maintenance programs

Residential Valued Customer Plans – Your Gateway to Comfort and Savings!

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Why Not Maintaining Your Home Systems Can Cost You More: Introducing Residential Valued Customer Plans (RVCP)

Are you aware that neglecting regular maintenance of your home’s heating, cooling, and plumbing systems could be costing you significantly? At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we understand these challenges and are thrilled to introduce our Residential Valued Customer Plans (RVCP) – maintenance plans and service packages that not only enhance efficiency but also save you from potential financial pitfalls.

The High Cost of Neglect

  1. Furnace Maintenance: A well-maintained furnace can save up to 30% in energy efficiency, reducing your utility bills. However, ignoring this can lead to decreased efficiency and increased energy costs. Consider the RVCP Furnace Plan at just $18/month to avoid these unnecessary expenses.
  2. Water Heater Upkeep: Failing to maintain your water heater can lead to leaks, heating element failure, or complete unit breakdown. With repairs costing an average of $591, the RVCP Water Heater Plan at $5/month is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
  3. Air Conditioning Care: Air conditioning units require regular tune-ups. Neglect can lead to costly repairs ranging from $150 to over $2,500, including $600 to $2,500 for compressor replacement. Our A/C Plan at $10/month is a smart investment to mitigate these hefty repair bills.

Comprehensive Coverage with RVCP

  1. Deluxe Package: Our Deluxe Package for $30/month covers all three systems and offers a 5% discount on additional HVAC or plumbing work. This comprehensive approach not only saves you money on maintenance but also on potential repairs and energy costs.
  2. Enhanced Efficiency and Savings: Proper maintenance can improve system efficiency by 10%, translating to significant utility savings. Avoiding maintenance can lead to problems like clogged AC drain lines, which can cost $75 to $250 to fix.
  3. Increased Home Value: Homes with documented regular maintenance are more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing your property’s value.

Joining a Weinkauf Residential Valued Customer Plan is not just about maintaining your home systems; it’s about protecting your investment from unnecessary and often substantial repair costs. Our team at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is committed to providing you with the best possible service and peace of mind.

Contact us today to inquire and learn more!

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air conditioner repair man repairing the AC unit

Air Conditioner Repair – Do You Repair or Replace?

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Spring in Michigan can make a slow start, but once the weather heats up, you will want your air conditioner to be operating at full capacity. The combination of heat and humidity can be tough. This is why having your air conditioner checked out before the temperatures rise is a wise decision. If your AC is not working properly, you may wonder if you should repair your unit or replace it entirely. This is not an easy decision for a homeowner on a budget to make, so in this blog we will talk about the different factors to take into consideration when choosing between air conditioner repair or replacement. 

Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement

Before you decide to repair or replace, here are the factors you should consider: 

The Age of the Unit – Older AC units often require frequent repairs. Newer units may only need small repairs over time to keep operating at capacity. However, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you may save money by replacing it rather than continuing to make expensive repairs. 

If the repair will cost more than half of the price of a new unit, it’s probably better to replace it. In fact, HVAC professionals have a simple formula they use to make these determinations: Multiple the age of the unit by the cost of the repair. If the total is greater than $5,000, it’s better to replace it. This is especially true if you’ve had to repeatedly repair it in the last several years. 

Frequency of Breakdowns – If your air conditioner is breaking down frequently, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Your air conditioner might have underlying issues that are not easily repairable. Lifetime cost analysis is important here. Your service technician can help you determine what the best return on your investment would be. 

Energy Efficiency – Newer air conditioners are generally more energy efficient than older units, which will mean lower energy bills for you. Choosing an ENERGY STAR certified air conditioner means you can improve the comfort of your home while saving energy. It will also protect our climate and air quality by helping prevent harmful carbon pollution and reducing other greenhouse gases.

Many older units still use R-22 refrigerant which is damaging to the ozone layer and is being phased out. Because this refrigerant is becoming harder to acquire, these units will be more expensive and harder to fix in the future. 

HVAC technology is rapidly improving, and there are many types of air conditioning improvements you can make to cool your home while saving energy, including smart thermostats that can diagnose and troubleshoot HVAC problems, variable-speed and variable-capacity units, and zoning technology that lets you control temperatures in different sections of your home. We can all feel good about minimizing energy waste.

Comfort – If your current air conditioner is not able to keep your home consistently comfortable even after repairs, it’s time to replace it. In addition to temperature and humidity, you know how your air feels. That’s important. You want to feel comfortable in your home and rely on the air being reliably cooled when summer blasts you with its full force. 

Are You Ready to Replace Your Air Conditioning System? 

Your new AC may qualify for discounts and savings, including tax credits from the federal government and rebates from your local utility company. These can add up to thousands of dollars in savings. If you just got a tax refund, you can use that to update your HVAC system too.

If you are considering updating your air conditioning, Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is here to help you find the perfect system for your home. Our experienced technicians will take into account your home’s layout, ductwork, windows, and doors and make recommendations for a system that will revolutionize your comfort. If, on the other hand, based on the above factors, you decide repairing is a better option for your home and budget, we can do that too! Call us today for help with any heating or cooling problem you have.



Weinkauf wins 2 of the Best of the Best awards

Weinkauf Wins 2 Best of the Best Awards!

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Weinkauf Best of the Best winners

Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is excited to announce that we were named as “Best of the Best” in two categories by The Alpena News. We were voted the Best of the Best Plumber and Best of the Best Heating & Air Conditioning! 

Best Plumber in Alpena 

Weinkauf has been helping people in the Alpena area with their plumbing needs since 1959. We are a certified team of State of Michigan licensed master and journeyman plumbers. We work with many local licensed and insured building contractors to help you get your new construction or remodeling projects completed.

With our showroom and professional staff, we can help you with a simple faucet replacement or install all of the plumbing in your new house. Stop in and visit our showroom today to start planning your kitchen or bathroom remodel.

Best Heating & Air Conditioning in Alpena 

Best of the Best heating and air conditioningAs a full-service HVAC company, we’re a one-stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. We’re fully staffed by experienced, well-trained service technicians who are equipped to take on any residential or commercial task. Call us for a free in-home quote to replace, repair, or upgrade your heating and cooling system. 

As the staff and owners of Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating, we would like to thank the Alpena community for their support and The Alpena News for the recognition. We would also like to congratulate the other winners on their wins. There are many very fine businesses in the community, and we are proud to be considered one of them. Contact us today for all of your plumbing and HVAC needs! We are always here for you. 



air conditioner ready

Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer?

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Now that summer is unofficially here in Michigan, we can look forward to sunshine and warmer days. It’s a relief to finally turn the furnace off, open the windows, and get some fresh air into the house. Right around the corner is the heat of summer, though. Is your air conditioner ready for it? 

It’s Time to Check Your Air Conditioner

Before you turn your air conditioner on, there are a few steps you should take to make sure it’s functioning properly. First, turn the power to your A/C unit off. This will prevent any risk of electrocution while you inspect it. The exterior power circuit should be in a small box that is mounted to the side of your home near your unit. Lift the cover and flip the switch to the “Off” position and close the lid. 

If you covered your A/C unit for the winter, remove the cover and look it over carefully. If it’s surrounded by leaves or other debris, clear those off. You can wash off dirt, dust, or bird droppings with a wet cloth and some water. Then allow it to dry completely. If you have plants or vines growing too close to your unit, remove them. You do not want your air conditioner to get clogged with vegetation and stop working right when you need it the most. 

Examine your air conditioner for any cracks, rust, leaks, or other issues. If you find loose or cracked seals, call a licensed HVAC contractor like Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. A small leak may not seem like much of a problem, but replacing coolant is expensive. You want to fix that as soon as possible. 

This is a great time to switch out your air filter. Remember, if you have central air, your furnace fan is operating all year round. A dirty filter will make your air conditioner work harder to cool your home. If you want your A/C unit to operate efficiently and keep dust, pollen, and other pollutants out of your air, change the filter regularly. 

When you are finished with your inspection, you can turn the power to your A/C unit back on and operate your air conditioning from your thermostat. 

What Did You Find? Is Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer?

If you do see problems with the unit, your air conditioner fails to perform to satisfaction when you turn it on, or you notice an unusually high electric bill, call your HVAC contractor right away. Many people will find that their air conditioner is not working properly, and the sooner you call, the sooner you will have service performed. 

Weinkauf also has air filters available, so if you need a supply of them, call us. We offer discounts when buying filters in bulk. 

Currently, due to issues with the supply chain, there can be delays in receiving equipment which is another reason not to delay calling. If your air conditioner is an older model, more than 15 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. We would be happy to discuss the condition of your heating and cooling system with you and make recommendations based on your preferences.

At Weinkauf, we are here for all of your heating and cooling needs. If you live in the Alpena, Hillman, Posen, Hubbard Lake, or Mio areas, we want to be your one-stop shop for plumbing and HVAC, so if you have a problem, call us! Our professional technicians can take on any task, either commercial or residential.