Category: HVAC Resources

Spring Has Sprung – Time to Schedule AC Maintenance

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Technician servicing an air conditionerOnce the spring season arrives, we start to think about the warmer days ahead. While we often experience some more chilly temperatures in this part of the country, it’s still a good time to think about our home’s HVAC system, and about getting our cooling equipment the maintenance it needs.

Many homeowners wonder about the need for maintenance every year, and if it benefits their system. In this article, we’ll talk about the importance of getting your air conditioning system the maintenance it needs and some of the benefits. We’ll also explain how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Benefits of Air Conditioning Maintenance

If you have an AC system installed in your home, you probably rely on it to keep you cool once Mother Nature turns up the heat. Having a well-maintained air conditioning system is important if you want to keep that cool air flowing freely. Here are five of the main benefits that annual maintenance provides:

  1. Better energy efficiency. As your air conditioning system ages, it can become less efficient. By getting annual maintenance, you can rest assured that your system will be operating as efficiently as possible, and that can save you money on utility bills.
  2. Better comfort. When an air conditioner has been poorly maintained, it may not keep a home as comfortable as possible. A dirty system with minor problems has to work harder than a clean system in good working order, which can mean less comfort.
  3. Improved indoor air quality. Over time, dirt and other particulate matter can accumulate in your air conditioning system, and then those particles get circulated into the air in your home. A maintained system is cleaner, meaning fresher air for you and your family.
  4. Fewer expensive repairs. If a minor problem with an air conditioning system goes unchecked, it can turn into a much more expensive repair or replacement. Annual maintenance can help discover small problems before they become larger – and much more expensive – ones.
  5. Warranty maintenance. Many manufacturers require regular maintenance by a licensed professional to keep the warranty intact. Failure to do so may result in out-of-pocket costs to you, should your system need repair or replacement.

As you can see, air conditioning maintenance not only helps you stay more comfortable in your home; it can also help you save money on energy costs and repairs. And, getting the annual maintenance you need for your AC system is as easy as calling Boelcke.

Boelcke is ready to help you get the air conditioning maintenance you need.

When you need air conditioning maintenance from a qualified cooling specialist in Stevensville and Southwest Michigan, you can trust Boelcke. We can help meet all your AC needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Could Plumbing Issues Be Making My Home Too Humid?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

woman looks at possible leak in kitchen sink or faucetOnce the summer months roll around, most people notice that the air feels more humid. In your home, your air conditioning system can help keep the humidity down. Some homes also require dehumidification to keep home humidity at a manageable level. If you have a dehumidifier and air conditioning but are still noticing that your home is uncomfortably damp, it might be time to look for other issues.

Usually, an AC system coupled with a dehumidifier does the trick in homes that tend to hold in the humid air. If they don’t seem to be working, it’s likely that some of the moisture in your home is coming from something besides the humid outdoor air. It could be that you have a plumbing issue that’s making your home more humid than it should be. In this article, we’ll talk about some plumbing issues that could be a cause for concern. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Plumbing Issues That Might Be Increasing Your Home’s Humidity Level

The major plumbing concern that could be causing your home to be overly damp is, quite simply, leaks. Unfortunately, people may not realize that there can be leaks that aren’t always noticeable. If your home seems overly damp, or you’re noticing a musty odor or mold growth throughout your home, you might want to check for leaks in these areas:

  1. Tub & Shower Drains: Tub and shower drains can leak, especially those that are plastic or fiberglass, as these materials tend to flex when people stand on them. That can result in the seal around the drain breaking. Signs that this could be happening include water stains on a ceiling below the tub, or damp and loose tiles or flooring around the tub.
  2. Toilet Flange: The toilet flange is the space where your toilet is joined to the waste pipe. In the occurrence of a toilet flange leak, water will seep out every time you flush. This is very problematic, as it not only contributes to the dampness in your home, but it eventually destroys your flooring and subflooring, and, if your bathroom is located on a second story, the ceiling below.
  3. Sinks: Leaky pipes underneath your sinks can be sneaky. Sometimes, it’s a small leak that may not be readily noticeable, but over time will cause your sink base and flooring to rot. If you notice that items stored in an under-sink cabinet seem damp, old water stains near the plumbing, or a musty odor, chances are you have a leak.
  4. Water Heaters: Water heater tanks can start slowly, but then eventually burst – leaving you with a disaster on your hands. If you notice any puddling around the tank, it’s time to act. It could be a valve, which usually only requires a repair. But if the tank itself is leaking, you will likely need to replace it right away.
  5. Washers: There are many reasons why your washing machine might be leaking, including drain hose issues, a faulty drain pump, or even a clogged hose. Check for puddles behind or around the washer if you suspect this might be a problem. Leaks around your washer can damage flooring and cause wood rot, so they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

I think I may have a plumbing issue in my home. Who can help me?

When you choose Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning to help with your leaky pipes, you’re choosing a full-service plumbing contractor who can help you get all the services you need. We’ll help to ensure the plumbing in your home is in tip-top condition. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need help with leaky pipes or appliances in your home, give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Indoor Air Quality & Seasonal Allergies – What You Can Do!

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

woman blows nose into tissueOnce spring arrives and the flowers and trees start to blossom, do you suffer from seasonal allergies? While spring is a beautiful time of year, it can also be a miserable one for people with pollen and mold allergies. Unfortunately, if pollen and mold are present inside your home, you might not find the reprieve you need from the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Luckily, technology is available today that can help improve your indoor air quality.

What is indoor air quality and why is it important?

Simply put, indoor air quality is the quality of the air that circulates inside your home. People are spending more time than ever indoors, and today’s homes are built to be tight and energy-efficient. While that can help you save on utility bills, it also means that the air moves through your HVAC system time and time again. And, if there are allergens present, you might find you’re experiencing allergy symptoms 24/7.

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Having good indoor air quality, therefore, is important. Indoor air that is free of particulates like pollen, spores, pet dander, dust, and more is fresher and cleaner, and that helps keep allergy symptoms at bay. Fortunately, there are many products available that can help clear the air in your home, allowing you to enjoy better air quality and breathe easier!

What types of products can help improve my indoor air quality?

There are many different types of indoor air quality products on the market today. Here are five products Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning proudly offers to our customers:

  1. Air Sterilization/Air Cleaners: You may be concerned about what’s floating around in the air inside your home. Harmful contaminants like mold, mildew, pollen, and bacteria can make your home’s air quality less than ideal. That’s why you should trust Boelcke to help with your air sterilization needs. We’ll provide air cleaners that will help ensure that you’re getting the air sterilization you need, by eliminating the pathogens you don’t.
  2. High-Efficiency Air Filters: Modern heating and cooling systems continue to use air filters to protect the equipment from dirt and debris. However, these filters aren’t the best at keeping out particles that make it harder to breathe easily in your home. Luckily, there are many types of permanent air filters available today that can keep the air in your home fresher and cleaner.
  3. Dehumidifiers: If your home is too damp, it can become a breeding ground for unwanted pathogens. Mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive in overly wet environments, and that can lead not only to issues in the structure of your home but health concerns as well. If you’re dealing with a moisture problem in your home, you likely need dehumidification.
  4. Humidifiers: Is your home too dry? Boelcke can help. When your home has the right humidity levels, you’ll feel more comfortable. You’ll also avoid issues like dry eye, itchy, flaky skin, and tight, scratchy throat due to overly dry air. Not to mention, you won’t have as much of a problem with static cling, or concerns about peeling, cracking furniture, and woodwork.
  5. UV Lights: When you’re dealing with spores, mold, bacteria, and other pathogens in your home’s indoor air, it can be unpleasant. Not only can the air have a bad odor, but it can also cause some health concerns, especially for those with respiratory illnesses. When you trust the professionals at Boelcke to help, we can install UV lights that will help destroy those pathogens and improve your home’s air quality.

When you need indoor air quality products for your home, Boelcke is ready to help you.

At Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with comprehensive comfort solutions, including indoor air quality. We can help you with a variety of IAQ concerns by offering a wide range of products that will help to improve your home’s air quality. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Man wearing winter coat while checking thermostat

Here in Southwest Michigan, we get our fair share of chilly fall and winter days. When they arrive, we count on our home’s heating system to keep us warm, safe, and comfortable. As one of the most common types of heating systems, furnaces get widely used across Michigan. Unfortunately, like any machine, wear and tear can cause them to malfunction over time. This post will explain why a furnace may blow cold air and what to do about it.

The thermostat’s settings are wrong

If it’s early in the fall or winter season and you’re just beginning to use your furnace, your thermostat might be set for summer weather still. Take a look at the current settings as well as any scheduled settings. For example, was your home set to cool during the afternoon hours in summer?

Clogged air filters

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There is no rule to determine exactly how often to replace furnace filters. But, sooner or later, they all get clogged with dust and other particles. So if you haven’t changed your furnace filter recently, try taking a look at it. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and by the time air reaches your vents, it may feel cool.

Leaky ductwork

Because of the way ductwork gets designed, they’re rarely 100% sealed. As a result, your heating system is likely losing some hot air through small cracks and openings in the ductwork. With proper ductwork, this is usually negligible. However, if your furnace isn’t blowing the hot air you expect, it could be leaking through damaged ductwork.

The pilot light or flame sensor is out

Many older furnaces have a pilot light visible through a small opening in the furnace. This pilot light is necessary to ignite the larger burner and warm the air to circulate through your home. If the pilot light is out, then your furnace won’t blow hot air. If you know where to find the pilot light, you can take a peak from a safe distance. It should be evident whether the flame is present.

Problem with the fuel supply

Aside from more visible symptoms of a furnace blowing cold air, there could be a less apparent mechanical issue. For example, there could be a problem with the fuel supply. If you have an oil furnace, it could have an empty oil tank. Gas furnaces could experience a weak or shut-off gas supply. If you think you may have a problem related to the fuel supply, call a professional for help with the matter.

Dirty valves or other sensors

There are many mechanical pieces required to operate the furnace. Gas valves, flame sensors, electronic ignitions, and thermocouples are a few. If any of these components malfunction, then you may find yourself in a cold house. If you haven’t tuned up or maintained your furnace recently, it may only need a thorough cleaning. Components of more neglected furnaces may need replacement.

As you can see, there are many reasons why your furnace may not blow hot air. However, you must address the problem immediately before minor issues lead to larger and more expensive ones. Not to mention you don’t want to go another winter’s day in a home without heat.

At Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians can diagnose and fix any broken furnace. We always do our best to repair your equipment, but we will also let you know if replacement is a better option. If so, you can also count on us for quality installation service and products. If your furnace needs repair in the Coloma, MI area, contact us today at (269) 429-9261, and we will be happy to assist you.

Why Choose Annual Maintenance for Your HVAC Equipment?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

HVAC maintenance technician making notes about systemMost homeowners rely on air conditioning to keep them cool during the summer, and furnaces, boilers or heat pumps to keep them warm during the winter months. Because this equipment works so hard to keep you and your family comfortable all year long, it’s important to get it the annual maintenance it needs.

A good portion of your home’s energy budget is devoted to your home comfort system, which is why you want to be sure your heating and cooling equipment is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. And, the best way to do that is by having it checked by an HVAC professional on a yearly basis. In this article, we’ll explain some of the benefits of preventive maintenance, and tell you how Boelcke can help.

What are some of the main benefits of annual HVAC maintenance?

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Below are a few of the reasons why getting regular heating and cooling maintenance is important. Keep reading to learn more:

  • Better Performance: Your HVAC system works hard to keep you and your family comfortable all year long. In order to keep it operating in tip-top condition, it’s important to get an annual cleaning and tune-up. That way, you’ll be able to ensure all the moving parts are in good working order, helping your heating and cooling systems perform effectively.
  • Improved Efficiency: Your home’s heating and cooling system can accumulate dirt and dust during the course of operation, and that can cause them to work less efficiently. For instance, a dirty filter can make your system work much harder to move the conditioned air throughout your home. By getting annual maintenance, your system will operate more efficiently – and that can help you save on energy bills.
  • Longer System Life: Annual maintenance is a great way to help your home comfort system enjoy a longer life. Not only will your technician make sure your system is cleaned and tuned up properly, but they’ll also be able to find any small problems and take care of them before they become larger ones. And, when they check out your system yearly, they’ll be able to keep a record of any concerns, so if something happens down the road it will be easier to troubleshoot and make the right repairs quickly.
  • Better Indoor Air Quality: Dirt, dust, and other particles accumulate in your HVAC system, and subsequently circulate through the air in your home. When you choose annual maintenance, though, you can rest assured that your system will be thoroughly cleaned and your filter changed – allowing you and your family to breathe fresher, cleaner air.
  • Warranty Maintenance: Most HVAC equipment manufacturers require annual maintenance as a condition of keeping the warranty intact. If you don’t get preventive maintenance, it could void your warranty – and cause you to have to pay out of pocket for replacement parts should you need repairs. Make sure to check your warranty and call Boelcke for the maintenance you need!

You can count on Boelcke to help you get the annual maintenance you need for your home comfort system.

At Boelcke, we not only install the best HVAC systems available, but we also make sure they work great for you, year after year, by offering you the annual maintenance you need. That being said, our expert technicians are able to provide maintenance on virtually any make or model of heating and cooling equipment. So, even if we didn’t install your system, we can offer you the maintenance you need to keep it running effectively and efficiently. Check out our maintenance plan page to learn more about what maintenance from Boelcke includes, or simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

When Should I Consider a New Heating System?

Posted on by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once the winter weather hits, people rely on their heating system to keep their homes comfortable and cozy. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless heating system installed in your home, it’s important that it operates effectively and efficiently. If it doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to be, it could be time to consider a replacement.

Of course, your heating system may just need some heating maintenance or repairs to get it back up and running. But, there are a few telltale signs that might point to replacing your system. While the cost of replacing your home’s heating equipment is an expense that most of us don’t want to think about, you should know that today’s systems are made to operate far more effectively and efficiently than their predecessors, so replacing could actually help you save in the long run.

If your heating system just doesn’t seem to be keeping you comfortable, these indicators might point toward getting new heating installed in your home:

Still not sure whether to replace or repair?
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  • You have an older heating system. Like any other type of machinery, even the most durable heating system has an expiration date. Your furnace, boiler, heat pump, or ductless heating works hard to keep you comfortable, year after year, but if it’s getting on in years and hasn’t been performing as well as you’d like, it may be time to replace it.
  • Your energy bills are on the rise. When heating equipment begins to struggle to keep up with the demands of your home, it likely will use more energy to do the same job it has done in the past. If you’ve noticed a spike in your utility bills without any additional factors (like higher utility prices or significant lifestyle changes that use more energy), it’s probably because your heating system needs to work harder for the same output.
  • You’re noticing unusual noises. Obviously, heating equipment makes some noise when it operates. That’s normal. But if you’re hearing banging, squealing, or grinding sounds coming from your system, that could indicate a major mechanical problem. If your system makes noises like that, the best thing to do is shut it off and call your HVAC contractor. You will likely need some repair services at the very least.
  • And, speaking of repairs… if you’re having to call your HVAC company for repairs more frequently, or if the repairs are becoming a major drain on your budget, replacing your system might be necessary. You can see if you’re spending too much on repairs by multiplying the cost of repairs by the age of your system. If the number is 5000 or more, then it’s probably time to start thinking about a new heating system installation.

Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning can help you when it’s time to replace your heating.

The best thing you can do if you think you may need to replace your heating system is to give Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning a call. We want to help you make the right choice for your home. If there’s still life in your system, we can help with any repairs or maintenance you might need. But, if you do need to replace, we’ll work with you to find the best heating equipment for your home and your budget. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.