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As the weather steadily gets warmer, homes across Michigan will start using their air conditioners again. While air conditioners are a great way to cool down and keep you comfortable during the hotter months, many homeowners remain unsure of what they should do with the AC when they’re away from home, especially for longer periods of time. Is it best to keep it running as normal, have it run at a higher temperature, or shut the system off completely?
In our most recent blog, the technicians at A-1 Mechanical answer these important questions.
Why You Might Want to Turn Your AC Unit Off
If you’ll be away from home for days or even weeks for work or vacation, you’re likely considering turning your AC off. Most commonly, homeowners might turn their air conditioner off in an effort to save money on energy costs.
The team at A-1 Mechanical absolutely understands your desire to save on your energy bills. If nobody will be home to enjoy the comfort provided by your air conditioner, it might at first seem to make sense to turn the system off altogether. However, it’s safer to keep your air conditioner on when you’re not home.
Benefits of Keeping Your AC Unit Turned On
You’re likely aware that your home’s air conditioner does more than just keep your home at a nice, comfortable temperature. It also dehumidifies your home’s air supply. Without a running air conditioner, homes in warmer and more humid climates can experience mold and fungi growth, among other issues caused by high humidity.
Keeping your air conditioner turned on when you’re not home will allow the indoor air supply to be dehumidified, lowering the likelihood of any mold developing while you’re away. For this reason, it’s safer to leave your air conditioner on. However, that’s not to say there aren’t ways to save on your energy bills when you’re not at home for an extended period of time.
How to Save On Your Energy Bill When You’re Not Home
While you shouldn’t choose to turn the cooling system off entirely, adjustments can be made to the system to ensure that you’re still saving on your energy bills. For example, setting the temperature about 7 to 10 degrees higher than normal will cause the air conditioner to run less frequently. You’ll save on energy, while still allowing your AC to stay on and remove excess humidity.
If your home has a programmable or smart thermostat, there’s even more reason to turn the thermostat up before leaving! Depending on your specific model, you can program your thermostat to stay at the higher temperature while you’re gone and have it automatically lower the temperature just prior to returning. This increases energy savings and allows you to return to a home that is instantly cool and comfortable.
Contact A-1 Mechanical for HVAC Services
A-1 Mechanical provides high-quality HVAC services to customers in Lansing, MI, Grand Rapids, MI, and their surrounding areas. For air conditioning services or programmable thermostat installation, get in contact with us today. We’ll ensure that the job is completed quickly and effectively, keeping your home safe and comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Are some areas of your home too hot, while others are too cold? Finding the right temperature can be a juggling act. Things can get even more complicated when family members have different preferences regarding the right indoor temperature.
Worry no longer – A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling has the solution that will make everyone in your family happy! A zoned heating and cooling system works by separating the rooms in your home into individual zones to provide the perfect level of heating and cooling to everyone.
The NATE-certified technicians at A-1 Mechanical are Lansing, Grands Rapids and all of central Michigan’s leaders in HVAC repair, maintenance and installation. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to learn how a zoning system can improve home comfort.
How a Zoned HVAC System Works
Imagine a normal winter’s day. It’s bitterly cold outside, and you’ve set the thermostat to 68 degrees. However, a north-facing room with inefficient windows might be 64 degrees, while a south-facing bedroom on the second floor – where heat rises – may be a balmy 72 degrees. A zoning system can fix this problem.
A zoning system divides a house into two or more distinct temperature zones and are controlled by separate thermostats. This opens up the door for multiple options when it comes to heating and cooling. You can:
Keep rooms that are rarely used at a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer compared to the rest of the house
Keep your bedroom warmer in the winter and your guest room cooler when it’s not being used
The options are endless. To control the various flow of conditioned air into separate zones, motorized dampers are installed in the ducts. The dampers, which are able to open and close, receive signals from the independent thermostats in regards to what temperature the room needs to be heated or cooled. When a room reaches the desired temperature, the dampers are closed. When all of the rooms in a home are at the desired temperature, your home’s furnace or air conditioning system cycles off.
Benefits of a Zoned HVAC Systems
There are so many benefits to adding a zoned HVAC system to your Grand Rapids or Lansing home. Just a few of the them include:
Increased energy efficiency
Because you’re not constantly adjusting the thermostat to keep the house at just the right temperature, you’ll save money on your monthly energy bill. Rooms that are rarely used can be left cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer months. A zoned HVAC system can increase energy savings by as much as 30 percent.
Convenience
If you enjoy all the conveniences that come with modern technology, then you’ll love your zoned HVAC system. Each thermostat comes with its own remote that can be adjusted from anywhere in the house. That’s good news if you’re watching a movie or game and don’t want to get up.
Extended service life
With a zoned system, you won’t end up using your HVAC system as often as a conventional system that runs more frequently because it’s warming or cooling the entire home at the same temperature. This limits wear and tear on the system and leads to an extended service life.
Increased comfort
Everyone in the family will be happy because they can control the temperature setting to one that fits their individual comfort level.
Contact A-1 Mechanical about Installing a Zoned HVAC System
We’ve been serving homeowners in central Michigan with superior HVAC maintenance, repair and installation services since 1983. It’s no wonder we’re the most trusted HVAC company in the Grands Rapids and Lansing areas.
If you’re interested in having a zoned system installed in a new or existing HVAC system, or just have more questions about these wonderful zoning systems, contact A-1 Mechanical today.
Storms are common during the spring season, which can put your outdoor air conditioning unit at risk for damage. Don’t risk an interruption in operation and comfort as you wait for repairs. A-1 Mechanical shares how you can protect your outdoor AC unit from storms.
Protecting Your Air Conditioner from Falling Debris
Be proactive as much as possible prior to storms. Remove dead branches from trees and the ground around your property. Trim back branches that overhang the area to protect AC’s condenser unit from storms and powerful winds.
If high winds are expected, the outdoor unit can be covered with a tarp or sheet of plywood to protect its top from falling debris. Such a cover also offers protection for large hailstones. For elevated units, secure the condenser unit with hurricane straps.
To protect the air conditioner from storms and debris that blow into its sides, try building a structure around it for protection. Such a structure keeps leaves and other debris from being blown into the interior of the unit, which can cause damage, clogs and performance issues. Any structure should be built at least 24 inches away from the unit on all sides. Shrubbery with strong root systems also provides natural protection for the unit.
It’s important to only do so if the air conditioner will not be in use during the storm. Remove the cover as soon as the storm passes, as you don’t want moisture to be trapped inside the unit for too long.
Protection from Flooding
There’s no need to cover an outdoor unit just because of rain – this equipment is designed for exposure to the elements. If a flood is expected, covers may be of some benefit, but only when they are thoroughly sealed.
Anytime an air conditioning unit is exposed to flood waters, even if you used a cover, it needs to be inspected by a professional before further use. Components may have been damaged while sitting in flood waters, which could make the system dangerous to operate without repairs.
During a Storm
Once a storm rolls in, cut power to protect the outdoor AC system from electrical surges caused by close lightning strikes. Doing so also prevents damage that could occur if falling debris becomes lodged within the unit’s interior.
To avoid discomfort during a power outage – or if you turn off power to protect your air conditioning unit from storms – pre-cool your home. Prior to the storm, lower your thermostat settings several degrees. Keep window coverings, doors and windows shut to help your home hold in more of its cooling while the storm carries on.
After a Storm
Before using your air conditioner again after a storm, always inspect it for potential damage. Do not leave the system shut down for too long, as doing so may cause mold and mildew development due to trapped moisture. If you are unsure if the unit has been damaged or if it has been flooded, call your HVAC system professional for inspection before use.
Air Conditioner Repairs from A-1 Mechanical
Despite your best efforts and the tips mentioned in this blog, it’s not always possible to prevent damage. If your air conditioner has been damaged, A-1 Mechanical performs fast repairs to quickly restore your system and return cool air to your home. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to schedule service for your outdoor HVAC unit.
When outdoor temperatures start to drop in the fall, Grand Rapids area homeowners sometimes face a unique issue: animals in HVAC system equipment. Animals and pests that infiltrate your heating and cooling systems have the potential to cause great damage, so you want to take measures that keep them out. A-1 Mechanical shares how to spot animals in HVAC system equipment and how to prevent this pest problem.
Why Animals Enter HVAC Systems
It’s no secret that fall is chilly in our area – the animals outside feel this temperature change, too! When the days become shorter and colder, they begin to look for shelter and warmth. Unfortunately for homeowners, HVAC systems are often an attractive refuge for Michigan critters such as:
Mice
Rats
Squirrels
Chipmunks
Cats
Opossums
Raccoons
Animals in HVAC system equipment get inside either by causing damage to create an entrance, or they enter through existing openings. They also cause significant damage while inside your system components, chewing wires, leaving droppings, and more. Animal damage often requires significant furnace repairs. With pests inside your heating and cooling system, especially if they are able to enter the duct system, you are likely to experience foul odors inside the home and may be exposed to diseases carried by these animals.
After an animal infestation in your HVAC system, you want to have your ducts and other equipment cleaned to remove droppings and debris left behind. Have your HVAC system thoroughly inspected by a professional to identify component damage and ensure repairs are made to avoid further problems with your heating and cooling equipment.
How to Tell if You Have Animals in HVAC System Equipment
Fortunately for Grand Rapids homeowners, animals in HVAC system equipment give off noticeable signs. If you have animals in your heating and cooling system, you are likely to notice:
Foul odors from the animal’s nest, droppings, or even a dead animal.
Noises as the animals move around in your system, coming from ceilings, walls, and below the floor where your ductwork runs.
Holes that allow entry – flexible ductwork is especially prone to chewing and clawing from animals, but pests also make their way into your system through holes along the foundation of your home.
Prevent Animals from Entering Your HVAC System
The best way to prevent an issue with animals in HVAC system equipment is to take action before they get in. This fall, take the following steps to prevent a cold weather animal infestation:
Look around your home for points of entry. If you identify holes along your foundation, seal them up.
Examine visible ducts in areas like your crawl space, attic, and basement. If there are any gaps, holes, or disconnected sections, an animal is able to enter. Repair these duct issues right away.
Check your dryer exhaust vent. While animals won’t necessarily enter into your HVAC system this way, it’s another common point that animals use to enter homes. Make sure your exhaust vent cover is secured.
HVAC Help from A-1 Mechanical
If you experience animals in your HVAC system this fall season, call A-1 Mechanical for help. Our licensed HVAC technicians repair the damage caused by the infestation and help prevent further animal problems at your home. Contact us today to schedule service.
What is it that makes some wonder “is my AC making my allergies worse” when we cool our Michigan homes? As Michiganders, we try to make the most of the summer weather, so it’s tough when your home is not the respite from the heat you need.
Why is that? Could you be allergic to your air conditioning? If you’re one of the growing number of Americans with asthma, do you feel your AC helps or hurts?
In this blog, we’ll cover why some Lansing and Grand Rapids residents feel allergies flare when the AC comes on, common indoor allergens and steps to reduce allergy symptoms when the air conditioning runs.
WHY IT FEELS LIKE AC TRIGGERS ALLERGIES
Common “Air Conditioning” Allergy Symptoms
Watery eyes
Fever
Dizziness
Sneezing
Coughing
Tired/fatigue
Shortness of breath
What many people experience isn’t an allergy to air conditioning, it’s actually a response to the airborne pollutants in their homes.
Poor Air Quality
As your HVAC system pulls air into the ductwork, it brings all sorts of airborne pollutants with them. Common indoor particulates include:
Dust
Pet dander
Pollen
Virus/Bacteria
Mold/Mildew spores
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Your HVAC’s system’s air filter captures many of these but not all. If the filter is insufficient or already clogged, the contaminants circulate back into your rooms. Allergens spread and settle on surfaces, such as pillows and bedding. Poor air quality often affects babies, children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system the most.
Too Much Humidity
For anyone with respiratory or certain cardiac conditions, high humidity easily triggers difficulty breathing or full-blown asthma attacks. High humidity levels also encourage dust mite, mold and mildew growth. These three pollutants are common allergens and asthma triggers.
How is air conditioning related to humidity?
Part of the air conditioning process is removing excess moisture from the air. Humidity, or water content in the air, makes you feel warmer, so removing the excess moisture helps you feel cooler. Less moisture in the air allows your perspiration to evaporate more easily.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE ALLERGY AND ASTHMA TRIGGERS FROM AIR CONDITIONING USE AT HOME
Check and change your air filter regularly
Follow regular preventive maintenance for your air conditioner
Improve the filtration of airborne contaminants within your system
Encourage healthy home practices
Air Filter Maintenance
We encourage homeowners to check air filters each month. A handy way to remember? When the gas or electric bill arrives, check your air filter the same day. Change it as necessary. For most Michigan homes, every two to three months is sufficient.
If, however, members of your household have pets, smoke or have compromised immune systems, a monthly change might be appropriate. A clean air filter also provides the best airflow to your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump.
Dirty filters create HVAC problems, like excess wear and tear, higher utility bills and greater risk or repairs or breakdowns.
Preventive Maintenance for Your HVAC System
When a qualified HVAC technician performs a tune up, he or she inspects the system and components. As part of the tune up, the tech cleans components and notes any circumstances of concern.
These might include leaky ductwork or evidence of rodents, insects or other pests. Leaks in the ductwork allow allergens to sneak inside the ducts and your conditioned air. Rodents leave nesting material, droppings and even carcasses, which shed airborne particulates into your home.
Therefore, in addition to a more efficient air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, preventive maintenance addresses air quality in your home.
Install Air Quality Products Within the HVAC System
If you find you need greater filtration or reduction of airborne allergy and asthma triggers, install air quality equipment. There’s a variety of options available including media air cleaners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers.
When installed within the HVAC system itself, the air quality equipment filters the air throughout the whole house. Portable units are usually insufficient and require more maintenance.
Air Cleaners Some examples include the Carrier ® Infinity ® Air Purifier – DGAPA and the Carrier Comfort™ EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter – EZXCAB.
Carrier ® Infinity ® Air Purifier – DGAPA With whole house coverage, this air purifier uses “Captures & Kills™” technology to trap up to 95 percent of particles between 1.0 and 3.0 microns. Based on third-party testing, it even shows a greater than 99 percent kill rate for common cold surrogate Streptococcus pyogenes and human influenza.
Ever feel like your family passes the same cold germ or flu bug around for weeks? It could be in your home’s air, continually re-infecting you. It also offers flexible installation in upflow, downflow or horizontal flow furnaces.
Using easy to replace, long-lasting MERV 15 filters, Carrier offers a 10-year parts limited warranty.
Carrier Comfort EZ Flex Cabinet Air Filter – EZXCAB
Another option uses the deep-pleated style MERV 10 filter to promote airflow while it removes up to 65 percent of particulates as small as 1.0 micron.
The high-dust holding capacity allows for longer periods between easy to replace filter changes. For even more filtration, MERV 13 filters are available.
Ultraviolet Air Purifier Light A simple modification to your HVAC system, an ultraviolet air purifier light neutralizes airborne pollutants as they pass through. These UV lamps kill contaminants like mold and bacteria on the coil before they reenter your home.
Dehumidifiers You might be familiar with portable humidifiers sold at the pharmacy or dehumidifiers sold at big box stores. Unfortunately, these temporary solutions cannot control the amount of moisture in your whole home.
If you experience asthma attacks or allergy symptoms from excess humidity, consider a whole house dehumidifier. Ideal indoor humidity is contained between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier controls the amount of moisture in the air and helps relieve the dehumidification job from your air conditioner.
Humidifiers In the fall and winter, you may experience dry air. Common complaints of dry air include stale air, dry nasal passages, dry skin, static electricity and an increase in nosebleeds or viral and bacterial illnesses.
A whole house humidifier adds the correct amount of moisture to the air to decrease these symptoms and increase your comfort. Plus, when there’s the right amount of moisture in the air, you can set the heating system at a lower temperature.
Healthy Air Quality Habits to Avoid Feeling My AC is Making My Allergies Worse
Keep outdoors out If pollen is a problem for you, leave your shoes at the door. There’s a lot of allergens tracked indoors on our shoes so keep them contained. Likewise, keep the windows and doors shut, especially during high pollen times.
If you’ve spent time outdoors, be sure to shower and wash your hair before bed. If pollen particulates are in your hair you don’t want to transfer them to your pillow and rub your face in them all night.
Pets and Grooming Keep pets clean – stepping up their bath frequency if necessary. People can develop allergies at any point during their lifetime, including pet dander or saliva. If this isn’t enough, you might consider allergy shots.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) If you’re unfamiliar, VOCs come from chemicals off-gassing in your home. Unfortunately, they’re everywhere, from craft and cleaning supplies to the adhesives used in carpeting to the foam in furniture cushions or mattresses.
Most people are familiar with the “new paint smell.” You’re smelling the paint off-gassing. Strong odors like this easily trigger allergies or asthma symptoms. It’s easy to assume “why is my AC making my allergies worse” in cases like this. Good news – low or zero VOC options are readily available and are now more price-competitive.
Switch to more eco-friendly cleaning supplies and consider the “green” component of furnishing and finish purchases. Organic options are available and use less toxic glues and materials.
BREATHE EASIER WHEN YOU CALL A-1 MECHANICAL
If the high indoor humidity is too uncomfortable or compromising the health of a family member, call our team in Lansing or Grand Rapids for help. We don’t want you to worry if your air conditioning is making your allergies worse – we want to relieve your air quality concerns.
We’re proud to offer a range of heating and cooling services to our communities including air conditioner installation and AC service and repair.
Check our offers page – we frequently offer specials on indoor air quality products designed to work with your central heating and air. To request a free estimate on new HVAC equipment or to book AC repair or service, call A-1 Mechanical at 517-348-0302.
