replace your furnace

Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?

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As Michiganders, we know something about living in a cold climate. At least half of the year we depend on our furnaces to keep us warm and comfortable. When your furnace starts showing signs of trouble, one of the biggest decisions you face as a homeowner is whether to repair the existing unit or replace it entirely. There are many factors to take into account, including the cost of the repair vs. the cost of replacement, the age of the furnace, the unit’s energy efficiency, and how often it is breaking down. This blog will help you understand these factors and more, so you will be able to make a better, more informed decision.

Repair vs. Replace Your Furnace: Factors to Consider

A major repair is always unwelcome news. No one really wants to spend money getting something that was functioning fine in working condition again. However, having reliable heat is very important in the winter, and, in certain very cold temperatures, it can mean the difference between life or death. That’s why being able to assess your situation based on objective information is helpful. Below are the things that we think you should consider when you’re deciding whether to repair or replace your furnace.

The Age of Your Furnace

The first factor to consider is the age of your furnace. Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it will likely be more cost-effective to replace it than to repair it because individual parts are expensive and newer models are more efficient. A new unit will save you money on your energy bills in the long run, so you need to ask yourself if you want to throw good money after bad. 

Frequency and Cost of Repairs

Ask yourself how often your furnace has required repairs in the recent past. If you’re calling in a technician more often than before, these repair costs can add up quickly, making replacement a more financially sound option, especially if the unit is old. A good rule of thumb is that if the cost of repairs approaches 50% of the value of your furnace, replacement is generally the more economical choice.

Energy Efficiency 

Older furnaces tend to be less energy-efficient. If your energy bills have been rising over time, this could be due to the decreased efficiency of your aging furnace. Compare the efficiency ratings (AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) of your current furnace with newer models. This is the ratio of the furnace’s annual heat output compared to its total annual fossil fuel energy consumed. A higher AFUE rating indicates a more efficient unit.

Heating Performance

Have you noticed cold spots in your home? If your furnace struggles to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature or heats your home unevenly, this could be a sign of a malfunctioning system. A new furnace will provide consistent and efficient heating.

Safety Concerns

“Safety first” should always be your motto with your heating system. If its overall safety ever seems in any way compromised, it’s time for a new furnace. Older furnaces can develop cracks in the heat exchanger, leading to carbon monoxide leaks. This would also necessitate an immediate furnace replacement.

Technological Advancements

New furnaces often feature improvements like smart thermostats, variable speed motors, and better air filtration systems. If cleaner air and round-the-clock comfort are your goals, opting for a new furnace is a solid choice. 

Financial Incentives and Rebates

Research any available rebates or tax incentives for installing an energy-efficient furnace. Local utilities often offer them, and sometimes there are government programs that reward homeowners who invest in energy-efficient appliances. These incentives can significantly offset the cost of a new furnace, making replacement a more attractive option.

Personal Comfort and Peace of Mind

Having a furnace die in the middle of a blizzard or a polar vortex is a very unpleasant and potentially very costly experience for any homeowner, so consider your personal comfort and peace of mind. If your current furnace causes you frequent worry or discomfort, the investment in a new furnace could well be worth the cost. 

Deciding to repair or replace your furnace depends on a combination of factors including age, repair history, efficiency, safety, and personal comfort. While the initial cost of a new furnace might be higher, the long-term savings, efficiency, and peace of mind can make it a worthwhile investment. 

If you have concerns about your furnace, contact the certified technicians at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating to assess the condition of your furnace and provide you with a recommendation based on your specific situation. The right decision not only impacts your immediate comfort but also your home’s value, so trust the professionals with your HVAC system.


carbon monoxide safety test.

Carbon Monoxide Safety and Your HVAC System in Winter

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It’s January in Michigan. We are in the coldest part of the year. Your furnace is working its hardest to keep you and your family warm and cozy around the clock. A properly functioning heating system puts out a lot of heat, but it does so safely, without producing harmful toxins . In this blog we will talk about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improperly maintained HVAC systems so that you will know what you need to do to prevent or detect it in your home. 

Carbon Monoxide Gas, the Invisible Killer

What is carbon monoxide? CO is a colorless, odorless gas. It’s produced as a byproduct when fuels like gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal are burned. In large enough amounts, carbon monoxide can be deadly to inhale. 

How can this happen? Primarily if your furnace does not burn its fuel completely, although furnaces are not the only source of CO. Other household appliances, like boilers, gas stoves, fireplaces, and water heaters, can also produce carbon monoxide gas and become dangerous if your home is inadequately ventilated.

While you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, there are early warning signs of CO poisoning, including headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. If a person inhales enough CO gas, he can experience severe health issues, including unconsciousness and death. This is because carbon monoxide interferes with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen – something we all need – leading to serious tissue damage. 

Detecting Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

CO cannot be detected without the use of special equipment. You should install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. They will alert you if CO levels rise. Like your smoke alarms, you should test these detectors regularly and replace their batteries as needed. A CO detector has a typical lifespan of between 5 and 7 years. If yours are older than that, get new ones. 

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Buildup

There are a number of things you can do to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide buildup in your home. These include:  

Regular HVAC Maintenance – The first line of defense against CO poisoning is scheduled HVAC maintenance. These periodic checkups ensure your HVAC system and any other appliances that burn fuel are inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician. HVAC professionals can identify potential hazards, like a cracked heat exchanger or blocked chimney, that could lead to CO buildup.

Proper Ventilation – CO is not dangerous in very small amounts, which is why proper ventilation is crucial. Never use a gas oven to heat your home if your furnace isn’t working or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented. Do not use portable fuel-burning camping equipment or generators indoors either. Carbon monoxide poisoning is also possible if you run your car or truck inside a closed garage. Any vents, including your dryer vents should always be kept clear of snow and other debris.

Education – Educate your family or anyone living in your home about the dangers of CO poisoning. Teach them the symptoms to look for and the importance of evacuating the house and calling 911 if a CO alarm goes off. Immediate treatment is critical to a good outcome if CO poisoning occurs. The person should be moved to fresh air, and medical attention should be contacted. 

Safety First! 

There are many enjoyable things about the winter season, but it’s also important to stay warm and stay safe. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system, proper use of appliances and carbon monoxide detectors, and awareness about carbon monoxide can make all the difference. 

If you have any concerns or questions about carbon monoxide or how well your furnace and other gas-fueled appliances are working, please call us. We’ll schedule someone to take a look at your HVAC system and make recommendations for its maintenance and most efficient use. Contact us today! 

 

hvac systems control humidity

How HVAC Systems Control Humidity

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When you feel sticky on a hot summer day or your skin feels dry in January – that’s due to humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air. Humidity significantly affects your personal comfort, and it also impacts the efficiency of your HVAC system. In this blog post, we will discuss how HVAC systems control humidity and explore the effects of humidity on both HVAC systems and personal comfort.

Humidity in Michigan

The state of Michigan is surrounded by water, and it also has more than 11,000 inland lakes or 1,300 square miles of inland water. We are a water-rich state, which is a blessing. We also have to deal with fluctuations in humidity, which can be less pleasant. The humidity in Michigan varies throughout the year because we experience four distinct seasons. In spring, summer, and fall, the weather can be quite humid and sticky, while in winter, especially after the furnace kicks on, the air inside and outside is cold and dry. 

How HVAC Systems Control Humidity

Dehumidification

During the hot, muggy summer months, your HVAC system works to remove excess moisture from the air by passing warm, moist air over a cooling coil. The moisture condenses on the coil and is drained away. Dehumidification not only makes your home more comfortable, it also helps prevent mold growth and other moisture-related damage.

Humidification

Conversely, during the drier months, your HVAC system can add water to the air. This humidification process helps prevent issues like dry skin, static electricity, and discomfort caused by excessively dry air.

Too Humid or Not Humid Enough? 

Humidity affects our personal comfort because it influences how we perceive temperature. High humidity can make a room feel warmer, while low humidity can make it feel cooler. Maintaining the right humidity levels can help occupants feel more comfortable and reduce people’s need (or desire) to fiddle with the thermostat.

Humidity levels also affect personal health. High humidity can make it difficult for our bodies to cool down through evaporation. It’s uncomfortable and can cause lethargy or even heat stroke. Low humidity can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory issues. Balancing humidity ensures that your home will be healthier and more comfortable.

Effects of Humidity on HVAC Systems

The humidity level of your home will affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. High humidity can make a space feel warmer than it actually is, leading to overuse of the air conditioning system. On the other hand, low humidity can make a room feel colder, and you will feel like turning up the thermostat. Maintaining the right humidity level can help HVAC systems operate more efficiently and save you money on energy costs.

If your home is too humid for too long, your HVAC equipment can suffer moisture-related damage. High humidity can also promote the growth of mold and mildew, which can affect system components and air quality. Proper humidity control will extend the lifespan of your HVAC system and reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacement.

Humidity control is an essential aspect of HVAC systems. Properly balanced humidity levels contribute to a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment while allowing HVAC systems to operate optimally. If your home is too humid in the summer or too dry in the winter, there are changes you can make to your HVAC system to alleviate this. Call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating to talk about any problems you’re having with your furnace or air conditioner or upgrades you are thinking of making. We will be happy to discuss your options with you. 


programmable thermostat

The Benefits of Using a Programmable Thermostat

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When the seasons begin to change, we appreciate our heating and cooling systems more. As fall turns to winter, it’s important to be able to rely on your heating system to keep your home or business cozy and comfortable. Energy bills are high, though. This is why Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating recommends that our customers install and use a programmable thermostat. In this blog we will go through the benefits to homeowners and business owners, especially in areas like Northern Michigan where it gets cold and stays cold for long periods of time. 

What Is a Programmable Thermostat? 

A programmable thermostat is a thermostat that is equipped with a digital interface that allows users to set their own temperature instructions based on their daily or weekly heating or cooling needs. Users can lower the temperature in the house when they are not at home or during the hours when everyone is asleep. Some thermostats can even detect room occupancy and adjust temperature based on data they have gathered about use. 

Manual thermostats require homeowners to fiddle with dials whenever a change in temperature is needed, while programmables allow users to plan ahead for comfort and energy savings. 

Key Benefits of Using Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat provides greater control over your heating and cooling systems, allowing you to customize temperature settings throughout the day and week. Here are some of their best features:

Energy Savings: Programmable thermostats help reduce your energy consumption and lower your utility bills. By programming your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on your family’s schedule, you can avoid heating or cooling an empty home or office. This can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Increased Comfort: You can set your programmable thermostat to maintain your ideal indoor temperature, ensuring that your space is comfortable whenever you’re there. The thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature before you wake up or return home, so you won’t have to “put on a sweater” while your furnace works to catch up. 

Convenience: Programmable thermostats offer convenient features like pre-programmed settings and the ability to control your HVAC system remotely through smartphones or computers. You can make adjustments to the temperature even when you’re away, ensuring comfort and energy savings. You can even receive alerts or notifications regarding system performance or maintenance needs.

Consistency: If your home or business requires precise climate control, a programmable thermostat is what you need. 

Reduced Wear and Tear: By minimizing temperature fluctuations, programmable thermostats reduce the strain on your heating and cooling systems. This can extend the lifespan of your HVAC equipment and reduce the frequency of furnace repairs.

Environmental Benefits: Using less energy to heat or cool your space reduces your carbon footprint. Programmable thermostats contribute to environmental sustainability by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Compatibility: Programmable thermostats are often compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems, making them a versatile and practical choice for most homes and businesses.

Using a programmable thermostat offers energy savings, increased comfort, and convenience by allowing you to tailor your heating and cooling settings to your schedule and preferences. Whether you’re looking to reduce your energy bills or enhance your comfort this winter, adding a programmable thermostat to your HVAC system would be a great idea. Many Michigan consumers are switching and realizing these benefits. 

If you would like to upgrade your heating and cooling system or need service or maintenance, Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating is always available to answer your questions. Call us today at (989) 354-5427!


furnace failure - gas furnace isn't heating

Furnace Failure: Why Isn’t Your Furnace Working?

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It’s winter, and in Michigan that means we very much need our furnaces to provide us with consistent heating for us to stay warm and comfortable. Some winters, like this one, are more challenging. If you have an unreliable furnace, it can cause a lot of anxiety. Let’s go through some of the reasons your furnace might fail. Some of them you can fix yourself, and others will require the help of a trained professional. 

Reasons for Furnace Failure

If your furnace isn’t working, one of the following problems may be the cause. Let’s start with the most basic:

Your thermostat is not on

Sometimes something can happen to alter the settings of the thermostat. Whether this is a human or tech error, if your furnace isn’t working, check the thermostat settings to make sure that it is on HEAT mode and the temperature is set a few degrees higher than the current room temperature so you can see if it turns on. It’s possible that your batteries have lost their charge or, if your thermostat is hardwired, a breaker has tripped. Check the batteries and your circuit breaker to make sure. If you’ve experienced this problem more than once, you may have a problem that an HVAC technician will have to diagnose.

Your air filter is clogged

A very dirty air filter can result in the furnace overheating and shutting off as a way of preventing a fire hazard. Check your air filter and replace it if it is full of dirt. Once your furnace has cooled down, you will see if this fixes the problem. 

There is an air-flow blockage

Other blockages can also cause the furnace to overheat and shut off. If you have items blocking your furnace, clear six feet of space around it. Check to see if all of the vents in your home are open and unblocked so that air can circulate through them. 

If your furnace is turning on and then off again after a short period of time without heating the house, this is called short cycling. It’s frequently caused by clogged air filters or airflow, although it can also be caused by a mechanical problem. If your furnace is short cycling, call an HVAC professional because this can cause damage to the furnace if it continues for too long. 

A part is malfunctioning

Your furnace is made up of a number of parts that all have to function correctly and in tandem for it to work. These parts get dirty over time, lose their lubrication, or simply get worn down or break. If your furnace is not working, your HVAC professional will examine the:

  • Burners 
  • Bearings
  • Igniter
  • Limit switch
  • Control board
  • Heat exchanger
  • Flame sensor
  • Gas line
  • Circuit breaker

Call a Professional

The problem could involve one or more of the above. If you have no experience with furnace care, you should call a professional instead of tinkering with it yourself. A gas furnace that is not operating properly can allow combustion fumes to accumulate and cause a carbon monoxide leak. Any kind of gas leak in the house is dangerous, especially during wintertime when people’s houses are closed up and no new air circulates in the house. If you notice an unpleasant smell or you see surfaces in your home getting noticeably dirtier, your furnace has a problem that needs to be corrected right away. Call an HVAC professional. 

At Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating we are available for all of your heating needs any time. If you are in Alpena or Oscoda and have a furnace emergency, don’t hesitate to call us at (989) 354-5427. We will send someone out right away to diagnose and fix your furnace failure. 



change your air filter

Change Your Air Filter to Keep Your Furnace in Good Condition

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Regular home maintenance is part of responsible homeownership. It helps ensure that all of the parts of your home that keep your family comfortable are working correctly. One regular maintenance task that should not be skipped is changing the air filter on your furnace. This quick, inexpensive task impacts your indoor air quality. It can mean the difference between enjoying problem-free comfort in your home and paying for unnecessary repairs. 

What Your Air Filter Does

In most homes, especially homes with newer HVAC systems, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are combined. This means that all the air that comes through the system is filtered by one filter. There are many types of filters, but they all work to prevent air particles of up to 40 microns from entering the system and clogging the machinery. 

When the air filter gets too dirty, the air pressure in the system can drop which causes reduced air flow. The system must then work harder to do its job. Over time, this creates stress and may result in the furnace breaking down and needing to be repaired or replaced. 

A dirty filter can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, especially if it’s in a damp location. Mold spores can spread throughout the entire house via the HVAC system. This creates an unhealthy atmosphere and an expensive problem to remediate. 

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter? 

The rule of thumb is that, for an HVAC unit that sees nearly year-round use, you should change your air filter at least every three months. If your home has many pets or people living in it or if there is a lot of dust, pollen, or other airborne particulate, changing it once a month would be better. 

Different HVAC systems take different types of filters. Most filters are disposable screens that are designed to trap as much air particulate as possible. There are many types of filters that will fit different types of furnace units. Make sure to use the right size filter for your furnace or it will not work properly. If you have questions about where your filter goes or how it is inserted, ask your HVAC professional when you have your furnace maintenance done. 

Adding an AprilAire 1410 air purifier to your furnace unit will help keep the blower housing within your furnace clean. This means that the air within your entire home will also be cleaner. It comes with a healthy air filter that captures more pollen, dust, dander, and mold spores, leaving your air easier to breathe. 

Have Your Furnace/HVAC Serviced Regularly

You should have your furnace serviced at least once per year. A furnace has many moving parts that can break or degrade over time. An HVAC technician will inspect your furnace’s

  • Belts
  • Coils
  • Fans

as well as your ventilation ductwork to make sure everything is working properly and there are no clogs or other problems. 

Changing your air filter regularly and having your HVAC system serviced at least annually will keep your air clean and your air handling system working smoothly. If you have questions about the quality of your air or your HVAC system, call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating. We will be happy to look at your system and recommend solutions to improve the comfort of your home. 

 

 

 

update your furnace

Use Your Tax Refund to Update Your Furnace

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 The beginning of spring is when people begin to anticipate better weather. They look forward to turning off their furnace and opening up their windows to breathe in fresh air, but April is also tax season. If you’re anticipating getting a tax refund this year, you might invest that money to improve your air quality and update your furnace. 

Has Your Furnace Been Making Noises? 

Your furnace will not last forever, unfortunately. We’ve been through five months of cold weather, now. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your furnace was struggling to keep up with your family’s demand for warm air. Maybe it made loud noises when it came on or failed to heat all of your house evenly. Now is a good time to have a professional come out to check on it before you turn it off and forget about it until next fall.

If your furnace is relatively new and functioning well, there are additions you can make to it to improve your indoor air quality and comfort during the colder months. All of the air in your house is drawn through your furnace system where it is filtered, mixed, heated, and redirected. Your furnace can also clean and humidify it as well. Let’s go through some of the furnace options available.

Add an Air Filter

The standard, disposable filter that people typically insert into their furnace will only catch dust and other large particles. It will not filter out fungi, bacteria, or smoke particles. There are several options for adding a more effective filter, the most common being an accordion-style media filter and an electronic air cleaner. For allergy sufferers, the media filter works well, trapping nearly all of the larger (6-micron) particles in the air and the majority of 1-micron particles. This type of filter needs to be replaced annually. 

An electronic air cleaner uses high-voltage/low-amperage wires to negatively ionize all particles passing through the unit. It will trap more of the tiniest particles – 70% of .3-micron particles – which makes it 4-5 times as effective at filtering than a media filter. Instead of replacing a filter, the homeowner will need to wash the unit’s collection plates every month. 

Add a Humidifier

Michigan is a wet, humid state for much of the year, but during the winter most homes need moisture added because the furnace’s constant output dries out the air, our skin, and our lungs. People are more likely to get sick in the winter if their air is too dry or to suffer from problems like asthma, bronchitis, and nosebleeds. Adding a humidifier to your furnace can help to increase comfort and decrease illness. Humid air also feels warmer than dry air, so you can save a bit on heating costs if you update your furnace with a humidifier. 

Add a UV Disinfector

Ultraviolet light units are designed to kill airborne bacteria and mold that grows on air-conditioner evaporator coils. Neither of these are desirable to have in your home, for obvious reasons. Because UV disinfectors destroy mold, bacteria, and allergens, your air will be cleaner and smell better. In terms of maintenance requirements, you will need to replace the light tubes on a UV light unit annually. 

If you find yourself with money to invest this tax season, putting it into your home and increasing your family’s air quality is a very good use for it. If you have questions about furnace options, why not call us at Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating? We would be happy to talk to you about how you can increase your family’s comfort by updating or adding features to your furnace. 

 

custom furnace installation

Case Study: Custom Furnace Installation in Working Garage

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Not all heating and cooling needs are the same. Every space is different and can have its own challenges maintaining a comfortable temperature, especially in Northern Michigan. At Weinkauf Plumbing and Heating, we work with our customers to find them the best solutions for their unique heating and cooling problems. Here is a case study of a custom furnace installation that was designed to function with high efficiency and complement its surroundings in an attractive way. 

The Problem:

This garage space had an older, 80%-efficient heater that was no longer working to the satisfaction of the owner. Because this space is used in the wintertime, it needed to be heated and at a high efficiency to lower heating costs. 

Our Solution: 

One option we presented was to install a 90%-efficient unit heater. The cost of this unit would have been higher than the owner was hoping to pay, however. Instead, we proposed and were able to install a 96%-efficient, two-stage, variable-speed Napoleon furnace which had a lower price point and will be less expensive for the owner to use. We angled the register 45 degrees to enable the exiting heat to bounce off of the garage door. This directs heat to areas of the garage it would otherwise not be able to reach. Then, once cooled, the air returns to the unit to be heated again. 

custom furnace installation

The garage is a space the owner is proud of, and he wanted the new furnace to look attractive and blend in with the ceiling, so in this case we performed custom sheet metal work to fit the register. 

Our installer hung the furnace from the ceiling, out of the way of anyone walking or working in the space, and painted the PVC pipe and the screws and bolts as well to make it look attractive and complement the space. This is not a typical installation, but Weinkauf works with our customers to meet and exceed their expectations for both comfort and aesthetics. 

The owner is very satisfied with the Napoleon furnace and says it operates very quietly and well. 

If you have a heating or cooling need that is specialized, Weinkauf can provide a custom furnace installation or other solution. Call us today. We will be happy to discuss all of your heating and cooling options with you and find a solution that works for you.