Locally Owned and Serving New Baltimore, MI for Nearly 2 Decades
Oasis HVAC has been proudly serving HVAC customers in New Baltimore, MI since 2007. Our experienced technicians are ready to take the quick drive northeast up I-94 to handle any heating or cooling needs that you have. Call or fill out the short form today if you need help with:
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Our Experience in Heating & Cooling for New Baltimore MI
Homes in New Baltimore tend to be from one of three generations, and the HVAC systems in use reflect that. However, because many of these are or were built to be vacation homes and at least 10 to 20 percent still are, they were not using the latest technology on offer, except very recently.
Generation | Years Built | Heating Systems | Cooling Systems |
1st | 1920s to 1930s | Radiant, if any | Natural air, in-window units |
2nd | Late 1950s to 1960s | Radiant or electric baseboard | In-window, some forced air |
3rd (Current) | 2000s to Present | Heat pump or furnace | Heat pump or forced-air unit |
Below, we’ve listed some of the most common issues we’ve come across while serving New Baltimore’s heating and cooling needs.
Second Homes in New Baltimore Require Special Care
A heating and cooling system in a New Baltimore home is like most mechanical systems: they work best when in frequent use within their natural limits. A combination of lake effect weather, drastic temperature drops, and the lack of consistent use by homeowners makes this difficult to achieve, and can often result in excessive wear for these units in second homes.
This is even true for newer homes built within the past decade or two: winterization can prevent rapid cycling issues during steep temperature changes while ensuring that heat pumps are operating properly in below-freezing temperatures can reduce the risk of icing and failure.
Winterization is Crucial for Second Homes
Ensuring that the units are properly winterized is a key element in annual second-home maintenance. Common steps for winterizing HVAC units include:
- Setting a minimum temperature to prevent freezing of radiant heating systems (60 to 65 degrees) or cycling issues for forced-air units;
- Examining inside pipes for any signs of leakage or cold spots;
- Inspecting outside units for any signs of occlusion of the fans or potential condensate freezing along the coolant pipes;
- Follow best practices for winterization of any units, which may include adding antifreeze to radiant systems;
- Inspect any in-window units for bird and rodent infestation.
For those who do not want to juggle a set of owners’ manuals for this and other systems, scheduling a winter inspection and checkup from the best heating & cooling company in New Baltimore, MI is a cost-effective alternative.
Second-Generation Homes’ Baseboard Heat and In-Window Units Can Struggle
For many days when a homeowner needs heat, baseboard systems are fine and will help keep temperatures. However, they’re inefficient compared to modern options, can cause extreme hot and cold spots due to a lack of airflow, and can quickly become blocked with dust, leading to fire hazards.
In-window units are similar options for cooling that are often used to augment natural airflow and breeze off Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, they have a limited range, leading to potential temperature differences throughout the house. They also generally do not last as long as static units placed outside the home due to the exposure of various parts to the elements and manufacturing choices.
Lake Michigan Causes Cycling Issues, Early Failures
No matter what type of HVAC system your New Baltimore home has, it will always struggle to provide effective heating and cooling on the shores of a lake. Humidity affects how we perceive temperature (like heat index, but also in cooler weather), and as a result, homeowners often set the thermostat higher in the winter and lower in the summer to compensate. This adds strain to any HVAC system.
Condensation and Humidity Within Forced-Air Units
Dovetailing off of the excessive cycling, another issue with higher humidity is that since homes in New Baltimore are vacation spots, they may not be consistently used. With the combination of humidity and frequent disuse, mildew, and mold can grow inside the ducts of any forced-air system, whether it’s a furnace or central air.
Working with Oasis Heating & Cooling
If you’re in need of service or full system replacement, rely on the local experts at Oasis Heating and Cooling. We’re one of the few local companies that dispatch from the Detroit Metro. When we dispatch from St. Clair Shores, you know that you can count on fair and transparent pricing, customer satisfaction, and meeting appointment windows.
Call us at (586) 854-9278 or fill out the appointment scheduling form to get started. We look forward to serving you.