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Staying Safe When Outdoor Air Quality Is Poor

Posted on June 9, 2023June 21, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

With the recent wildfires in Canada and the subsequent effect they’re having on our local environment, you may be wondering what you can do to stay safe when the outdoor air quality is poor. It isn’t as simple as staying indoors until the poor air quality warnings expire, because that outdoor air can find its way into your home and cause issues for you and your family. If you’re worried about the current air quality and want to safeguard yourself and your family, here are a few simple suggestions you can follow.

Wear a mask if you must go outdoors. Masks can help you keep from inhaling pollutants, like pollen or smoggy air. Make sure the mask fits tightly around your nose and mouth.
Keep your windows closed. While it’s always tempting to open windows this time of year, on days when the air quality outside is poor it’s a good idea to keep them shut – and keep the pollutants outside.
Avoid running window fans and AC units. This can bring polluted air indoors. And while you can’t see the particles in the air caused by fires or pollinating plants and trees, they’re there, and can easily enter your home via your fans or air conditioners.
Check the air quality regularly. As we’ve seen recently, the air quality can change dramatically over the course of just a few hours. The AirNow website has up-to-date information as well as air quality forecasts so that you can plan accordingly.
Consider air purification. An air purifier can help to remove pollutants from the air in your home. You can buy portable air purifiers at most larger department and home improvement stores. If you or a family suffers from respiratory conditions, you may want to talk to an HVAC professional about whole-home air quality solutions.

Of course, you can always count on Boelcke to help you should you have any additional concerns about the air quality in your home. Just give us a call at(269) 429-9261 and we will be more than happy to help you.

No Need to Rely on Window Air Conditioning – Ductless is an Option.

Posted on May 31, 2023June 21, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once the summer weather returns to our area, people start to rely on their home’s air conditioning system to keep them cool and comfortable. For homeowners who either don’t have ductwork throughout their home (such as those with radiant heat) or have added space to their home that is not connected to the duct system, keeping cool often means relying on window air conditioning units.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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While window AC can help keep you cool during the summer, it does have some disadvantages. Often, window units are not as energy efficient as other types of air conditioning might be. They can also obstruct your view, and if not properly installed, can be pulled down by a pet or child. If you’d like to stay cool this summer but don’t want the hassle of adding ductwork to your home, ductless air conditioning is an option.

What is Ductless Air Conditioning?

You may not have heard of ductless cooling, or if you have, you might be unsure about what, exactly, it is. Ductless air conditioning is, quite simply, just what it sounds like – air conditioning that does not require ductwork to keep a home cool. Ductless air conditioning is installed in multiple units throughout the home, or just as one single unit in an area that needs cooling. Ductless systems require minimal construction for installation – the indoor and outdoor units are connected via a small-diameter conduit so only a small hole needs to be drilled into the wall. Unlike window AC, most ductless systems are installed high on a wall or in the ceiling, keeping them well out of the way of your living space.

What are Some Benefits of Ductless Cooling?

While keeping windows unobstructed is a benefit enough for many people, there are other advantages to installing a ductless system in your home. Here are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy:

Better Energy Efficiency: Ductless systems generally rely on heat pump technology to operate, which is one of the most efficient means of cooling available. Ductless systems are also much more efficient than most window air conditioners on the market today.
Improved Comfort: Ductless cooling is very effective, whether used in one room or throughout the home. Additionally, ductless offers very quiet operation – much quieter than traditional window AC. Many users describe it as “quiet as a whisper,” making it a great cooling option for bedrooms and TV rooms.
Ease of Operation: Ductless systems are generally operated via remote control – making it easy to control the temperature of your space with a simple click of a button. Some systems are even Wi-Fi capable, so they can be controlled via computer or smartphone, even when you’re not home.
Indoor Air Quality: Because each ductless unit has its own filter, many ductless users notice that the air in their home is fresher and cleaner. And, cleaning the filter is simple enough for most homeowners to do on their own. (We still recommend annual maintenance, as that helps make sure all other system components are working properly.)
Year-Round Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of ductless is that many models can provide heating during the cooler months as well. This means that ductless cooling and heating can be a viable option for replacing old, inefficient electric baseboard heating.

Can Boelcke help me get ductless for my home?

If you’re interested in ductless cooling and heating for your home, you’ll be glad to know that Boelcke can help. We’re pleased to provide our customers with quality ductless systems that can help them enjoy better home comfort all year long. When you need ductless cooling and heating from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home comfort needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Should I Get Air Conditioning Maintenance This Spring?

Posted on May 31, 2023June 21, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Summer is right around the corner, and for many people, that means fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking forward to spending the day poolside or hanging out with friends and family on the patio, it’s also nice to know that you can return to a nice, air-conditioned home when Mother Nature cranks up the heat. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home’s air conditioning system is working properly now so that once the heat is on, it’ll be ready to keep your home cool.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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The best way you can ensure that your home’s AC system is ready for the warmer temperatures ahead is by getting it the maintenance it needs. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the benefits of seasonal air conditioning maintenance, and how Boelcke can help. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Reasons to Get Annual AC Maintenance

Many people aren’t sure if getting air conditioning maintenance from a qualified professional is a necessity. They may wonder if it provides any real benefits to their AC system, or they may think their air conditioner has been working just fine. However, there are many real benefits to getting your AC system maintained on a regular basis, including:

Better Efficiency: Over time and through use, air conditioning systems can become dirty. And, that dust and dirt buildup can force the system to work harder than necessary. By choosing an annual AC cleaning and tune-up, your system will be clean, well-oiled, and ready to work efficiently to keep you and your family cool.
More Effective Cooling: Again, once dirt, dust, and gunk build up in your air conditioner, it must work harder to keep your home cool. A neglected system simply will not keep your home as cool as it could, had it been properly maintained.
Longer Life: A well-maintained AC system is likely to last longer than one that has been neglected. Think about your air conditioning system like your car – would you expect it to last very long if you never changed the oil and tires, or had it tuned up and inspected? Probably not. Your AC system is also complex machinery, and benefits from a professional checkup, just like your car.
Warranty Maintenance: While manufacturers differ, some have stipulations in their warranties that render the warranty void if maintenance is not completed by a qualified, licensed professional. This means that while it might be tempting to maintain your AC by yourself, it can also void the warranty – which can leave you with out-of-pocket expenses on repairs.
Small Problems Can Be Identified: Over the course of normal operation, components within your system can experience small issues. Refrigerant lines might develop a leak, parts like nuts and bolts might corrode, and drainage lines might become clogged. These are small problems that can easily be identified through regular maintenance, but if left unchecked, they can turn into larger – and much more expensive – issues.

Can Boelcke help me get the air conditioning maintenance I need?

Absolutely! At Boelcke, your comfort is always our top priority. We want you and your family to stay cool and comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside. As a full-service air conditioning contractor, we can help with any AC need you might have, including seasonal maintenance. We’ll be glad to schedule a maintenance appointment with you and get your air conditioning system operating at its best and most efficiently. Just give us a call at (269)429-9261, and we will be more than happy to help!

Get Your Home’s Plumbing Spring-Ready with These Tips

Posted on March 31, 2023April 3, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once spring arrives, people look forward to getting their homes ready for the better weather to come. Many people embark on spring cleaning inside and out, making sure windows are clean, lawns and gardens are maintained, and home comfort equipment is working properly. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your home’s plumbing is in good working order, too.

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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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At Boelcke, we offer complete plumbing services, but we also like to help homeowners by providing a few DIY tips now and then. In this article, we’ll share a few tips on how you can make sure your home’s plumbing system is spring-ready. Keep reading to learn more!

5 Tips to Make Sure Your Home’s Plumbing is Ready for Spring

Want to learn more about how you can make sure the plumbing in your home is ready for the spring season ahead? Here are a few tips that can help ensure your plumbing is prepared:

Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Once spring arrives, so does the rain and unfortunately, basement flooding. Check your sump pump as early in the spring as possible to make sure it’s operating properly so you’ll be prepared for wet conditions.
Consider installing a water softener. Most of the water in Michigan is considered hard to very hard. That means that there are a lot of minerals present in the water that can lead to buildup in pipes, in your water heater, and in heating equipment that uses water, like boilers. It can even cause problems with appliances, such as coffeemakers and ice machines. A water softener can help keep hard water from becoming a problem.
Inspect your home’s water heater. Spring is a great time to make sure your home equipment, such as your air conditioning system and water heater, is working properly. Getting annual maintenance on your water heater from a professional plumber can help ensure it’s running smoothly and efficiently.
Check your outdoor spigots and faucets. In the winter, outdoor fixtures like sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and spigots can freeze and become damaged. You’ll want to inspect your sprinkler heads and hose spigots for any leaks or damages that could have been caused by freezing winter temperatures.
Check gutters and downspouts. During the winter months, debris and vegetation can collect in gutters and downspouts. Sometimes, animals like squirrels use gutters for nesting and food storage during the winter months. So, you’ll want to make sure your gutters are free of anything that could cause clogs that prevent rainwater from flowing freely.

Of course, if you’re uncomfortable with tackling plumbing concerns on your own, no worries – Boelcke is always ready to help you find the best solution.

Need help with home plumbing concerns? You can count on Boelcke.

At Boelcke, our plumbing professionals are always ready to help meet your home plumbing needs. You can count on us for plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair, and we can help you get the equipment you need, including water-softening systems and hot water heaters. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph, or the surrounding areas and need plumbing services for your home, give Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

What Type of Heating System is Best for My Home?

Posted on January 30, 2023March 12, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you’re feeling the chill in your Michigan home this winter and have been considering replacing your old heating system, you may be curious about what options are available. Maybe you have an older furnace or boiler that’s out of warranty. Maybe you have an aging, inefficient electric baseboard heating system and are wondering how to heat your home without ductwork. Fortunately, there are many types of heating systems available.

In this article, we’ll talk about the four main types of heating equipment Boelcke provides, and how each can benefit specific types of heating configurations. Whether you’re looking for a more efficient alternative to an old furnace or boiler or would like to add heat to an addition or converted space without having to use a space heater, we can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Learn more about the four main types of heating systems Boelcke provides.

While there are a number of different types of heating options available, the most common are furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and ductless heating systems. Learn more about each type of system below:

Furnace: Many homes have centralized heating provided by a furnace. Most furnaces burn a type of fuel, generally either oil or gas. The furnace’s heat exchanger then transfers heat from the furnace’s burner to the air, and blowers and fans distribute the heat throughout the home’s ductwork.
Boiler: Like furnaces, boiler systems generally use oil or gas as their source of fuel. Instead of heating the air, however, boilers heat water. The heated water or steam, depending on the boiler type, is then sent through pipes throughout the home that are connected to radiators in each room. Sometimes, the pipes are under the floor and provide radiant heating in this manner.
Heat Pump: Heat pump systems don’t require fuel to heat the home. Instead, they work by extracting heat from either the outdoor air or the ground and then pump that heat into the home. A centralized heat pump system uses the home’s existing ductwork to deliver the heated air throughout the home. A benefit of a heat pump system is that in the summer months, the process can be reversed to provide cooling to the home.
Ductless Heating: Ductless heating generally uses a heat pump in order to operate, but unlike a centralized heat pump system, it does not require ductwork. Instead, it operates using a single unit installed in a specific area or zone. Ductless heating can be installed throughout a home using multiple units, or just in one area of the home that doesn’t have access to the centralized heating system, such as an addition or converted space. Like heat pumps, ductless heating can be reversed to provide cooling in the summer.

I’m ready to get improved heating for my home. Can Boelcke help?

When you need heating solutions from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. You’ll be able to take advantage of a complete listing of heating products and services, including energy-efficient heating equipment installation, as well as maintenance and repair. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

My Pipes are Frozen! What Should I Do?

Posted on December 30, 2022January 3, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

It’s that time of year again when the chill of winter has returned and the temperatures can dip down quickly. When the freezing cold temperatures hit, an unfortunate side effect can be frozen pipes. During extreme cold, water supply pipes are often subject to both freezing and bursting, and that can wreak havoc with your home.

As a plumbing company, Boelcke likes to help people prevent frozen pipes as much as possible. That’s why we’re always happy to share tips on how you can keep your pipes from freezing, like the ones offered by The American Red Cross. But, what if your pipes are already frozen? In this article, we’ll offer some steps you can take to help thaw your pipes safely, and hopefully, avoid or minimize damage. Keep reading to learn more!

4 Steps You Can Take if You Have Frozen Pipes

If the temperatures are below freezing, and you turn on a faucet and only a trickle of water comes out, it’s likely a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes are most common against exterior walls of your home, or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

First things first. Shut off the water main and open any faucets that are connected to the pipe. This step is crucial because it reduces pressure on the pipes, and can help minimize any flooding if the pipes burst.
Next, thaw the pipe if you can. Use a hair dryer or space heater to thaw the ice blockage. Do not leave it unattended, and make sure any flammable materials have been removed from the area where you will be heating the pipe. Also, never use an open flame.
Then, check the pipes for any leaks. Even with the water shut off, there should be enough pressure in the pipes to reveal any leaks once the ice blockage has thawed.
Finally, call Boelcke to help. We can check out your pipes for any additional ice blockages, and we have the proper equipment to thaw your pipes, get them working again, and make any needed repairs. It’s especially important to give us a call if you’ve had severely frozen pipes, as this can weaken piping material and cause leaks or fractures down the road.

Keep in mind, frozen pipes need to be taken care of properly in order to prevent a disaster. That means, as soon as you discover your pipes are frozen, you need to take the above measures and give Boelcke a call as soon as possible. Our skilled master plumbers can help you get your frozen pipes thawed, and in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe, we can make the repairs needed to your plumbing.

Trust Boelcke for the emergency plumbing services you need.

Frozen or burst pipes mean you need help right away. At Boelcke, we proudly provide our customers with 24-hour emergency plumbing service. If you live in Stevensville, Coloma, St. Joseph,or the surrounding areas and need plumbing products and services for your home, give Boelcke a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll help you get the plumbing services you need quickly and professionally.

The Holidays are Here Again – Keep Your Plumbing Running Smoothly.

Posted on November 15, 2022June 21, 2023 by Boelcke Heating & AC

The holidays are that wonderful time of year when family and friends gather in your home for food, festivities, and fun. While this season is for special times with those you love, it can also be the time of year when your home’s plumbing system has to work extra hard to keep up with the demands of a full house.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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Nobody wants to think about experiencing a plumbing issue in the midst of a celebration. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly. In this article, we’ll talk about five steps you can take to steer clear of plumbing issues during the holiday season, and how Boelcke can help if there’s a problem. Keep reading to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Problem-Free this Holiday Season

Know what to throw away. In the midst of a busy holiday meal, it can be tempting to scrape plates into the sink. However, this can lead to buildup in your drains, which inevitably can cause your sink’s plumbing to clog. Make sure your sink strainers are in place, and scape plates and serving dishes into the garbage.
Keep your garbage disposal clear. There are certain foods that you should avoid putting down your garbage disposal. Bones, eggshells, fat, grease, and string vegetables like celery and squash should not go in your disposal. They can clog your unit, or cause issues with the blades and motor.
Avoid toilet clogs and overflows. You know what’s safe to flush down your toilet, but your guests might not. As a rule of thumb, items like baby wipes and diapers, personal products, cotton balls, swabs, pads, and cigarette butts should never be flushed down the toilet. Clogs can happen, though, so it’s always a good idea to have a plunger nearby.
Properly dispose of grease. Grease is the word when it comes to common drain problems. Dumping grease down the drain is never a good idea, as it can solidify and cause a clog. Not to mention, grease attracts anything else that might slip down your drain, such as food particles and hair, causing a large clump in your drain pipes. Pour grease into a can that can be disposed of when it cools, or wait for grease in pans to solidify and scrape it into the trash.
Give your drains some extra TLC. Because your sinks and tubs will likely be working overtime this holiday season, you can help keep your drains in good condition with some common household items. Baking soda and vinegar can help keep drains running freely. Start by running hot water down the drain. Next, pour a solution of 1 cup of baking soda, one cup of water, and one cup of vinegar into the drain. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
Keep the hot water flowing. When you have guests staying over during the holidays, and you’re working hard to prepare those fantastic holiday dinners, your hot water heater is working overtime, too. It’s good practice to have a professional plumbing service, like Boelcke, inspect your hot water heater annually to make sure it’s functioning properly. And, if your hot water heater is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Can Boelcke help me if I have a holiday plumbing problem?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.

Could Ductless Heating Be Beneficial to My Home?

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

When your home isn’t as comfortable as you’d like, it can be frustrating. Many homeowners have central heating for their homes but sometimes find that it doesn’t provide the comfort they need. Maybe they’ve added to their home over the years, or have converted previously unused spaces into living areas. Or, they live in an older home and notice some areas simply don’t seem to heat as well as others.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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Fortunately, there is a solution when it comes to targeted heating for your home that doesn’t involve obtrusive and inefficient space heating. That solution is ductless heating. Ductless heating systems can provide better home comfort and are highly efficient. Because they’re generally mounted high on a wall or ceiling, they won’t take up valuable living space and are whisper-quiet, so all you and your family will notice is better comfort.

5 Different Ways Ductless Heating Could Benefit Your Home

Not sure if you and your family could benefit from ductless heating? Here are a few different applications in which ductless heating can improve comfort in all the living spaces in your home:

Additions: If you have an added space that doesn’t have access to your home’s ductwork, a ductless system can help. Ductless heating can help keep an addition, finished basement, or converted space warm without having to use a space heater.
Outer Buildings: Do you have a garage, workshop, or shed outside your home that you’d like to use during the cooler months? There’s no need to give up your hobbies once the snow flies! You can install a ductless unit and enjoy warmth all winter long.
Old Baseboard Heat: If you have an old, inefficient electrical baseboard heating system that you’ve been thinking about replacing, you may want to consider ductless. Most homes with baseboard heat don’t have ductwork, which is not needed with ductless heating systems. And, ductless heating is generally much more efficient than electrical baseboard heat.
Balancing Heating: In some homes, especially older ones, there are areas that are connected to ductwork butt are difficult to heat. A ductless system can provide heat to these areas, making the heating throughout your home more even. What’s more, this can help your central heating system not have to work as hard to heat your home and operate more efficiently.
Remodels: If you’re remodeling a space in your home and don’t want to add to the cost by changing or adding more ductwork, a ductless heating system can be an ideal option. Not to mention, changing or adding to your home’s layout can mean you need a larger furnace, which you won’t have to worry about if you choose ductless for the renovated space.

And, ductless systems can provide year-round comfort.

Most ductless systems use heat pump technology in order to operate. Heat pumps work by extracting the heat in the air from one space and transferring it to another. In the colder months, ductless heat pumps are able to extract heat from the air outside and bring it into your home. In the summer, they can do the exact opposite – extract heat from the indoor air and pump it outside. As a result, your ductless system can provide you with heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, making it a year-round comfort solution.

Can Boelcke help me get ductless for my home?

We sure can! We’re pleased to provide our customers with quality ductless systems that can help them enjoy better home comfort all year long. When you need ductless heating from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Annual Heating Maintenance is Important – Here’s Why.

Posted on September 30, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Autumn has arrived, and while it’s definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year in Michigan, it also means that cooler temperatures will arrive sooner rather than later. Most homeowners use this time of year to take care of any household maintenance and repairs that need to be done before the winter arrives, such as cleaning out the gutters and sealing any drafty areas around doors or windows.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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This is also a great time of year to make sure your home’s heating system is in good working order. The best way to do that is by getting it the annual maintenance it needs. When you choose to have your heating equipment maintained yearly, you’re helping to ensure that your family won’t be without heat once the temperatures dip down, and your system will be able to perform both effectively and efficiently.

Is there anything I can do to help my heating system perform better?

While professional maintenance is very important for a variety of reasons, let’s talk about a few things you can do as a homeowner to help your heating system perform better this year, and into the future:

Consider a thermostat upgrade. If you have an older, dial-model thermostat, it’s definitely time to consider replacing it. Today’s thermostats not only help you regulate the temperature in your home more easily, but they can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for when you’re home, away, and sleeping, while smart thermostats can “learn” your family’s habits and can easily be connected to your other smart home devices.
Change your furnace filters regularly. During frequent system operation, your furnace filter can quickly become dirty and clogged. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and can diminish your system’s efficiency. Check your filter at least once a month to make sure it isn’t clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, and change it out if it is. If you’re not sure how to change your filter, your HVAC professional can help you.
Make sure the area around your furnace is clean. Make sure there is plenty of space around your heating system – don’t stack storage containers or other items against your furnace. Sweep any dust or debris away from your equipment, as it can easily be drawn into your ducts and circulate around your home. Along the same lines, make sure to keep the area around registers clear – if obstructed, it will be harder for your heating system to deliver heated air efficiently throughout your home.

Do I still need to get professional maintenance each year, too?

The short answer is yes. There are many reasons why you should get professional heating maintenance every year for your home, including:

Better heating system efficiency
More effective home heating
Maintenance of equipment warranty
Fewer expensive repairs
Longer system life
Improved indoor air quality

Can Boelcke help me get the seasonal heating maintenance I need?

Definitely! Our skilled technicians can help you get the heating maintenance you need. They’ll perform a tune-up that ensures your system is cleaned and lubricated, so it runs smoothly. And they’ll take care of any minor concerns before they become larger — and more expensive — repairs. By getting the heating maintenance you need for your system, it can run more efficiently — helping you save on energy costs.

When you need heating maintenance from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Can a Power Outage Cause Damage to My Home?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

During the later summer months, the weather can turn stormy. Thunderstorms are more likely to roll through, bringing with them heavy rains and damaging winds. As a result, the chance of a power outage becomes higher. It’s likely that we’ve all experienced a few power outages in our lifetime, and while it can be fun for a while to play board games and chat by candlelight, a prolonged power outage can start to cause trouble.

For more information
Call or Click:
Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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In this article, we’ll talk about some of the problems that can occur during an outage, measures you can take, and how Boelcke Heating, Air Conditioning, & Plumbing can help. Keep reading to learn more!

Areas of Your Home Where a Power Outage Can Cause Problems

Power outages can certainly cause inconveniences, such as no internet or no phone. However, there are certain areas in your home where power outages can actually cause some expensive damages, or can even be dangerous. Below, we’ll talk about some things you should be on the lookout for during an outage, and steps you can take to stay as safe as possible.

Sump Pumps: If your home relies on a sump pump to keep water out of your basement, it can’t operate during a power outage. And that can be the time when you need it most, as power outages are often accompanied by heavy rains or other wet weather. If your basement floods, it can be dangerous to enter. Never try to use any appliances, outlets, or fuse boxes until they’ve been evaluated by an electrician.
Appliances: In today’s world, many appliances operate via microprocessors, which are essentially tiny computers. Because of this, they are more sensitive to fluctuations in voltage and can be damaged during a power outage. As such, you’ll likely want to unplug any major appliances, such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, until the power is restored.
Food Spoilage: When the power is out for a prolonged period of time, it can cause the food in your refrigerator or freezer to spoil – and that can be very costly. Usually, food is safe in the fridge for 24 hours, and in the freezer for 36 hours – as long as you keep the door closed. If you’re unsure of your food’s safety, you should not eat it.
Medical Equipment: Some people rely on medical equipment that requires electricity to operate. If someone in your household does, you’ll want to make sure you have a backup power supply, such as a generator. You may also want to identify safe places that may have access to backup power, such as your local school, fire department, or hospital, where you can take your family member in need during an emergency.
Heating and Cooling Equipment: Like your other major appliances, many of today’s air conditioning systems and furnaces also use microprocessors. And they have components that can be damaged by the power surges that often occur at the end of an outage. As such, it’s usually a good idea to turn off any heating or cooling equipment when the power goes out.

Can a brownout cause problems, too?

Brownouts are when electricity is still flowing into your home, but at a lower volume than usual. You may notice that any incandescent bulbs you have are still providing light but at a much lower level. Brownouts can wreak havoc with sensitive items like computers and laptops, so to be on the safe side, you should unplug them during a brownout, especially if you don’t have a backup generator. You’ll also want to turn off any non-essential home appliances.

Can Boelcke help prevent a power outage from causing problems in my home?

While we can’t prevent power outages from happening, we can help keep you and your home safer if one occurs. At Boelcke, we’re proud to offer our customers quality Honeywell generators, which can help you avoid problems should a power outage occur. When you choose us to install a home generator for you, we’ll help you choose the best one for your home and lifestyle needs. And, you can count on our expert technicians to provide you with professional installation. Simply give us a call at 269.429.9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.