When Should You Consider a Furnace Replacement

Your furnace won't last forever, but how do you know when it's time to stop repairing it and invest in a replacement? For Ann Arbor homeowners, recognizing the warning signs of an aging or failing furnace can help prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs during the colder months.

If you've been searching for furnace repair in Ann Arbor, it's important to consider more than just the immediate repair. The age of your system, frequency of breakdowns, and cost of repairs can all help determine whether repairing your existing furnace or replacing it is the better long-term option.

Your Furnace Is Getting Older

Most furnaces have a lifespan of approximately 15–20 years, although proper maintenance, installation quality, usage, and other factors can affect how long a system lasts.

As a furnace gets older, its components naturally experience more wear and tear. If your aging furnace
requires increasingly frequent repairs, it may be worth comparing the cost of continued furnace repair in Ann Arbor with the long-term benefits of installing a new system.

Repairs Are Becoming More Frequent

An occasional furnace repair doesn't necessarily mean you need a new system. However, if you're calling an HVAC professional multiple times in a single year, those repair costs can quickly add up.

Frequent breakdowns can also make it harder to rely on your furnace when you need it most. Replacing an aging system may provide greater reliability and help reduce the likelihood of unexpected heating problems during an Ann Arbor winter.

The Repair Is Expensive

The cost of a repair is another important factor to consider. A relatively inexpensive repair on a newer furnace may be a straightforward decision. However, a major repair on an older system deserves more careful consideration.

Before moving forward, consider the furnace's age, previous repair history, and expected remaining lifespan. If you're facing a significant repair bill for a system that's already nearing the end of its service life, putting that money toward a replacement may provide greater long-term value.

Know When It's Time to Move On

Deciding between furnace repair and replacement isn't always easy. While replacing a furnace is a significant investment, continuing to repair an aging system can become expensive and inconvenient over time.

If your furnace is getting older, breaking down frequently, or requiring costly repairs, a professional HVAC technician can evaluate its condition and help you understand your options. Learn more about whether your furnace needs a repair or to be replaced in our latest article. 

Need Furnace Repair in Ann Arbor?

Don't wait until your furnace stops working on the coldest day of the year. If you're experiencing frequent breakdowns or aren't sure whether your furnace is worth repairing, schedule a professional inspection. An HVAC expert can identify the problem, assess your system's condition, and help you determine whether furnace repair in Ann Arbor or replacement is the right choice for your home.

Contact our HVAC team today to schedule a furnace inspection and keep your home comfortable throughout the heating season.

Why Humidity Matters in Winter Heating

Have you noticed drier skin this winter?

Does it feel like your furnace is kicking on more often to heat your home? 

If you spend lots of time adjusting thermostats and sealing drafts but don’t notice a difference, consider the often-overlooked factor of humidity as a comfort game-changer. 

Why Humidity Matters in Winter Heating

Winter air tends to be drier due to colder temperatures, made worse by the use of indoor heating systems like furnaces and wooden stoves. Dry winter air, when heated indoors, can lead to discomfort, dry skin, and respiratory issues.

The right humidity can create a sensation of warmth, allowing you to lower your thermostat settings without compromising comfort. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also presents an opportunity to cut down on heating costs.

Learn more about the advantages of humidity for indoor comfort in our latest article! 

Bryant Furnaces in Ann Arbor Provide Winter Comfort

Are you ready for winter comfort? 

Contact our team today to install a new Bryant furnace in Ann Arbor! Don’t let dry indoor air hold you back from enjoying Michigan year-round. 

“My furnace stopped working.  They showed up when they said they would and I was warm 2 hours later. Great service excellent prices.”

Sheryll Haas, Google Review

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.

We’re the Experts When it Comes to Indoor Air Quality!

At CMR Mechanical, you'll find we take our job and your comfort very seriously and we greatly value the trust that you place in us. We’ll measure your school, home or business and survey your needs to recommend the appropriate air filtration system for your indoor air quality to maximize your comfort. 

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!

Prevent Frost & Ice Buildup on Your Heat Pump

Heat pump frozen?

How can you fix it?

It’s normal for frost to build up on a heat pump. However, if you have a lot of ice build-up on your heat pump then you could have a problem. The heat pump controls could be in need of repair or the programming set up may just need to be checked.

Read more here!

Our Experts on Heating and Cooling in Ann Arbor Work for You! 

Creating a comfortable and healthy home for your family is our top priority. It can be a challenge to find highly trained specialists with moral and ethical values but, at CMR Mechanical, we protect your home before, during, and after installation!

Heating and cooling Ann Arbor homes is what we do best, and we’re here to make YOU happy! Talk to one of our heating and cooling experts today to find out how we can help you save money and keep your home healthier for your family and for your pets. Give us a call at 734-424-1560 today!

Let CMR Mechanical help you find the right energy efficient HVAC!

Upgrading your HVAC system to improve efficiency?

What should you look for when buying a new furnace for your home?

Do you know which questions you should be asking a professional to prepare for installation and choosing a system?

Here’s a few questions to get you started:

1. Is the consultation free? What about the estimate?
2. What are my best options?
3. What size do I need?
4. Do I need multiple heating and cooling zones?
5. Do I need a humidifier?
6. Are there any special rebates or special offers I can claim?
7. Do I qualify for any tax credits?
8. How efficient will my new system be?
9. What filter types are offered?
10. Does the HVAC company have a service plan to maintain and protect my system?

Learn more here!

Let CMR Mechanical help you find the right energy efficient HVAC!

Armed with our questions about efficient HVACs, you’re ready to shop. Get started today with a call to CMR Mechanical. With years of experience repairing and installing new furnaces in Ann Arbor homes, our experts are ready to improve the efficiency of your home. Give us a call today. 

These Three Steps Can Save the Time it Would Take for a Service Contractor to Come to Your Home

Is your furnace not turning on?

Are you getting only a trickle of heat?

Just because your furnace is acting up – it doesn’t always mean you’re in for emergency repairs or an expensive replacement. 

Have you double checked your thermostat?

When was the last time you changed the filter?

Did you look at your circuit breaker? 

These three steps can save the time it would take for a service contractor to come out to your home. However, if these steps don’t get your furnace cooking again – give us a call at 734-424-1460 any time day or night. You can always count on our prompt and professional technicians for all of your furnace repair needs!

Does your furnace actually need a repair?

When it’s cold out and your home isn’t warm and cozy, it’s easy to think the worst has happened and you need a new furnace. That’s not always the case. 

At CMR Mechanical we’re a licensed family-owned business with years of experience providing expert furnace repair to Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Chelsea area residents. If your furnace isn’t functioning, pumping out cold air, or just plain not working, there are some easy steps you can take to possibly solve the problem without calling a technician!

Read more on how to check your furnace for repairs!  

5 Questions You Need to Ask to Save Money on Your New HVAC

Looking to save money on your new HVAC system? Need ideas to stay on budget with your new system for cooling and heating your Ann Arbor home? Know what questions to ask your contractor to make sure you’re saving money with your HVAC purchase?

If you need a new HVAC system, you know you’ll be making a sizeable investment. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make and stick to a budget. In fact, when you’re shopping and getting estimates, if you ask your contractor a few key questions, it could help you save a lot of money. Check out our suggestions for questions to ask to save money on your new system. 

1. Financing: when you get more time to pay, you can invest in a more efficient system than if you pay upfront. But the savings really kick in when you can take advantage of interest free financing. If you finance through a contractor or manufacturer, you can usually get a nice interest-free window, which saves you a lot compared to a bank loan.

2. Rebates: if you’re interested in serious energy efficiency, ask about rebates and tax credits. Rebates, coupons, and other deals may also be available for models that aren’t setting records for energy efficiency. 

3. Estimate: before you get an estimate for your system, make sure it’s going to be totally free. Getting a guarantee of a free estimate early on assures that a charge won’t surprise you on your final total. 

4. Warranty: a solid warranty saves you money in a few ways. If you like having the protection, you won’t have to spend money separately for a protection plan. And with the warranty, if something goes wrong, your costs will be totally or partially covered. 

5. Maintenance: regular maintenance on your system will save you money by helping avoid more costly repairs and extending the life of your HVAC. Ask about maintenance programs your contractor offers and if they have any deals or promotions for enrolling. 

Trust your investment in a new HVAC system to CMR Mechanical. 

Now that you’re prepared to save money on a new system for cooling and heating your Ann Arbor home, give the experts at CMR Mechanical a call. We’re ready to help you find the system that fits your space and budget perfectly. And remember, with us, your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. 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!