the air needed to circulate smoothly. Your air handler may not be able to generate enough airflow, leaving the air feeling warm as it exits your vents. All the while, clogged air filters will be wasting electricity as the air handler attempts to compensate for the restricted filter.

When your AC is blowing hot air, check your HVAC filter and replace it as needed. It’s wise to check air filters once per month in the summer, as replacement may be needed more often during this season of increased system usage.

  • Remove the old filter from the filter cabinet.
  • Look at the filter’s surface – if it is completely caked in grayish material, it needs to be replaced. If you are unsure, hold the filter up to a light and see if you notice any light shining through. If no light passes through the filter, replace it. The basic rule is to replace dirty filters once every month during the hottest and coldest months.
  • Insert a new filter into the filter cabinet. Make sure to follow the airflow arrows on its frame which tell you the proper direction for filter installation. Make sure the filter is the correct size and fits snugly into the cabinet.


Dirty Outdoor Unit

Blowing warm air may also be due to blockages and clogs in the outdoor unit. A unit needs airflow to work optimally and stay cool. A dirty outdoor unit may overheat or experience unnecessary failure. During annual tune ups our technicians completely inspect and condition the AC unit. Detecting a refrigerant leak, damaged refrigerant line and especially dirty condenser coils is part of professional maintenance. If your outdoor AC unit is dirty, you should refer to the owner’s manual and most likely contact our team.

AC Coils

Frozen evaporator coils should prompt a call to our team. Your central air conditioner or heat pump uses two sets of coils – the indoor evaporator coil, and the outdoor condenser coil. If either of these coils are dirty, the system struggles to complete heat transfer, which can result in your AC blowing warm air. A dirty evaporator coil prevents it from absorbing heat within the indoor air; dirt on the condenser coil, meanwhile, prevents the system from efficiently releasing heat outdoors.

Coil cleaning is a job best left to the professionals. If you suspect your coils may be dirty, you can check by disconnecting power to the system and opening the access door to your furnace or air handler indoors to check the condition of the evaporator coils, or look inside the outdoor condenser unit or heat pump unit to check the condenser coils. If either are covered in dirt or grime, call your HVAC company to clean the coils.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Relief from Hot Air

If you have an AC blowing warm air and the above troubleshooting steps don’t work, call A-1 Mechanical to perform air conditioner repairs at your home. Our technicians perform diagnostics to find out why you have an air conditioner blowing hot air so the correct repairs can be made to solve the problem once and for all.

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Why Is My Air Conditioner Running, but Not Cooling the House?

June 4th, 2021
AC System

It seems like each summer is hotter than the last. Brutally hot summers make air conditioning a necessity. Before summer starts, turn on your air conditioning system to make sure it runs and is efficiently cooling your home.

A common issue the technicians at A-1 Mechanical frequently see during the summer months is an AC that is running but not cooling the house down. If this is the case, A-1 Mechanical has a few steps you can try to make your home cool again. In our most recent blog, we’ll explain what you can do yourself and when it’s best to call a professional HVAC company.

Troubleshooting Your AC Problems

If your air conditioner is running but not cooling your house, doing a little poking around yourself might just solve your problem without calling an HVAC company. Even if you can’t fix it, you can save your technician a lot of time by telling them what you’ve tried already.

Thermostat Set Incorrectly

This might seem silly, but it happens all the time. Make sure your thermostat is set to “cool” and is set at the desired temperature. Sometimes people accidentally turn the fan on but don’t turn the air conditioner on. This won’t cool your house.

Dirty Air Filter

This is one of the most common causes for a system that is running but not providing any cooling. On your air conditioner, there is an air filter that catches dust, dirt, and airborne particles. If your HVAC filter is clogged, it can restrict the airflow to the air conditioner. Replacing the filter might be the solution.

Frozen Air Conditioner

If you’ve replaced the filter and are still not feeling cold air, then peek inside your air conditioner. If you find ice or condensation, then your air conditioner might be frozen. There are a few reasons as to why this could happen. Turn off the air conditioner and melt the ice before you call a technician. You can do this by turning on only the fan on the air conditioner or using a hairdryer to speed the process along. Once the ice is melted, try running the AC again.

When to Call an HVAC Technician

Did you try all those steps and still don’t have relief? Then it’s time to call an HVAC system technician. Here are a few other common problems that are best solved by A-1 Mechanical’s air conditioner service team.

Condenser Unit Is Blocked

A dirty or clogged condenser can also cause an AC system to run but not provide cooling. The condenser is a coil that pulls heat energy out of your home. These can get clogged with dirt, grass, and other airborne debris. It’s best to let a technician properly clean the coil to ensure no accidental damage.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a chemical that cools the air before it’s transmitted into your home. It is not like the oil for your car that needs to be replaced regularly, but if it does start leaking, it could cause problems. An AC technician will be able to refill your refrigerant to proper levels and stop any leaks.

Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner?

Don’t fret if your AC unit is running but not providing cool air. The best indication for replacing your air conditioner is the age of your unit. Because air conditioners are outside, they have a shorter lifespan than furnaces and usually last about 15-20 years. If your air conditioner is older than that, you might want to consider an upgrade.

Call A-1 Mechanical to Stay Cool This Summer

The best way to make sure your air conditioner keeps you cool is by having it inspected and cleaned in the spring. An A-1 technician will be able to replace any defective parts and let you know if you’re due for an upgrade. Call A-1 Mechanical today to schedule your seasonal AC checkup.

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How to Choose the Right Air Purifier for Your Home

June 4th, 2021
Air Purifier

Isn’t it awful when one member of your family has a cold, and then the next thing you know, everyone in your house is sick? Improving the indoor air quality in your home with a whole home air purifier can make a big difference in your family’s health. But how do you choose an air purifier that’s right for you? Luckily, the heating and cooling experts at A-1 Mechanical offer two fantastic whole-house air cleaning solutions, and we’ll help you find out which one will be the most effective in your home.

Why Do I Need a Whole House Air Purifier?

The best way to fill your house with clean air is to open the windows and allow the outdoor air to enter and cycle around your house. This may be difficult to do in colder months, though, or if anyone in your family has seasonal outdoor allergies. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans spend almost 90% of their time indoors, which exposes them to 2-5 times the pollutants than they would be exposed to outdoors.

Air cleaners, air purifiers, and air filtration systems all essentially do the same thing; they filter out the contaminants in the air. A lot of these contaminants are living in your vents and HVAC system. When air passes through your HVAC system, it will pass through your new air cleaner’s filter, which strips the air of certain contaminants before it comes out of the registers and into your living areas.

How to Choose an Air Purifier

A-1 Mechanical offers two excellent options to purify the air in your home. You might notice that one is called an “air purifier” and one is an “air filter.” You may be wondering what the difference is between the two types.

The main difference is the type of filter they offer. Air cleaners use fiberglass and activated carbon to filter the air, while air purifiers use a more intense filter with negative ions to sanitize the air. The strength of the filters determines what kind of germs can be caught in them. A filter’s strength is measured in Maximum Efficiency Reporting Values, or MERV rating. This rating is between 1-20. The higher the MERV rating, the better it is.

Infinity Air Purifier

The infinity air purifier is a top-of-the-line product for superior indoor air quality. It has been proven effective against human influenza, common cold germs, and streptococcus pyogenes.

These filters have a 15 MERV rating and can remove common household pollutants from the air such as smoke, odors, dust, and pet dander. They are compatible with most home’s HVAC systems and come with a one-year parts warranty.

Comfort EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter

The Comfort EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter is what some might call an “air cleaner.” Although effective in removing very small particles, air cleaners fall short at sanitizing the air. They remove allergens and dust from circulating in your HVAC system but are not great at removing bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that make us sick.

If members of your family suffer from asthma or intense allergies, this is a great choice for you. With a MERV rating of 10, this filter removes up to 65% of airborne particles.

Which Air Purifier Should I Choose?

Choosing an air purifier can seem like a difficult task. You need to ask yourself: which particles bother you and your family the most? If your family seems constantly sick, or someone in your home has COVID-19, the Infinity Air Purifier is probably the best choice for you to stop the spread of germs. This might also be a good choice if you have pets.

If your family suffers from seasonal allergies or asthma but is otherwise healthy, the Comfort EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter would be a great match for your family.

Call A-1 Mechanical to Start Breathing Easy

If you’re buying an air purifier, the best way to be sure you choose the best model for your home is to talk to one of A-1 Mechanical’s indoor air quality experts. They’ll assess your needs and help you solidify your choice of air cleaning solutions. Call us today to learn more.

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Why Is My Heat Pump Not Keeping Up?

May 21st, 2021
Heating

Contrary to what the name might suggest, heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool a home. When your heat pump isn’t keeping up with your demands when you need it most, however, there can be a number of issues at play. Keep reading to discover what might be keeping your heat pump from reaching your set temperature, and what you should do when that happens.

What Can Keep a Heat Pump From Reaching a Set Temperature?

Unit is Iced Over

Setting your thermostat below 70°F can cause your heat pump system to frost or even completely freeze up. When this happens, your unit won’t run as efficiently and will likely have trouble reaching a set temperature.

Additionally, your system can be prone to more issues if you continue to use it while it’s iced over. The fan blades on your system, for example, can break, or refrigerant may leak within the outdoor unit.

System Isn’t Running

If your system is having trouble just turning on, it likely won’t be able to consistently reach the temperatures you’re setting. This could quickly turn into an emergency, especially during extremely hot or cold weather, so it’s important to call on a professional heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality technician immediately after noticing that your heat pump unit is not turning on.

A professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s heat pump repair or replacement services.

Vents in the Home are Closed

If some rooms feel as though they’re at the temperature you’ve set and other rooms feel significantly warmer or cooler, the issue could be as simple as having vents in your rooms that are closed. Ensure that all rooms in the home have open vents before reaching out to a professional about having your unit inspected.

Allowing the air to circulate and flow freely can do wonders in helping your home reach the temperature that you’ve set.

What are Some Common Heat Pump Problems?

Lack of Power

The risk of having a heat pump is that they’re fully electric, which can cause issues in the event that your home’s power supply goes out. If your heat pump isn’t turning on but you haven’t recently suffered a power outage, ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped.

A lack of power to your heat pump for too long can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and not work when the AC turns back on. If the system hasn’t had power for over half an hour, get in touch with a professional to learn about the best way to turn the system back on to ensure you don’t experience any issues.

Unreliable Thermostat

Sometimes, a heat pump that doesn’t reach the set temperature can be the fault of your thermostat, rather than the heat pump itself. If you’ve had your heat pump inspected and everything appears to be normal, have your thermostat checked. The unit could be calibrated incorrectly and not communicating with the heat pump.

Reversing Valve is Broken

The reversing valve within your heat pump is the part that allows the unit to be used for both heating and cooling. When this valve is broken, it can cause inefficient heating and cooling and should be fixed immediately.

A-1 Mechanical Solves Heat Pump Issues

Heat pumps are complex systems that can often be confusing. When your heat pump experiences any issues that cause it to not work as efficiently as it once did, you should get in touch with an HVAC professional. Doing so will ensure that the issue is fixed properly to give your family enhanced comfort and safety all year long.

The experts at A-1 Mechanical know that you can’t afford to be without proper heating and cooling during the coldest and hottest of days. If your heat pump isn’t working properly and experiences any of the issues above, or any not on that list, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Heat Pump Services

For all of your HVAC system service needs in the Lansing or the Grand Rapids, MI area, get in contact with the experts at A-1 Mechanical, and schedule an appointment today. We’ll provide your heat pump with the service and attention to detail that you deserve.

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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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