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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Why Is My Air Conditioner Making Noises?

June 26th, 2020
Air Conditioning

Home AC compressor noises are concerning to any Grand Rapids, MI, area homeowners who experience this sudden and unexpected disturbance. A little noise from your outdoor air conditioning unit is normal as it runs, but beyond this steady, typical operating noise, certain sounds are indicators of problems within your cooling system.

A-1 Mechanical’s cooling professionals explain the different types of air conditioner compressor noises that point to malfunction. If you notice any of the sounds below from your cooling system this summer, please contact us right away to schedule an air conditioner repair visit.

What Air Conditioner Noises Mean Potential Trouble?

Most homeowners are familiar with the hum of their air conditioner’s cycling. Any sounds that are new and interrupt that usual drone are signs of potential system trouble, and the type of sound is a clue as to what could be malfunctioning within the cooling system.

Here are the different types of noises that you may hear and what they mean:

1. Banging, Rattling or Clunking

Banging, rattling or clunking noises that occur when the cooling system runs often indicate loose parts. If a bolt comes loose, the compressor isn’t held firmly into place and produces such sounds due to movement. Tightening the connection is the first step in eliminating the noise, if applicable.

Loose connecting rods, pistons or other components move around during operation and produce the air conditioner compressor noise you hear during a cooling cycle. Compressor replacement is often recommended to correct this issue. Due to the assembly of this vital component, it’s usually easier to replace the compressor than attempt to repair the loose internal component.

2. Clicking

A clicking noise is usually caused by some sort of obstruction. Branches and other outdoor debris that fall into the unit cause such a sound as they prevent internal components from functioning properly. These items can damage internal components, causing them to produce an unusual noise while the system runs, such as the compressor fan blades striking against a bent fan screen as they rotate.

Debris must be removed, and any damaged components inside the condenser unit repaired. Exterior components of the unit may have sustained damage due to falling debris, which also require repair. Component replacement may be necessary if a part is damaged beyond repair.

Another issue that causes a clicking noise is a malfunctioning relay or control within the exterior unit. Controls and relays are tested to determine performance problems and then repaired or replaced to restore function and eliminate the clicking noise you hear from your outdoor air conditioning unit.

3. Hissing

Is your air conditioner making high pitched hissing noises? It could be an indication of two different yet serious issues. Other AC noises that often occur along with hissing provide a clue as to the source of the problem.

  • Hissing and bubbling are indicative of a refrigerant leak within the outdoor unit. Technicians inspect the system to locate the leak and perform repairs to seal the line, which eliminates the hissing and bubbling caused by escaping refrigerant and pressure.
  • Hissing, along with a screaming noise from the outdoor unit, point to a dangerous buildup of pressure. Turn your air conditioner off right away if you hear these sounds and do not use the system again until repairs are completed. High-pressure buildup within an AC compressor is often caused by a leaking or damaged thermostatic expansion valve or other valve in the compressor’s fan motor. The compressor’s high-pressure sensor may also be broken if it fails to shut down the system when high pressure is present.


A-1 Mechanical Ends Home Air Conditioning Compressor Noises Fast

If you notice that your air conditioner is making a noise that isn’t typical this summer season, make sure to call A-1 Mechanical to schedule an air conditioning repair appointment right away. Our technicians are available around the clock to quickly perform repairs to malfunctioning components, eliminating the disturbance and restoring the proper function of your cooling system’s vital parts.

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Why Does My Air Conditioner Smell So Bad?

June 26th, 2020
Air Conditioning

Have you noticed a funky odor in your Lansing or Grand Rapids area home lately? If the unwelcome aroma persists despite your best efforts to banish it through extra cleaning and other measures, the source could be something you never thought to consider – your air conditioner.

When an air conditioner smells bad, it leads to a lingering odor and an issue many in the HVAC business refer to as dirty sock syndrome – named after the distinctive smell it produces within the home. A-1 Mechanical explains the source of this unpleasant problem and what to do to rid your home of the stench.

The Reason Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad

A smelly air conditioner and the resulting dirty sock syndrome often stems from mold and mildew within the cooling unit. Your evaporator coil can easily become a prime location for this unwanted growth and collection. Moisture produced through cooling air – combined with poor air filtration and collecting debris deposited by cycling air – deliver prime conditions for mold and mildew to develop and linger.

Issues That Cause Air Conditioner Odors

As explained, the development of mold and mildew produce the foul odor experienced all the way inside the home. Mold isn’t supposed to grow and thrive in a home’s air conditioner. If your AC smells bad, you need to pay close attention to the areas below. Take action to prevent these problems in your Grand Rapids or Lansing area home, and stop cooling system odors from seeping into your living areas.

Inadequate Filtration

Your air conditioning system removes airborne contaminants from incoming air in order to protect sensitive equipment from damage that results when dust, dirt and other foreign matter builds up within. A secondary benefit of this system protection is cleaner air for your living areas. When contaminants are properly filtered out of the home’s air supply, living areas remain smelling fresh.

The first step in fighting dirty sock syndrome is regular air filter replacement. When homeowners neglect this important task, contaminants build up within the air conditioner, contributing to mold and mildew growth.

Today’s homeowners are increasingly concerned with their indoor air quality and the effects it has on a household’s health and comfort. For this reason, many in the Greater Lansing and Grand Rapids areas choose to utilize advanced air filtration methods such as whole-home media air cleaners and ultraviolet air purifiers to increase their control over indoor airborne contaminants. In the fight against dirty sock syndrome, UV air purifiers are especially helpful. Installed within cooling system ducts, this technology neutralizes mold spores, killing them and preventing regeneration.

Whether you rely on just a furnace filter or use advanced air filtration methods to keep your air conditioning system and your indoor air supply clean, these components are only helpful when they operate correctly. Dirty air filters and improperly installed air filtration devices are unable to do their job, which means mold and mildew continue to thrive unchecked.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

When warm air enters the cooling system from the home, it flows over the air conditioner’s evaporator coils where heat is extracted to lower air temperature. Without effective filtration methods in place, contaminants remain in the air supply and have the opportunity to settle on the evaporator coils during the cooling process. Combined with excess moisture, the dust and dirt left on the system’s coils create a breeding ground for mold and odors. The distinct, musty smell of mold is carried back into your home as cycling air moves over the coils during a cooling cycle.

Evaporator coils need to be cleaned for the elimination of dirt, debris, mold and mildew. Homeowners often turn to their trusted HVAC contractor to perform this essential maintenance service to protect the integrity and function of the system.

Clogged Condensate Drain

The cooling process extracts moisture from the home’s air supply, which means the air conditioner’s evaporator coil is normally exposed. The system’s drip pan and condensate drain lines function to remove this byproduct of cooling to control moisture levels within the evaporator coil cabinet, which deters mold growth.

However, if moisture collects in the drip pan and/or condensate drain line and does not properly exit the home, moisture surrounding the evaporator coils increases and creates the conditions mold needs to grow and remain. When your home’s air conditioning unit smells bad, the drip pan and condensate drain line need to be inspected as clogs can develop and block the removal of moisture from the air conditioner.

Extra Large Air Conditioner

Air conditioners that have a capacity too high for the home contribute to mold and mildew development. Oversized air conditioners complete cooling cycles too quickly; the air temperature is lowered to the setpoint before the system is able to dehumidify it. Moisture remains in the air as it travels throughout the cooling system and the home, which enables mold growth and odors in the home.

If Your Air Conditioner Smells Bad, Call A-1 Mechanical!

If your home’s air conditioner smells bad, odor isn’t the only problem you have. Mold and mildew are likely present, and will continue to be until their ideal environment is eliminated within your cooling equipment. There are other AC smells you should keep an eye out for, too. If your AC smells like rotten eggs, it could be an indication of a dead animal in the system or a natural gas leak. Either way, contact an HVAC company immediately.

A-1 Mechanical’s skilled air conditioner technicians are trained to remedy the indoor air quality and cooling system issues that cause mold and mildew to flourish within your equipment. If your air conditioner smells bad, contact us right away. Whether your home needs air conditioner maintenance, repair, replacement or indoor air quality services, we get the job done quickly to restore health, comfort and a clean scent to your household.

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Why is My AC Running but Fan Not Spinning?

May 29th, 2020
Mechanical Fan

Summers in central Michigan are hot, and you need a reliable air conditioner to provide relief indoors when it’s too hot and humid to be outside.

Unfortunately, air conditioners can break down for a number of reasons – leaving you to sweat it out while you search for a reliable HVAC company to make the repair. One frustrating scenario the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling have seen many times is when an air conditioner’s condenser fan stops spinning, even though the actual system is running.

At A-1 Mechanical, we’ve provided homeowners in Grand Rapids and Lansing with reliable and trustworthy HVAC service since 1983. Our NATE-certified technicians are expertly trained to make all types of air conditioning repairs, including repairing condenser fans that suddenly stop working. Give A-1 Mechanical a call today to schedule service.

Why Did My Air Conditioner’s Fan Stop Running?

If your air conditioning is running but there is no cool air and the fan isn’t spinning, it’s best to call an HVAC company to properly diagnose the issue. There are several possible reasons why your air conditioner’s fan isn’t working, including:

Issues with the capacitor

One of the most common reasons fans stop spinning is because of a dead capacitor. The AC’s capacitors are small, cylinder components that send energy signals to power the fan motor and the rest of the AC unit. Each air conditioning system has several capacitors, including the start capacitor, which sends signals to the motor, and the run capacitor, which keeps the motor running. Capacitors can go bad over time and need to be replaced.

Power issues

It can be as simple as a power issue. If the circuit breaker is tripped due to overheating, it will cause your AC to stop running. This can be fixed by flipping the switch at the circuit breaker.

Burnt-out motor

Another common reason fans stop working is a burnt out fan motor. When fan motors are overworked – coupled with a lack of maintenance – they can tend to go bad and burn out. AC fan motors are expensive to replace and may lead to system replacement.

Blocked air filter

A blocked air filter restricts air flow, which can cause ice to build up. This puts more stress on the air conditioner’s fan and can cause it to shut down. Change your HVAC filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.

A faulty belt

Older AC condensers use a belt. Over time, belts can slip off or break. This can be easily fixed by an HVAC technician, but it may be time to consider system replacement.

Issues with the contactor

The AC’s contactor switch, located inside your compressor unit, sends voltage to the condenser unit and fan so they will run. These switches can go bad over time, causing your fan to stop working properly. Contactors need to be replaced by an HVAC contractor.

Call A-1 Mechanical for AC Repair Services

If you’re having any issues with your air conditioner, including a fan that stops working, contact A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for expert air conditioning repair. We repair all makes and models of air conditioners. Don’t let hot temperatures and high humidity be your enemy this summer. Call A-1 Mechanical today for the best AC repair service around!

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