Air Conditioning Articles by Haley Mechanical

The Importance of HVAC Routine Maintenance

April 11, 2023 by Eric

Watercolor painting of a window view overlooking a lush spring yard, symbolizing the comfort provided by routine HVAC maintenance

Your home’s HVAC system plays a critical role in the comfort of your home. However, it requires regular air conditioning repair and maintenance to operate efficiently. Routine HVAC maintenance is necessary to keep the system in working condition and avoid the hassles that come with unexpected repairs.

Here are 5 reasons why routine air conditioning repair and maintenance are essential.

Increased Energy Efficiency

An HVAC system in good working condition uses less energy than one in need of air conditioning repairs. Over time, your HVAC system components become worn down from use, reducing their ability to operate efficiently. Routine maintenance allows you to replace parts as they become ineffective, meaning it requires less energy to maintain the desired temperature.

Save Money in Several Ways

Routine air conditioning maintenance helps you save money in a few different ways. First, there’s the reduced energy usage, allowing you to save on your utility bills. With routine maintenance, you’re also preventing breakdowns, thereby extending the life of your system. There is less need for costly air conditioning repairs, and you’ll also stay protected while your system remains under warranty. Many times, the manufacturer may require proof of annual maintenance when something is submitted under warranty.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Indoor household air can be filled with allergens. We’re also just coming out of the winter season when homes have been sealed up with very little ventilation. Regular air conditioning maintenance can improve air quality. Cleaning the ductwork ensures that the warm and cold air being pushed through the system is cleaner. Homeowners can also replace their furnace filters on their own or have it done as part of the maintenance process.

Longer Lifespan for Your HVAC System

Regular air conditioning repair and maintenance can help extend your HVAC system’s lifespan by ensuring that the parts are running more efficiently. You can reduce wear and tear on components and keep it running at peak performance to get the most from your investment and avoid having to replace it early.

Stay Comfortable in Your Home

You depend on your HVAC system for consistent comfort. But how often are we resigned to the idea that a room doesn’t heat evenly, the HVAC system makes loud noises, or there’s a funny odor when the heat is on? Regular air conditioning maintenance can prevent some of these issues that we’ve grown accustomed to. With regular upkeep, it can produce and distribute heated or cooled air in the way it was intended.

Routine Air Conditioning Repair & Maintenance with a Trusted Company

With everything you have going on in your busy lives, it’s easy to take your HVAC system for granted. But if it stops working on a cold Ann Arbor winter’s day, it can become a significant health problem – fast.

Routine air conditioning repair and maintenance can help you address issues as soon as they arise to prevent the system from breaking down. A maintenance agreement with an experienced HVAC company like Haley Mechanical can help you save money in the long run and extend the life of your investment. We’re experienced with regular maintenance, replacements, and repairs.

Would you like the experienced team at Haley Mechanical to perform routine air conditioning repair and maintenance on your HVAC system? Contact us today!

The Benefits of Home HVAC Automation

March 21, 2023 by Eric

Watercolor painting of a comfortable livingroom

A quality HVAC system is critical in keeping your home comfortable during the large temperature swings between the Ann Arbor area winters and summers. Managing that system can be a hassle – especially when multiple adjustments are needed throughout the day, in the middle of your family’s busy schedule. Home HVAC automation can help you simplify that process while providing some tremendous benefits to the homeowner.

If you’re looking for a way to provide a little extra comfort and convenience for you and your family, this might be it.

5 Reasons For You to Consider Home HVAC Automation

Create a Comfortable Home Environment

Home HVAC automation systems allow you to program the temperature in your home at specific times of day. You don’t have to think about it. You can have a setting for while you’re home with your family on the cold winter evenings, and a setting for while you’re away. You can change it again for while everyone in your home is sleeping, and change it again to accomodate the person working from home.

With a smart thermostat for automation, you are covered for creating a comfortable heating and cooling environment for your family’s routine and lifestyle.

Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

We now know that the winter months can be particularly hard on your home’s air quality. If you’re using a furnace, you are pumping dry air into your home with little to no opportunities for ventilation. Home HVAC automation with a smart thermostat can help with this problem. You can monitor humidity and air filtration levels to adjust them as needed.

When you combine that with more ventilation, a smart thermostat and automated HVAC system gives you more capability to prevent the buildup of pollutants, allergens, and contaminants to help keep you and your family healthier.

Watercolor drawing of a comfortable living room

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Automation is designed to optimize the use of your home HVAC system by empowering you to set automatic adjustments based on the weather and the season, as well as your own schedule and preferences. When you have your HVAC system running only as necessary, you are reducing your homes energy consumption while improving energy efficiency.

You get the satisfaction of knowing that your lifestyle is more environmentally friendly, with the added bonus of lower utility bills.

A Convenient System That’s Easy to Use

One of the biggest changes for a consumer new to home HVAC automation is the ability to control the settings remotely. You can set the temperature in your home while you’re at work, out running errands, or even on vacation. The settings are accessible from any movie device and can be particularly useful when you forgot to change something before you left the house, or you are experiencing unexpected changes in the weather or your plans.

You Can Count on Haley Mechanical for Home HVAC Automation

Automating your HVAC system is probably easier than you think. A smart thermostat from Haley Mechanical can get you started. We’re with you every step of the way from sales to home installation. If you’re looking to experience a more comfortable and convenient climate-controlled home, contact us today!

Traditional HVAC System and Daikin Fit

July 12, 2022July 7, 2022 by Eric

What is the difference between the Daikin Fit and a traditional air conditioner system?

What is all the hype around Daikin Fit and a traditional air conditioning system? Are there benefits that the general public should be aware of? What are those benefits? Let’s look at Daikin Fit and what makes it better than the standard AC units.

To begin answering this topic, let’s first mention that the Daikin Fit is a variable speed side discharge system.

There are three types of residential air conditioning systems:

Systems with One Stage (efficiency and comfort control are standard)
Systems with Two Stages (efficiency and comfort control are better than standard, but not ideal)
Systems with Variable Speed (This is the best option for those trying to maintain excellent efficiency while also maintaining the best control over your comfort.)

For simplicity, we will only compare a 1-Stage System and a Daikin Fit system.

There are various benefits to installing a Daikin Fit system over a regular system for a consumer:

Daikin Fit offers greater comfort that will maintain a more consistent temperature in the home and eliminate more humidity than a regular A/C system. Because the Fit is a fully communicative system, the thermostat can adjust not only the temperature but also the humidity in the home. When necessary, the Daikin One thermostat will automatically regulate itself for maximum humidity removal. If you have visitors, it will automatically raise the cooling to compensate for the increased heat load. In any case, having an A/C system that adapts to your lifestyle and demands is simply smart.

Another advantage of having a Fit is the low sound levels which ensure that the Fit can operate in smaller spaces. It has a sound level of 56 dB. A typical A/C system will have a sound level up to 79 dB.

At any given time, the system will adjust to meet the demands of the home. In the middle of the night, for example, when the sun is not shining, and the outside temperature has dropped, your home may only require 40 percent of the A/C system’s “effort.” Outside temperatures increase when the sun rises, increasing the home’s inside temperature as well. The Fit system is programmed to automatically increase its cooling “effort” during this time. As temperatures rise, the Fit will improve its effort to ensure everyone stays at a nice comfortable temperature. A standard 1-stage system, on the other hand, has only one stage: On.

Higher efficiency means you spend less money on your electric bill each month. An inverter compressor powers the Daikin Fit system, which regulates its capacity based on your home’s needs. It often saves 30% or more energy than ordinary 1-stage systems.

Due to design advantages, the Daikin Fit’s tiny size and footprint are significantly less than typical A/C systems. The depth of the Fit ranges from 12.6″ to 13.8″, with as little as 4″ clearance from a wall.

Its Blue Fin Corrosion Coating results in increased condenser coil life and dependability. Something that is noteworthy.

Peace of mind comes with 12-year warranties. The Fit comes with a 12-year unit replacement and 12-year parts guarantee warranty, as opposed to the basic A/C system’s 10-year components warranty.

As you can see, there are numerous advantages to installing a Daikin Fit system rather than a typical air conditioning and heating system. Please call or text (734) 424-9170 for more information or to receive a free quote from one of our Comfort Advisors!

Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Servicing

April 6, 2021 by Eric

Air conditioner maintenance needed - warm lady

Do you live in a home with an air conditioner, but you’re not sure how to tell when it’s breaking down? Is there something wrong with your air conditioner, but you’re not sure if it needs a professional?

Air conditioner maintenance is an essential part of keeping your machine running without fail.

Many homeowners rely on their air conditioners to keep them safe and comfortable during those searing hot summer months. Without a working AC, you’re putting your family and yourself at risk for things like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

To stop this from happening, check out the warning signs below that indicate when you need AC maintenance!

Blows Hot Air

If you notice that your AC is blowing out hot air instead of cold, then it’s time to think about an air conditioner maintenance service. This makes your machine work harder since it’s increasing your home’s temperature but thinks it still needs to cool everything down. It’ll get caught in a constant loop trying to do its job.

This excessive hot air also damages the inner workings of the machine, which results in more significant repairs in the future.

Sometimes it’s as easy as changing the filter or refilling the refrigerant. Other times, it requires an experienced hand to find the underlying problem.

Leaks Water

Leaks are never a good sign, and an air conditioner is no exception to this rule and should be at the top of your air conditioner maintenance checklist.

Leaking indicates that there’s a clog in the drain line or condensation pipes and could cause further damage. If the leaking is bad enough, it could even cause water damage to other parts of your home. Left unattended, this water damage might turn into a mold problem that puts your family in a health-risk situation.

Trying to take your machine apart and fix it by yourself is never a good idea. Instead, call your local professionals to ensure that nothing is damaged further!

Blocked Air Flow

Do you have your air conditioner turned on all the time but never notice a dip in temperature? Are there a few rooms that get cooled down but not others?

This indicates that something is blocking the cool air from getting into the home.

Over time, dust and debris build up in your vents, making it more difficult for the air conditioner to push out the cold air it’s producing. This is why some rooms might cool down more than others. Make sure to note down which rooms still get the cool air so that you can tell your local service company where to look within the vents.

Another cause behind poor airflow is the compressor. It might be breaking down and will need a professional to look at it for repairs.

Continuous Cycling

An AC that constantly churns and cycles is never a good sign for any homeowner. It means that the machine is working overtime without doing much of anything.

Short-cycling is often a warning that there’s a problem with the thermostat, but it could be more serious such as air leaks letting the cold air escape the system.

Either way, these are issues that a professional AC maintenance company can fix for you right away.

Foul Odor

Is there a weird smell in the air? Have you looked throughout your home but still can’t find the culprit behind the odor? The chances are good that it’s coming from your air conditioner.

As soon as you notice this problem, it’s essential to turn off the air conditioner right away and call for maintenance. Sometimes trapped moisture sits in a machine and starts to mold, which is a health hazard to you and your family.

It could also be due to a dirty filter blowing out contaminated air that smells like old wet socks. It’s an unpleasant way to enjoy an air conditioner!

Call for maintenance and let the professionals figure out the problem to get your AC smelling new again.

Strange Noises

It’s not uncommon for an AC to make a few noises, mainly when it cycles, but it should be silent for the most part. Besides the sound of blowing air, you shouldn’t even notice it running most of the time.

If there’s a loud bang or screeching sound, there’s something wrong with the machine, and it needs maintenance as soon as possible.

Banging indicates that there might be a loose part inside the AC and is moving around, causing damage to other parts of the system. Screeching occurs when there’s a moving part that’s stuck or obstructed and grinds against the obstruction.

Both situations are never good for homeowners and will require professional help to fix. If ignored, those noises will create more significant problems in the future that’ll end up costing you even more money. Make sure to call for AC maintenance to get your machine working again!

Higher Energy Costs

Most air conditioner maintenance warning signs are easy to spot if you know what to look for in your home. Sometimes, however, problems occur that don’t have an easy way to notice.

This is when your bills come in handy. If there’s a massive spike in your energy bill, that indicates that there’s something wrong with your air conditioner system.

The cost of running a broken machine over a long time is more than the air conditioner maintenance cost. It’s essential to call for service as soon as you notice the increase in your bills.

Stay Comfortable All Year Long With Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance

With thousands of homes using ACs in America, everyone should know the air conditioner maintenance warning signs. It keeps people safe and also helps to cut down on overall costs.

Make sure to share this list with your friends and family so that they can keep their AC in working order all year long as well!

Do you need central air conditioner maintenance right now? Contact us right away, and we’ll help you through the process!

Benefits of Commercial Air Curtains for Restaurants, Bars & More

March 15, 2021 by Eric

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!

How to Protect Your Air Conditioner from Theft

March 10, 2021 by Eric

“Honestly, I am thinking of just taping a $100 bill to the next one I install,” the business owner said, shaking his head. For the second time in a year, he was making a police report on a stolen central air conditioning unit. “It will be cheaper for me. They get something like $80 worth of copper out of the thing, and it costs me $1400 to replace it!”

In the last few years, as the price of copper has risen, so has the price of air conditioners and the demand for scrap copper to recycle. Theft of air conditioners and air conditioner parts have risen right along with the price of copper. Imagine coming home from vacation and finding an empty concrete pad where your central air conditioning unit used to be. Or waking in the middle of the night to a strange hissing sound or a too-warm house, and finding your air conditioner gutted but still safely bolted to its foundation!

While taping $100 bills to your AC unit is not feasible, there are steps you can take to make your air conditioner harder to steal. No system is perfect, but most thieves are after the easy score. Anything you can do to “harden the target” will make it more likely that the thief will bypass your home, or even get caught in the act.

There are two kinds of thefts, for two kinds of resales. One is theft of complete units, which is mostly done by organized rings who sell the units directly to consumers (some of whom are trying to replace their own stolen units on the cheap!) or unethical builders and renovators who reinstall the air conditioners elsewhere. The more common type of theft targets the copper innards, and this is usually done by a single thief. He destroys your air conditioner by prying it open and removing the copper parts. These thefts are most prevalent in areas near a metal recycling business, but thieves have been caught ransacking subdivisions fifty miles from their home as well!

Once the theft has occurred, there is little that the police can do to catch the perpetrator after the fact. Although such a theft can be financially devastating to a homeowner or business, in a busy police department, violent and person crimes such as murders, rapes, and robberies take priority over property crimes. Even if a police officer or detective wants to work the case, there are few leads. As they are working with leaking coolant and sharp metallic edges, thieves almost always wear gloves. The metal recyclers know that a significant portion of incoming metal is probably stolen, but they usually follow a policy of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” In fact, county and state governments have been scrambling to put laws in place requiring the recyclers to keep records of sellers, because the industry has been so loosely monitored in the past.

So what can you do? The best approach is to keep a thief from going after your air conditioner at all by making it too hard to steal.

1. Fence in the yard, and lock the gate.

If your air conditioner is behind the house or on a side near the back, install a back yard fence that has the unit inside its perimeter. Make the fence as high as allowed by your local zoning regulations–backyards are usually allowed to have higher fences. Anything under 6 feet is too easy to climb over. For the same reason, choose a fence made of closely set wooden panels over chain link, and face the side with the braces to the inside rather than the outside. Have a lockable latch on the gate, and buy a lock that is more difficult to pick or cut. Higher end, specially keyed locks require special picking equipment most thieves will not have, and the round locks are impossible for most amateurs to cut.

2. Cage your air conditioner.

Any barrier around the unit will make it a less tempting target. Businesses have added chain link enclosures with locked gates, and landscapers can suggest thick, thorny bushes to make the unit less accessible (although any HVAC technician will also be cursing you!). Make sure that there is enough space between the barrier and the unit that air can circulate freely. Otherwise, the air conditioner will not work correctly. In response to the increase in thieves, different types of steel and iron cages have come on the market, some as cheap and basic as a criss-crossed pair of rebar pieces, and others with decorative leaves and vines in the design to make the cage less of an eyesore. The 2-piece rebar cages will not prevent a determined vandal from opening the unit and salvaging the copper from it, so if you decide to go this route, choose a true cage made from strong metal. And again, lock it up with a padlock that is difficult to impossible for the typical thief to defeat. And while you are at it, lock up the power box too–a thief will think twice about your air conditioner if he cannot turn off the juice running to it!

3. Light it up.

Place motion sensor lights that will shine directly onto the area where the air conditioner is. This is especially useful if your air conditioner is within view of the street. Of course, this only works in places where there are more likely to be observers. If you live in an area where the houses are more spread out, or if your business is in an industrial area that is mostly deserted at night, the lights will help the thief work faster!

4. Include the air conditioner in your alarm system.

If you already have an alarm system on your home or business, talk to your vendor about expanding it to include proximity or motion sensors near the air conditioning unit. Choose an audible alarm as well, which will likely scare off a thief in a quiet residential area or business district. A silent alarm will aid in catching a crook in the act, but by the time he is caught, he will probably have damaged the air conditioner. If you do not yet have a security system for your location and decide to get one, get quotes that include air conditioner sensors.

5. Keep eyes on the air conditioner at all times.

Businesses with large, very expensive air conditioning systems, or who have been frequent targets of theft, might consider upgrading their security to a camera system that is continuously monitored by the security company. Many services offer guarantees that include paying your expenses if a thief gets past their monitoring without being noticed. Such a service can cost several hundred dollars per month, but for larger or frequently victimized businesses, it can be money well spent.

If you take some extra steps to make your air conditioner harder to steal or break into, you will be able to keep your cool throughout the hot season–literally!

Who Knew Fido Could Be Such a Threat to Your A/C System?

March 10, 2021 by Eric

Many Southeast Michigan homeowners are dog lovers; in fact, many of us think of our pets as a member of the family. Just like your children, it’s likely your family dog has a few habits you aren’t too fond of. While it’s common knowledge that dogs (especially puppies) enjoy chewing on those things they aren’t supposed to chew on, scratching furniture, jumping up on the sofa, and damaging other belongings, you probably didn’t know that your beloved Fido may be putting your air conditioning system at risk! Even if your dog is well trained, there is one “secret” habit he may have that he’s hiding from you: Urinating on your air conditioner.

For A/C Equipment, Dog Urine Can Be Deadly

Ultimately, dog urine can damage your A/C system to the point that it’s beyond repair, meaning you must replace your air conditioner. Hopefully, though, you’ve discovered the issue before it’s gotten to this point.

When a dog urinates on an air conditioner, the urine will literally disintegrate the outer shell over time, and destroy the interior coils. Eventually, if the ‘habit’ is not discovered, the air conditioner’s coils will spring a leak which makes it possible for the refrigerant to escape. Refrigerant is essential for cooling, so when this happens your A/C system cannot cool your home. At the point leaks have formed in your air conditioning’s coils, making repairs is no longer an option.

The good news? If things haven’t progressed to this stage yet, you can create a barrier to keep Fido a safe distance from your unit. A simple fence placed about 1 1/2 to 2 feet from the unit will allow for air flow, while preventing your dog from causing any further damage.

How Haley Mechanical Can Help

First of all, you may want to consider checking your air conditioner for discoloration and corrosion around the base, along with the unmistakable odor of urine to determine if your male dog (or even a neighbor’s) has been doing the dirty deed to your A/C system. If you do detect signs, Haley Mechanical can help.

All you have to do is give us a call, and we will be happy to schedule a complete inspection of your cooling system. A coil cleaning may be all it takes to get your A/C back in good working order if the damage is not extensive. Otherwise, we can assist you in finding a new system that is energy efficient, and right for your needs regarding size. If your current system is salvageable, we’ll help you determine how to best protect the unit from potential further urine damage.

Live in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Ypsilanti or nearby communities of SE Michigan? Give us a call today for all of your air conditioning installation or maintenance needs.

Keep It Down! The AC Noise in Ann Arbor, That Is

March 9, 2021 by Eric

Ann Arbor, East Lansing and other Michigan municipalities now restrict the noise-level of air conditioning systems, thanks in part to a dispute between two neighbors in East Lansing a couple of years ago. Thankfully, we carry the only AC unit that complies with the new requirements – and we are the only company licensed to sell the Daikin Fit Model, but more on that later.

Next-door neighbors Marilyn McEwen/Don Potter and Karen Twyman/Rick Boyd weren’t so neighborly after Twyman and Boyd found it nearly impossible to sleep with the noise of the neighbor’s AC rumbling throughout the night. While they tried on several occasions to convince McEwen and Potter to stop running the AC during nighttime hours, their requests fell on deaf ears. Eventually, the sleep-deprived couple felt there was only one thing they could do – get the law changed. And they succeeded.

The revised noise ordinance makes it unlawful to operate a residential AC system above 60 decibels during the daytime or exceeding 55 decibels between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. if a neighbor complains; decibels are measured at the property line. While it certainly isn’t feasible for every resident of Ann Arbor or other cities who have revised laws governing AC noise to get a new system, it’s a good idea to keep your fingers crossed that a neighbor won’t complain if your current AC is on the loud side.

If you’re interested in keeping your neighbors happy and the noise level down, the Daikin Fit is the only AC unit that complies with current law, operating at a mere 55 decibels at the unit. This means that at the property line, this innovative system is far more quiet than what the law requires!

Not only is the Daikin Fit super quiet, it’s also low profile, space-saving and budget-friendly. This is an HVAC system that makes it possible to enjoy clean, fresh indoor air without ever compromising comfort. Capable of connecting to ductwork found in traditional AC systems, you will enjoy efficiency, control and quality unsurpassed in the industry.

At Haley Mechanical we encourage homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout SE Michigan to check out the Daikin Fit “smart” HVAC system. One thing is for certain; with the Daikin Fit, you will never have to worry about your neighbor telling you to “Keep it down.”

High-efficiency HVAC Filters – Pros and Cons

March 9, 2021 by Eric

High-efficiency HVAC filters may be something you have heard a little about, but aren’t familiar with. Perhaps a co-worker or friend has mentioned how a high-efficiency filter might improve indoor air quality, and now you’re curious about how they work, and whether it is something you should consider. Our Ann Arbor HVAC professionals are sharing the pros and cons of high-efficiency filters so that you can make a more informed decision.

Regular HVAC Filters vs. High-efficiency

Designed to protect the components of your HVAC system from large dust particles and other debris, regular filters are generally about one inch thick. Most homeowners think these filters work to improve the quality of indoor air substantially. However, this isn’t the case. A regular filter removes the big particles from the air, but not the pollen and small dust particles that affect not only the air quality inside your home but the health of your family members.

High-efficiency filters are designed to improve indoor air quality by removing not only small dust particles but mold spores, tobacco smoke, viruses, and other contaminants. Your family enjoys a cleaner, healthier indoor air.

Filters Delivered Right To Your Door

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Most Important Benefits of High-efficiency Filters

High-efficiency HVAC filters offer genuine health benefits, particularly for those with asthma, COPD, allergies, or other respiratory health issues. These benefits include:

Fresher smelling air
Fewer dust particles in the air
Allergen reduction (pollen, mold, etc.)
Reduction in respiratory irritants
HVAC components and ducts remain cleaner

Before You Make the Switch

It’s tempting after reading about the benefits to want to switch to a high-efficiency HVAC filter right away. Before you do, it’s essential to know that the wrong filter can wreak havoc with your system if it reduces the flow of air. The air filter must be appropriate for your HVAC system, and it’s recommended you speak with a professional to ensure your system will accommodate the upgrade.

There is a wide array of high-efficiency filters available today, however not all companies who manufacture these filters are knowledgeable in regards to modern cooling/heating equipment and airflow requirements. Switching from a regular filter to one that is high-efficiency without ensuring proper airflow could put the lifespan and dependability of your system at risk. A highly efficient air filter could restrict airflow, causing compressor failure, overheating, or frozen coils depending on operating mode (cooling/heating).

The best thing you can do is to work with one of our heating and cooling technicians who can perform an airflow test to help determine the best type of filter for your system.

From choosing the proper filter for your system to understanding Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), an efficiency rating for filters, Haley Mechanical is here to help. Don’t forget to inspect and change your filter often! We invite homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout southeast Michigan to give us a call today to learn more about high-efficiency filters.

Is The Daikin FIT System Right For You?

November 23, 2021March 9, 2021 by Eric

While summer is winding down, there is still a way to go before temperatures start cooling down in Ann Arbor and throughout SE Michigan. If your air conditioner isn’t functioning as good as it used to and you’re facing replacement soon, you may be wondering whether the Daikin FIT system would be a good solution for your needs. If you’re looking for a solution that’s both affordable and efficient, Haley Mechanical is ready to help.

First of all, what exactly is the Daikin FIT system?

Compact and powerful, the Daikin FIT system is a “smart” HVAC system that keeps your home comfortable without blowing your budget. Backed by 12-year parts, labor and replacement warranties, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have made the right choice.

Why choose the Daikin FIT system to replace your current AC?

You never have to compromise on comfort. Balancing temperature and humidity so that you feel comfortable isn’t always easy. When our Ann Arbor HVAC technicians install the Daikin FIT system, you’re in control of developing your own ecosystem no matter what the temperature is outdoors.

Using variable-speed Inverter Technology, the fan continuously runs with the Daikin FIT system, circulating air throughout your home via the air filters so that it doesn’t become stale. This assists with dehumidifying the air in your home, helping you enjoy improved indoor air quality. Daikin likes to call this technology “Air Intelligence,” and we agree.

Budget-friendly, energy-efficient. Because of its variable-speed Inverter Technology, homeowners enjoy saving on average 30% on energy costs each year. The Daikin FIT system is always running, so the motor doesn’t ramp on, and off each time there is a few degrees fluctuation in temperature. It’s similar to how your car operates on cruise control.

Super quiet operation. Is your current air conditioning system as quiet as your refrigerator? Probably not. The Daikin FIT system is almost twice as quiet as a traditional AC system, operating as little as 48 decibels. Whether sleeping at night, watching television, or entertaining neighbors and friends on the patio, you won’t be interrupted by the unpleasant noise of an AC kicking on.

Compact and space-saving. Those outdoor units with traditional AC systems are enormous and can be an eyesore. Whether on zero lot line locations or those that would typically require a crane to install such as a roof, the Daikin FIT system is compact, a side-discharge system that you won’t have to hide and that won’t disrupt your landscape. Haley Mechanical will work with you to develop the right solution for your needs.

Industry-leading warranty. Haley Mechanical and Daikin offer warranties on the Daikin FIT system that lead the industry. With 12-year parts, 12-year labor and 12-year replacement warranties, you simply cannot go wrong. You will get a completely new air conditioner should a major component fail within the first 12 years, so it’s a great solution if you need to replace an old or broken down AC unit.

Daikin ONE+ Smart Thermostat comes standard with the Daikin FIT system. Air quality monitoring and humidity controls take the Daikin FIT system beyond what other smart thermostats can deliver. The Daikin ONE+ automatically switches between cooling and heating controls in a way that’s effortless and includes additional features such as voice control, temperature scheduling, geofencing and more.

If you are ready to make the switch to the innovative Daikin FIT system, contact Haley Mechanical today!