Whether you're new to the area or are in the market for a new HVAC contractor, taking the time to ask the right questions, review credentials and check references will ensure that you select the best contractor for your needs.

Here are nine tips that will assist you when hiring a new HVAC contractor.

1. Do your homework. You want to clearly identify the HVAC problem, know the make and model of your system components and have maintenance paperwork handy so the contractor can quickly assess the situation.
2. Referrals. The best way to locate a reputable HVAC contractor is to ask around and get personal referrals. If you hear a name come up more than once, it's a good sign the company is reliable.
3. License and insurance. Verify the contractor's license on the Michigan state licensing board website. Rule out any contractor who isn't licensed and insured. Additional certifications, such as NATE, indicate a higher education and training level.
4. Check references. Once you've verified a company is licensed and insured, ask for references. Inquire as to whether the company completes jobs on time, stays within a reasonable quote margin and is communicative throughout the process.
5. Look for offers. This time of year, many companies offer special deals; take advantage of them. Also see if they assist customers with obtaining energy-efficient tax credits.
6. Energy Star products. Speaking of energy efficiency, finding a contractor who's well-versed in Energy Star products and can thoroughly explain your options will save you money down the road.
7. Home inspection. HVAC contractors should perform a thorough evaluation of your home, your current system and the duct system to assess its efficiency. They may recommend using Manuals J and D to ensure that your system is adequately sized.
8. Get it in writing. Any work bids or proposals should be written and itemized. Be careful to compare the specific parts, services and warranties included.
9. Sign up for a service contract. If you're happy with your new HVAC contractor, sign up for a service contract. Routine maintenance is a key component in equipment energy efficiency and longevity.

If you're looking for a new HVAC contractor, contact Mast Heating & Cooling. We've emphasized customer service since 1956.

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Although there are hundreds of potential reasons why your air conditioner may need repairs this summer, there are a few common A/C problems to be aware of. In many cases, the only way you can prevent these problems is by scheduling regular maintenance. 

One of the most common A/C problems is due to improper use. When you turn your air conditioner on, ensure that all of your windows and outside doors are shut. When operating a room air conditioner, close it off from the rest of your home.

Here are some other common air conditioning problems:

• Faulty installation - Improper air conditioning installation results in leaky ducts and insufficient airflow. 
• Refrigerant charge - If the amount of refrigerant in the HVAC system doesn't match the manufacturer's specifications, it will affect the unit's performance and efficiency. 
• Inadequate maintenance - When your air conditioning system’s coils become dirty, the unit won't work properly, and the fans or compressor are likely to fail. 
• Sensor issues - If the thermostat’s sensor, situated behind the control panel, is knocked out of position, it could result in the unit cycling constantly or running sporadically. Adjust the sensor’s position by bending the wire until it's near the coil, but not touching it. 
• Tripped switch - When your air conditioner fails, check the circuit breakers and fuses. Allow the unit to cool off and reset any tripped breakers. If the compressor stops, it may be due to having tripped the high-pressure limit switch. Reset the switch by pressing the button in the access panel. 
• Electrical failure - Turning the unit on and off frequently can lead the compressor and fan controls to wear out and need replacing. If the wires and terminals are corroded, they should be checked during a professional service call. 

For more information about common A/C problems or any other home comfort questions, contact the experts at Mast Heating & Cooling. We've been proudly serving the Holland and Zeeland area of Michigan since 1956.

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Neglecting to schedule regular heat pump maintenance not only reduces the expected lifetime of the equipment, but also increases its energy consumption by up to 25 percent.

A poorly-kept HVAC system must work harder to maintain the desired comfort levels in your home. When your system is working overtime, chances are greater that it will suffer a breakdown leading to costly repairs.

Heat pump maintenance requirements break down into two types: those that can be performed by the homeowner and those requiring the services of a certified, professional technician.

Homeowners can perform the following heat pump maintenance procedures:

• Check your filters monthly and replace when the filter is visibly dirty. How often you perform this procedure depends on the amount the unit operates and the dust in the environment, but changes are generally necessary every two to six months. 
• Maintain the system's outside coils by keeping them free of dirt, leaves and other debris at all times. 
• Maintain your blower fan blades by removing any dirt or debris. 
• Inspect and maintain a clean evaporator coil and condensate pan. 
• Clean and straighten the fins on supply and return registers. 

A certified, professional technician should always perform the following heat pump maintenance procedures:

• Inspects filters, ducts, blower and indoor evaporator coils. 
• Inspect the HVAC duct system to identify and repair any leaks. 
• Test the system's airflow to verify that it's adequate. 
• Use professional gauges to verify that your systems refrigerant levels are correct. 
• Test the HVAC system for refrigerant leaks. 
• Clean and tighten all electrical connections and apply nonconductive coatings when necessary.
• Tighten and inspect for wear all belts when applicable. 
• Lubricate fan motors and other moving parts. 
• Test the systems electric control to verify it locks out cooling when the thermostat's set for heat, and vice versa. 
• Test the thermostat to verify that it's working properly. 

Homeowners searching for additional expert advice regarding heat pump maintenance can contact us at Mast Heating and Cooling. We've served the Holland and Zeeland area of Michigan since 1956.

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In the market for a new technician for your Holland or Zeeland area home? Checking for NATE certification is, hands down, the best way to ensure that you're getting the most reliable service for your HVAC system. Let's take a look at what certification means, how it will benefit your household, and why you should only choose technicians who have gone through certifications.

Certification is rigorous

NATE, or North American Technical Excellence, certification is taken seriously within the HVAC community and industry. Orchestrated by a panel of industry professionals that maintains the program's KATEs (Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise) , this nonprofit organization has ensured quality experts since 1997. Training and testing is a rigorous venture, and HVAC professionals can be certified in a wide variety of categories. Certification is good for a period of five years, at which time the technician must be retested in order to retain his or her certification.

A symbol of expertise and excellence

As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. When you hire a NATE-certified HVAC technician, you'll find that he or she is well-versed in a variety of subjects and techniques. The training and testing that's provided ensures that the work being done will always be top notch, and any issues that you have will be quickly and professionally rectified. This is one reason why you should hire technicians who have completed certification.

Another great benefit that NATE certification provides is an understanding of what exceptional customer service is all about. These technicians will not only evaluate your HVAC needs, but they will also explain what's wrong with your system, the steps needed to fix the issue and what you can do in the future to help prevent further problems. And what's wonderful about this is that they will explain all of this in terms you can easily understand.

For expert advice about NATE certification, or for questions relating to home comfort, please be sure to contact the professionals at Mast Heating & Cooling. We've been serving the Holland and Zeeland area of Michigan since 1956.

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Are your electricity bills always increasing and messing up your monthly budget? Using a few time-tested methods and some common sense, homeowners can easily cut utility costs down in a meaningful way. The monetary savings depend on your individual situation, but the energy-saving ideas are still worth your while.

Here's a short list of tips you can use to decrease your home electricity bills and enjoy a more comfortable home:

• Switch to CFL bulbs - Traditional incandescent light bulbs don't last nearly as long as the more environmentally-friendly compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). As your current bulbs burn out, replace them with CFLs.
• Install smarter switches  - These switches turn off lights, fans and other household equipment automatically so there's no more wasted energy.
• Air conditioner servicing - Regular air conditioner maintenance not only keeps the unit running efficiently, but it also lengthens the life span of the HVAC system.
• Stop energy guzzlers - Many electronics waste lots of energy, even when they're off. Plug them into a power strip and turn off the strip when not in use.
• Dryer performance - A blocked lint screen or duct dramatically reduces the efficiency of your dryer. Clean them out to improve performance, save energy and keep your dryer running safely.
• Change filters - A clogged filter in your heating and cooling system makes it work harder, using more energy. Check them once a month and change or clean as needed.
• Water heater savings - Use a timer to turn the unit on and off, drain the tank periodically to reduce sediment and wrap the unit in an water heater insulation blanket if it's warm to the touch.
• Get smart metering - You pay less for energy used at certain times of the day. 
• Refrigerator coil cleaning - Cleaning the coils under and in back of the fridge twice a year with a bendable brush will improve the refrigerator's performance and reduce energy used.

For more information on how to reduce your home's electricity bills, contact the pros at Mast Heating & Cooling. We've been proudly serving the Holland and Zeeland areas of Michigan since 1956.

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Water heaters generally last 8 to 12 years, depending on the quality of the water in your western Michigan home. With proper water heater maintenance, however, you can extend the life of your system, maintain its efficiency and ensure it operates safely year-round.

Annual preventive water heater maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional is recommended, but if you're an experienced DIYer, you can perform some of this maintenance yourself. Here are a handful of tasks you can do to extend the life of your water heater and lower your water heating costs.

1. Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. Hotter temperatures increase the risk of scalding, promote corrosion and increase your energy costs.
2. Maintain 2 feet of clearance around your water heater and keep combustible materials at least 15 feet away.
3. Drain the sediment from your tank annually. Sediment on the bottom of the tank acts as an insulator and makes your system work harder to heat your water. To do this, place a bucket under the drain valve and open it slowly to release water. Let the water flow into the bucket until it comes out clean. Always keep in mind that the water is extremely hot!
4. Test the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve every year to ensure this important safety feature is fully operational. Place a bucket under the discharge pipe and pull up on the TPR valve. If water isn't released when you open the valve, it needs to be replaced.
5. Check the anode rod. This sacrificial metal rod prevents your tank from rusting and should be replaced when more than 6 inches of the core wire is exposed. Loosen the hex head screw and remove the rod to inspect and replace it.
6. Insulate an older water heater with a tank-insulating blanket to improve its efficiency. 
7. Set the thermostat to the vacation setting on a gas unit when you leave town to keep the pilot light lit without heating the water.

For more expert advice on water heater maintenance, please feel free to contact us at Mast Heating & Cooling. We're proud to serve the Holland and Zeeland areas with a high level of customer satisfaction. 

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You’ve probably heard that today’s Energy Star furnaces and air conditioners are gloriously efficient, outpacing their predecessors and saving consumers big money every year on their heating and cooling bills. But maybe what you haven’t heard is that these high-efficiency systems are a little like today’s vehicles — computerized wonders that require specialized tools and expert precision to navigate.

 

This is one reason why you should call on a NATE-certified technician when your high-efficiency system needs a tune-up or repair. The acronym stands for North American Technician Excellence, a stamp of approval that only the most technically proficient contractors earn.

The difference between NATE-certified technicians and everyone else out there? Rigorous on-the-job training, followed by tests that put technicians’ skill under a sharp spotlight. For example, technicians must:

• Log at least one year of on-the-job experience before taking installation technician tests
• Work at least two years on the job before taking service technician tests
• Accrue five years of trade experience to be eligible for senior-level technician status

This ladder system suggests that you can’t rush the process of learning about today’s high-efficiency HVAC systems. It’s a long and complex road. But when a technician earns his wings, it’s actually consumers who benefit.

Nearly 85 percent of customers whose systems were serviced by NATE-certified technicians said they would ask for the very same contractor again — a vote of confidence almost unheard of in the HVAC industry. These customers were impressed that their technician provided fast, efficient service, addressed their HVAC problem with ease and were both professional and respectful on the job. 

NATE sets high standards, and so does Mast Heating & Cooling. Contact us today for more information about your high-efficiency system. We proudly serve homeowners throughout western Michigan.

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Do you have a plan to stay warm this winter? Does it involve anything other than "turn on the furnace?" Home comfort is a necessity this time of year, especially in western Michigan. But it's still something a lot of people don't give much thought to.

Fortunately, Mast Heating & Cooling does give a lot of thought to home comfort. Our seven step plan helps us make sure you're getting the best HVAC system for your home, and that it's installed properly to meet your needs.

1. Home use and livability survey -- What is your house like? Is there a particular section that stays cold or gets hot faster than the others? What do you want to get out of your system? Determining these answers ensures that your new system will adequately meet your needs.
2. Manual J -- This is the industry standard for calculating the exact amount of heating or cooling necessary to keep your home comfortable.
3. Proper sizing -- A furnace that's too small will waste energy and won't heat your home properly. But one that's too big will cycle on and off too frequently, causing disparate temperatures through the house. Using the data from steps one and two, we'll determine how big a unit you need for your home and make sure you get the correct size.
4. Exploring options -- We'll sit down with you and discuss your home-comfort options, from the unit to the installation to the price range.
5. Install-Right guarantees -- All our products and services are backed up by written Install-Right warranties, to make sure our systems stand the test of time.
6. Installation -- A great HVAC system can easily be undermined by a sloppy installation. All of our contractors are highly trained experts who will ensure you get the best installation possible.
7. Support -- Our home-comfort specialists are on call 24/7 and can respond to an HVAC emergency within 4 hours to make sure your home is comfortable and your furnace runs smoothly all winter long.

For more home-comfort solutions or to schedule an appointment, contact Mast Heating & Cooling. We've served the HVAC needs of the Holland and Zeeland areas since 1954.

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Getting your furnace serviced before the winter winds start to blow across western Michigan is an important part of keeping your heating system in good working order. Equally important is choosing an HVAC technician with NATE certification to perform the service, or any necessary repairs.

This logo shows that you're dealing with a technician who is well-trained and holds superior knowledge of heating and cooling equipment.

What is NATE certification?
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the leading certification program in the U.S. for heating, ventilation and air conditioning technicians. When you see the NATE logo on an HVAC technician's uniform, you can trust that he or she has completed -- and passed -- rigorous testing. To receive NATE certification, technicians must successfully complete a general exam and at least one specialty exam. These tests are offered in 21 different areas, such as gas furnace installation, heat pump installation and gas furnace service, and the program is fully supported industry-wide by manufacturers, contractors and utility companies. 

Why hire a NATE-certified technician?
When you hire a technician with NATE certification, you can be assured that the technician has the day-to-day working knowledge of common household issues and equipment needs -- not just book learning. A NATE-certified technician has proven his or her commitment to the HVAC industry and knowledge of heating and cooling systems. NATE certification makes selecting a technician easy: Need maintenance work? Choose a technician with NATE certification in that area.

If you'd like to have a technician with NATE certification work on your furnace or heat pump, give Mast Heating & Cooling a call today. We've been helping residents of the Holland and Zeeland areas of western Michigan with their heating and cooling needs since 1956.

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Winter is just around the corner. If you haven't gotten to your fall home-maintenance checklist, now's the time to get started. In addition to changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and CO detectors and replenishing your emergency weather supplies, you should make sure your home is as weathertight as possible. Here are three important steps you can take to boost your home's energy efficiency. 

Maintain your HVAC system

• Schedule an HVAC-system tune-up. Preventive maintenance will not only extend the life of your furnace, but also help to keep down your energy bills. Your qualified HVAC professional will check your system, make sure all the parts are clean and lubricated, the connections are tight and no dangerous gases are leaking into your home. 
• The filter in your furnace helps to keep your indoor air clean and your furnace working properly. Dust can build up in your system and ultimately lead to expensive repairs. Check your furnace filter regularly and change it as soon as it looks dirty.

Seal air leaks

• Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal air leaks in your home. Look for leaks around window and door frames, at spots where wires, cables and plumbing penetrate exterior walls and where different construction materials meet outside your home.
• Check your ducts for loose joints, tears and holes, and seal them with metal tape or mastic.
• Check your fireplace damper for proper operation.

Insulate

• Check your attic insulation. If you have less than 7 inches of insulation, consider adding 5 or 6 more inches.  
• Insulate your ductwork. Although you can do part of this job yourself, you may want to hire a contractor to reach the hard-to-access ductwork. 
• Insulate the hot and cold water pipes For even more savings, insulate the heater itself. You can find water-heater blankets at most home improvement stores. 

Mast Heating & Cooling has served the Holland and Zeeland areas of western Michigan since 1956. Contact us for more expert advice on improving your home energy efficiency.

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Most of the time, when your HVAC system needs help, it's best to call your trusted, local service technician, but there's one thing you can do yourself this winter that provides numerous benefits. Changing the furnace filter is a small task that provides big benefits -- and both your furnace and wallet will benefit.

Here's why changing the furnace filter is important:

• A dirty air filter restricts airflow into your system's air handler, which increases the strain on the fan motor, as it has to work harder to keep air moving through the system. This frequently leads to stress on the system, increased wear and tear, and even a system breakdown.
• Your furnace is comprised of a series of finely tuned components, and when any one part isn't functioning as it should, the whole system suffers. As a result, you may notice two results. You may start to notice cold zones in your home, no matter how high you turn up the furnace. Further, as the furnace works to overcome dirt buildup in the filter and restricted airflow, energy bills may grow.
• Indoor air quality may suffer when the filter is dirty, as it's no longer able to effectively trap all the particles as they pass through it, resulting in more dust and other air contaminants accessing the furnace system and your home.

The furnace filter should be checked every month during seasons of high use, and you may have to change it monthly, depending on several factors. Smokers and people with pets often have to change the filter every month. If you're concerned about indoor pollution, more frequent filter changes may afford higher air quality. One of the easiest ways to check the condition of the filter? Hold it up to a light. If you can't see the light shining through the filter, change it.

Mast Heating & Cooling has been serving the Holland and Zeeland area of western Michigan since 1956. Give us a call if you have any questions about changing the furnace filter in your home. We're here to help you stay warm and comfortable.

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As colder weather settles into the Holland and Zeeland areas of Michigan, you’re going to want to crank up your gas furnace to feel comfortable. But you can’t feel comfortable if you’re worrying about safety. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to gas furnace safety, to get your questions answered and help you decide when it’s time to call a pro.

Keeping up with preventive maintenance is one of the most important elements when it comes to gas furnace safety. If you’re reading this, you’re probably a responsible homeowner, but nothing can replace the skill and expertise a professional develops over the years, especially when it comes to something as potentially dangerous as a malfunctioning furnace. So have your gas furnace professionally cleaned and tuned up regularly.

Other steps you should take include:

• Placing carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, and one in the vicinity of the furnace — though not closer than 15 feet. Avoid placing these detectors too close to humid areas like bathrooms.
• Making sure all flammable materials are stored well away from the furnace. Try not to use flammable aerosols at all in the winter.
• Checking your furnace filter every month and changing it often. This simple DIY gas furnace safety tip not only enhances air quality, but facilitates airflow through the furnace, preventing it from overheating.
• If you smell any gas odors or rotten eggs, don’t try to take care of the problem yourself. Call a professional — or even 9-1-1 — right way.

Keep on top of furnace maintenance between maintenance visits. During maintenance, your technician will perform gas furnace safety tests to ensure no cracks have developed in the heat exchanger, which is a common way carbon monoxide is released into the house. The technician will test the pilot light, if your system has one, which should be a deep blue. Any other color means it’s running inefficiently, or even dangerously. Your technician will also make sure the motor is well-oiled, and that the control valve, thermostat and ventilation are all working properly.

To learn more about gas furnace safety or to schedule maintenance, call Mast Heating & Cooling. We’re happy to help Holland- and Zeeland-area homeowners stay safe and comfortable without spending a bundle.

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Have you changed your furnace air filter lately? If you can’t remember, the answer is probably no. Don't feel bad. It's easy to overlook a furnace filter. But here's why you should check the filter regularly and change it whenever it's dirty. 

First, remember that your furnace filter works much like the air filter in your car. The filter performs a basic and vital function: It traps dirt and debris and keeps it out of the motor, where it would restrict airflow and cause the motor to perform sluggishly. In a worst-case scenario, the furnace could overheat and shut down entirely. A dirty filter:

• Forces your furnace to work harder than it should and consume more energy than it needs to. This means your energy bills are higher than they should be.
• Allows your home's air quality to deteriorate, which can aggravate allergies and asthma. Family members with respiratory problems, as well as babies and the elderly, are especially vulnerable.
• Spews dirty air throughout your home. The dirt and dust land on your furniture, windows, walls and floor.

On the other hand, a clean filter:

• Is relatively inexpensive and keeps your furnace working as it should.
• Helps to prevent expensive furnace repairs.
• Extends the life span of your furnace.

It’s a good idea to check your furnace air filter every month, for good measure. Replace the filter whenever you can't see daylight through it. Check your owner’s manual until you master the procedure. 

If you have any questions about filters or furnace operation in general, call the experts at Mast Heating & Cooling. We serve homeowners in Zeeland and surrounding areas of Western Michigan and we're happy to help -- and happier to see your furnace give you the comfort it was designed to provide. 

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Fall is the perfect time to schedule an annual maintenance appointment for your heating system. As winter approaches, getting your furnace or heat pump inspected helps prevent any breakdowns or malfunctions during cold weather, and ensures that the system will operate efficiently over the upcoming winter season.

During the visit, your HVAC service technician will perform a variety of tests, and diagnose and fix any problems he or she finds. Tune-up checks for both a furnace or heat pump system include:

• Checking the ductwork for air leaks. Since these leaks lead to the loss of treated air, they need to be sealed for energy efficiency.
• Testing the airflow through the system for proper function. Poor airflow can cause inadequate heating in all or parts of the home
• Testing all electrical components and controls
• Inspecting the motors and belts on the equipment, and lubricating if necessary
• Checking the air filter, and replacing or cleaning if needed. A dirty or clogged filter impedes proper airflow.
• Checking the thermostat to ensure that it's in working order

For heat pump systems, the technician will also perform this check:

• Heat pumps carry a liquid called a refrigerant that must be checked annually. The unit must carry the proper amount of refrigerant to function at an optimal level. The service technician will look for any leaks and make certain the equipment holds the manufacturer's recommended level of refrigerant. 

If you have a furnace, maintenance will include this check:

• Most household furnaces burn natural gas or oil and can leak carbon monoxide if the unit is not working properly. For instance, a heat exchanger, which separates the combustion chamber from the treated air, can allow carbon monoxide to get into the home if it's cracked. The service technician will check for any cracks or leaks, ensuring that this dangerous gas does not pose a threat to you or your family.

For more expert advice on your heating system and other issues related to home comfort, contact us at Mast Heating & Cooling. We have served Western Michigan since 1956.

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Maintaining your solar panels is the key to maintaining sufficient power output. But considering the system has no moving parts, consumes no fluids and most panels are warranted for 25 years, what sort of maintenance is required?

The manufacturer’s power output specifications for your panels are calculated in a laboratory environment utilizing clean, clear panel covers. Mounted on your roof, however, airborne dust accumulates on panels over time, in amounts that may not even be visible to the eye. In fact, just 4 grams of dust distributed over each square meter of solar panels can cut your system’s total power output up to 40 percent. Rainfall alone can’t be relied upon to wash away the problem.

Here are some guidelines for maintaining your solar panels to keep power consistent, rain or shine:

1. Because panels may not need cleaning during rainy periods, instead of scheduling maintenance by regular increments, the Department Of Energy recommends 8 to 16 hours of panel maintenance per year, allocated according to weather and dust accumulation.
2. For most cleaning, rinsing the panels with a garden hose and nozzle from the ground is sufficient to remove average dust accumulations. Work in the morning hours before the glass panel covers get overly hot from the sun.
3. If a thick layer of dust and/or bird droppings requires cleaning by hand, take extreme care to avoid slipping on the wet roof. Using biodegradable dishwashing soap and a car-washing sponge, soap the panels, then rinse with clear water. After rinsing, a long-handled squeegee is useful to reduce spotting. 
4. Cleaning is the only do-it-yourself maintenance procedure required on a residential solar system. Your solar installer can suggest a schedule for further professional service by a technician to include verifying electrical connections, checking fuses and fuse holders, and inspecting the silicon sealant around the frame of each panel.

The premier heating and air conditioning company since 1956, Mast Heating & Cooling serves homeowners in the Holland, Zeeland and surrounding areas of western Michigan with trusted sales and service. Ask us about maintaining your solar panels for full power and efficiency. 

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If you’re getting new HVAC equipment, professionally sized ductwork is a must. Your contractor must determine your cooling and heating load and install equipment that has been correctly sized. But correctly sized ductwork is just as important, because your home comfort also depends on how well that ductwork can deliver conditioned air.

Most industry contractors rely on the Manual D method for sizing ductwork. This method was developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America and builds on the load calculation for sizing equipment, called Manual J. Combined, these two calculations offer maximum value for your investment and ensure that your home is comfortably and efficiently heated and cooled.

To match your ducts to the capacity of your new system, your contractor will take into consideration the following factors:

• Duct size
• The seal on the duct’s joints
• Ducts that require insulation
• The best location for ducts, including supply ducts and return registers

These factors are important, because if, for instance, the ducts leak, you’ll end up losing a lot of energy in the form of conditioned air. By the same token, leaks and cracks can allow outside air into the ducts -- and lead to temperature losses and gains.

Another component that your contractor will consider in a sizing calculation is the air handler. A single-speed air handler performs differently from a variable-speed air handler, and your contractor will make adjustments in the ductwork to accommodate this difference.

In general, duct sizing will produce a comfortably conditioned home. Each supply duct will be uniquely sized to meet each room’s heating and cooling load. Imagine a home where the ducts are uniformly sized, delivering the same amount of conditioned air into each room. You would end up with some rooms being too hot and others being too cold.

For expert advice about ductwork or any other heating and cooling concerns, contact Mast Heating & Cooling today. We have served homeowners in the Holland and Zeeland areas since 1956.

When you're in the process of selecting a new HVAC system, chances are you're considering its energy efficiency, sizing it properly and getting your home ready for its installation. However, taking time to consider HVAC warranties for the systems you're looking at is another factor that can impact your decision.

The warranty is just as important as the integrity of the heating and cooling system that you choose, not only because the heating season is long and intense in our region, so your HVAC system gets a lot of use, but it's also critical to protect your cooling system.

Warranty periods vary depending on the manufacturer and the model of the system you purchase. Some consumers consider longer HVAC warranties as an important upgrade. Being able to rely on the warranty for repairs can help you save a good deal of money should you encounter a problem, particularly one that has an expensive price tag.

You may also be able to purchase an extended warranty for your system that prolongs your protection for years to come. A warranty that can be transferred to someone else should you sell your home may be a selling point for a home buyer, since it removes the uncertainty associated with the largest and most expensive piece of equipment in the home.

HVAC warranties also require that you keep up with routine system maintenance. Most manufacturers won't cover repairs that result from lack of maintenance, either from an HVAC technician or yourself. Dust and dirt inside the HVAC system are generally the primary cause of system problems, so once your new system has been installed, make sure that you spend some time with the installation team going over the required maintenance. Ask your technicians about the tasks you should perform and what they will do to keep the warranty active. Besides keeping your HVAC system running longer, routine maintenance helps maintain the system's efficiency, which lowers your utility bills.

If you would like more information about the importance of HVAC warranties, or would like to find out more about the warranties we offer, contact Mast Heating & Cooling. We've provided HVAC services for the Holland and Zeeland region since 1956.

If you're ready to replace your old heating and cooling system with a new, energy-efficient system, you're off to a great start toward saving money on your future energy costs.

But don't forget a key component: Ensuring that the HVAC installation is done properly. If it's not, the equipment may not function correctly or it might even stop working.

While it's a service technician's job to provide an expert HVAC installation, it never hurts for you, the consumer, to educate yourself about what must be done and even to survey the installation as it's taking place. Look at the installation as a learning experience, providing you with helpful insights if your system ever requires your expert eye in the future.

Before the HVAC installation even occurs, however, have a pro size your HVAC system for the right fit, literally, for your home. Contrary to popular belief, bigger is not always better. In fact, when it comes to HVAC systems, too large a system will generally be wasteful and inefficient. So make sure that you understand your home's heating and cooling load, and how it led to your system choice. An informed consumer, after all, is a confident consumer.

Prepare for the actual installation with guidelines from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Know that your installer will:

• Provide adequate room around the equipment for service and maintenance.
• Install and set up a programmable thermostat.
• Show you how to check and change the filter.
• Test the airflow rate on the A/C, furnace or heat pump.
• Check that the burner on your furnace or boiler is operating properly and that the flue gases vent as they should.
• Install an indoor coil when replacing an outdoor unit. 
• Check the amount of refrigerant in the system.
• Verify that the airflow across the indoor coil meets the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Place the condenser in an area that can be protected from the elements.

When you get ready to purchase a new HVAC system, know that Mast Heating & Cooling will be your partner in the process from start to finish, from the time we assess your old system until your new one turns "on" to provide you with years of comfort. 

Who can blame you if you’re nervous about choosing a heating and cooling contractor? Who knows if the contractor will really fix the problem? Who knows if the contractor will treat your home with respect? And who knows if the contractor will even show up?

If you call Mast Heating & Cooling, you will know.

Mast has been providing 24-hour, same-day service to Zeeland and Holland area homeowners for more than 50 years. While we’re proud of our longevity, we’re even prouder of the professional affiliations that exemplify the expertise and professionalism we bring to every customer we serve.

ACCA

For one, Mast is a proud member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), which is the largest HVAC organization in the world. ACCA provides real-world training and education courses to help put members head and shoulders above those who eschew membership. ACCA sets the bar for HVAC contractors high, and that’s the only place Mast wants it to be.

NATE

That's why we’re equally proud that many of our technicians have earned the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. Technicians who are NATE-certified must demonstrate their expertise with HVAC systems by passing rigorous, hands-on tests. Call them the eager overachievers of the industry. There is no doubt that NATE-certified technicians are peerless when it comes to technical ability.

Further NATE's non-profit certification organization reports other interesting findings about NATE technicians. Among them: They deliver better and more efficient service, require fewer return calls and, ultimately, provide greater customer satisfaction.

In fact, a customer satisfaction survey revealed that nearly 85 percent of customers said they would hire the "same contractor" if he or she were NATE-certified. And nearly 70 percent of customers reported being "extremely satisfied" with their NATE-certified technician.

Companies that promote the standards of ACCA and NATE are committed to providing only the highest level of customer service to people they want to keep as customers for a lifetime -- or at least another 50 years. That's why when you're choosing a heating and cooling contractor, you should call the experts at Mast Heating & Cooling.

Changing the air filter in your HVAC system is one of the most important maintenance tasks you can perform. However, the selection of a new filter can be a confusing task since there are so many types available. Understanding how air filters are rated can help you choose the best filter for your needs.

 

When choosing a filter, one common phrase you will see on filter packaging is "MERV rating." MERV, or minimum efficiency rating value, is the standard rating system for the effectiveness of an air filter. Typically, the higher the MERV for the filter, the better the filtration provided. Using multiple layers of filtration material, denser or more tightly woven material and overall design elements such as pleating all help improve a filter's MERV rating.

MERV ratings for household air filters can range anywhere from 1 to 16 on the scale. You might be tempted to choose the least expensive filters for a few dollars each but in doing so may choose a product with only a 2 to 3 MERV. This will only block the largest particles of debris and dirt from going into the system, and will do nothing to block most allergens. 

Air filters with a MERV rating of 13 or greater will catch the most microscopic particles of debris, pet dander, dust, mold, smoke and bacteria. However, these filters are so dense that they can restrict airflow and decrease the efficiency of the system. Air filters around 7 to 8 MERV should be ideal for most households. They catch a large array of common pollutants and debris, still operate efficiently and bear a reasonable replacement cost. Households with allergy or asthma issues may require air filters with a 10 MERV for the better control. You should plan on replacing filters at least every three months unless the filter indicates otherwise.

For more information on choosing an air filter or to schedule service, contact the friendly experts at Mast Heating & Cooling. We have been proudly serving Holland, Grand Rapids and west Michigan since 1956.