HVAC Systems Can be Intimidating for Homeowners
Although I have been a homeowner for over a decade, I fully admit there are areas of the house where I am more confident in my abilities than others.
I will happily landscape and garden in our yard, and most of my plants continue to thrive, year after year. I make sure we keep the dryer vent clear, the fridge water filter replaced, and the water softener regularly stocked with salt.
However, in the corner of our basement lies the furnace: a very large, intimidating machine. A smaller, although equally important one (depending upon the season) sits outside. When these stop working, it’s a big deal- and potentially, a big expense.
A furnace or air conditioner malfunction can lead to no heat in the winter or sweltering heat in the middle of August, which leads me to call anyone who can help as quickly as possible.
I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. Maintaining heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (or HVACs) can be overwhelming for many homeowners. We reached out to locally-owned Mattawan Mechanical Services to help families with some tips and tricks:
There are many steps homeowners can take to keep their HVAC systems working. This avoids costly service visits and extends the longevity of their equipment.
Elizabeth Vaughn, Mattawan Mechanical Services
Mattawan Mechanical Services
Tips & Tricks for HVAC Systems
Mattawan Mechanical Services wants to ensure homeowners are prepared for the upcoming air conditioner season by providing the most common reasons A/C units fail and the importance of that filter in their basements.
Why Your Air Conditioner Malfunctions
Many of us have (unfortunately) been there. As you come inside from a sunny, hot day in Kalamazoo, you come inside to…a hot, sticky house. What’s the deal?
There are 11 common reasons why your house is not cooling down:
| Why Isn’t My A/C Working? 1. Dirty Filter 2. Too Many Vents Closed or Blocked 3. Thermostat is Set Too Low 4. Running A/C When it is Cool Outside 5. Dirty Evaporator Coil 6. Low Refrigerant 7. Bad Blower Fan 8. Improperly Sized Ductwork 9. Blocked/Collapsed Duct 10. Thermostat Needs New Batteries 11. A Storm tripped the Circuit Breaker |
As a homeowner, you can’t troubleshoot all of these issues personally. However, Mattawan Mechanical does recommend taking these three steps before calling for service.
These checkpoints are easy for any homeowner to do and may avoid a costly service visit altogether:
đź’µMoney-Saving Tip #1: These 3 Steps May Avoid a Service Visit
1. Check your thermostat’s batteries
2. Reset the breaker switch for your A/C unit
3. Check your furnace filter
Why You Need to Change Your Furnace Filter
The furnace filter is an easy item to forget, but one of the most likely reasons why your air conditioner is not working. It’s also an inexpensive fix that any homeowner can do.
đź’µMoney-Saving Tip #2: Replace Your Furnace Filter Often
Mattawan Mechanical recommends you change your furnace filter every 2-3 months.
Purchase filters in multipacks to save time and money. Some online retailers provide subscriptions where you can auto-ship at regular intervals (and receive a discount for doing so).
| Why Do I Need to Change My Furnace Filter? 1. Clogged Filters Make Your System Less Efficient If your air filter is clogged, your furnace and air conditioner have to work twice as hard to move air through your home, which means more expensive energy bills. 2. Dirty Filters Aren’t Good For Your Health A dirty air filter allows dust, dander and even mold to circulate through your home. 3. Clogged Air Filters Reduce Your System’s Lifespan When your system works harder, it wears out faster. In other words, you will have to buy a replacement system sooner. 4. Dirty Air Filters = Higher Maintenance Costs Clogged air filters can result in dirty ductwork that needs professional cleaning or a blower that needs to be replaced. These maintenance costs can be avoided with regular filter replacement. 5. Clean Air Filters = Cleaner Home A clean air filter will reduce the amount of dust circulating throughout your home, leaving you with less mess to clean. |
Choosing an Air Conditioning Contractor
Even with diligent, regular maintenance, all air conditioning units will eventually need service. Or maybe your air conditioner is old and needs to be replaced. This is when it’s time to call the experts.
đź’µMoney-Saving Tip #3: Hire a Licensed, Insured Professional with Positive Reviews
While you may have a very well-meaning neighbor who can “take a look at it,” this is not the time to call friends for assistance. In addition to being expensive, HVAC systems can be dangerous if not repaired by a trained technician.
You don’t need that extra headache or expense if it’s not fixed correctly the first time.
Need somewhere to start? Mattawan Mechanical recommends doing some homework before calling a professional:
| What Should I Look for in an HVAC Contractor? 1. Licensed and Insured This is a must. Professional HVAC companies are licensed through the state and it should be listed on their website. Being insured is also important; if there’s an accident, you’ll be protected as a homeowner. 2. Estimates/Upfront Pricing The contractor should be able to provide a cost estimate for repairing or replacing a system. Once a final price has been given, you should also receive a list of items and parts. 3. References/Reviews HVAC contractors should have homeowner reviews. Check Google, HomeAdvisor or Facebook for previous customers’ experiences. 4. Industry Knowledge Find a technician who is well-versed in industry changes and has the local expertise to diagnose the situation. |
Mattawan Mechanical’s team checks all of the boxes listed above. Here are some additional reasons why they should be on your list of HVAC contractors:
Meet the Mattawan Mechanical Services Team
Mattawan Mechanical started in Owner/Operator Tom Vaughn’s garage in 1992. Tom is no stranger to the HVAC industry, having worked in it since 1984.
This depth of experience and commitment to superior customer service has been their focus for thirty years, coining the term “Your Comfort Crew Since ’92.”
Philanthropy & Community Focus
Mattawan Mechanical prioritizes giving back to the community. It regularly supports Little Leagues, veteran events, and other locally owned businesses. This HVAC company even hosts giveaways on its Facebook page, where prizes include gift certificates to locally-owned restaurants.
Mattawan Mechanical also supports its peers by funding the Mattawan Area Business Directory, a local magazine that serves as a one-stop shop for locally-owned businesses.
Mattawan area residents can find new shops, restaurants, or service providers to try and local owners can advertise their services. It’s a win-win for the community.
Customer Reviews & Accreditations
Customer satisfaction is a big deal to Mattawan Mechanical. That’s why they post their Google reviews on their website and diligently respond to any questions or concerns. More specifics on their ratings and accreditations:
A+ Rating with Better Business Bureau
4.9/5.0 Rating with Google
Trane Comfort Specialist Dealer
Here’s one homeowner’s experience working with Tom and his team:
Mattawan Mechanical Services enjoys helping local homeowners. For more information on how to care for your HVAC system, check their website.
