When Should I Replace My Furnace?

January 28th, 2022
New Furnace

With winter approaching, the last thing Grand Rapids area homeowners want to encounter is a lack of heat. To avoid this cold weather crisis, there is one important question you should be asking – when should I replace my furnace? The heating professionals at A-1 Mechanical explain the expected service life of this equipment and how to determine when replacement is needed.

How Long Does a Furnace Last?

While no two furnaces are alike, this type of equipment does have an average expected service life. Knowing how many years you can anticipate using your current system is helpful.

  • Gas furnaces usually last between 15 to 20 years.
  • Electric furnaces typically last between 20 to 30 years.

The reason electric furnaces tend to run longer than gas units is that electric models are usually more durable, and they don’t require as much maintenance. When choosing a new efficient furnace or heating system to purchase and install at home, you want to consider expected service life as well as other important factors, such as utility costs.

When Should I Replace My Furnace?

Additionally, you don’t want to use average service life as the only factor in your decision to replace your electric or natural gas furnace. The actual lifespan of any furnace unit is greatly impacted by factors including:

  • Household heating habits
  • Indoor air quality
  • Furnace maintenance regularity
  • System sizing
  • Equipment quality
  • Installation quality

Depending on the factors above, your furnace’s service life could exceed the average range – or fail to come close to it. As you decide whether or not to replace your furnace, consider the following furnace attributes:

  • Did your furnace receive a professional tune up each year? Units that receive regular preventative maintenance are often found to last to the upper limit of the average service life range or even beyond it. Maintenance tune ups counteract wear and tear damage as well as other system issues that can take your furnace out of service sooner. If you have skipped on regular maintenance, your furnace may not last as long as the average unit.
  • How do you use your furnace? If you like to keep your home at 73 degrees in the winter, the unit will run longer than a furnace in a home kept around 68 degrees for the season. It experiences more run time and more wear and tear which can lead to an earlier breakdown.
  • What’s your home’s air quality like? If your home has a high level of dust and other types of particle pollution, these contaminants can harm the furnace and cause it to break down sooner than a unit in a home with less indoor air pollution.
  • What was your experience when you first had the furnace installed? Did you work with a licensed contractor who sized the new furnace correctly? A furnace that is too big or too small for the home will fail sooner than a unit that is the correct capacity. Installation quality can affect the longevity of a furnace, which is why it is so important to hire a licensed, qualified HVAC contractor to perform this work. Also, not all furnaces are created equal – some brands and models are more budget-friendly, but they may not have the durability that a more expensive unit can offer, causing them to fail sooner than the alternatives.


Furnace Replacement Warning Signs

With the above information in mind, you should also be aware of the warning signs a furnace can give that tell you replacement is needed soon. Observe your HVAC system, and see if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Higher heating bills without explanation. Furnaces lose efficiency as the years go on, causing energy bills to rise. Also, older models likely don’t offer the initial efficiency ratings as available through current equipment, meaning it costs you more to keep using that old furnace than if you were using a new heating unit. If your heating costs have gone up each year without another explanation like increased use or higher fuel costs, an aging furnace is a likely culprit. Consider ongoing costs to heat the home when considering installing a more efficient heating system.
  • It’s difficult to keep the home comfortable. Struggling furnaces are notorious for poor comfort control, causing symptoms such as uneven heating, not enough heat, and cold spots throughout the home. Sometimes the root of these issues can be repaired, but if poor comfort control isn’t your only symptom, you likely need to replace your furnace.
  • Frequent repairs. Furnaces typically need more repairs in their final two years of life. If you’ve called us for furnace repair more often over the last year or more, it’s time to figure out a replacement plan.
  • Costly repairs. If your furnace needs expensive repair work, sometimes repairs aren’t the best option. If the needed furnace repairs total around half the cost of a new system, or more, you may decide this money is better spent investing in a new furnace. Due to the expense, weigh major repair needs before you decide whether to replace your furnace.


Furnace Replacement in Grand Rapids, MI

Trying to decide when it’s best to repair or replace your furnace can be a difficult decision to make. However, no matter what you decide, the heating and air conditioning pros at A-1 Mechanical are ready to help. We’ll help you know when it’s time to replace your furnace to ensure that you can keep your house warm for many years to come.

Contact our team today to learn more about furnace options and request an estimate for furnace replacement in your home.

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Will I Be Able to Buy a Furnace This Winter?

December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives over the past two years, including our ability to buy HVAC equipment.

A slowdown in production of heating and air conditioning equipment, due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and higher demands, have led to a shortage in HVAC materials. Because there’s a high demand for HVAC equipment and a shortage of supplies, it may take longer for your local heating and cooling company to obtain the necessary parts needed to repair or replace your heating equipment this winter. Prices for new parts may also increase.

A-1 Mechanical is constantly monitoring the shortage, and hopes to share good news in the coming months when demand and supply begin to regulate. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the HVAC shortage or would like to contact us for services, contact A-1 Mechanical today.

What You Can Do During the HVAC Shortage

There are a few things homeowners can do during the HVAC shortage to ensure they have a working heating system throughout the winter.

1. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Even if you’ve never scheduled HVAC maintenance in the past, now is the time to consider doing so. During a tune up, our technicians clean and inspect all necessary parts to ensure everything is operating properly and efficiently. We can also identify and fix smaller issues before they lead to something more serious and expensive, including a total system breakdown. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your heating system lasts through the cold Michigan winter.

2. Make Necessary Repairs

Has your heating system exhibited any signs of issues lately such as loud noises, strange smells, poor performance or reduced indoor air quality? If so, consider contacting an HVAC professional to take a look at your furnace. Waiting too long can result in a major repair or complete system breakdown, leaving you stranded without heat in the winter. Repairing the issue now will prevent more serious issues from occurring down the line, and give us time to order the appropriate replacement parts.

3. Consider Buying a New Furnace

If you have an older, inefficient heating system, consider replacement services now. Although it may take time for your new system to come in, it’s still a good idea to get the process started early instead of waiting until there’s an emergency and your heating system stops working on one of the coldest days of the year. Some of the signs you may need a new furnace include:

  • The system is more than 15 years old
  • Strange smells or noises
  • Short cycling
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Rising energy bills
  • Cold sports around the house


Contact A-1 Mechanical for Reliable Heating Services

We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. We will do everything we can to ensure you have a properly functioning furnace this winter. If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

When you turn on the heat in your Grand Rapids area home, do you notice an odd odor wafting from your vents? If so, you’re probably wondering: “Why does my furnace smell?” A-1 Mechanical is here to help you decode furnace odors you may experience this heating season, including what each type of odor means and when these smells indicate possible troubles with your heating system.

Why Does My Furnace Smell?

When a funky odor comes out of your vents, try not to panic! Furnace odors are not always a cause for concern, and certain smells are completely normal. Decode the furnace odor you experience using our guide below – with this helpful information, you’ll know when to call us for help and when you can relax and let the odor pass.

Decoding Strange Furnace Smells

There are many different odors that cause homeowners to question why their furnace smells? Below, find the potential causes of common furnace odors that may pop up over the course of this year’s heating season.

Burning Smell

A burning smell from the furnace is quite common the very first time the furnace is used in the late fall.

Burning odors when you first start the furnace each year occur as the furnace burns off the fine layer of dust that has settled on internal system components, such as the burners or heat exchanger, over the off season. This odor can be more noticeable if you haven’t had your furnace professionally tuned up for the year, as cleaning is a part of this service. Usually, the odor should resolve after an hour or so if it is caused by the dust layer burning off – if the smell of burning persists, call us for furnace repair to diagnose the source of the odor.

Aside from burning dust, burning odors from a furnace can also be caused by overheated components inside the unit, including wiring or a motor that’s burning out. These burning odors can also smell metallic or similar to burning plastic, rubber, or oil.

Rotten Egg Smell

If you have a natural gas furnace, beware of the rotten egg smell inside your home. This odor indicates a possible gas leak somewhere in the system that is allowing the escaped natural gas to mix with the air supply and circulate into your home. Utility providers add an odorant to natural gas so that people can easily identify it in case of a leak, as natural gas naturally has no smell.

If you smell rotten eggs when using your furnace, shut off your furnace immediately, get all occupants out of the house, and call your gas utility provider to identify the source of the leak. If the furnace is determined to be the source of your natural gas leak, call us for furnace repair. Do not use the furnace again until it has been inspected, serviced, and cleared for use by a heating professional.

Chemical Smell

If you smell an odd yet sweet odor reminiscent of formaldehyde, it is possible that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked. A rattling noise noticed along with this odor is a strong indicator of this problem. A cracked heat exchanger can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to mix with heated air and enter your home, exposing your family.

When this smell occurs, evacuate the home immediately. Once everyone is in a safe location, call us to have your furnace repaired. Do not reenter the home until a professional alerts you that it is safe to do so.

Furnace Repairs in Grand Rapids, MI

Why does my furnace smell? Hopefully if you notice furnace odors this winter, you’ll be able to easily decode them with our guide above. If you experience furnace odors that are a cause for concern as mentioned in this article or notice a smell not listed here, call A-1 Mechanical to request an appointment with an HVAC technician for furnace repair in your Grand Rapids area home.

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What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

December 22nd, 2021
Heating

The winter air in the Grand Rapids area is naturally drier due to lower outdoor temperatures. Because air isn’t able to hold as much moisture at lower temperatures than when it’s warm, this season is notorious for dry winter air issues in the home.

If you use a humidifier to combat dry air indoors, you may be wondering: “What should I set my humidistat to during the winter months?” A-1 Mechanical shares professional advice for home indoor humidity management this winter, including ideal humidistat settings.

What Is a Humidistat?

First, let’s explain what a humidistat is. A humidistat is a control used for humidity monitoring and to adjust the output of home humidifiers. This device is also sometimes called a hygrometer, which is technically a device that only monitors indoor humidity levels and doesn’t control an appliance.

Think of a humidistat as a thermostat for your whole home humidifier. It shows you a current humidity reading like a thermostat shows the temperature. It also allows you to adjust the use of the humidifier, just as the thermostat allows you to control the use of your heating and air conditioning system.

What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

You might have heard that the ideal relative humidity for a home is between 30 to 50 percent – and this is generally correct in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This time of year, keeping relative humidity all the way up to 50 percent can lead to moisture problems indoors, causing condensation on window panes, window framing, and other surfaces.

In the winter when the air is quite cold, keeping your indoor relative humidity level below 30 percent may be more appropriate. Ideal indoor humidity levels really depend on the outdoor air temperature.

  • If the temperature outdoors is around -10 degrees, set your humidistat at 20 percent.
  • When the outdoor temperature is near 0 degrees, use a humidistat setting of 25 percent.
  • For outdoor temperatures around 10 degrees, set the humidistat to 30 percent.
  • At an outdoor temperature around 20 degrees, a 35 percent humidistat setting is appropriate.
  • For an outdoor temperature near 30 degrees, set your humidistat at 40 percent.


If you are unable to track the outdoor temperatures day after day, you can find the ideal humidity settings for your home by observing conditions and adjusting the humidistat appropriately. Start with a relative humidity set between the typical 30 to 50 percent. If you notice condensation forming on walls, windows, or other surfaces in the home, adjust your humidistat settings downward to lower the indoor relative humidity level. Lower the relative humidity settings as needed to achieve the ideal indoor humidity conditions for your home and the current outdoor temperature.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Installation of a Whole House Humidifier

With professional advice from A-1 Mechanical, we hope you’ll be able to easily manage indoor relative humidity levels all through the season! If your home suffers from low humidity in the winter, a whole home humidifier is an excellent solution that will allow you to effortlessly add moisture to your home’s air and achieve a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the winter months. For whole home humidifier installation in Grand Rapids, MI, call A-1 Mechanical today!

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What Are the Different Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems?

November 22nd, 2021
HVAC Filters

As a homeowner, you should already know that replacing your HVAC system’s air filter on a regular basis is important to the longevity of your equipment, system energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. When shopping for a replacement air filter, you may feel overwhelmed with the many different types of HVAC filters available for use with your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. A-1 Mechanical introduces you to the different types of air filters and explains which one might be best for your home.

Efficiency Ratings of Air Filters

Before we get into the different air filters you can purchase, let’s talk about filter efficiency. All types of air filters use MERV ratings to measure their performance efficiency. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and this number tells you how effective a particular filter is at removing airborne particles of a certain size. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter’s performance when removing small pollutant particles.

For air filters that are suitable for use in residential heating and cooling systems, MERV ratings range from 1 to about 13. Though the MERV scale goes all the way up to 20, at a certain point the efficiency of a filter can begin to restrict airflow in an HVAC system which can cause more harm than good. MERV 17 to 20 filters should only be used in commercial buildings and specific environments, while MERV 14 to 16 filters may be used in a residential air cleaner that works alongside the home’s HVAC system.

Typically, new forced air HVAC equipment will come with a standard 1-inch disposable filter that has a MERV rating between 1 to 4. These are the least efficient types of air filters available. Upgrading to a higher MERV filter can provide better protection for your heating and cooling system as well as better contaminant control for improved indoor air quality.

Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

There are several different air filter types you can use in your home’s heating or air conditioning system. Each type has its own pros and cons, so familiarize yourself with the options before you shop for replacement filters.

  • Fiberglass filters: Fiberglass filters use fiberglass material to filter out airborne particles passing through the HVAC system. These air filters are the most budget-friendly option, but their performance is often found lacking by some homeowners. Fiberglass filters have low MERV ratings and are not very effective for removing small particulate matter from the indoor air supply. Also, they need to be replaced more frequently than other types of air filters.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated filters use a cotton or polyester fiber material for filtration. The material is folded into pleats, providing more surface area to trap contaminant particles. This choice is typically a bit more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they are more efficient for removing finer particles from the air as their MERV ratings tend to run in the middle of the road for residential HVAC filters, giving users a longer filter life compared to lower quality options.
  • Washable filters: If you’re concerned about waste, you may opt to use a washable filter for your HVAC system. These types of air filters can be reused over and over again – instead of throwing the used filter away and installing a new one, just wash and dry this filter and use it again! These types of air filters are better for the environment because their use reduces waste, which also allows users to save money on purchasing disposable replacement filters. They do have lower MERV ratings than some disposable filters and aren’t extremely effective at filtering out smaller particles. Because of their low MERV rating, homeowners often need to wash these filters several times each year. If you want low-maintenance air filters, disposables may be your preferred choice.


If you have some type of air cleaner or air purification system that uses a filter installed with your HVAC system, there are different types of air filters available for use in this equipment.

  • Pleated filters designed for use in a media air cleaner filter cabinet can be thicker than ones used in the standard HVAC system, offering higher MERV ratings and longer filter life.
  • Electrostatic filters offer media filtration and use an electrostatic charge to help capture small particles. They sometimes have difficulty effectively trapping larger contaminants though, like mold spores and large dust particles. Depending on the model, these types of air filters can be disposable or washable.
  • HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are extremely efficient, removing as much as 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants including dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Because of their extreme efficiency, HEPA air filters cannot be used in all equipment due to potential airflow restriction.


Find the Right Types of Air Filters for Use in Your HVAC System

Curious as to which types of filters are suitable for use with your HVAC equipment? Contact A-1 Mechanical today to speak with a professional and learn more about your air filter options.

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What Are the Benefits of Carrier Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

October 14th, 2021
Carrier Mini split

Mini split HVAC systems have been around for decades, but they are growing in popularity throughout the Grand Rapids and Lansing area. Ductless mini split HVAC systems are highly versatile and great for energy savings. If you’re considering a mini split for your Michigan home, learn why Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems are the top choice for performance and savings!

What’s So Great About Carrier Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems?

The Carrier brand has long been one of the most well-known and trusted names in the heating and cooling industry. In fact, founder Willis Carrier is credited as the father of modern air conditioning! For over 100 years, the company has established a solid reputation for reliable, high-performance heating and cooling equipment for homes and businesses alike.

A-1 Mechanical is a proud Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, bringing quality Carrier HVAC equipment solutions to homeowners throughout the area. We offer a wide selection of Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems, with heat pumps that achieve up to 42 SEER and 15 HSPF so you can enjoy substantial energy savings!

A variety of equipment options are available including wall-mounted and in-ceiling air handling units so we can configure Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems to fit the exact needs of your home and household. No matter what your budget, we have ductless solutions that will improve comfort in one area or across your entire home.

Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Installation

Carrier ductless HVAC systems differ from the conventional forced air furnaces and central air conditioning systems many homeowners are used to. Instead of using a central indoor unit and ducts to deliver conditioned air across the home, ductless mini splits have dedicated air handling units that are installed in each zone of the home. No ducts are needed as heated or cooled air is sent directly into the targeted space by each unit.

Installing a ductless mini split system, including Carrier ductless HVAC systems, can bring many advantages to Michigan homeowners. Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy from a ductless mini split HVAC system include:

  • Zoned comfort. With individual air handlers installed in specific areas of the home, heating and cooling in each space can be controlled independently of all other rooms. These systems give homeowners and their families the ability to set temperatures to everyone’s unique preferences, without affecting comfort levels across the entire home.
  • Energy savings. Thanks to their supreme energy efficiency and the advantages of zoned comfort, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems help homeowners save on energy bills compared to using ducted conventional HVAC equipment. Seeing as most homes have 20 to 30 percent energy loss through duct leaks, there’s an immediate savings when you go ductless! When replacing a forced air HVAC system, expect to save between 30 to 40 percent on your energy costs.
  • Easy installation and versatility. One ductless heat pump unit can support multiple indoor air handlers, giving homeowners the flexibility to add efficient heating and cooling in specific areas or throughout the house. Without the need for ducts, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems can be installed rather quickly. Air handling units are connected to the outdoor heat pump via a line set that runs through an exterior wall, requiring a hole only about 3 inches in diameter.
  • Better indoor air quality. By eliminating air circulation through dusty, dirty ductwork, Carrier ductless heating and cooling systems can deliver better indoor air quality versus ducted systems. Air handlers have dedicated filters that require minimal routine maintenance to preserve air quality and performance.


Learn More About Carrier Ductless Systems for Your Home

A Carrier ductless heating and cooling system brings unmatched versatility and energy savings to homes in Lansing and Grand Rapids. As your Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, A-1 Mechanical brings you the finest equipment solutions and installation workmanship so you can reap the benefits of your new system in no time. Contact us today and request an estimate for installation to see how a new ductless HVAC system can bring comfort and so much more to your family!

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Is There a Geothermal Tax Credit Available for HVAC Systems?

October 14th, 2021
Tax Credits & Rebates

Over the past several years, you may have heard talk about federal tax credits for homeowners who make certain home improvements, such as installing new high-efficiency HVAC equipment. Currently, there is a geothermal tax credit available to Lansing and Grand Rapids area homeowners who install new geothermal heat pump systems that meet certain requirements. A-1 Mechanical shares the details of this credit and why a geothermal system is a great investment for your household.

About the Geothermal Tax Credit

Thanks to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, there are various renewable energy tax credits available to homeowners across the country. Homeowners can gain this tax savings by installing approved fuel cells, small wind turbines, solar energy systems, or geothermal heat pumps.

Under the current federal geothermal tax credit, homeowners can claim a federal tax credit of 26% of total installation costs for geothermal heat pump systems placed into service before January 1, 2023. This credit is retroactive for all qualifying systems installed starting January 1, 2020 – so if you recently installed a geothermal system at your home, check to see if you qualify for this savings. Starting January 1, 2023, the tax credit amount will drop to 22%, so if you’re considering a new geothermal system, you’ll save more if you install one sooner rather than later.

The geothermal tax credit can be claimed for systems installed at a secondary residence, as it is not required that the credit only be claimed for systems installed at a primary home. In order for a system to meet the requirements for homeowners to claim the geothermal tax credit, the geothermal heat pump installed must meet ENERGY STAR requirements as of the date of the expenditure.

Currently, the specifications for a qualifying geothermal heat pump’s EER (energy efficient ratio) and COP (coefficient of performance) are:

  • Greater than 17.1 EER and 3.6 COP for water to air closed loop systems
  • Greater than 21.1 EER and 4.1 COP for water to air open loop systems
  • Greater than 16.1 EER and 3.1 COP for water to water closed loop systems
  • Greater than 20.1 EER and 3.5 COP for water to water closed loop systems
  • Greater than 16 EER and 3.6 COP for direct expansion systems


Benefits of Installing a Geothermal System

Geothermal systems are a type of HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling using natural energy held within the earth. These systems are extremely energy efficient and come with unmatched benefits including:

  • Extremely long service life. Geothermal heat pumps last about 20 years or more on average, and underground loop components last 50 or more years!
  • Geothermal heating and cooling equipment makes very little noise while operating so you’re not disturbed by your HVAC system.
  • Heat pumps used in geothermal systems have few moving parts, requiring less maintenance and experiencing fewer breakdowns than other types of HVAC equipment.
  • Geothermal systems exchange heat to warm or cool your home, so they use far less electricity than other types of HVAC systems. Using a geothermal system could cut your cooling bills 20 to 50%, and lower your heating bills 30 to 60%!


Get a Quote for Geothermal System Installation Today!

A-1 Mechanical installs geothermal HVAC systems for homeowners throughout the Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan areas. If you would like to learn more about geothermal heating and cooling and learn how much you could save by taking advantage of the geothermal tax credit, call A-1 Mechanical today to request an estimate for geothermal system installation.

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Common Heat Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

September 20th, 2021
Heat Pump

As fall arrives, heat pump HVAC systems will start to switch gears, giving the cooling cycle a rest as these units are called upon for heating. Over the cooler months, you may experience heat pump problems that can stand in the way of perfect heating for your home. A-1 Mechanical explains how you can troubleshoot some of the most common heat pump problems and get your heating system back up and running again quickly!

Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air

Heat pumps should blow warm air through the vents when they run as a heating system in fall, winter, and early spring. If you feel cool air coming from your vents, here are a few things to check before you call for repairs to fix your heat pump.

  • Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT, not COOL. If the thermostat is set to COOL mode, the heat pump will run cooling cycles and produce cool air. Settings are sometimes incorrectly changed, causing heat pumps to blow cool air.
  • Check the fan settings on the thermostat as well. The fan should be set to AUTO mode, not ON. If the fan is accidentally set to ON, it will blow cool air into the house during times when the heat pump itself is not actively cycling, causing homeowners to think there’s an issue with their heat pump system.
  • Make sure there is no ice buildup on the outdoor unit. If there is, follow the directions below to melt ice from your unit.
  • The heat pump could be running its defrost cycle when you feel the cool air. The defrost cycle typically runs for about 10 to 15 minutes – wait it out to see if heat returns in the next half hour or so.


Heat Pump Runs All the Time

If it seems like your heat pump is running around the clock, it may seem like there’s an issue to worry about. However, it can be normal for your heat pump to run for long periods – especially if outdoor temperatures are very cold. There are some issues that can contribute to a heat pump running longer than it needs to:

  • Dirty air filters can restrict airflow through the system, forcing your heat pump to run for longer periods to supply the home with enough heating. Check the filter, and replace it with a fresh one if you find the filter is dirty and covered in contaminants.
  • Make sure all of the supply vents and return air registers in your home are opened and unblocked. These vents can be accidentally covered by furniture, rugs, and other items, which restricts airflow through the house and forces the heat pump to run longer periods.
  • Air leaks in ducts, window frames, door jambs, and other problematic areas throughout the house could cause your home to take on excess cool air. This lowers the temperature in your home, forcing the heat pump to run longer periods to make up the warmth you need. Air sealing and duct sealing can eliminate this issue.


Heat Pump Freezes Up

This problem is more common in the winter when outdoor temperatures are chilly. The outdoor heat pump unit may show a layer of frost or ice on its exterior, which is normal and is periodically removed through the system’s defrost cycle. If the defrost cycle isn’t removing this frost or outside conditions prevent the heat pump from shedding ice, the system will not work correctly.

If you find a heavy layer of ice atop your outdoor heat pump, notice the coils are completely encased in frost or ice, or the entire outdoor unit has a layer of ice around it, the system will not work correctly and could sustain damage if the ice is left for too long.

  1. Shut off power to the heat pump at the circuit breaker in the home.
  2. Use a hose to spray the unit with warm water and melt the ice – do not use objects to chip away ice accumulation as that can damage the heat pump system!
  3. If temperatures are above freezing, restore power to the heat pump and run it in fan mode to blow warm air through the unit and help melt any remaining ice.

Frozen heat pump problems occur for various reasons, such as low refrigerant, issues with the defrost cycle, and even water leaking onto the unit from a faulty gutter above. Make sure overhead gutters are flowing properly, and remove any debris from around your unit. Replace the air filter with a clean one if it is dirty. If the heat pump continues to freeze, call your HVAC company for repairs.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Grand Rapids Heat Pump Repair Services

If you’ve tried the heat pump troubleshooting tips above yet are no closer to solving your heat pump problems, now is the time to contact a heating professional for help. A-1 Mechanical performs heat pump repair services for homeowners throughout the Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan areas. Contact us today to request an appointment for heat pump repair services.

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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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