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Month: March 2021

Why Radiant Floor Heating is a Great Idea for Any Home

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Radiant In-Floor Heating Being Installed

Odds are good that your home has a forced air heating system. It’s the most common type of heating in the US. Yet, despite their common use, forced air systems leave a lot of people unhappy.

These systems become progressively more troublesome as they age, which means ever-rising repair costs. They also do a poor job of heating floors. That can make getting up and walking around in the winter an uncomfortable experience.

One alternative is radiant floor heating. Not familiar with those? Keep reading for some key reasons why radiant floor heating systems are a great idea for any home.

Efficient

Forced air systems are inefficient. The systems heat and move air around. While that’s fine for a quick boost in temperature, air does an extremely poor job of holding heat.

The warmth in the air dissipates very fast. That means the system must run more often to maintain temperatures, which drives up your utility costs.

Radiant floor heating and hydronic radiant floor heating systems, in particular, are much more efficient. Rather than heating the air, the heat the floor.

The materials of your floor do much a much better job of holding heat. That means the system runs less often and uses up less electricity.

Makes Interior Design Easier

Standard systems use floor vents or radiators to distribute heat in your home. The problem with these is that you must keep them unobstructed.

Put a couch over a floor vent and heat doesn’t get into the room. Put furniture or wall hangings too close to a radiator and it’s a fire hazard. That means your interior design efforts must work around your heating system.

With radiant systems, you don’t have vents or radiators to worry about. The floor itself is your heating system. That leaves you free to design and decorate your home as you see fit.

Safe

Anyone who ever caught a toe on a floor vent or desperately yanked a child away from a hot radiator knows that heating systems come with certain perils. Even a single moment of inattention can leave you with a nasty burn from a radiator.

Plus, there is always the potential that someone will leave or drop something too close to a radiator and start a fire.

Radiant floor heating offers a gentle heat. Under normal circumstances, the floor should never grow hot enough to pose a risk of burns or fire. That lets you put at least one safety concern out of mind when it comes to your home.

Relatively Simple Installation

Installing radiant floor heating is a relatively simple matter when compared with installing other kinds of heating systems. The hydronic systems typically use PEX piping or a similar product to move the hot water around. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can probably install the piping yourself.

If you decide on radiant heating as a whole home heating solution, though, you will probably want the services of an HVAC professional. Radiant systems for entire house heating work best when set up in zones. You need someone knowledgeable about radiant heating to design the zone system.

Hydronic systems also need a heated water supply. That typically means bringing in a plumber to install a hot water heater or tankless water heater and connect it to your piping. This proves especially true for zone systems that may need water supply at different times.

Electric radiant heating works best as a one-room solution. You often see them in tile floor rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Electric radiant installation is a very DIY-friendly project and you can find kits online.

Health Benefits

Like it or not, forced air systems can harbor allergens, mildew, or even mold. Once you get allergens into the ductwork, the system itself spreads them every time it kicks on. That could happen a dozen times or more each day during the cold winter weather.

Even worse, it’s a very difficult task to fully clean allergens or fungi out of your ductwork once it takes hold. That constant spread of allergens can make any respiratory condition worse.

You don’t face any of those problems with radiant systems. They don’t move air, so they can’t spread allergens.

Little to No Noise

Traditional forced air systems often make a lot of noise when the blower kicks on. While it’s a comparatively minor annoyance for most people, it is still an annoyance.

The loudest thing in any radiant system is the water heater. When was the last time you remember even hearing your hot water heater?

Is Radiant Floor Heating Right for You?

Radiant floor heating offers many benefits, but is it right for you?

Installation on radiant systems is easiest during a new home build since you can install the system in the foundation or in the subfloor. Installing it in an existing home takes a little more work and typically involves tearing up the floor.

If you like your current flooring, you can still get a radiant system. It just goes beneath your floor in between the joists.

Haley Mechanical offers radiant floor installation services. If radiant floor heating sounds like a good fit for your home, contact Haley Mechanical today.

HVAC Tips to Keep Your House Warm This Winter

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Adorable Baby and Dad

Keeping your home cozy warm in the winter can be hard. With a proper HVAC, this should not be a problem, but most people don’t realize that their HVAC is not efficient.

In essence, HVAC must be maintained. If it’s not, it starts to perform worse. To resolve this issue, you need to know what to look out for.

In this article, we will cover some useful winter HVAC tips, so that you can ensure that this winter, your home does not get cold. 

Whenever you’re ready to alleviate the challenges of a poorly functioning HVAC, keep reading and let’s see if we can help.

Get an HVAC Inspection

The first thing you should is to get your HVAC inspected. In general, this should be done on an annual basis before winter actually starts. Regular maintenance will ensure that your HVAC is living up to its potential longevity, but also running efficiently. 

Like anything in life, the better and more you care for something, the more likely it is to last longer. The same applies to HVAC systems.

If you are not sure if you will remember to get your inspection, you should sign-up for a maintenance agreement that will make sure you get your inspections done. 

Change Air Filter

To work properly, your HVAC system must be clean. Throughout your home, dust and dirt gather in your vents and then make their way to the furnace. These particles are caught in your filter. 

Replacing your filter every 3 months will ensure your HVAC is optimally clean. A clogged filter will depreciate heat spread throughout the home, which is something to avoid.

Furnace filters come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It can be hard to determine which is best for you. That’s why it’s best to delegate this task to your preferred company, which will send you the right filter at the right time, depending on your replacement interval.

Isn’t that a convenient and easy way to ensure your house is warmed properly throughout the winter?

Clean & Seal Air Ducts

Your air ducts are essential to warm air delivery in your home. If you have lots of dust on your flooring and furniture, this can be a sign of dirty air ducts. Having air ducts cleaned and sealed properly will ensure that your home contains a stable temperature, but also improved air quality.

During your inspection, your HVAC specialist will tell you if your ductwork is properly done. If your ducts are not sealed, you can be losing over a third of the air generated by the furnace.

A professional company should be able to seal your ductwork with a special sealant, after which you will notice less dust and a more stable temperature in each room of your home. This also leads to decreased energy bills.

Thermostat Upgrade

Advanced technologies make life more convenient, efficient, and accessible. Your HVAC system is not an exception. There have been great advances in thermostat tech that will help you save money. 

With many smart changes, you can monitor and set your temperature from your mobile devices. You can also set a schedule that will run without your intervention.

When you’re working, you can set the home heat lower, and then make it rise as you are getting back. Another one of the greatest HVAC tips is to set your temperature at 68 degrees when you’re home, but lower it when you’re not asleep or not home.

It’s approximated by the Department of Energy that you can save almost 10% each year on your energy bill by turning your thermostat by 10 degrees for 8 hours each day.

Consider A New System

Before winter starts, you should consider getting a new HVAC system. First, find out how long your system has been installed. If it’s been over 10 years, it’s probably a good idea to change.

Outdated and old systems will run at half performance almost always, whereas a new system is designed to deliver over 90% efficiency. Not only is this not optimal, but it might be costing you a fortune.

Thus, a replacement now might be costly, but it will pay off in the long-term.

Prevent Drafts

Another thing you can do is go through your home and check for any drafts. If you feel an air draft, this is probably due to poorly sealed doors and windows. This will make it very difficult for you to keep a stable temperature in the home.

This can easily be resolved with rubber seals for door frames and specialized window seals. This can be DIY, so it will only take you a couple of hours. But the pay-off is well worth it.

Energy Bill HVAC Tips

If your energy bill is running higher than usual, there’s probably some sort of issue directly related to your HVAC. Throughout the winter, keep a very keen eye on your usage of energy and then cross-compare against previous bills throughout the years.

I find something that’s unusual, check your air filter. If that’s not the problem, call over a specialist to come and take a look. It might seem like a wasted expense, but it pays off if a problem is located and resolved.

Depending on the climate that you live in, winter can be very harsh. Don’t get caught in the cold with a poorly performing heater that will spike your costs and malfunction regularly.

Show your HVAC some care and love by following these HVAC tips and it will take care of you in return during the times when it matters most.

HVAC Assistance for You

Now that you have discovered some winter HVAC tips, you are well on your way to ensure that your system is running at its best potential. As long as you care for it, it will care for you. It’s a mutually-beneficial relationship.

If you’re interested in an HVAC inspection or any other specialized HVAC service, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.

How Your HVAC System Helps Combat Fall Allergies

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Woman with fall allergies

Many people in SE Michigan are affected by fall allergies, although most of us think spring allergies are the worst. When temperatures fall, your immune system isn’t as effective at fighting allergies off. Your HVAC system can do more than you think to combat fall allergies. We want to help those in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas who suffer from fall allergies by providing the information you can use now.

Prominent Fall Allergies

Many people think of ragweed when it comes to allergies, whether during spring or fall. While ragweed is the most common cause of fall allergies, mold is another concern as temperatures drop.

Ragweed can make you feel miserable with symptoms such as lung and eye irritation, congestion, coughing, a scratchy throat, and more. You may not realize that wind currents can carry ragweed hundreds of miles, which is why many people suffer from fall allergies.

When temperatures fall, mold becomes another air pollutant that can cause severe allergy symptoms. This is especially true if you have lots of trees around your home, as an accumulation of falling leaves is the perfect breeding ground for mold. The fall season tends to be damper; when leaves hold water and temperatures don’t warm up enough to dry them out, it can result in the growth of mold.

How can you use your HVAC system to fight fall allergies?

Consider air purifiers and other products designed to improve indoor air quality. People who have asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues benefit from air purifiers that capture particles, allergens, and pollutants as the air circulates through.

Change your air filters if needed. One of the easiest things you can do to improve the air quality in your home and reduce pollutants is to change the filters when they have a build-up of dust and debris. A new, clean filter will capture contaminants so that you enjoy a cleaner, fresher air in your home.

Enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system. Consider having your ducts cleaned by a professional as dust, dirt, and other debris can build up inside the ducts. Your southeast Michigan HVAC professional can also seal any areas that need repair, helping keep out pollutants. You should also check the outdoor AC unit to ensure dirt, leaves, dust, and other debris are cleared away.

Clean inside and outside your home. While these are everyday chores you probably already do, it’s especially important during the fall season to vacuum your floors frequently, rake up the leaves, and perform other tasks that reduce pollutants and allergens such as ragweed and mold.

Fall has arrived, and now you know how to fend off those miserable fall allergies that often come along with the season. By doing just a little work and investing in an indoor air purifier, you can breathe easier! For more information on indoor air quality or help with your HVAC system, give Haley Mechanical a call today.

What Causes a Water Heater Leak?

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Illustration of a water heater leak

Water Heater Leaks & Overflowing – Causes and Prevention

Most homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout SE Michigan know that nothing is more damaging to a home than water. What if your water heater leaks or overflows? If caught early on, the damage may be kept minimal; if it goes unnoticed, you could experience severe damage such as rotting, mold, stains, and other issues in floors, carpets, even walls.

Leak Causes

The average life span of a water heater typically ranges between eight and 15 years. The chances are that at some point, it will leak or overflow. The most important thing you can do is to avoid substantial water damage by adequately maintaining your heater’s pipes, overflow valves, and overflow pan. This will help mitigate more extensive damage that could result in costly repairs.

The valves and pipes of your water heater should be regularly checked for any drips or leaks. Also, check beneath the water heater to see if the tank’s bottom shows any presence of rust or corrosion damage. When sediment and corrosion build up inside the heater’s tank, it can result in water leaking continuously into the overflow pan. It is possible to minimize corrosion and remove the sediment by pouring out some water at the bottom of the tank from the spout occasionally. Before doing this, be sure to turn off the power (electric or gas) so that the water can cool off some. The valve for incoming water should also be turned off before this procedure; drain the water to the outside of your home or into a bucket depending on your circumstances.

Your water heater tank could potentially explode if the pressure/temperature valve is not functioning as it should. This is a safety feature designed to release water in the event the tank’s pressure or the temperature gets too high. If the valve is working as it is supposed to, hot water will come from the overflow pipe when the valve is pushed down or pulled up. The valve should be checked regularly for any problems that could result in leaking, especially considering issues are more common in old or defective water heater valves.

Preventing Leaks

It should be possible to prevent the majority of water heater floods and leaks once you begin checking for overflow pipe leaks regularly and establish a proper maintenance routine. Even then, there are steps you can take beyond these measures.

Water heater overflow pans are relatively cheap and are useful when placed under the tank for catching water should you experience leaking pipes or water heater overflows. If particleboard is the material around and beneath your water heater, you may want to consider removing it and replacing the particleboard with plywood, which is more water-resistant and less susceptible to damage. The addition of a water sealant on the floor beneath the tank mitigates potential damage even further; however, be sure to turn off the electric or gas power, so there is no danger of a fire.

Steps to take when you have a water heater overflow

If you notice a water heater overflow early on, you can take action immediately and get the problem under control with a few basic steps before calling in the professionals.

  • Put on protective gear, including gloves, rubber boots, and goggles. A raincoat or vest is also a good idea if a profuse rush of water comes from the heater.
  • Take a good look around the area. It is a bad sign if steam is thick in the room, as you need to be able to see clearly to check for electrical wires or outlets that may be beneath the water level and could shock you. Also, make sure the water is not scalding hot before taking further action.
  • Turn off the water supply to the heater. A water leak means your tank won’t fill up, so the water supply won’t shut itself off, which will lead to further flooding. The cold water pipe usually comes from the main water line and continues to the top of the heating chamber. Once you locate the pipe, find the water flow control valve and turn clockwise as far as it will go.
  • Turn off the gas or electric heating immediately. If your water heater is powered by electricity, flip the switch in the breaker box that provides the heater’s power. If gas powers the water heater, shut off the line that corresponds to the heater. This is particularly important when the thermostat malfunctions and causes the water overflow, because the heating element will not shut down on its own. This could pose a fire danger and also wastes energy. In the event, your water heater is powered by gas, remove everyone from your home if you notice a gas smell.
  • Record everything about the incident, including photos, if areas of your home or belongings/furnishings experienced damage due to the water heater overflow. Document every detail you can remember about the events to ensure you won’t have problems if you need to file an insurance claim.
  • Have professionals come in to clean up after water damage. Not only may the structure of your home and belongings be damaged, the musty smell isn’t pleasant – and your family could be susceptible to bacteria, mold, mildew, and other hazards.

If your water tank leaks or you have other issues that you prefer to leave to the professionals, give Haley Mechanical a call today. Serving all of Southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Dexter, and surrounding cities.

Protect Your Ann Arbor Area Home From Lightning Damage

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Lightning striking near a home

As a Southeast Michigan home or business owner, you may have heard of lightning protection systems, and wonder how they work. While these systems help prevent a lightning strike to your home/business, what else should you know?

Lightning generally follows a path to the ground, whether that path is electrical lines, gas or water lines, telephone, cable, or even a structure such as your home or business. As you know, lightning strikes are dangerous and can result in extensive damage.

What are the most common hazards of lightning strikes?

  • Damage to appliances or building materials
  • Side strikes
  • Fire

Can a lightning strike be prevented by having a lightning protection system installed? Nothing can prevent a lightning strike, but adding a protection system will keep your home or business safe from potential damage to the materials or structure.

FAQ about lightning protection systems

By having a lightning protection system installed at your home or business, could you potentially attract lightning? Absolutely not. Yet, these systems have no influence on where lightning strikes and are incapable of “directing” it to another area.

Is this a DIY project? No. Home lightning protection systems should be installed only by an electrical professional.

Can I choose the protection system I want and know it will be effective for my home or business? No. These systems are designed specifically for your home or business structure.

What can a lightning protection system protect?

These systems are designed to protect the structure and prevent or reduce lightning strikes directly to your home or business. Because of this, the risk of damage to building materials or fire during an electrical storm is lessened substantially.

Even with a system installed you should be sure that appliances, electronics, and other items are unplugged to prevent damage; also consider using surge protectors for computers, TVs, and other equipment for at least some protection when a storm occurs and you’re away from home.

Home lightning protection systems in Ann Arbor Michigan

Whether you live in Ann Arbor or any other area it’s impossible to predict when a lightning strike will occur; it is best to protect your home or business by having a lightning protection system installed by a professional. Having a system installed not only protects the structure from damage to the building or fire but could also result in lower insurance rates not to mention the money saved on damage caused by a strike.

The professional, licensed electricians at Haley Mechanical are dedicated to outstanding service, quality, and customer satisfaction. Protect your Southeast Michigan home during electrical storms – call Haley Mechanical today!

Touchless Bathroom Faucets Offer Many Benefits

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Touchless water faucet

Many people in Ann Arbor are considering whether it’s a good idea to invest in touchless bathroom faucets. These faucets work using motion sensor technology and make turning the water on effortless. Water flow begins when your hands move in front of the sensor and stops when you take your hands away. Our southeast Michigan plumbing professionals want to share some of the most essential benefits of touchless bathroom faucets with our customers.

Simple to use. Whether you choose a basic hands-free bathroom faucet or one that’s more complex, these faucets are easy to use and ideal for everyone. They are particularly useful for the elderly, young children, those with compromised motor skills, or other situations in which washing hands the traditional way may be difficult. Maintenance is kept to a minimum as touchless bathroom faucets rarely have leak issues, especially those of a higher quality. Customers at your business will appreciate the ease of use, and homeowners enjoy the fact that these types of hands-free faucets can increase the value of your property.

Save a bundle on water bills. No running the water to get it to the desired temperature, or watching it go down the drain while brushing teeth. Touchless bathroom faucets deliver water “on-demand,” only when your hands motion the sensor. Business owners won’t go into restrooms to find customers left the water dripping; homeowners don’t have to worry about children wasting water. Support the environment by not wasting water and save on monthly bills.

Practice good hygiene. As you can imagine, sanitation can be an issue when countless people touch knobs or handles throughout the day. Because there are no knobs or handles to worry with, hands-free faucets make good sense to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. You will need to clean the sensor area and faucet frequently to ensure a healthy environment. Still, germs are kept to a minimum due to less frequent or no touching.

Are you in need of faucet repair in your home or business? At Haley Mechanical, our expert plumbers put forth the greatest effort when it comes to helping keep home and commercial bathroom faucets functioning correctly. For repairs, service, or a new touchless bathroom faucet in Dexter or other areas of SE Michigan, give us a call today.

Preventive Measures We Take During Flu and Virus Season

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Woman with fall allergies

This is the prime time of year for viruses and flu, and while this season the concerns are more far-reaching, comfort is still important – especially considering you may be spending more time at home than usual. Homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout southeast Michigan rely on their HVAC systems for a cozy, comfortable space. That said, our heating and cooling technicians are responsible for keeping your equipment in good working order. 

While we are serious about keeping our community safe and preventing the spread of viruses or other illnesses throughout the year, we want to remind you of some of the preventive measures we take in an effort to keep flu or emergent viruses in check. 

You can help by doing your part, which is simple. If someone in your household is ill, contact us to reschedule your appointment.

Haley Mechanical Flu Season Protocol

Wash hands for at least 20 seconds. This is mandatory and performed not only after visiting the bathroom, but at every break. Thoroughly washing hands is the simplest way to avoid spreading germs.

Hand sanitizer is supplied in all of our company vehicles and used following customer interactions, deliveries, or prior to entering another establishment.

Disposable gloves are used when possible for removing filters, trash, or other items at customers’ homes or place of business. Wash hands right away upon disposing of gloves.

Customer service reps inquire about illness when confirming appointments. As mentioned earlier, if you or a family member are sick we ask that you reschedule your appointment.

Anti-bacterial wipes are provided in our vehicles and are used to thoroughly wipe down all devices we use following every interaction with customers. You know that the equipment we bring in to diagnose or make repairs is sanitized to prevent spread of germs or viruses.

Proper storage and removal of trash. Air filters and other trash taken from customer homes is contained completely within a trash bag and removed immediately from vehicles for trash pick-up by field staff.

Items brought in from homes where someone is being treated for the flu are disinfected prior to entering Haley Mechanical’s office or company vehicles, or before entering a customer’s home. Our technicians relay any information regarding customer illness to managers.

Call in sick. If any technician is ill or has symptoms similar to those of the flu, he/she communicates with the manager by calling in. We do our part not to spread those germs and viruses around!

At Haley Mechanical we have a device that cleans air circulating throughout our premises, the Clear Sky DM by RGF Environmental Group. If you are in the SE Michigan area you can rely on our team to not only ensure your family’s comfort, but to support wellness during a tough flu and virus season. Give us a call today!

Fall is Here, Time to Focus on a Comfortable, Cozy Michigan Home

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Fall Leaves in Dexter, Michigan

October is quickly moving toward November, temperatures are chilly, and you can already smell the pumpkin pie you will have for Thanksgiving. Keeping your home warm and cozy is important, but it does require a little effort on your part to keep costs down. Our SE Michigan HVAC professionals have a few suggestions for a cozy, energy efficient home.

Ensure your heating system is functioning at its best.

Before the frigid temperatures set in it is a good idea to schedule a fall HVAC maintenance check. Our professional heating technicians will thoroughly inspect all components of your system and ensure it is clean and operate at maximum efficiency. Additionally, your fall check-up will make it possible to catch any small issues that could potentially turn into a huge (and costly) headache, so that you can enjoy warmth and comfort all fall and winter long.

Consider a Lennox Ultra Smart Thermostat

As a Lennox dealer, we know the advantages of Ultra Smart Thermostats for the ultimate in comfort and energy efficiency. When your family is at home and up for the day, set the thermostat at the lowest temperature that doesn’t compromise your comfort. When you are away at work, sleeping, or out for the day, you will enjoy saving approximately 10% annually on your utility bill by merely turning the thermostat down 10 or 15 degrees over an eight-hour period!

Learn how to save on energy room to room

From turning the lights off and making the switch to LED or CFL bulbs instead of fluorescent and using light dimmers, you can find more ways than you could imagine to save on energy consumption and costs all around the house.

Also keep in mind that it is a good idea to close the damper on the fireplace when you are not burning wood, as warm air escapes right up to the chimney when you leave it open, similar to an open window. Close the flue if you have a wood burning stove when not using it.

Air leaks around windows & doors are a significant factor

Even the tiniest crack, hole, or leak can compromise your comfort and result in higher utility bills. Check around all windows and exterior doors for air leaks, and use caulk to fill any gaps or cracks. Weather stripping should be replaced when worn, and don’t forget to use door and window snakes to keep out cold drafts. Heavy drapes or curtains also prevent heat loss, and window insulation film keeps you warm while keeping cold air at bay.

Let the sunshine in

In areas of your home that face the sun, open up the curtains or blinds and let the sun warm your home naturally. Leave curtains closed over windows that don’t allow sunshine in, then close all of the drapes as the sun begins to set to hold in the warmth the sunshine generated during the day. Free heating!

For more tips or to learn more about the iComfort® S30 Ultra Smart Thermostat and other Lennox products, give Haley Mechanical a call today!

Benefits of Commercial Air Curtains for Restaurants, Bars & More

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Air curtain being used in a restaurant

Restaurateurs, bar owners, and others in the foodservice sector are all too familiar with some of the challenges related to these types of businesses. From saving on energy costs to keeping out dirt, debris, and pests and giving the customer a great experience, it can be tough.

One of the best investments you can make that provides you with many benefits is in a commercial air curtain. Properly installed, an air curtain helps you keep out the dirt, debris, and other things you don’t want in your establishment, helping you maintain high sanitation standards. Air curtains also enhance customer comfort, help keep energy costs lower, and keep employee turnover to a minimum. And this is just the beginning!

Here are some of the most important benefits you will enjoy by installing a commercial air curtain in your restaurant, bar, or other food establishments.

Reduced energy costs. Placed right over your door, air curtains are invisible, so they don’t detract from that welcoming “open door” feel customers enjoy. They create a significant barrier against unwanted hot or cold air infiltrating your indoor spaces, keeping energy costs down as your conditioned air stays indoors where it belongs. While you enjoy more comfortable spaces, your heating and cooling equipment won’t have to work overtime to compensate, which means less wear and tear on your HVAC equipment, lower energy bills.

Greater comfort for your customers. Customer satisfaction is your top priority as a restaurant or bar owner, and spaces that are too cold or warm compromise your patrons’ comfort. During southeast Michigan’s cold winter months, air curtains prevent warm inside air from spilling out of an open door and allowing cold air to come inside. Whether during summer or winter months, customers will be happy to sit close to the door or wait on an open table because their comfort won’t be affected by an open door. Keep customers inside your establishment longer and expect higher profits.

Reduce the work on your current cooling or heating systems. Heat loss (or gain, depending on the season) is dramatically reduced when you use an efficient air curtain, meaning less work for your existing heating or cooling system. When your equipment doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your indoor spaces, it will not only function more efficiently but last longer.

Enjoy a healthier, cleaner environment. Air curtains make it difficult for outdoor air to come in as they are designed to recirculate the air in your establishment, creating an effective seal. This means they are effective for keeping out dust, dirt, pollen, flying insects, traffic fumes, and more, helping your customers and employees enjoy a healthier, cleaner environment.

Keep employee complaints, turnover, and absenteeism to a minimum. When employees are happy, they tend to complain less and stay with their jobs. Comfort is a huge part of employee satisfaction, just as it is for customers. Whether in the kitchen, service entry or back-of-the-house, air curtains keep the various rooms and sections of your restaurant comfortable and draft-free. You will see less absenteeism and more motivation and job satisfaction in your employees.

Invite new business to your restaurant or bar. Open doors are inviting to those who pass by your establishment, no doubt about it. Potential customers know your restaurant is open for business and they will come in not only to enjoy your food, but the great atmosphere and comfort air curtains provide.

A commercial air curtain could be a cost-effective solution for those who are tired of an uncomfortable environment and spending too much on energy costs. We invite those in Ann Arbor and surrounding cities in SE Michigan to learn more about air curtains and their many benefits by contacting Haley Mechanical today!

Do Tankless Hot Water Heaters Deliver Instant Hot Water?

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Bathroom in Ann Arbor, Michigan

It’s hard for many people to believe that they can enjoy hot water ‘instantly’ by having a tankless water heater installed.  Today’s modern technology makes it possible for you to save on energy consumption and costs by heating water only when you need it – in other words, on demand.  The thing is, instant and on-demand are really two different things.  Here’s a quick explanation.

On a chilly winter morning, you stumble into the bathroom to take a shower.  You turn on the hot water faucet, and you wait for the water to become hot – and you wait, and wait, and still, the water is cold enough to make chill bumps on top of your chill bumps.  Perhaps you think it’s just the plumbing if you live in an older home, but this really isn’t the correct explanation.  Whether a home is old, new, or equipped with a conventional hot water-heater tank or tankless water heater, the above scenario can still happen.

Do instant hot water heaters really provide the water ‘instantly?’  Absolutely, but we all have a different definition of what ‘instant’ is, and having the ability to access hot water on demand is not exactly the same as instant hot water.

What ‘on demand’ hot water really means

Think about how a conventional storage tank works; it’s ‘on’ 24/7, keeping the water inside the tank hot.  When you use all of the heated water in the tank, it is still ‘on’ as it heats up the water that refills the tank.  Regardless of whether you want or ‘demand’ hot water, the tank is always on.  With a tankless water heater, the heating process only begins when you ‘demand’ hot water, or in other words turn the faucet on.  Essentially, you never run out of hot water and enjoy greater efficiency because water is not heated until you need it.

What do you expect when you think ‘instant?’

If you think that the first drop of water that hits the sink once you have turned the faucet on will be hot, you may not think of the process as instant.  The fact is, there is no conventional or tankless water heater on the face of the earth that can produce hot water in a nano-second.  The process of ‘instant’ hot water begins the moment you turn the faucet handle, and a few factors will determine just how fast ‘instant’ really is in your case.  These factors include the proximity of the water heater to the faucet or fixture.  Naturally, the closer the source to the faucet, the faster you will have hot water.

You can make the wait time even shorter by having a recirculation system installed.  These systems are widely available and may be used in retrofit applications or in new home construction.

If you are considering the installation of a tankless water heater in your Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti home or simply have questions, contact Haley Mechanical today.  Our goal is to help residents of southeast Michigan enjoy a more comfortable, convenient home!

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Make no payments until 2023 and pay as little as $132 a month when you finance a new Lennox system. Talk to a comfort advisor today!

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