A-1 Mechanical Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Lansing’

Do Heat Pumps Struggle in Cold Weather?

Monday, January 1st, 2024
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If you’re in the market for a new heating system, a heat pump has undoubtedly come up on your list of contenders. But you have one concern and that’s because you’ve heard that a heat pump struggles in cold weather. With our cold winter weather here in Michigan, you’re not sure it can handle the cold.

We’ve written this blog specifically to let you know that you shouldn’t be at all concerned about a heat pump’s ability to heat your home. Plus, there are cold weather heat pumps to choose from. You might even be interested in a dual fuel system. Let’s go over your options and assuage your fears.

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How to Choose a New Furnace for Your Michigan Home

Monday, December 18th, 2023

When it comes to heating your Lansing home, the furnace is still the top choice among homeowners here in Michigan. Although heat pumps are surging in popularity, many people still prefer to stick with the good ol’ reliable furnace. 

That’s because furnaces are a tried-and-true method of heating a home. If you have your heart set on a furnace replacement, there are still some factors to consider before choosing your next system. These factors will affect not only the initial purchase price but how much you spend to operate your furnace over the course of its lifespan. Let’s explain.

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How Often Should I Change My HVAC Filter?

Monday, October 9th, 2023

A common question we get from homeowners has to do with how often to change the air filter. If you Google this info, the results can be confusing with recommendations from every month from twice a year. It’s understandable why people get confused!

Although the easiest answer is, “Change the air filter when it’s dirty,” it’s a little more nuanced than that. There are a lot of factors that determine how often you should change the HVAC filter. From your household size to whether you have pets, let’s answer the question more definitively.

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How to Prepare Your Furnace for Heating Season

Monday, September 25th, 2023

It’s officially fall and that means you’ll soon be making the change from using your air conditioner to using your furnace. Before you switch the heating system on for the first time, there are a few things you should do.

A few DIY maintenance tips along with scheduling a furnace check-up with one of our NATE-certified technicians will go a long way in making sure your furnace operates at peak performance this heating season. Let’s go over 5 essential things you should do before turning on your furnace for the first time.

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Why Fall Furnace Tune-Ups Are So Important

Monday, September 11th, 2023

Fall is right around the corner and with it comes many things. The kids go back to school, the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and you transition from using your air conditioner to using your furnace. This period of transition is the one where every HVAC company strongly recommends getting furnace maintenance, us included.

A well-functioning furnace is essential for getting your family through the entire winter. And the absolute best way to ensure its proper functioning is to have it tuned up. That’s because during maintenance, our technicians will check for any issues that could become problematic if left unchecked. We’ll clean the furnace and perform a series of essential checks not only to ensure its functionality, but its safety as well. Let’s go over some of the benefits of scheduling furnace maintenance this fall. 

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Why Does My Furnace Make Loud Noises When It Turns Off?

Monday, August 28th, 2023

A common question we get from homeowners has to do with unusual furnace noises that occur both at startup and once a heating cycle is completed. Although some of these noises are normal and nothing to worry about, some can be quite serious and require immediate attention. 

Whether your furnace makes loud noises when turning off or makes a booming noise when it turns on, let’s go over the most common causes of these sounds. That way, you’ll know which ones are normal and which ones warrant a call for immediate repairs.

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4 Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Repair

Monday, August 14th, 2023

If you own a heat pump, you’re probably quite happy with its performance. These two-in-one heating and cooling systems are increasing in popularity and for good reason. But just like with any major system, they still require the occasional repair need from every now and then. 

What are some signs that your heat pump needs repair? Unusual noises, a heat pump that won’t switch modes, short cycling, and decreased airflow are all good signs that it’s time to call us for professional heat pump repair. Let’s go into more detail so you’ll know which repairs shouldn’t wait.

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5 Benefits of Ductless Mini Split Systems

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

If your home has a central air conditioner, you’re still probably familiar with ductless cooling systems. Perhaps a friend or relative owns one or maybe you’ve rented a place on Airbnb or been in a shop that had an air conditioner mounted on the wall. 

This type of air conditioner is called a ductless mini split. It’s actually a 2-in-1 system that not only provides cooling, but can heat a home as well. If you’re considering AC installation and are curious about these systems, read on to learn the 5 benefits of ductless mini split systems.

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How to Set Your AC During Extreme Heat

Monday, June 19th, 2023

Extreme heat is an issue that’s becoming more common in Michigan. In fact, we just experienced record-high temperatures and it’s not even summer. These heat waves are occurring earlier in the season and happen more often. 

When unusually high temperatures are in the forecast, homeowners want to know: “What temperature should I set my AC at during extreme heat?” The simple answer is you should set it at the highest temperature that you’re comfortable with. But there’s more to it than that.

It’s also important to seriously ask yourself how well your AC has performed when temperatures have skyrocketed. You can’t afford to be without your air conditioning system during a heat wave. Let’s take a look at some things to consider so you can hopefully avoid an interruption in service during record-high temperatures.

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5 Common AC Repair Needs & What’s Behind Them

Monday, June 5th, 2023

Summer is just around the corner and you’ve probably got a lot of plans to maximize your enjoyment of the weather! One thing that can put a real damper on summer fun is an air conditioner that’s not cooperating.

That’s why we put together this blog so you can be aware of potential AC problems right when they start to get a jump on calling us for AC repair in Lansing, MI.

Having AC problems addressed right away is important for 2 reasons. The first is that it will hopefully keep a minor issue from becoming a major repair. The second is that it guards against a complete breakdown in service.  Let’s take a look at 5 common AC issues and what’s usually behind them. 

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