Breaking down a Furnace Inspection

Getting an HVAC inspection in the fall is the best way to prepare your system for the winter. You won’t want to deal with replacing a malfunctioning furnace in the middle of January. A thorough check-up of your system can reveal issues that might need to be addressed. Specifically for furnaces, this inspection can include a number of things depending on the type of furnace you have:

For Gas Furnaces:                                                             

• Test carbon monoxide levels                          
• Pull and clean burners, adjust as needed
• Inspect heat exchanger
• Clean pilot assembly or flame sensor
• Test and adjust safety controls
• Inspect flu pipe and vent system
• Check draft and perform combustion analysis
• Check thermostat operation
• Lubricate all moving parts as needed
• Check operation of humidifier and replace pad if necessary (pad extra)

For Oil Furnaces:

• Test carbon monoxide levels
• Remove and replace nozzle, sharpen and set electrodes
• Clean heat exchanger with soot vacuum
• Test and adjust safety controls
•  Inspect flu pipe and vent system
• Check thermostat operation
• Check draft and perform combustion analysis
• Change standard fuel filter
•  Lubricate all moving parts if needed

Schedule a Check Up on Your HVAC System Today with the Experts at CMR Mechanical

If you haven't had your furnace inspected in a while, scheduling a tune up may be a good idea. Having equipment cleaned and maintained is important to help your system last as long as possible and work efficiently. CMR Mechanical’s trained technicians specialize in checking the health of residential heating and cooling systems and providing services to improve the system’s efficiency. Give us a call at (734) 424-9555 to schedule an inspection of your furnace in Ann Arbor.

How to Regulate Humidity in Your Home

Fall is coming to Southeast Michigan, and your HVAC system is hard at work adjusting to the changing temperatures. Before winter hits, it’s important to make sure your system is prepared. 

While air conditioners are keeping your home cool, they’re also removing moisture. When AC usage starts to go down in the fall, the relative humidity in your home will increase. 

This will affect different homes in different ways, so the best way to monitor your home’s humidity is to purchase a humidistat. These devices cost only a few dollars and can help you increase the efficiency of your home's HVAC system. Depending on what your humidity levels are at, you’ll be able to adjust your home’s temperature accordingly.

If your home’s relative humidity is constantly above 65% and lowering the temperature isn’t bringing the humidity level down, you might need to install either a variable speed air conditioning unit or an entire house dehumidifier. Both of these options, while more costly than adjusting your thermostat, will help combat your home’s humidity issues and make you more comfortable. 

Schedule a Check Up on Your HVAC System Today with the Experts at CMR Mechanical

If you haven't had your HVAC system or furnace inspected in a while, scheduling a tune up may be a good idea. Having equipment cleaned and maintained is important to help your system last as long as possible and work efficiently. CMR Mechanical’s trained technicians specialize in checking the health of residential heating and cooling systems and providing services to improve the system’s efficiency. Give us a call at (734) 424-9555 to schedule an inspection of your HVAC system and furnace in Ann Arbor.

What is the RGF?

The REME HALO® is an “active” solution that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 within the occupied space, eliminating the need for virus particles to travel through the HVAC system filters or UV air purification system.

Every time a hydro peroxide molecule comes into contact with contaminants, it quickly breaks them down and destroys them, restoring the air to its clean, natural state. The system also uses positive and negative ions to charge the air, causing dust, dander and pollen to stick together, making your existing air filter equipment more efficient at capturing these particles.

Contact CMR Mechanical today to schedule an evaluation of your indoor air quality for your Ann Arbor restaurant or home.

Get Started Today: Schedule Your Appointment

Call us today at 734-424-1560 to schedule an appointment. CMR Mechanical is committed to providing you excellent service. In fact, we put our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for equipment and all services in writing.

Improve the Indoor Air Quality in Your Ann Arbor Home Today!

We’re the experts when it comes to improving the efficiency and indoor air quality of Ann Arbor homes. We’ll measure your home and survey your needs to recommend the correct heating and cooling system to maximize your comfort. Learn more here!

Schedule Your Tune-Up Today!

At CMR Mechanical, we provide ongoing training for our service technicians. Our techs are factory trained and qualified on virtually all brands of heating and cooling equipment and indoor air quality. We’ll never try to sell you a system or upgrade that you don’t need. We’ll explain the problem if one exists, and help you understand how it should be repaired. Give us a call at 734-424-1560 today!

Why it’s Important that HVAC Filters are Cleaned and Maintained

What kind of filter should you buy?

How do you clean your filter?

Are you worried about the indoor air quality in your Ann Arbor home?

You could check your air filter before it causes an issue to heat or cool your home properly.

If you have to buy a new disposable filter, look at the dimensions on the side of your current one so you know what size to buy. It’s not a one size fits all device! If your filter fits perfectly, then you should purchase a filter with those same dimensions. Purchasing a filter that’s too small or too large can result in gaps that let dirt, dust, and debris through, which can burn out your HVAC system, not to mention cause breathing problems for you and your family. 

Learn more here!

Schedule Your Tune-Up Today!

At CMR Mechanical, we provide ongoing training for our service technicians. Our techs are factory trained and qualified on virtually all brands of heating and cooling equipment and indoor air quality. We’ll never try to sell you a system or upgrade that you don’t need. We’ll explain the problem if one exists, and help you understand how it should be repaired. Give us a call at 734-424-1560 today!

Get a New Heat Pump in Your Ann Arbor Area Home and Stay Comfortable

With a hybrid system, the furnace and heat pump operate based on the outdoor temperature. In extremely cold temperatures, the furnace will heat your home. As the temperature approaches 30 degrees and higher the heat pump takes over. This will allow you the flexibility to use either a fossil fuel or electricity. This is done automatically with a lock out set point in the thermostat.  

Knowledgeable Contractors Heating Ann Arbor Homes: Schedule Your Tune-Up Today!

At CMR Mechanical, we provide ongoing training for our service technicians. Our techs are factory trained and qualified on virtually all brands of heating and cooling equipment and indoor air quality. We’ll never try to sell you a system or upgrade that you don’t need. We’ll explain the problem if one exists, and help you understand how it should be repaired. Give us a call at 734-424-1560 today!

Furnace Not Working? Check Your Batteries!

Are you stuck without heat in the middle of winter?

Are you panicking about getting the professionals out to your home in a timely manner?

Before you sound the alarm, have you checked the batteries in your furnace’s thermostat?

Dead batteries could be the cause of your furnace troubles.

Read more on our website!

Replacing the batteries in a digital thermostat is a pretty easy task, but if you have trouble don’t hesitate to contact us at CMR Mechanical.

After replacing the batteries, if your furnace still doesn’t operate properly give the experts for furnace repair in Ann Arbor a call!

Common Furnace Issues—When to Know When You Need a Repair!

Ann Arbor finally let up—no more snow drifts or dead trees. Eighty-degree weather has finally hit. Time to grill, camp, and dodge bicyclists as you drive downtown! But even if the weather is heating up, you still need to keep the furnace for your Ann Arbor home in mind. Sometimes problems arise, and you’re not sure when you need to give someone a call. Before you give us a call, let’s run through this checklist with you!

If your furnace stops working, ask yourself the following questions:

Is everything on that needs to be on?

Is the thermostat set to “heat?”

Is your air filter dirty or clogged?

Silly as these issues are, Family Handyman states that these are all extremely common reasons for your furnace to be “broken.” You may forget you turned the furnace or gas off. The pilot light might not be lit.

If you discover any of these issues was the problem, then that’s great—no need to call a professional! If problems persist, however, there may be a more serious issue. For example, if your furnace is making odd noises, that’s not normal!

Regular maintenance is the key to a healthy life for your furnace. If your furnace problems go beyond the simple issues on our checklist, give us a call for a professional assessment!

Tips for Better, Cozier Sleep This Winter!

Struggling with your sleep this winter and not sure what’s to blame? Sacrificing cozy slumber for a lower electric bill? Need tips for a cozier night without breaking the bank?

You may know that keeping your room cool is a good trick for restful sleep and helps save money on your electric bill! But taking a good thing too far can leave you uncomfortable, and make it difficult to fall or stay asleep. If you’ve gotten used to the savings, but are missing your restful sleep, check out our tips for better, cozier sleep this winter.  

• Sleep with socks: the temperature of your feet can be tough for your body to regulate and cold feet won’t help anyone get to sleep. 

• Hot water bottle: this is definitely an old-fashioned hack, but it works! Fill a hot-water bottle and place it at the foot of the bed, under the covers. You’ll be warmer without having to touch the thermostat. 

• Use insulated drapes: with insulated drapes, keep the heat in the house instead of letting it go out the window. If you put them up in your room, you’ll notice a difference in temperature right away. 

• Clean ducts: a good duct cleaning will help your furnace run more efficiently. More comfortable temperatures, lower bill, and better air quality are some of the benefits you can look forward to!

• Furnace inspection: if your furnace is older that 12-15 years and seems to be giving you a little trouble, an inspection could help spot and deal with a problem, and maybe even extend the life of your appliance!

These tips should help you feel cozy and sleep well at night without seeing a sky-high price reflected in your electric bill. If you have more questions about saving money or servicing the furnace in your Ann Arbor home this winter, give us a call today. 

How Wi-Fi Water Sensors Help Prevent Frozen Pipes and Mold

Are you concerned about the possibility of frozen pipes in your home? Think your damp basement could be a mold problem waiting to happen? Curious about technology that can help avoid common maintenance issues in your home?

If you’re losing sleep at night worrying about common home maintenance problems like frozen pipes and mold, there’s a perfect solution out there to help you rest easier! Wi-Fi water sensors are not only handy gadgets that can help you quickly detect a leak in your home, they can also help prevent frozen pipes and mold. 

How does it work? Read on to learn more!

Concerned about frozen pipes? 

Install a Wi-Fi water sensor that can measure the temperature and it will alert you when the temperature drops to levels that could cause issues. 

Think a room in your house has a potential for mold? 

Get a Wi-Fi water sensor that measures humidity and it will alert you when there may be too much moisture in the air. 

Worried a pipe is at risk for a leak? 

Get a Wi-Fi sensor and place it near any problem or potential problem areas to be alerted to leaks and avoid serious water damage. 

Wi-Fi water sensors can help you quickly detect several home maintenance issues and address them quickly. By connecting to the Wi-Fi you already have at home, the device can let you know almost immediately when there’s a problem. For answers to more of your questions about home maintenance and heating your Ann Arbor home, give us a call today!

3 Tips to Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Looking for ways to improve the air quality in your home? Not sure where to begin?

When you’re cleaning your house, it’s easy to tell when your kitchen counters and bathroom sink are clean, not so much when you’re talking about the air. But that doesn’t mean the air quality in your home should be neglected! IAQ can be a crucial element to maintaining the comfort level of your home.

Below are three tips to significantly improve the indoor air quality of your home fast!

1.      Avoid Chemicals

When cleaning surfaces or freshening the air in your home, avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible. Some of the standard products we’re accustomed to using to clean household surfaces are incredibly toxic and should only be used if completely necessary. Vinegar and baking soda solutions are a great alternative to many cleaning products and don’t pollute your air. Essential oils are better for air freshening than many commercial chemical products.

2.      Keep It Clean and Dry

Regularly cleaning your home and making sure it stays relatively dry will cut down on the potential for indoor allergens like mold and dust mites. Upgrading your vacuum to one with a HEPA filter will help you purge your fabrics of many allergens. Don’t forget to vacuum surfaces like couches and drapes. Wash your sheets and pillows frequently to get rid of allergens. Make sure your kitchen and bathroom are ventilated well to get rid of moisture and deter mold. If your basement or other rooms tend to be moist, you may also want to invest in a dehumidifier.

3.      Encourage Ventilation

Promote ventilation in your home to avoid staleness, stuffiness, and pockets of hot or cold air. Good ventilation complements your other efforts of keeping your house clean and dry and avoiding chemicals. To assure good ventilation, perform maintenance tasks on your HVAC system such as cleaning vents, ducts, and blowers. When outdoor air quality is good, you should also try to open windows to circulate air. Ceiling fans can also be useful for ventilation.

 
Our three tips for improved indoor air quality are simple and easy to remember, but they do cover a lot of ground. If you have any questions about IAQ and how to make it better in your home, give us a call! We are here to help with all your HVAC needs from furnace inspection to air conditioning repair in Ann Arbor. Contact us today!