A-1 Mechanical Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Will I Be Able to Buy a Furnace This Winter?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives over the past two years, including our ability to buy HVAC equipment.

A slowdown in production of heating and air conditioning equipment, due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and higher demands, have led to a shortage in HVAC materials. Because there’s a high demand for HVAC equipment and a shortage of supplies, it may take longer for your local heating and cooling company to obtain the necessary parts needed to repair or replace your heating equipment this winter. Prices for new parts may also increase.

A-1 Mechanical is constantly monitoring the shortage, and hopes to share good news in the coming months when demand and supply begin to regulate. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the HVAC shortage or would like to contact us for services, contact A-1 Mechanical today.

What You Can Do During the HVAC Shortage

There are a few things homeowners can do during the HVAC shortage to ensure they have a working heating system throughout the winter.

1. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Even if you’ve never scheduled HVAC maintenance in the past, now is the time to consider doing so. During a tune up, our technicians clean and inspect all necessary parts to ensure everything is operating properly and efficiently. We can also identify and fix smaller issues before they lead to something more serious and expensive, including a total system breakdown. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your heating system lasts through the cold Michigan winter.

2. Make Necessary Repairs

Has your heating system exhibited any signs of issues lately such as loud noises, strange smells, poor performance or reduced indoor air quality? If so, consider contacting an HVAC professional to take a look at your furnace. Waiting too long can result in a major repair or complete system breakdown, leaving you stranded without heat in the winter. Repairing the issue now will prevent more serious issues from occurring down the line, and give us time to order the appropriate replacement parts.

3. Consider Buying a New Furnace

If you have an older, inefficient heating system, consider replacement services now. Although it may take time for your new system to come in, it’s still a good idea to get the process started early instead of waiting until there’s an emergency and your heating system stops working on one of the coldest days of the year. Some of the signs you may need a new furnace include:

  • The system is more than 15 years old
  • Strange smells or noises
  • Short cycling
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Rising energy bills
  • Cold sports around the house


Contact A-1 Mechanical for Reliable Heating Services

We’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. We will do everything we can to ensure you have a properly functioning furnace this winter. If you have any questions or would like to schedule service, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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Why Does My Furnace Smell?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Furnace

When you turn on the heat in your Grand Rapids area home, do you notice an odd odor wafting from your vents? If so, you’re probably wondering: “Why does my furnace smell?” A-1 Mechanical is here to help you decode furnace odors you may experience this heating season, including what each type of odor means and when these smells indicate possible troubles with your heating system.

Why Does My Furnace Smell?

When a funky odor comes out of your vents, try not to panic! Furnace odors are not always a cause for concern, and certain smells are completely normal. Decode the furnace odor you experience using our guide below – with this helpful information, you’ll know when to call us for help and when you can relax and let the odor pass.

Decoding Strange Furnace Smells

There are many different odors that cause homeowners to question why their furnace smells? Below, find the potential causes of common furnace odors that may pop up over the course of this year’s heating season.

Burning Smell

A burning smell from the furnace is quite common the very first time the furnace is used in the late fall.

Burning odors when you first start the furnace each year occur as the furnace burns off the fine layer of dust that has settled on internal system components, such as the burners or heat exchanger, over the off season. This odor can be more noticeable if you haven’t had your furnace professionally tuned up for the year, as cleaning is a part of this service. Usually, the odor should resolve after an hour or so if it is caused by the dust layer burning off – if the smell of burning persists, call us for furnace repair to diagnose the source of the odor.

Aside from burning dust, burning odors from a furnace can also be caused by overheated components inside the unit, including wiring or a motor that’s burning out. These burning odors can also smell metallic or similar to burning plastic, rubber, or oil.

Rotten Egg Smell

If you have a natural gas furnace, beware of the rotten egg smell inside your home. This odor indicates a possible gas leak somewhere in the system that is allowing the escaped natural gas to mix with the air supply and circulate into your home. Utility providers add an odorant to natural gas so that people can easily identify it in case of a leak, as natural gas naturally has no smell.

If you smell rotten eggs when using your furnace, shut off your furnace immediately, get all occupants out of the house, and call your gas utility provider to identify the source of the leak. If the furnace is determined to be the source of your natural gas leak, call us for furnace repair. Do not use the furnace again until it has been inspected, serviced, and cleared for use by a heating professional.

Chemical Smell

If you smell an odd yet sweet odor reminiscent of formaldehyde, it is possible that your furnace’s heat exchanger is cracked. A rattling noise noticed along with this odor is a strong indicator of this problem. A cracked heat exchanger can allow dangerous carbon monoxide to mix with heated air and enter your home, exposing your family.

When this smell occurs, evacuate the home immediately. Once everyone is in a safe location, call us to have your furnace repaired. Do not reenter the home until a professional alerts you that it is safe to do so.

Furnace Repairs in Grand Rapids, MI

Why does my furnace smell? Hopefully if you notice furnace odors this winter, you’ll be able to easily decode them with our guide above. If you experience furnace odors that are a cause for concern as mentioned in this article or notice a smell not listed here, call A-1 Mechanical to request an appointment with an HVAC technician for furnace repair in your Grand Rapids area home.

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What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021
Heating

The winter air in the Grand Rapids area is naturally drier due to lower outdoor temperatures. Because air isn’t able to hold as much moisture at lower temperatures than when it’s warm, this season is notorious for dry winter air issues in the home.

If you use a humidifier to combat dry air indoors, you may be wondering: “What should I set my humidistat to during the winter months?” A-1 Mechanical shares professional advice for home indoor humidity management this winter, including ideal humidistat settings.

What Is a Humidistat?

First, let’s explain what a humidistat is. A humidistat is a control used for humidity monitoring and to adjust the output of home humidifiers. This device is also sometimes called a hygrometer, which is technically a device that only monitors indoor humidity levels and doesn’t control an appliance.

Think of a humidistat as a thermostat for your whole home humidifier. It shows you a current humidity reading like a thermostat shows the temperature. It also allows you to adjust the use of the humidifier, just as the thermostat allows you to control the use of your heating and air conditioning system.

What Should I Set My Humidistat to in Winter?

You might have heard that the ideal relative humidity for a home is between 30 to 50 percent – and this is generally correct in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. This time of year, keeping relative humidity all the way up to 50 percent can lead to moisture problems indoors, causing condensation on window panes, window framing, and other surfaces.

In the winter when the air is quite cold, keeping your indoor relative humidity level below 30 percent may be more appropriate. Ideal indoor humidity levels really depend on the outdoor air temperature.

  • If the temperature outdoors is around -10 degrees, set your humidistat at 20 percent.
  • When the outdoor temperature is near 0 degrees, use a humidistat setting of 25 percent.
  • For outdoor temperatures around 10 degrees, set the humidistat to 30 percent.
  • At an outdoor temperature around 20 degrees, a 35 percent humidistat setting is appropriate.
  • For an outdoor temperature near 30 degrees, set your humidistat at 40 percent.


If you are unable to track the outdoor temperatures day after day, you can find the ideal humidity settings for your home by observing conditions and adjusting the humidistat appropriately. Start with a relative humidity set between the typical 30 to 50 percent. If you notice condensation forming on walls, windows, or other surfaces in the home, adjust your humidistat settings downward to lower the indoor relative humidity level. Lower the relative humidity settings as needed to achieve the ideal indoor humidity conditions for your home and the current outdoor temperature.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Installation of a Whole House Humidifier

With professional advice from A-1 Mechanical, we hope you’ll be able to easily manage indoor relative humidity levels all through the season! If your home suffers from low humidity in the winter, a whole home humidifier is an excellent solution that will allow you to effortlessly add moisture to your home’s air and achieve a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the winter months. For whole home humidifier installation in Grand Rapids, MI, call A-1 Mechanical today!

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What Are the Different Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems?

Monday, November 22nd, 2021
HVAC Filters

As a homeowner, you should already know that replacing your HVAC system’s air filter on a regular basis is important to the longevity of your equipment, system energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. When shopping for a replacement air filter, you may feel overwhelmed with the many different types of HVAC filters available for use with your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. A-1 Mechanical introduces you to the different types of air filters and explains which one might be best for your home.

Efficiency Ratings of Air Filters

Before we get into the different air filters you can purchase, let’s talk about filter efficiency. All types of air filters use MERV ratings to measure their performance efficiency. MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value, and this number tells you how effective a particular filter is at removing airborne particles of a certain size. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter’s performance when removing small pollutant particles.

For air filters that are suitable for use in residential heating and cooling systems, MERV ratings range from 1 to about 13. Though the MERV scale goes all the way up to 20, at a certain point the efficiency of a filter can begin to restrict airflow in an HVAC system which can cause more harm than good. MERV 17 to 20 filters should only be used in commercial buildings and specific environments, while MERV 14 to 16 filters may be used in a residential air cleaner that works alongside the home’s HVAC system.

Typically, new forced air HVAC equipment will come with a standard 1-inch disposable filter that has a MERV rating between 1 to 4. These are the least efficient types of air filters available. Upgrading to a higher MERV filter can provide better protection for your heating and cooling system as well as better contaminant control for improved indoor air quality.

Types of Air Filters for HVAC Systems

There are several different air filter types you can use in your home’s heating or air conditioning system. Each type has its own pros and cons, so familiarize yourself with the options before you shop for replacement filters.

  • Fiberglass filters: Fiberglass filters use fiberglass material to filter out airborne particles passing through the HVAC system. These air filters are the most budget-friendly option, but their performance is often found lacking by some homeowners. Fiberglass filters have low MERV ratings and are not very effective for removing small particulate matter from the indoor air supply. Also, they need to be replaced more frequently than other types of air filters.
  • Pleated filters: Pleated filters use a cotton or polyester fiber material for filtration. The material is folded into pleats, providing more surface area to trap contaminant particles. This choice is typically a bit more expensive than fiberglass filters, but they are more efficient for removing finer particles from the air as their MERV ratings tend to run in the middle of the road for residential HVAC filters, giving users a longer filter life compared to lower quality options.
  • Washable filters: If you’re concerned about waste, you may opt to use a washable filter for your HVAC system. These types of air filters can be reused over and over again – instead of throwing the used filter away and installing a new one, just wash and dry this filter and use it again! These types of air filters are better for the environment because their use reduces waste, which also allows users to save money on purchasing disposable replacement filters. They do have lower MERV ratings than some disposable filters and aren’t extremely effective at filtering out smaller particles. Because of their low MERV rating, homeowners often need to wash these filters several times each year. If you want low-maintenance air filters, disposables may be your preferred choice.


If you have some type of air cleaner or air purification system that uses a filter installed with your HVAC system, there are different types of air filters available for use in this equipment.

  • Pleated filters designed for use in a media air cleaner filter cabinet can be thicker than ones used in the standard HVAC system, offering higher MERV ratings and longer filter life.
  • Electrostatic filters offer media filtration and use an electrostatic charge to help capture small particles. They sometimes have difficulty effectively trapping larger contaminants though, like mold spores and large dust particles. Depending on the model, these types of air filters can be disposable or washable.
  • HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are extremely efficient, removing as much as 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants including dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses. Because of their extreme efficiency, HEPA air filters cannot be used in all equipment due to potential airflow restriction.


Find the Right Types of Air Filters for Use in Your HVAC System

Curious as to which types of filters are suitable for use with your HVAC equipment? Contact A-1 Mechanical today to speak with a professional and learn more about your air filter options.

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Common Heat Pump Problems and How to Fix Them

Monday, September 20th, 2021
Heat Pump

As fall arrives, heat pump HVAC systems will start to switch gears, giving the cooling cycle a rest as these units are called upon for heating. Over the cooler months, you may experience heat pump problems that can stand in the way of perfect heating for your home. A-1 Mechanical explains how you can troubleshoot some of the most common heat pump problems and get your heating system back up and running again quickly!

Your Heat Pump Is Blowing Cold Air

Heat pumps should blow warm air through the vents when they run as a heating system in fall, winter, and early spring. If you feel cool air coming from your vents, here are a few things to check before you call for repairs to fix your heat pump.

  • Make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT, not COOL. If the thermostat is set to COOL mode, the heat pump will run cooling cycles and produce cool air. Settings are sometimes incorrectly changed, causing heat pumps to blow cool air.
  • Check the fan settings on the thermostat as well. The fan should be set to AUTO mode, not ON. If the fan is accidentally set to ON, it will blow cool air into the house during times when the heat pump itself is not actively cycling, causing homeowners to think there’s an issue with their heat pump system.
  • Make sure there is no ice buildup on the outdoor unit. If there is, follow the directions below to melt ice from your unit.
  • The heat pump could be running its defrost cycle when you feel the cool air. The defrost cycle typically runs for about 10 to 15 minutes – wait it out to see if heat returns in the next half hour or so.


Heat Pump Runs All the Time

If it seems like your heat pump is running around the clock, it may seem like there’s an issue to worry about. However, it can be normal for your heat pump to run for long periods – especially if outdoor temperatures are very cold. There are some issues that can contribute to a heat pump running longer than it needs to:

  • Dirty air filters can restrict airflow through the system, forcing your heat pump to run for longer periods to supply the home with enough heating. Check the filter, and replace it with a fresh one if you find the filter is dirty and covered in contaminants.
  • Make sure all of the supply vents and return air registers in your home are opened and unblocked. These vents can be accidentally covered by furniture, rugs, and other items, which restricts airflow through the house and forces the heat pump to run longer periods.
  • Air leaks in ducts, window frames, door jambs, and other problematic areas throughout the house could cause your home to take on excess cool air. This lowers the temperature in your home, forcing the heat pump to run longer periods to make up the warmth you need. Air sealing and duct sealing can eliminate this issue.


Heat Pump Freezes Up

This problem is more common in the winter when outdoor temperatures are chilly. The outdoor heat pump unit may show a layer of frost or ice on its exterior, which is normal and is periodically removed through the system’s defrost cycle. If the defrost cycle isn’t removing this frost or outside conditions prevent the heat pump from shedding ice, the system will not work correctly.

If you find a heavy layer of ice atop your outdoor heat pump, notice the coils are completely encased in frost or ice, or the entire outdoor unit has a layer of ice around it, the system will not work correctly and could sustain damage if the ice is left for too long.

  1. Shut off power to the heat pump at the circuit breaker in the home.
  2. Use a hose to spray the unit with warm water and melt the ice – do not use objects to chip away ice accumulation as that can damage the heat pump system!
  3. If temperatures are above freezing, restore power to the heat pump and run it in fan mode to blow warm air through the unit and help melt any remaining ice.

Frozen heat pump problems occur for various reasons, such as low refrigerant, issues with the defrost cycle, and even water leaking onto the unit from a faulty gutter above. Make sure overhead gutters are flowing properly, and remove any debris from around your unit. Replace the air filter with a clean one if it is dirty. If the heat pump continues to freeze, call your HVAC company for repairs.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Grand Rapids Heat Pump Repair Services

If you’ve tried the heat pump troubleshooting tips above yet are no closer to solving your heat pump problems, now is the time to contact a heating professional for help. A-1 Mechanical performs heat pump repair services for homeowners throughout the Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan areas. Contact us today to request an appointment for heat pump repair services.

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Why Is My Heat Pump Not Keeping Up?

Friday, May 21st, 2021
Heating

Contrary to what the name might suggest, heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool a home. When your heat pump isn’t keeping up with your demands when you need it most, however, there can be a number of issues at play. Keep reading to discover what might be keeping your heat pump from reaching your set temperature, and what you should do when that happens.

What Can Keep a Heat Pump From Reaching a Set Temperature?

Unit is Iced Over

Setting your thermostat below 70°F can cause your heat pump system to frost or even completely freeze up. When this happens, your unit won’t run as efficiently and will likely have trouble reaching a set temperature.

Additionally, your system can be prone to more issues if you continue to use it while it’s iced over. The fan blades on your system, for example, can break, or refrigerant may leak within the outdoor unit.

System Isn’t Running

If your system is having trouble just turning on, it likely won’t be able to consistently reach the temperatures you’re setting. This could quickly turn into an emergency, especially during extremely hot or cold weather, so it’s important to call on a professional heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality technician immediately after noticing that your heat pump unit is not turning on.

A professional can diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s heat pump repair or replacement services.

Vents in the Home are Closed

If some rooms feel as though they’re at the temperature you’ve set and other rooms feel significantly warmer or cooler, the issue could be as simple as having vents in your rooms that are closed. Ensure that all rooms in the home have open vents before reaching out to a professional about having your unit inspected.

Allowing the air to circulate and flow freely can do wonders in helping your home reach the temperature that you’ve set.

What are Some Common Heat Pump Problems?

Lack of Power

The risk of having a heat pump is that they’re fully electric, which can cause issues in the event that your home’s power supply goes out. If your heat pump isn’t turning on but you haven’t recently suffered a power outage, ensure that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped.

A lack of power to your heat pump for too long can cause the evaporator coil to freeze and not work when the AC turns back on. If the system hasn’t had power for over half an hour, get in touch with a professional to learn about the best way to turn the system back on to ensure you don’t experience any issues.

Unreliable Thermostat

Sometimes, a heat pump that doesn’t reach the set temperature can be the fault of your thermostat, rather than the heat pump itself. If you’ve had your heat pump inspected and everything appears to be normal, have your thermostat checked. The unit could be calibrated incorrectly and not communicating with the heat pump.

Reversing Valve is Broken

The reversing valve within your heat pump is the part that allows the unit to be used for both heating and cooling. When this valve is broken, it can cause inefficient heating and cooling and should be fixed immediately.

A-1 Mechanical Solves Heat Pump Issues

Heat pumps are complex systems that can often be confusing. When your heat pump experiences any issues that cause it to not work as efficiently as it once did, you should get in touch with an HVAC professional. Doing so will ensure that the issue is fixed properly to give your family enhanced comfort and safety all year long.

The experts at A-1 Mechanical know that you can’t afford to be without proper heating and cooling during the coldest and hottest of days. If your heat pump isn’t working properly and experiences any of the issues above, or any not on that list, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Heat Pump Services

For all of your HVAC system service needs in the Lansing or the Grand Rapids, MI area, get in contact with the experts at A-1 Mechanical, and schedule an appointment today. We’ll provide your heat pump with the service and attention to detail that you deserve.

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Different Types of Heating Systems and the Advantages of Each

Friday, March 26th, 2021
Heating

Did you know that you have options when it comes to heating your home? You don’t have to stay with the gas-powered furnace. If you’re building a new home, or it’s time to replace your heating system, now is a great opportunity to research Different Types of Home Heating Systems. There are pros and cons to all three, but you can trust the experts at A-1 Mechanical to fix any problems you have when it comes to repairs.

What Are the Different Types of Home Heating Systems?

Keeping your home comfortable during cold winter months is essential in Lansing and Grand Rapids. You want a heating system that you can rely on year after year. A-1 Mechanical breaks down the three different types of home heating systems and the advantages of each.

Furnaces

Furnaces use gas to generate heat by combusting fuel. This ensures that you’ll always have heat in your house no matter the temperature outside. The furnace controls the temperature in the entire house with a thermostat. Most furnaces can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Advantages of a Furnace
Although furnaces are larger than heat pumps, they are less noisy. Furnaces are a more reliable source of heat in colder climates. You are also probably familiar with how a central heating system operates since it’s been a reliable heating source for homes for decades. Newer models improve on efficiency, making sure your heating bills aren’t extravagant.

Heat Pumps

Air source heat pumps are another popular type of forced-air heating system. Air-source heat pumps can perform both the functions of a furnace and an air conditioner, providing cool and warm air inside. Heat pumps are relatively small and can be mounted outside your home. When connected with mini splits, your house can be divided into different zones. These zones can accommodate different levels of comfort among your family members. If you have a large house, or want to create multiple zones, you may need more than one heat pump.

Advantages of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are very energy efficient. They use much less energy than a furnace, making them less expensive to operate. Since they also operate as an air conditioner, you may save on cooling costs as well. Heat pumps are also cheaper to install than a furnace.

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating is the most energy efficient type of heating system. Pipes are inserted into the ground and the heat from the Earth is transferred into your home. This air can be heated or cooled, depending on the season. In order for a heat pump to work, a system of interconnected pipes used as heat exchangers are placed underground. To have the pipes installed, you’ll need holes dug in your yard which could affect your landscaping. Geothermal heat pumps can come with a lot of upfront costs. It is usually the most expensive heating system to install, but government tax rebates can help offset the cost.

Advantages of Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is warmer than the air provided by heat pumps, but not as warm as a traditional furnace. However, there is still enough heat to keep your home more comfortable, making it the most efficient-heating system. The lifespan of geothermal heating is 20+ years, much longer than a furnace or heat pump.

Trust A-1 Mechanical for All of Your Heating Needs

When it comes to choosing a heating system that works best for you, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical to assess your home’s heating needs. We provide options at various price points and can provide estimates for installation. Call A-1 Mechanical today to learn more about our heating systems. Our heating and cooling technicians can repair, maintain, and install all types of heating and air conditioning systems.

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Why Is My Furnace Flue Pipe Rusting?

Friday, March 26th, 2021
Furnace

When you look at your furnace, you’ll notice a large pipe sticking out of it that leads into a wall or ceiling. From the outside of your house, you may notice a pipe sticking out of your roof. Both of these pipes are your furnace flue pipes. They exhaust water vapor, carbon monoxide, and other gasses from your home. These pipes are essential for keeping the air flowing in your home and making sure toxic gases do not harm you or your family. If you notice that either one of your Furnace Flue Pipes Rusting, this could be a sign of worse problems to come.

A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling is your furnace and heating specialist. Repairing or replacing a furnace flue pipe could involve climbing on your roof or getting dirty. It’s best to trust the professionals to inspect your furnace as well when you notice any sort of rust in your HVAC system.

Why is My Furnace’s Flue Pipe Rusting?

There are a few reasons your furnace’s flue pipes are rusting. Ideally, combustion within a furnace would have two side effects: water vapor and carbon dioxide. However, no furnace is 100% efficient, and in every furnace some portion of the gas fails to combust entirely. This partial combustion results in the creation of byproducts like carbon monoxide and other toxic gasses. These gases are pushed through the furnace flue pipes and exhausted from the home.

When your furnace isn’t burning gas as efficiently as it could, there may be more byproducts being created in your furnace than you realize. These byproducts have chemical reactions with your exhaust pipes, causing them to rust.

Another reason why your furnace flue pipes are rusting is because there is an imbalance in the air to fuel mixture in your furnace. This could happen if you have a new furnace that is not compatible with your flue pipes, or there is insufficient pressure differential causing gases to have difficulty leaving your home. Rusty furnace flue pipes might just need to be replaced, or they could be a telling sign about the performance of your furnace.

I Have Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes

Furnace flue pipes aren’t always easy to see. If you’ve noticed strange odors in your house when your heat is on, or lack of airflow in your house, it’s best to inspect your furnace flue pipes. One should be attached from the furnace to the wall. Another might be on your roof. If you find rust on either, they could be a sign of issues that should be addressed immediately.

Rusted furnace flue pipes are more common in older homes and could be a sign of an aging HVAC system. If you had a new furnace installed recently, your pre-existing flue pipes might not be compatible with your new system. The best thing to do is to replace your pipes right away. Luckily, this is a relatively inexpensive fix, and it can prevent a dangerous situation in the future.

What If I Don’t Replace My Rusty Furnace Flue Pipes?

Think about rust on a car. You can slow down the growth of additional rust, but you can’t make the rust go away. It will get worse and corrode parts of your car. The same thing can happen with rusty pipes. Not only is rust unsightly, it can corrode and prevent toxic gases from leaving your house.

If toxic gases like carbon monoxide leak into your house, the results could be deadly. This is why you shouldn’t put off replacing rusty pipes. To prevent rusting in your HVAC system, it’s important to have it regularly cleaned and inspected to keep it running efficiently and safely.

Call A-1 Mechanical for Your Furnace and Heating Services

A-1 Mechanical is here for all your HVAC services. Whether it’s inspecting and replacing rusted furnace flue pipes, or replacing your furnace, trust the pros at A-1 Mechanical for all your heating and cooling needs.

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What is the Average Life Expectancy of a Gas Furnace?

Thursday, February 11th, 2021
Gas Furnace

Whether you’re in the market for a new furnace or have concerns about your existing unit, there is one question we hear often from Grand Rapids area homeowners – how long does a gas furnace last? A-1 Mechanical explains how long these furnaces typically last, what you can do to get the most life out of your gas furnace, and how to spot signs of impending system failure. For all of your home’s heating system needs, contact us today.

How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

The service life of your furnace depends on different factors such as type, use, and care – no two furnaces or heating systems are exactly the same.

Residential gas furnaces typically last about 15 years. This estimate is just an average, though, as the life expectancy of a residential gas furnace depends most on the way you use it and how you take care of it, year after year.

Improving Gas Furnace Service Life

Getting the most years of service from your gas furnace starts at installation. Whether the system was sized appropriately for the space and installed correctly greatly affects its average lifespan. A furnace that is too big or too small for the home must work harder to keep the indoor living areas comfortable, either by running for longer periods or short cycling as heat is rapidly added to the space. Incorrectly sized furnaces experience faster wear and tear which causes breakdowns and takes the system out of service prematurely.

When installing a new furnace in your Grand Rapids home, work with a licensed heating professional who will properly determine the correct equipment size for your space. Consider hiring an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians who are known to deliver superior installation services for new furnace equipment.

After your furnace is installed, you’ll need to have it regularly maintained to keep it running in optimal condition year after year. Here in Michigan, furnaces typically run most of the winter. If you like to keep your home’s temperature in the 70s, your furnace will run more often than if you kept the temperature in the high 60s. Heavy use speeds up wear and tear, and you may require furnace replacement sooner than if the system was not used as frequently. As you use your furnace each winter, consider lowering your thermostat to keep heating costs low and to help boost the unit’s average lifespan.

Lastly, the life expectancy of a gas furnace is most greatly impacted by the maintenance it receives over its years of service. Gas furnaces require professional maintenance tune ups each year to preserve system efficiency, counteract wear and tear, and prevent damage as best as possible. A neglected furnace will typically require replacement sooner than one that received its annual tune ups each year. Protect your investment by making regular maintenance a priority. A-1 Mechanical offers furnace maintenance plans to make this care as easy as possible!

Warning Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you need furnace replacement. Watch out for these warning signs that indicate your furnace is on its last leg:

  • If your gas furnace is between 15 to 20 years old, replacement could be needed at any time so it’s best to start preparing when your system reaches this age range.
  • If your energy bills have steadily risen over the past few winters without a clear explanation, the declining efficiency of your furnace is likely to blame.
  • If your furnace is having a hard time keeping your living areas supplied with ample heating, a new furnace may be the solution to your comfort problems.
  • Furnaces usually see more breakdowns in their final two years of service – if you’ve been calling us more often for furnace repairs the last few winters, it’s likely time to replace your furnace.


Gas Furnace Services from A-1 Mechanical

A-1 Mechanical helps Grand Rapids area home and business owners care for their furnaces through regular maintenance so they can maximize the average life expectancy of their furnace. For furnace repairs or installation of a new gas furnace, contact us anytime to make an appointment with one of our heating and air conditioning technicians.

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How Does Geothermal Heating Work? A Step-By-Step Guide

Thursday, February 11th, 2021
Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heating and cooling systems provide the most energy-efficient means to control temperatures inside Grand Rapids homes and businesses. While it’s not a new technology, many people have either not heard of it or aren’t aware of how it works. In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at A-1 Mechanical discuss how geothermal heat pumps work and their benefits to help you better understand this amazing HVAC technology!

Parts of a Geothermal Heating & Cooling System

Our step-by-step guide on geothermal heating and cooling systems begins with an explanation of how these systems’ components work. Geothermal systems consist of three main parts: a ground loop, a heat pump, and a distribution system.

  • The ground loop is a piping system that is buried on the property. It is either a closed loop or an open loop, which opens into a water source nearby, such as a pond or well. These underground pipes are filled with fluid that assists in heat exchange.
  • The geothermal heat pump exchanges heat between the air and the ground loop system, extracting heat from the air or the ground loop depending on whether heating or cooling is in use.
  • The distribution system is the method which delivers heated or cooled air throughout the home. Forced air geothermal HVAC systems use ductwork to deliver conditioned air inside, just like a conventional furnace or air conditioning system. Some geothermal heating and cooling systems may be configured with hydronic distribution, a network of fluid-filled piping that runs throughout the home to carry heat energy. The heat pump’s heat exchanger exchanges heat between the fluid in these pipes and the fluid within the ground loop instead of between the air and ground loop fluid.


How Does a Geothermal Heat Pump Work?

A geothermal system works by exchanging heat between the air and the ground. Because temperatures below ground remain consistent around 55 degrees Fahrenheit all year, there is always significant energy available to heat your home – and it’s free energy! Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how ground source heat pumps provide heat for your home:

  1. Fluid within the ground loop absorbs heat from the surrounding earth.
  2. This fluid is pumped through the ground loop up to the heat pump, which is housed inside the home.
  3. The heat pump’s heat exchanger uses the energy to warm the air that passes through the unit.
  4. The heated air circulates through the ductwork into indoor areas throughout the home or building.

Ground source heat pumps are great because they also provide indoor cooling! Here’s how a geothermal system works for cooling:

  1. The heat pump’s heat exchanger extracts heat from the air circulating through the system.
  2. The heat pump transfers this heat to the fluid within the system.
  3. The fluid is pumped down through the ground loop, carrying heat.
  4. Heat from the fluid is deposited into the earth or water source that serves as the system’s heat sink, or receptacle for heat energy.


Contact A-1 Mechanical for Your Home’s Heating and Cooling Needs

You should consider this highly efficient heating and cooling system for your Grand Rapids area home or business. Gain extremely low-cost comfort, quiet operation, and long operating life with a new geothermal heating and cooling system. Contact A-1 Mechanical today to request an estimate.

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