A-1 Mechanical Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Why Won’t My Furnace Turn On?

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating
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What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Humidifier?

Wednesday, December 16th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating, Indoor Air Quality
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Why Does My Furnace Make a Banging Noise When It Shuts Off?

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating
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What Is the Average Lifespan of a Gas Furnace?

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating
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What Are the Benefits of an Energy Recovery Ventilator?

Thursday, October 15th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating, Home Improvement
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How Often Do I Need Heat Pump Maintenance?

Monday, August 31st, 2020

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!

Tags: Heat Pumps, Heating
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How Often Should I Change My HVAC Air Filter?

Tuesday, August 11th, 2020

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.

Tags: Heating, Indoor Air Quality
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Tips for Hiring a Reputable HVAC Company

Tuesday, August 11th, 2020

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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Heating
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Benefits of Zoned Heating and Air Conditioning

Friday, May 29th, 2020

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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Heating
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Why Is My Heat Pump Not Heating?

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Is your heat pump not blowing hot air? This frustrating problem is common with heat pump owners, but it doesn’t always mean your system is damaged. Check out these common reasons that heat pumps may not produce hot air constantly and when to consult with a professional at A-1 Mechanical.

Common Reasons For Heat Pump Not Blowing Hot Air

If you notice that the heat coming out of your vents isn’t as warm as you would like it to be, go through this list before you worry. However, remember, any time you find your heat pump not blowing hot air, call a Lansing, MI heating repair contractor to have them troubleshoot the issue for you.

Air May Be Warm, But Not Feel Like It

When your heat pump produces warm air, the air blowing out of your vents will be somewhere in the 85 to 92°F range. However, this temperature pales in comparison with the air emanating from a gas furnace, which is typically between 130 to 140°F. If you are new to a heat pump system, keep in mind that the air coming from your vents will not feel as warm as the air stemming from a gas furnace, but heat pumps will warm your home to the desired temperature — if you give it time.

Heat Pump System Could Be In “Defrost” Mode

When the weather outdoors drops, condensation and frost accumulate on the outdoor components of your heat pump. To keep your system operational, it triggers a “defrost mode,” which runs every 30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on the model of heat pump you have. When defrost mode runs, the air coming from your vents will feel cool. However, when defrost mode ends, the system will return to providing warm air.

Your Heat Pump Could Have A Refrigerant Leak

Your heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer any warmth from the air outside into your home. Unfortunately, if there is a leak in your line somewhere, it could inhibit your heat pump’s ability to provide this service, creating cold air from your vents.

Frozen Outdoor Components on Your Heat Pump

Occasionally, refrigerant leaks cause outdoor components to freeze, even after several defrost cycles. If this is the case, your heat pump system needs to be professionally addressed. You may see frost or ice buildup on your outdoor heat pump unit that does not seem to melt. The system is unable to work and blow hot air in this case.

Damaged Reversing Valve

Heat pumps are special because they heat your home during the winter and provide air conditioning to your home during summer. This process changes with the help of a reversing valve, which switches the direction of the refrigerant. However, if your reversing valve is damaged, your system may be stuck in air conditioning mode.

When Should You Call For A Heat Pump Repair?

It’s always a good idea to keep your fingers on the pulse of your HVAC system. Here at A-1 Mechanical, we recommend calling whenever you see there is an ongoing problem, or if there are new changes to your heat pump system that are creating heating and cooling problems.

Problems? A-1 Mechanical is Here to Help

Our team has been helping residents throughout the greater Lansing and Grand Rapids area since 1983s, and we are committed to taking care of the job the right way the first time. We offer residential and commercial heating and cooling service, helping people to stay safe and comfortable. For heat pump repair, schedule heating service today.

Tags: Heat Pumps, Heating
Posted in Heat Pumps, Heating | Comments Off on Why Is My Heat Pump Not Heating?