News | Page 4 of 5 | Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning

When Should I Consider Ductless AC for My Home?

Posted on June 29, 2022April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Did you know that the type of heating system you have installed in your home may dictate what type of air conditioning you can choose as well? Some people aren’t aware that certain types of heating systems, such as radiant or baseboard heat, often mean that a home does not have a system of ductwork. Homes that use these types of heat don’t require ducts as furnace systems do. That can make it difficult or impossible to install central air conditioning.

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Many times, homeowners with radiant or baseboard heat think that their only options for air conditioning are either window or room units. While these types of AC systems can help you stay cool, they are often loud, inefficient, and obtrusive. Fortunately, there is another option available – ductless air conditioning.

Tell me more about ductless AC.

Ductless air conditioning is just what its name implies – air conditioning without the need for ductwork. Ductless requires only a small-diameter tube to be installed between the indoor and outdoor components. For homes or spaces where installing ductwork is either impossible or impractical, ductless cooling is an excellent option. You can install one unit in a space to provide targeted cooling, or multiple units throughout your home to offer zoned cooling. The best part is that ductless cooling requires minimal installation, so you’ll be enjoying comfort – without a lot of mess – in no time.

What are five benefits of ductless cooling that I should know about?

We’ve already mentioned some of the great benefits of ductless, like the flexibility of installation and no need for ductwork, but there are still many more reasons why ductless cooling is an excellent option for your home. Here are five reasons why more and more homeowners are turning to ductless for their home comfort needs:

Ductless cooling is highly efficient. Ductless air conditioning is about 40 percent more efficient than the average window unit, and that can help you save money on your energy bills.
Ductless AC is quiet. If you’ve ever been in a room with a window air conditioning unit, you know how noisy they can be. Most ductless systems are as quiet as a whisper – letting you enjoy cool comfort in peace.
A ductless system can help balance cooling in your home. If you have a room such as an addition or a converted living space in your home that does not have access to your home’s ductwork, your central AC system may be working overtime to keep that area cool. Adding a ductless unit to that space not only helps keep that area cooler but helps your current AC system operate more efficiently.
Ductless air conditioning provides targeted comfort. Most ductless systems provide independently controlled units throughout your home, so you’ll have greater control over cooling specific areas of your home. And, ductless systems are easily operated via remote control, so you can adjust the temperature at the touch of a button.
Some ductless systems offer heating, too. Many ductless units are built to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, so if you have an older radiant or baseboard heating system you’ve been thinking about replacing, ductless can provide you with a one-stop cooling and heating solution.

I think I’m interested in ductless for my home. Can Boelcke help?

We sure can! At Boelcke, we’re pleased to provide our customers with complete ductless services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We proudly offer high-quality ductless systems from trusted manufacturers, so you can count on our systems to provide years of cool comfort for you and your family. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you with your ductless needs.

Does My Air Conditioning System Need Repairs?

Posted on May 29, 2022April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

When the summer weather arrives, most people enjoy relaxing in the cool comfort of an air-conditioned home. That’s why it’s so important to have an air conditioning system that operates both effectively and efficiently once the temperatures outside start to rise. But how can you be sure it’s working properly?

If you’ve been concerned that your AC system isn’t working as well as it should be, you’re not alone. Many homeowners notice that they’re not feeling as comfortable as they’d like, or note that their system is older and has needed a lot of repairs in recent years. But, they are also often hesitant to call for help – and that can end up being a costly mistake.

How do I know if my AC system is having problems?

Obviously, if your air conditioning system has completely stopped working, you definitely know that something is wrong. However, it’s likely that your AC system will give you an indication that there is a problem long before it stops working altogether. So, if you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to give your HVAC contractor a call:

You hear sounds like grinding or squealing coming from your AC system
Your utility bills are on the rise with no reasonable explanation
You’re smelling a foul, burning, or musty odor coming from your air conditioner
The air blowing out of your system is not cool
There is ice buildup on the outside component of your system
Your home humidity levels seem higher than usual
You have to keep decreasing the thermostat in order to keep your home cool

What if I need a new air conditioning unit?

If your air conditioning system is older, has not been properly maintained, or needs frequent repairs, it may be time to consider a replacement. There are occasions when repairs are simply no longer cost-effective. If that’s the case with your AC unit, your technician will explain to you why repairs aren’t practical and will talk to you about options.

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Nobody likes to think about having to purchase a new system, but you may save money in the long run. That’s because today’s AC systems are far more efficient than their older counterparts. Not to mention, many come with extended warranties, and there may even be rebates and incentives available to help with the expense. Generally, most companies also offer financing options for qualified buyers.

Can Boelcke help me get the repairs I need?

At Boelcke, we offer complete cooling services for your home. Whether you need maintenance, repair, or a brand-new air conditioning system, we can help you and your family stay cool this summer. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Indoor Air Quality & Seasonal Allergies – What You Can Do!

Posted on April 29, 2022April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Once spring arrives and the flowers and trees start to blossom, do you suffer from seasonal allergies? While spring is a beautiful time of year, it can also be a miserable one for people with pollen and mold allergies. Unfortunately, if pollen and mold are present inside your home, you might not find the reprieve you need from the sniffling, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. Luckily, technology is available today that can help improve your indoor air quality.

What is indoor air quality and why is it important?

Simply put, indoor air quality is the quality of the air that circulates inside your home. People are spending more time than ever indoors, and today’s homes are built to be tight and energy-efficient. While that can help you save on utility bills, it also means that the air moves through your HVAC system time and time again. And, if there are allergens present, you might find you’re experiencing allergy symptoms 24/7.

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Having good indoor air quality, therefore, is important. Indoor air that is free of particulates like pollen, spores, pet dander, dust, and more is fresher and cleaner, and that helps keep allergy symptoms at bay. Fortunately, there are many products available that can help clear the air in your home, allowing you to enjoy better air quality and breathe easier!

What types of products can help improve my indoor air quality?

There are many different types of indoor air quality products on the market today. Here are five products Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning proudly offers to our customers:

Air Sterilization/Air Cleaners: You may be concerned about what’s floating around in the air inside your home. Harmful contaminants like mold, mildew, pollen, and bacteria can make your home’s air quality less than ideal. That’s why you should trust Boelcke to help with your air sterilization needs. We’ll provide air cleaners that will help ensure that you’re getting the air sterilization you need, by eliminating the pathogens you don’t.
High-Efficiency Air Filters: Modern heating and cooling systems continue to use air filters to protect the equipment from dirt and debris. However, these filters aren’t the best at keeping out particles that make it harder to breathe easily in your home. Luckily, there are many types of permanent air filters available today that can keep the air in your home fresher and cleaner.
Dehumidifiers: If your home is too damp, it can become a breeding ground for unwanted pathogens. Mold, mildew, and bacteria thrive in overly wet environments, and that can lead not only to issues in the structure of your home but health concerns as well. If you’re dealing with a moisture problem in your home, you likely need dehumidification.
Humidifiers: Is your home too dry? Boelcke can help. When your home has the right humidity levels, you’ll feel more comfortable. You’ll also avoid issues like dry eye, itchy, flaky skin, and tight, scratchy throat due to overly dry air. Not to mention, you won’t have as much of a problem with static cling, or concerns about peeling, cracking furniture, and woodwork.
UV Lights: When you’re dealing with spores, mold, bacteria, and other pathogens in your home’s indoor air, it can be unpleasant. Not only can the air have a bad odor, but it can also cause some health concerns, especially for those with respiratory illnesses. When you trust the professionals at Boelcke to help, we can install UV lights that will help destroy those pathogens and improve your home’s air quality.

When you need indoor air quality products for your home, Boelcke is ready to help you.

At Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with comprehensive comfort solutions, including indoor air quality. We can help you with a variety of IAQ concerns by offering a wide range of products that will help to improve your home’s air quality. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Is it Too Late for Heating Maintenance?

Posted on February 1, 2022April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you’re like the average homeowner, your life is pretty busy. Work, school, and day-to-day life can certainly make it easy to forget certain things like heating system maintenance. If your heating system is operating properly, allowing your annual maintenance to pass by might be tempting, but you should know that it’s never too late to get your system the preventive care it needs.

There are many reasons why heating system maintenance is important.

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If you’ve been noticing a lot of dust in your home this winter, or your system isn’t operating as efficiently as it has in the past, there’s no better time than the present to call for heating maintenance for your system. In this article, we’ll share a few ways maintenance can benefit your system (even if it’s a little bit past due!)

5 Ways Heating Maintenance Benefits Your System

Cleaner Indoor Air: If your heating system hasn’t been maintained this year, you may be noticing more dust in the air when the heat runs. That’s because your filter is probably dirty, as are some of the inner components of your heating equipment. With maintenance, you can rest assured your filter will be fresh and clean, and the inside of your system will be, too.
Better Efficiency: As we mentioned above, when heating systems aren’t properly maintained they can get dirty. And that makes it harder for them to do their job properly. Even a dirty filter can diminish system efficiency. A clean system doesn’t have to work as hard, and that can save you money on your utility bills.
Improved Comfort: Again, if your system is working harder than it has to, it might not be keeping your home as warm as you’d like. When you keep your system maintained, you’ll ensure it gets the tune-up and cleaning it needs to keep your home comfortably warm, no matter how cold it gets outside.
Reduced Chance of Equipment Failure: Systems that don’t get the maintenance they need are often more likely to fail. This is due in part to your system having to work harder, as well as small issues going unnoticed before they become larger ones. Your technician will likely find any small problems during a maintenance call, helping you avoid a costly breakdown.
System Warranty: Most manufacturers require that you have your heating equipment maintained on a regular basis, usually annually, in order to keep the warranty intact. If you have not maintained your system and you need repairs, your warranty may not cover them – causing you to have to pay out of pocket.

I forgot to call for maintenance this fall. Can I schedule an appointment now?

Absolutely! At Boelcke, your comfort is always our top priority. We want you and your family to stay comfy and cozy, no matter how cold it gets outside. If you forgot to call for maintenance this fall, no worries! We’ll be glad to schedule a maintenance appointment with you and get your heating system operating at its best and most efficiently. Just give us a call at (269)429-9261, and we will be more than happy to help!

How Cold Climate Heat Pumps Can Keep You Comfortable Year-Round

Posted on November 30, 2021January 31, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Many homeowners have now heard of heat pump systems, although many people think that they’re more popular in warmer climates. While it’s true that heat pumps have been used in the southern states for quite some time, it hasn’t been until the past few years that they’ve been a reliable heat source for those in the north.

Advanced technologies have made the heat pumps of today far more accessible to everyone because they are able to operate in cold climates. In the past, when the temperatures dropped below freezing, heat pumps stopped being as effective. But now, even people who live in the chilly northern states can enjoy the benefits of a heat pump system.

What are cold climate heat pumps?

First, let’s talk about what a cold climate heat pump system is. Heat pumps work by transferring heat inside from the outdoor air using a heat exchanger, a compressor, and pipes (usually filled with a refrigerant) to transfer heat from one area to another. Heat pump systems don’t need oil or gas to operate. Cold climate heat pumps are heat pump systems designed to work in even sub-zero temperatures. People who live in particularly cold climates often choose a heat pump with a traditional heating system back-up, as this greatly improves energy efficiency and keeps fossil fuel or gas consumption down.

What configurations are they available in?

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Heat pumps are generally available in two configurations:

Ductless: Ductless heat pump systems are great for homeowners who are looking to replace a non-ducted heating system, such as baseboard or radiant heat. They also are a good choice to add to rooms like additions or converted areas that may not have access to the home’s ductwork system. They are small and provide great flexibility for zoning or individual spaces.
Ducted: Ducted heat pumps are a good choice for people looking to replace an old, inefficient furnace system. Ducted heat pumps use the ductwork system in your home to deliver heated air throughout.

What are the main benefits of a cold climate heat pump system?

Learn more about the benefits of installing a ductless or ducted heat pump system in your home:

Improved Comfort: One of the main benefits of installing a heat pump system is that you’ll not only enjoy more consistent, improved comfort during the winter, but these systems also provide air conditioning in the summer. So, a heat pump system is like getting a heating and cooling system, all in one – and that means better comfort all year long.
Quiet Operation: Noisy ductwork is a thing of the past when you install a heat pump system. That’s because there is a steady supply of conditioned air being delivered. Not to mention, the indoor and outdoor components of a heat pump system are as quiet as a whisper.
Energy Savings: According to the Department of Energy, heat pump systems are able to heat and cool your home at a fraction of the cost of oil or propane systems – reducing energy consumption by up to 40 percent in some cases.
Easy Installation: Unlike systems that would require you to have ductwork added to your home, a heat pump system only requires minimal construction and can be performed by a qualified technician usually within a day (under normal circumstances).

Can Boelcke help me get a heat pump system for my home?

We sure can! When you need heat pumps from a qualified specialist, you can trust Boelcke Heating and Air Conditioning. We can help meet all your home heating needs, large or small. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Why Choose a Full-Service Contractor?

Posted on November 3, 2021April 29, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you’re like most homeowners, you likely rely on help from professionals in order to keep your home running smoothly. In fact, it’s a good idea to leave the installation, maintenance, and repair of certain home equipment, such as air conditioners and heating equipment, to the pros. And when you’re looking for an HVAC contractor for your home, you’ll want to find one who can help meet all of your home comfort needs.

What does a full-service HVAC contractor offer?

Unfortunately, there are some HVAC companies out there who offer only the very basics when it comes to home comfort equipment. That’s why it’s so important to find an experienced contractor who can offer a wide range of HVAC products and services. For instance, when you choose to work with Boelcke for your heating and cooling needs, you’ll be pleased to know we offer:

Full service, at your service!
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Stevensville: (269) 429-9261
Coloma: (269) 468-4321
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Heating & Air Conditioning Installation
Heating & Air Conditioning Repair
Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance
Ductless Heating & Air Conditioning
Heat Pumps
Furnaces
Boilers

Our skilled technicians are pleased to offer you and your family high-quality home comfort equipment from brands like Heil®, and Fujitsu. But, if you don’t have those brands installed in your home, you should know you can rely on us to maintain and repair virtually all equipment makes and models.

How Boelcke Goes Above & Beyond

As you can see, you can rely on Boelcke when you need heating or cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. What’s more, we offer other great products and services to help round out your home comfort product and service needs:

Indoor Air Quality: Are you concerned about the air you and your family are breathing inside your home? Then you can trust Boelcke to help you get the indoor air quality, or IAQ, solutions you need. We proudly offer air sterilization, high-efficiency filters, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and UV lights.
Plumbing: Do you need quality plumbing services for your home? Then count on Boelcke to meet your needs. We’re pleased to offer top-notch plumbing solutions for you and your family. From leaky faucets to complete plumbing overhauls, Boelcke will be more than happy to assist you. Our plumbing technicians are experienced in all types of plumbing repair, replacement, and installation services. We can help you with sinks, tubs, and toilets, as well as outside services including water and sewer main repair and replacement.
Hot Water Heaters: When you need a new water heater, you should know you have different options. Today, there are a number of different types of water heaters available for residential use. Homeowners can choose from the traditional storage water heater, which uses a tank to reserve heated water, as well as tankless options that heat water on demand.
Generators: If you’ve ever been faced with an extended power outage, you know it can be both an inconvenient and costly experience. Being without power in your home not only makes day-to-day activities difficult or impossible, but it also can cause extensive damage to appliances and costly replacement of perishable grocery items. You can avoid these costs and disturbances, though, when you choose a high-quality Honeywell® home generator from Boelcke Heating & Cooling.

I need HVAC, plumbing, or indoor air quality services for my home. Can Boelcke help?

At Boelcke, we’re always ready to help meet any home comfort need you might have – from heating and cooling to plumbing and hot water heaters. Simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

Posted on November 1, 2021January 31, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Here in Southwest Michigan, we get our fair share of chilly fall and winter days. When they arrive, we count on our home’s heating system to keep us warm, safe, and comfortable. As one of the most common types of heating systems, furnaces get widely used across Michigan. Unfortunately, like any machine, wear and tear can cause them to malfunction over time. This post will explain why a furnace may blow cold air and what to do about it.

The thermostat’s settings are wrong

If it’s early in the fall or winter season and you’re just beginning to use your furnace, your thermostat might be set for summer weather still. Take a look at the current settings as well as any scheduled settings. For example, was your home set to cool during the afternoon hours in summer?

Clogged air filters

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There is no rule to determine exactly how often to replace furnace filters. But, sooner or later, they all get clogged with dust and other particles. So if you haven’t changed your furnace filter recently, try taking a look at it. Clogged filters can restrict airflow and by the time air reaches your vents, it may feel cool.

Leaky ductwork

Because of the way ductwork gets designed, they’re rarely 100% sealed. As a result, your heating system is likely losing some hot air through small cracks and openings in the ductwork. With proper ductwork, this is usually negligible. However, if your furnace isn’t blowing the hot air you expect, it could be leaking through damaged ductwork.

The pilot light or flame sensor is out

Many older furnaces have a pilot light visible through a small opening in the furnace. This pilot light is necessary to ignite the larger burner and warm the air to circulate through your home. If the pilot light is out, then your furnace won’t blow hot air. If you know where to find the pilot light, you can take a peak from a safe distance. It should be evident whether the flame is present.

Problem with the fuel supply

Aside from more visible symptoms of a furnace blowing cold air, there could be a less apparent mechanical issue. For example, there could be a problem with the fuel supply. If you have an oil furnace, it could have an empty oil tank. Gas furnaces could experience a weak or shut-off gas supply. If you think you may have a problem related to the fuel supply, call a professional for help with the matter.

Dirty valves or other sensors

There are many mechanical pieces required to operate the furnace. Gas valves, flame sensors, electronic ignitions, and thermocouples are a few. If any of these components malfunction, then you may find yourself in a cold house. If you haven’t tuned up or maintained your furnace recently, it may only need a thorough cleaning. Components of more neglected furnaces may need replacement.

As you can see, there are many reasons why your furnace may not blow hot air. However, you must address the problem immediately before minor issues lead to larger and more expensive ones. Not to mention you don’t want to go another winter’s day in a home without heat.

At Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians can diagnose and fix any broken furnace. We always do our best to repair your equipment, but we will also let you know if replacement is a better option. If so, you can also count on us for quality installation service and products. If your furnace needs repair in the Coloma, MI area, contact us today at (269) 429-9261, and we will be happy to assist you.

Why Choose Annual Maintenance for Your HVAC Equipment?

Posted on September 28, 2021January 31, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

Most homeowners rely on air conditioning to keep them cool during the summer, and furnaces, boilers or heat pumps to keep them warm during the winter months. Because this equipment works so hard to keep you and your family comfortable all year long, it’s important to get it the annual maintenance it needs.

A good portion of your home’s energy budget is devoted to your home comfort system, which is why you want to be sure your heating and cooling equipment is operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. And, the best way to do that is by having it checked by an HVAC professional on a yearly basis. In this article, we’ll explain some of the benefits of preventive maintenance, and tell you how Boelcke can help.

What are some of the main benefits of annual HVAC maintenance?

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Below are a few of the reasons why getting regular heating and cooling maintenance is important. Keep reading to learn more:

Better Performance: Your HVAC system works hard to keep you and your family comfortable all year long. In order to keep it operating in tip-top condition, it’s important to get an annual cleaning and tune-up. That way, you’ll be able to ensure all the moving parts are in good working order, helping your heating and cooling systems perform effectively.
Improved Efficiency: Your home’s heating and cooling system can accumulate dirt and dust during the course of operation, and that can cause them to work less efficiently. For instance, a dirty filter can make your system work much harder to move the conditioned air throughout your home. By getting annual maintenance, your system will operate more efficiently – and that can help you save on energy bills.
Longer System Life: Annual maintenance is a great way to help your home comfort system enjoy a longer life. Not only will your technician make sure your system is cleaned and tuned up properly, but they’ll also be able to find any small problems and take care of them before they become larger ones. And, when they check out your system yearly, they’ll be able to keep a record of any concerns, so if something happens down the road it will be easier to troubleshoot and make the right repairs quickly.
Better Indoor Air Quality: Dirt, dust, and other particles accumulate in your HVAC system, and subsequently circulate through the air in your home. When you choose annual maintenance, though, you can rest assured that your system will be thoroughly cleaned and your filter changed – allowing you and your family to breathe fresher, cleaner air.
Warranty Maintenance: Most HVAC equipment manufacturers require annual maintenance as a condition of keeping the warranty intact. If you don’t get preventive maintenance, it could void your warranty – and cause you to have to pay out of pocket for replacement parts should you need repairs. Make sure to check your warranty and call Boelcke for the maintenance you need!

You can count on Boelcke to help you get the annual maintenance you need for your home comfort system.

At Boelcke, we not only install the best HVAC systems available, but we also make sure they work great for you, year after year, by offering you the annual maintenance you need. That being said, our expert technicians are able to provide maintenance on virtually any make or model of heating and cooling equipment. So, even if we didn’t install your system, we can offer you the maintenance you need to keep it running effectively and efficiently. Check out our maintenance plan page to learn more about what maintenance from Boelcke includes, or simply give us a call at (269) 429-9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

Why Do I Need a Generator for My Home?

Posted on August 31, 2021January 31, 2022 by Boelcke Heating & AC

A power outage, especially an extended one, can be both an inconvenient and a costly experience. Losing power can make usual activities either difficult or impossible, but much more than being inconvenient, an extended power outage can cause some safety and financial concerns. Fortunately, home generators can make power outage concerns a thing of the past. Today’s generators are made to provide the backup power you need to weather the storm.

Five Reasons Why Owning a Home Generator is a Good Idea

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A generator can help preserve your electronics and appliances. Sometimes, loss of power is not exactly predictable. If we’re not home when the power goes out, there might be electronics and equipment running that suddenly shut off at the loss of electricity. When the power comes back on, there can be a sudden surge throughout the home that can damage electronics and appliances. With a generator, this is not a concern.
A family member uses home medical equipment. If someone in your home uses home medical equipment that is powered by electricity, such as home oxygen, a nebulizer, or a CPAP machine, a generator may be crucial. Most equipment comes with a backup battery, but in a prolonged power outage, that may not be enough to keep the equipment powered.
You won’t have to worry about food spoilage. Of course, when the power goes out, so does your fridge and freezer. And if the power is out long enough, you might be faced with food spoilage. According to the Food Safety website, your fridge will only keep food safe for four hours, and your freezer 24-48 hours. Anything beyond that, and you will want to discard most foods. But, if you have a generator, your freezer and refrigerator will keep working – saving you money and possibly food-borne illness!
You’ll stay safe, even during a prolonged power outage. When the power goes out, so do your lights, your HVAC system, and any electric safety products, such as smoke alarms and CO detectors. That means you increase your chances of being injured in your home, either by stumbling around in the dark, your home’s temperature becoming too hot or too cold, or not being alerted in the case of fire or carbon monoxide. A generator keeps lights, AC, furnaces, and safety devices working – keeping you and your family safer.
It can help to avoid basement flooding. Oftentimes, power outages are accompanied by weather that produces a good amount of precipitation. For some homeowners, this increases the likelihood of basement flooding. And, when the power goes out, that means your sump pump won’t be able to work. Unless, of course, you have a backup generator providing it with the energy it needs to get the job done.

How can Boelcke help me get the generator I need for my home?

At Boelcke, we’re pleased to provide quality Honeywell generators that come in a variety of sizes that are capable of powering your entire home. Our home backup solutions provide the power you need during an outage, without the need to start the unit. We proudly offer our customers some of the best home generator solutions available, including Whole-Home Backup Generators. Honeywell automatic backup generators help guard against potential dangers that power outages can bring. These generators automatically turn on when they sense a utility power disruption and provides power until your main power is restored.

Keep your home and family safe during storm season with a generator from Boelcke.

When you need a backup generator from a qualified specialist for your home, you can trust the experts at Boelcke Heating & Air Conditioning. We can help meet your generator needs. Simply give us a call at 269.429.9261, and we will be more than happy to assist you.

What is SEER and Why Does it Matter?

Posted on July 29, 2021March 11, 2024 by Boelcke Heating & AC

If you have an air conditioning system installed in your home, chances are you know that it increases your energy usage. Large equipment like air conditioning uses a great deal of energy. In fact, the Department of Energy indicates that the average household uses about six percent of its annual utility budget on home cooling. What can you do to improve the efficiency of your home’s AC system? The first step is understanding how it uses energy.

SEER, Defined

All cooling equipment has a SEER rating. Often, this rating is posted directly on the equipment. But, what does it mean? SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. In simple terms, a SEER rating is developed by calculating the amount of cooling the unit puts out divided by the amount of energy it takes to make the system operate properly. The higher the SEER rating on an air conditioning system, the more efficient it is. As a result, homeowners should pay close attention to the SEER rating on the AC unit they choose to install and opt for the system with the best efficiency in accordance with their budget.

A Comparison of SEER Ratings

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Older units (those that were produced 20 years ago, for instance) had a SEER rating of around 9. As you can imagine, these older systems required a lot of energy to cool homes. If you have a system that old in your home, it’s likely that you’re paying much more for home cooling than you could be with a modern system, even one with a SEER rating of 13 or 14. Because of this, it is often more cost-effective in the long run to replace an old system.

Modern air conditioning systems generally have a minimum rating of 14 SEER, but there are systems available that are even more energy-efficient. And, ductless air conditioning systems often offer a SEER rating of up to 23. That could mean huge energy savings over an old AC system. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products to ensure the best SEER ratings possible.

How to Improve Your Air Conditioning System’s Efficiency

Of course, if you have a fairly new air conditioning system you likely will not want to replace it. But, if you’re like most homeowners, you’d probably like to make sure it’s operating as efficiently as possible. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help it use less energy and operate more effectively. Learn more:

Keep windows closed while your air conditioning system is operating. That way, you’re keeping the warm air outside, and the cooled air in your living space. And that means your system won’t have to work as hard.
Use appliances that add heat to your home less often during warm weather. Your dryer can add heat to your home, so consider using a clothesline or a drying rack to dry clothing and linens on hot days. And, make use of your outdoor grill or slow cooker when possible.
Turn off ventilation fans when not in use. Use the fans in your kitchen and bath to draw the heat away while cooking and bathing, of course, but turn them off when done so they’re not drawing your cooled air out of the home.
Use curtains or blinds to block the sun in your home. The heat from direct sunlight can warm up your home quickly, so when the sun is at its peak, make sure you draw your curtains and blinds to prevent your home from warming up – and your AC from working harder than necessary.
Make sure you get annual preventive maintenance on your air conditioning system. This will ensure that your system and filters are clean, and all components are in good working order – helping your AC maintain its effectiveness and efficiency.

How Boelcke Can Help

At Boelcke, it’s always our goal to not only help you stay as comfortable as possible but to help you save energy – and ultimately money on your utility bills – as well. If you’d like to learn more about SEER ratings, and if your system is as efficient as it should be, just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll be happy to assist you.