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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What Is the Average Lifespan of a Gas Furnace?

November 17th, 2020
Gas Furnace

A new heating system is a big investment for any Grand Rapids area homeowner. You can maximize the value of your gas furnace when you keep it in service for the average lifespan or longer. In our most recent blog, the technicians at A-1 Mechanical share how long you should expect your gas furnace to last and what to do to gain more years of service from it.

What Is the Average Gas Furnace Lifespan?

The average life expectancy of a gas furnace is between 15 and 20 years. With proper care throughout the years, it may be possible to gain even more years of service from your heating system. Once your furnace approaches 15 years of age, it’s wise to start evaluating your options for replacement. It’s to your benefit to replace the old system before it breaks down completely, leaving your household without heat.

What Factors Affect a Furnace’s Average Lifespan?

When it comes to a gas furnace’s lifespan, there is no exact expiration date for your equipment. The average life expectancy is helpful when estimating when furnace replacement is needed, but other factors also affect how many years a piece of equipment may run.

When the Furnace Was Manufactured

In general, newer furnaces last longer than older models. As the industry has evolved, new technologies have been incorporated into furnaces, which help protect components and improve efficiency for longer-lasting heating systems. A furnace that is fairly new will most likely serve a family for more years than one that was built 10 or more years ago. If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old, it might be time to replace.

Old furnaces can offer annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings as low as 56%, meaning they waste 44% of the energy they use. The minimum standard AFUE for new furnaces today is 78 percent. A high-efficiency unit has a rating between 90 and 97 percent, meaning it loses 10% or less of the energy it uses.

Quality Furnace Installation

When you have a new furnace installed, the quality of installation affects the equipment’s longevity, as well as factors including energy consumption and indoor comfort levels. Poor installation reduces the furnace’s efficiency, which causes the system to overwork to do its job. Also, parts sustain more wear and break down sooner, on top of higher energy bills. Always work with a qualified, licensed heating and cooling contractor when purchasing a new furnace for your home to ensure the equipment is installed correctly, protecting your comfort and your investment.

Quality of Furnace Maintenance

Regular maintenance plays a huge part in the longevity of a furnace! When homeowners follow the recommended maintenance schedule for their furnace, its lifespan can be maximized. With annual furnace tune ups, the furnace is less likely to break down or offer subpar operation, which causes components to wear out and malfunction at a faster rate.

In addition to annual maintenance, homeowners should change furnace filters regularly throughout the years to avoid causing strain as the furnace operates. Dirty filters restrict air movement through the heating system, causing overheating, excessive energy consumption, and more wear and tear to components.

How Often the Furnace Is Used

Unfortunately, homeowners in the Lansing, Michigan, area don’t often have the luxury of foregoing heating system use during the winter months. Here in the northern part of the country, furnaces and heating systems operate nearly around the clock during the cold season – unlike in the South, where homeowners may only have to use their heating systems sparingly. Compared to furnaces in the South, homeowners in the North can typically expect a shorter gas furnace lifespan.

A-1 Mechanical Helps Your Furnace Last Longer!

A-1 Mechanical helps Lansing and Grand Rapids area homeowners make the most out of their heating units with professional maintenance services, quality installation, and quick repairs. A-1 Mechanical will help you get more years of warmth in the home from your original investment. If it’s time to repair, maintenance or replace your furnace, call A-1 Mechanical today.

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What Are the Benefits of an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

October 15th, 2020
Ventilator

Improving indoor air quality and lowering heating and cooling expenses are top concerns of Lansing area homeowners. We want clean air and comfortable temperatures inside our homes, as well as protection for the valuable HVAC systems that help us achieve these positive conditions. An energy recovery ventilator, or ERV, is a piece of ventilation equipment that helps Michigan homeowners accomplish these goals and more.

A-1 Mechanical explains the benefits of installing and utilizing an energy recovery ventilator in a home environment. Learn more about how an ERV could benefit your family when you schedule a consultation with our team today!

What Is an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

An energy recovery ventilator is a type of ventilation system that replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. What makes this equipment different from some other ventilation solutions is that it makes this exchange without wasting energy. The ERV retains the heat energy and moisture from the indoor air that is exhausted outside the home for the treatment of incoming fresh air.

In the wintertime, incoming air is warmed by the ERV and moisture is added to prevent dry air issues inside the home. When used in the summertime, the energy recovery ventilator uses the dehumidified indoor air to treat the incoming outside air before it moves into your home, so excess heat and moisture are removed.

Benefits of an Energy Recovery Ventilator

There are many reasons to use an energy recovery ventilator in your Lansing home. Area residents prefer this ventilation solution because of these valuable benefits gained through its use.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Even though many consider air pollution to be an outdoor problem, the air outside is actually less polluted than the air inside your home. Contaminants are introduced to the home environment in many ways, from open doors to the products we use inside. Most homes today are tightly sealed to help the structure retain heating and cooling energy, which has a downside of also trapping airborne contaminants inside.

It’s important to bring fresh air into the home on a regular basis to replace the indoor air that becomes stale and polluted with high contaminant concentrations over time. Polluted indoor air is exhausted out of the home by the energy recovery ventilator, providing a significant boost for the home’s indoor air quality. Reduce allergens, odors, and more to create a healthier, more comfortable environment inside your residence.

Reduced Maintenance

As energy recovery ventilators expel airborne contaminants outside the home, the home as well as the HVAC system experiences less buildup of these particles. Your living areas stay cleaner for longer, and so do your heating and cooling components! Furnace filters do not clog as fast and ducts don’t experience contaminant buildup that contributes to leaking ductwork and the need for duct cleaning.

Energy Savings

A benefit unique to an energy recovery ventilator as compared to some other ventilation solutions is the energy savings it helps users generate. Traditionally, the process of exhausting indoor air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air means some heating and cooling energy is lost from the conditioning of the exhausted air. The process also requires more HVAC system energy consumption to heat or cool the incoming air to comfortable temperatures. Since an ERV retains thermal energy and moisture to use in the pretreatment of fresh air, the initial energy waste is eliminated as well as the need for more heating and cooling energy consumption.

HVAC System Protection

By pretreating incoming air with thermal energy and moisture from exhaust air, the energy recovery ventilator alleviates the burden on the home’s HVAC system. Running fewer heating or cooling cycles reduces the wear and tear on a home’s furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner. HVAC equipment condition is better preserved to prevent system breakdowns and repairs, while helping the heating and cooling units stay in service for longer periods.

Learn More About ERVs from A-1 Mechanical!

If you’re interested in having an energy recovery ventilator installed in your Greater Lansing area home, contact A-1 Mechanical today! Our staff educates homeowners on the benefits of proper ventilation and provides expert installation of new ventilation equipment.

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What Are the Different Types of Air Cleaners?

October 15th, 2020
Air Purifier

There are several air cleaners for whole home use available to homeowners across the Lansing and Grand Rapids areas. Air cleaners address indoor pollution issues to improve the health and comfort of a home’s occupants.

In this blog, the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical share the types of air cleaners that are used to generate better indoor air quality for Michigan households. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn more about your options and how to select the best solution to address your needs.

Types of Air Cleaners

For treatment of airborne pollutants and allergens throughout the entire home, your best choice is a whole home air purification system. Common types of air cleaners include portable models, but these units are only helpful for treating the air in a small room or area. They simply do not have the capacity nor are they meant to treat the home’s entire air supply.

A whole home air cleaner is strategically installed as part of your home’s central HVAC system. This allows these types of air cleaners to provide treatment to the home’s entire air volume as it circulates through the ducts for heating and cooling. A portable air cleaner is only exposed to a small volume of the home’s air.

The most popular types of air purifiers for whole home use include media air cleaners and air purifiers.

Media Air Cleaners

These types of air purifiers offer advanced filtration of airborne pollutants beyond what your standard furnace filter is capable of providing. Media air cleaners use filters that are thick and dense to trap more and finer particles – they can be up to five inches thick, whereas the standard furnace filter is only one inch thick. Media filter types of air purifiers are effective at trapping many kinds of contaminants, from common allergens like dust mites and pet dander to biological matter such as mold spores.

Installed on the return duct, media air cleaners filter air before it moves into the furnace or air handler. It traps contaminants, removing them from the air supply to prevent recirculation into living areas and protecting sensitive HVAC system components from exposure.

The advanced filters used in media air cleaners have MERV ratings at the higher end of what is suitable for home use, typically from MERV 6 up to MERV 15. These higher MERV filters have a longer useful life and require less frequent changes than most standard disposable furnace filters – a change is required about every nine months to one year. Some filters use activated charcoal or carbon to treat odors as well as particulate matter.

Some units are available with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters that are MERV 16 to 20. However, these filters are typically used in specialized environments like hospitals and clean rooms. Their density can create problems when used with a residential HVAC system due to added resistance, which makes it difficult for the unit’s blower motor to circulate air through the filter.

Air Purifiers

There are many types of air purifiers available today. Some use UV light, while others use electrostatic means to attract the contaminants into the filters and kill them. UV light air purifiers use ultraviolet energy to treat airborne pollutants. These types of air purifiers do not remove particulate matter from the air supply, but instead render contaminants ineffective and unable to reproduce. Mold, viruses, bacteria, and germs are treated by UV light air purifiers.

Installed within the HVAC system’s ducts or within heating and cooling equipment, UV light air purifiers treat air as it passes through the home’s comfort system. The UV light neutralizes particles so they cannot cause allergy symptoms among household members or grow in areas of the home or HVAC system.

UV light air purifiers use minimal electricity to operate. Maintenance is very easy, as bulbs only require replacement every one to three years, depending on the type.

A-1 Mechanical Helps Homeowners Achieve Better Indoor Air Quality

These types of air purifiers are highly effective for treatment of air pollution inside the home and are recommended for households with allergy sufferers, those with respiratory conditions, and more. Air purifiers deliver cleaner air while protecting your home and your loved ones from harmful contaminant exposure and growth. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to find the air purification solution that offers the protection you want and need!

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How Often Do I Need Heat Pump Maintenance?

August 31st, 2020
Heat Pump

Heat pump maintenance is critical to the performance, energy efficiency and longevity of your Lansing area home’s heat pump system. These popular HVAC systems offer both cooling during the warm months and heating for the cold ones. Because they’re used for more of the year than an air conditioner or furnace, there may be some confusion regarding how often heat pump maintenance should be performed.

Because you rely on the heat pump for year-round indoor comfort, maintenance for your system must be a priority. In this blog, the NATE-certified technicians at A-1 Mechanical explain how frequently tune ups are required and detail the maintenance care your system needs to stay in top shape.

How Frequently Is Heat Pump Maintenance Needed?

As mentioned above, heat pumps pull double duty in Michigan homes, delivering both heating and cooling. Because they run most of the year, they experience more wear and tear. Because of this, heat pump service is recommended two times per year for residential units.

When Should Heat Pump Tune Ups be Performed?

Just like maintenance for air conditioning units and furnaces, heat pump tune ups should typically be performed in the spring and fall – once before warmer weather arrives and again before winter. This timing ensures the tune up is completed before entering periods of heavy use. A tune up will prepare your system to perform efficiently when needed, and issues in need of repair can be resolved before you’re surprised with a heat pump malfunction when you turn it on for the first time each season.

What Does a Heat Pump Tune Up Include?

A professional heat pump maintenance tune up includes many steps that work to enhance energy efficiency, improve performance levels and prevent future repairs. These steps include:

  • Airflow measurement through the system
  • Verification of refrigerant charge
  • Inspection of refrigerant lines
  • Tightening and cleaning of electrical connections
  • Lubrication of motors
  • Inspection and tightening of belts
  • Testing startup, shutdown and other controls
  • Verification of thermostat operation

A-1 Mechanical’s Residential Preventive Maintenance Plans make it easy to stay on top of your heat pump’s maintenance requirements. Join today and you’ll receive two yearly system tune ups plus other valuable services and discounts.

Maintenance Steps for Homeowners

In addition to two yearly tune ups, your home’s heat pump requires additional care from you throughout the year. These tasks are easy to perform as part of your regular home maintenance routine.

  • Change the air filter on a regular basis. Check the recommended replacement frequency given by the filter manufacturer and visually assess the existing filter monthly so you’ll know when a replacement is needed.
  • Keep the outdoor unit free of debris. Remove grass clippings, mulch and other yard waste that accumulates on the unit’s fins. Remove any vegetation growing along the unit, and trim back shrubs to provide at least 24 inches of clearance surrounding the unit.


Call A-1 Mechanical for Heat Pump Maintenance

A-1 Mechanical helps homeowners throughout the Greater Lansing area care for their heating and cooling units. We perform comprehensive heat pump service tune ups that improve system performance and energy efficiency so it is able to deliver more reliable, cost-effective comfort inside the home. Schedule heat pump tune up today!

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Air Conditioning Systems: When to Repair vs. Replace?

August 31st, 2020
Air Conditioning

Determining whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit is not always an easy call. While repairs are generally lower in cost, this choice isn’t always preferred. Replacing an air conditioner is a major investment, but the benefits may be just what your family needs.

How do Greater Lansing area homeowners decide whether to repair or replace air conditioner equipment? A-1 Mechanical shares the factors you need to consider when faced with cooling system issues so you are able to make an informed choice that best fits your family, both now and in the future.

When Is It Better to Repair or Replace Air Conditioning Units?

From one home to another, every situation is different. Air conditioner repairs may be a wise option for one family, while replacement is the better choice for another. There’s no set list of criteria we can use that tells us when it’s best to repair or replace air conditioner equipment, but there are some guidelines that help guide this important decision. Your technician is able to advise you regarding specific issues and factors that pertain to your AC unit and how each may affect these general guidelines.

Air Conditioner Repair Is Typically the Best Option If…

The unit is still under warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty pays the cost of parts, while a labor warranty provided by the original HVAC installer covers labor required for repairs. If your manufacturer’s warranty is still valid, the repair it needs may be covered. If your labor warranty is still valid, the repair may come at no cost to you! In situations where a valid manufacturer’s warranty covers parts but the labor warranty has expired, the cost of the repair is still greatly reduced as you only need to pay labor costs, which makes the repair less of a financial burden.

The unit has been in service less than 8 to 10 years

An AC unit typically lasts 10 to 15 years. If your air conditioner is just a few years old and requires simple repairs, it doesn’t make financial sense to replace it yet.

The repair will improve system performance

If the required repair will boost air conditioner performance and energy efficiency for several years, repairing the system is the more affordable option.

The unit has been well maintained

Well-maintained AC units typically last longer and have fewer breakdowns. If the system has been properly cared for over the years, repair needs are often isolated while the overall system is in good shape.

The unit’s age multiplied by the cost of repairs is less than the cost of replacing the system

Cost is a major factor when homeowners have to choose to repair or replace air conditioner units. This formula can be used to help you determine if a repair is a wise financial investment or if your money is better spent when used for a new air conditioner.

Air Conditioner Replacement Is Often Preferred When…

The unit has been in service 10 or more years

When it comes to replacing your AC, system age should always be considered. As air conditioners only last an average of 10 to 15 years, replacement is typically the better option when an older unit is in need of repairs. Replacement is already on the horizon, and taking care of it now helps prevent surprise failures that leave the home without much needed cooling. Upgrading to an energy-efficient system will also reduce monthly energy bills.

The system uses R-22 Freon refrigerant

The type of refrigerant used has become an important consideration in the decision to repair or replace air conditioners. As of January 1, 2020, no new R-22 (Freon) refrigerant can be produced or imported, leaving only recycled refrigerant available for system repairs. With a limited supply of refrigerant on the market, costs for recycled refrigerant are quite high. When needed repairs involve recharging the air conditioner’s refrigerant levels, you should strongly consider replacing the system with a unit that uses R-410A refrigerant to avoid high prices. Plus, if your AC unit uses R-22, then it was built before 2010 and is already aging.

The required repairs cost more than half the price of a new air conditioner

If the cost of repairs totals more than half the cost of a new cooling system, most homeowners feel their money is better spent investing in a new unit.

The unit requires frequent repairs

More frequent repairs are typically required when air conditioners hit the final two or so years of their service life. If multiple repairs have been made over the last year or two, this is a sign that system failure is on the horizon, so go ahead and replace the unit now.

The unit is undersized or oversized for the home

When repair issues stem from improperly sized air conditioners, unfortunately there is no repair solution. In the decision to repair or replace air conditioner units, replacement is the only option to deliver an accurately sized unit that is able to deliver efficient performance and accurate temperature control.

Can’t Decide? Call A-1 Mechanical for Professional Guidance!

Knowing when it’s time to replace air conditioner equipment can be a tough decision to make, but you don’t have to decide blindly! Consult our NATE-certified air conditioning technicians for thorough diagnostics to pinpoint system issues and receive professional advice to help you decide whether to repair or replace the AC unit in your Lansing area home. Contact us today to schedule service with a Star HVAC technician.

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How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter?

August 11th, 2020
Heating

Do you know how often to change your HVAC system’s air filter? There is no one set answer for all Grand Rapids area homes, as many different variables come into play affecting the service life of a furnace filter.

How often you change your home’s HVAC air filter depends on how long your filter is expected to last and the different qualities of your home that impact the filter. When in doubt, call A-1 Mechanical for expert advice and indoor air quality services for your Michigan home.

How Long Do Air Filters Generally Last?

As mentioned above, there is no set service life for an air filter – it requires an evaluation of many different aspects. Air filter manufacturers include a recommendation for how often to change air filters. You can find this information on the product insert that comes with a new filter. Furnace filters are expected to last anywhere from one month to one year.

  • 1-inch and 2-inch air filters should be replaced about every one to three months
  • 3-inch and 4-inch filters require replacement after six to nine months
  • 5-inch and 6-inch air filters need a change after nine months to one year


Factors Affecting How Often to Change HVAC Air Filters

The manufacturer’s recommendation isn’t the final answer on how frequently you should change your furnace filter. The biggest factors affecting filter service life are detailed below.

Pets in the Home

Indoor pets shed hair and dander that easily become airborne in your home. These materials clog air filters faster. Homes with one pet should generally replace filters after two months; those with more than one pet may need to replace the filter monthly.

Heating & Air Conditioning System Use

How frequently your heating or air conditioning system is in use impacts filter service life as well. During periods of the year when HVAC equipment runs often, air is circulated more times through the home compared to times when the HVAC system is used sparingly. More cycles mean more passes through the filter and opportunities to trap contaminants, so filters typically fill up faster during high-use periods.

At the peak of summer and winter, air filters need to be changed more frequently than required during the spring, fall and the milder months.

Allergy & Asthma Sufferers

If there are allergy or asthma sufferers in your household, clean air is critical to their health and comfort indoors. You’ll need to change your HVAC filter more frequently when allergy and asthma sufferers are present. Changing the filter on a more frequent basis ensures the filter has the available surface area needed to filter out the contaminants that trigger symptoms among your loved ones.

Have Questions? A-1 Mechanical Is Here to Help!

Estimating how often to change an air filter can be tricky because of so many different variables at play. If you’re unsure how often your furnace filter requires replacement, call A-1 Mechanical! Our knowledgeable team of NATE-certified HVAC system technicians is always available to assess the indoor air quality needs of your home and help you create a plan for cleaner air indoors, from an accurate filter replacement schedule to installing advanced filtration solutions.

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Tips for Hiring a Reputable HVAC Company

August 11th, 2020
Hiring HVAC

Hiring a heating and cooling company often seems like a difficult task, especially for Grand Rapids area homeowners who’ve not required the services of an HVAC technician in the past. With many HVAC service providers in our area, how does a homeowner go about making this tough decision?

Choosing the right contractor makes all the difference when hiring an HVAC company to perform work at your home – the integrity of your home and HVAC equipment are on the line. The NATE-certified technicians at A-1 Mechanical will tell you what to look for as you evaluate area heating and cooling companies so you are able to determine which ones are credible.

Where to Start Your Search for an HVAC Company

If you have never worked with an area HVAC company before, it’s difficult to decide where to start your search, with so many local providers of heating and air conditioning services. We recommend that you turn to your greatest resource for recommendations – those you know and trust.

Seek out your friends and family and even trusted coworkers or neighbors and ask which area HVAC companies they’ve worked with in the past. From these sources, you’re most likely to receive a candid review of various local contractors. Find out which companies they liked and didn’t like, how their experiences were with each business and which companies they would hire again.

Qualities of Reputable HVAC Companies

Before choosing an HVAC company, take the time to research area contractors and learn more about their businesses. Here are the qualities to look for:

  • Contractor’s license: Under Michigan law, a mechanical contractor’s license must be held by any company performing repairs, installation or alterations of heating, cooling, ventilation or refrigeration equipment and systems. Before choosing an HVAC company, verify the contractor’s license is valid using the state’s license search.
  • NATE certification: NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is an independent certifying organization for the HVACR industry. Technicians can voluntarily obtain NATE-certified status by passing NATE’s rigorous exams to prove his or her knowledge and technical skills. Certifications must be upheld by meeting ongoing educational requirements. As a homeowner, working with an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians is to your advantage – NATE-certified technicians are well versed in industry principles and advancements, and their skills have been proven, ensuring you receive high-caliber service for best results.
  • Brands: Different companies work with different brands of heating and cooling equipment. If you need repairs or maintenance, you want to be sure a particular company services the make and model of your existing heating and air conditioning system. If you need new installation of a heating and cooling system, look for a contractor who offers the brand you’re looking for or a wide selection of systems to choose from.
  • Written estimates: Before hiring an HVAC company, it’s wise to request written estimates from around three different contractors – this allows you the opportunity to meet with and interview the company in person and compare bids between providers. Don’t hire a company that won’t provide you with a written estimate. In the HVAC world, it’s pretty much impossible to provide an accurate estimate of work over the phone – with little detail regarding your home – so the price won’t be correct if the contractor hasn’t visited the jobsite in person. With a written estimate in hand, you know what work is proposed and what to expect out of the contractor.


Before Hiring an HVAC Company

As you gather information and meet with select local HVAC contractors, it’s also recommended that you take a look at the company’s reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experiences. Online review sites such as Google, Yelp and others offer information that you won’t get from the company’s list of chosen references, whether it’s good, bad or ugly.

An issue all homeowners must consider when browsing reviews is that these sites are sometimes used as sounding boards for disgruntled customers. While you want to know if someone had a bad experience with the company, beware that comments are sometimes made hastily out of frustration, and sometimes before the company had the opportunity to right any wrongs. The negative reviews can be just as valuable to your decision as all the praise a company gets. Look closely at how the HVAC contractor handles upset customers. Look for professionalism, attempts to correct the situation and attentiveness.

For Quality HVAC Services, Turn to A-1 Mechanical

When hiring an HVAC company to perform heating and cooling installation, repair or maintenance services in your Grand Rapids area home, we do hope you consider A-1 Mechanical in your shortlist of contractors. Our licensed, NATE-certified technicians are committed to the delivery of excellence on every job, upholding the strong standards of our company. We’d love to provide you with an estimate for the work you need done and share how our team has your best interests in mind – contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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