How Room Design Can Affect Airflow in Your Home

Did you know that your room designs could be hurting your health and your home's energy efficiency? Some designs allow rooms to get more airflow. Good airflow helps prevent the buildup of pollutants and stagnant moisture. As a result, indoor air becomes healthier and feels more comfortable. Additionally, regulating the temperature of your rooms gets much easier and doesn't require you to run your heating or cooling system as often. Let's look at some of the ways a room's design can improve or impede airflow.

Unnecessary Walls

The air current within a room can be stopped quickly if it runs into an unnecessary wall. The fewer walls you have, the better the flow of air will be in your home. While walls are necessary for support and privacy, consider designing your house without the walls that aren't really necessary for your home's structural integrity, especially in the common areas.

Improper Placement of Vents

Vent placement is a critical aspect of room design. Positioning vents correctly ensures that they're not in an area where items like furniture and interior design elements can easily cover them. Closed or blocked vents cause airflow restrictions.

An HVAC company can help you position your vents correctly. For rooms that are already ventilated, try rearranging the furniture to enable smooth airflow and ventilation.

Multiple Windows

Having just a single window in a room will allow you to get a good amount of fresh air. However, if you want to increase airflow in the room, you'll need at least two windows.

In a room with two windows, air flows in through one of the windows and leaves through the other window as a result of convection. This movement of air naturally creates a breeze and allows the room's air to be replaced continuously, making the addition of windows an excellent option for any of your rooms.

Logically placed windows, vents, and walls will facilitate increased airflow in your home. For more information on room design and improvement of airflow, contact us at Air Assurance, proudly serving Broken Arrow's heating, air-conditioning, and indoor-environmental needs.

Keep Your HVAC System Running Efficiently By Scheduling An Annual Service Check

Even though our heating and cooling systems are an important part of our at-home environment and comfort level, it is easy to forget about them until they break down. Ignoring your HVAC system until it breaks can cause major problems for you and your family. Even if they do not break down, an improperly maintained HVAC system can cost you money -- that is why an annual service check is so important.An annual service check should involve:

• Checking coils

• Testing your compressor

• Oiling fans

• Making necessary adjustments to belts

• Comparing pressure and temperatures to the manufacturer's specifications

If you do not properly maintain your HVAC system you can end up with problems, such as ducts that leak and dirty flues -- issues that will reduce the efficiency of your system and drive up your operating costs. The good news is that these problems are easily avoided by scheduling an annual service check with a professional technician.It is important that you not wait too long to schedule your annual check-up. If you wait too long, your HVAC system could break down when you need it to stay cool or to keep warm. You should schedule your annual service check with a trained professional before the heating and cooling seasons begin so you can avoid this inconvenience.When you are looking for companies to service your HVAC system in Broken Arrow, there are certain things you should look for:

• Well-trained technicians

• Guaranteed services and equipment

• A record of successful service checks with satisfied clients

If you live in the Broken Arrow area and are in need of an annual service check, you should contact our well-trained teamat Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!      

Have Your Air-Conditioning System Checked Out Now To Keep It Humming All Summer Long

Things are beginning to heat up here in Broken Arrow, reminding us that summer will be here before we know it. Before the spring weather gives way to those hot, sweaty dog days, make it a priority to have your air conditioning system checked out. It’ll be comforting to know that you are doing your best to prevent a breakdown on one of those stifling days when you need cool air the most.It’s also a great way to keep a handle on your summer electricity bills, since air conditioners that are running efficiently consume less energy. With regular maintenance, a good A/C system can last a long time, so make sure that you’re getting the most mileage possible out of yours.One simple thing that you can do yourself to reduce your energy costs is to keep your air conditioning unit clean (wash from the inside out). Make sure that the air filter and vents on the inside and outside are dirt- and dust-free; remove any debris and make sure the vents are clear of anything that could obstruct them.A service technician will be able to dig deeper by:

• Checking the refrigerant, air flow and thermostat
• Making sure that the ducts are all properly sealed
• Tightening connections as necessary
• Checking the motors for wear and tear and lubricating them

He or she should also be able to diagnose and resolve other issues your air conditioning system may be experiencing, such as over-frequent cycling on and off, ice buildup, odors or any problems with the breakers. To make sure you’re getting the best advice possible, find someone who is a certified NATE technician (North American Technician Excellence).Don’t take any chances with your comfort or energy bills this summer. Have the expert NATE-certified technicians at Air Assurance service your air conditioning system now, and enjoy smooth sailing all summer long. To ask questions or to get expert advice on this or other HVAC issues, please visit our website.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Key Components Of An Annual Service Check

An annual service check is near the top of the U.S. Department of Energy's  HVAC to-do list for homeowners. It's #2, right after monthly filter changes. And it's money well spent: You're protecting major investments, namely your heating and air conditioning system, and you're ensuring the comfort and safety of your family.Annual service checks catch problems before they happen and keep your system running efficiently year-round. A professional service technician will perform the following services to your oil, gas or electric HVAC system:

• Inspect and clean burners and heat exchangers
• Check vent flow and clean obstructions from the venting
• Test the thermostat and electrical connections to be sure they're working properly and at correct voltage, so the system starts and stops as it should
• Inspect oil fans and and other moving parts
• Clean A/C condenser coils
• Check/adjust the refrigerant level as needed
• Make sure the drain is clear for A/C and dehumidifier (if applicable)

These are just a few of the major things a check/tune-up will provide.  Air Assurance provides over 30+ checks while doing their maintenance.Everything runs smoother and more efficiently when cleaned and lubricated.  Your HVAC system is no exception. Burners and coils are the heart of your system. Furnace burners, like those on a stove, need cleaning to prevent the dirt and dust accumulation that leads to corrosion, rust and breakdowns. Without regular cleaning, burners become clogged, burn inefficiently and can cause damage to the heat exchanger. Cracks in the heat exchanger can allow combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) to escape into the air in your home.Coils need regular cleaning to remove the cottonwood, dust, grass clippings, etc away from the unit so that it can breathe, otherwise, putting too much strain on the compressor causes  it to prematurely give out.Don't let this happen to you. Call us today for more information. Ask about our preventive maintenance plan that keeps your system clean with annual service checks. It also offers priority service; no extra charges for emergency service; a 15 percent savings on any repairs (service and labor) and more. It also is a big part in the exclusive Limited Lifetime Repair Warranty only offered by Air Assurance! Visit us at the Air Assurance website, and don't hesitate to contact us for more information. We're always happy to help.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Get Ready For Summer By Upgrading To High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

Summer is right around the corner here in the Tulsa Metro area, and that means it's just about time for your air conditioner to go back to work. If your system is old and/or approaching the end of its life, you might want to consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency air conditioning unit to provide your home with cool air. High-efficiency air conditioning units provide the best path to a cool house this summer. While they do cost a bit more upfront than standard A/Cs, you'll save a lot on utility bills, which means they'll go a long way towards paying for themselves in the long run.To find out how efficient an air conditioning unit is, look at its SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). Usually, high-efficiency air conditioning units have a SEER that falls somewhere between 16-23. By installing a high-efficiency air conditioning unit in your home, you can reduce the amount of energy you consume by as much as 30-50 percent.High-efficiency air conditioners can also improve on your home's indoor air quality. According to the EPA, poor air quality inside of homes and other buildings is one of the top five health risks to humans. High-efficiency air conditioning systems are better than standard models at filtering out dust, pollen and other allergens from the air.  This is usually because of their variable speed output or 2-stage operations, allowing for a more constant level of service.So high-efficiency A/C systems kill two birds with one stone. They help you combat rising energy costs while fighting off the summer heat at the same time.If you think that your home could benefit from a more efficient air conditioning system, please contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We can help assess your needs and find the right unit for your budget and your needs.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Air Filtration Systems: How They Work

A mechanical air filtration system can remove particles of dust, animal dander and dust mites from the air you breathe at home or work, improving your comfort and health. Here's how the filters work:Basic air filtration systems consist of simple panels that cover the intake of furnaces or air vents. The most basic ones are made of fiberglass or polyester and allow air to pass through but trap large particles. Depending on the filter, it is meant to be either replaced or washed periodically.Though these basic filters are effective against dust, smoke and pollen, they don't work to trap harmful molds, bacteria or viruses, which are much smaller and can seep through. This is where High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can come in. HEPA filters more efficiently capture spores and viruses, filtering out nearly all airborne particulates. Despite one drawback -- motorized fans blow the air through HEPA filters, which can be a bit noisy -- they are the most widely used filters on the market.However, technology is advancing every day, and there are some filtration devices that approach HEPA filtration levels, but allow the filtration to happen without the fans and noise.  You can visit www.IQAIR.com to find out more.  We are the only IQAIR dealer in Oklahoma! They've been featured on Extreme Makeover, as filtration devices used for people with hyper-sensitivity, allergies, or problematic lung and heart patients.Another option: UV filters, which can be combined with HEPA filters to make them even more efficient. HEPA filters catch the harmful pollutants in the air, but UV filters neutralize them. They release short-wave ultraviolet light that breaks down the particulates on a molecular level, altering their DNA and killing them.Air Assurance has been servicing the Broken Arrow and Tulsa region for over 30 years. Please feel free to contact us to ask about air filtration systems or any other heating and cooling questions.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Five Types Of Air Filters You Need To Know

When deciding what kind of HVAC air filter you want to use, there are a number of factors to consider.  Some are designed to be cleaned more frequently than others while some are more efficient.  Here are five of the most common types of air filters for use in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow region.Disposable FiltersThese are the most common air filters that are used because of their economical pricing and ease of use.  They should be replaced every six to eight weeks for maximum efficiency.  They are not designed to be washed.  This will only create holes which will make them less efficient.  As for efficiency, these are what is described as "boulder catchers".  They can only filter the extremely large particles flowing throughout your system, for instance, many can't stop salt when sprinkled on top of them.Permanent FiltersThese come in various sizes to fit your needs and do not need to be replaced.  They are easily removable to allow the user to clean them.  It is recommended that you clean them every 30 to 60 days to keep them operating at full power.  These are normally the most restrictive type air filters due to the long lasting fiber the filter is made out of.  This can put a major strain on airflow, causing increased dust, reduced comfort, and potential harm to the system.Hammock FiltersThese come in a  20-foot roll, allowing you to cut the filter to the appropriate size for a your hammock frame.  Once cut, you simply place them in the frame and trim any excess.  They should be disposed and replaced every 60 days. This is similair to the disposable in efficiency.  Most homeowners are bothered by the time it takes to maintain these.Electrostatic Air CleanerThese use electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles in the air and are very efficient at arresting dust, pollen, bacteria and other airborne pollutants.  They are permanent and can be easily washed every month.  Again, these type of filters are extremely restrictive to air flow.Large Pleated Media FiltersThis type of filter is popular because of the low maintenance required to keep them lasting for at least five years.  They tend to have very high efficiency levels and use a media cartridge that has to be replaced only every six months.  There are several different "levels" of pleated media.  You don't have to get the most expensive!  Usually those are very restrictive as well.If you are wondering what type of filtration system is best for your and your family, just ask your technician.  And by the way, Air Assurance has designed their own filters.  They're called Clean-Climate and we've tested them to make sure you get the optimum value of low resistance, high efficiency cleaning, as well as economic pricing.Air Assurance has been serving Oklahoma residents for more than 30 years. Experts are available to answer any questions you may have and provide any services you may need.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Get Efficient A/C Systems With SEER

No matter whether you live in Broken Arrow, Tulsa or any other town or city across the state of Oklahoma, when you’re A/C system isn’t operating at top capacity, you certainly feel it. And when your equipment has passed the 10-year mark in age, it’s time to seriously look at replacing the system you have now with a high-efficiency air conditioning unit.When embarking on this adventure, you should be aware of the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of the unit you will purchase. Cost-efficiency is important in these days of rising energy costs.What is SEER?The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating of an air conditioning unit, measuring the cooling output against the amount of energy (watt-hours) used over the course of a season of cooling. But what you really need to know is this: it measures how effectively a unit will cool your home. Think of it as Miles Per Gallon on a car.The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is, and the less you will pay in cooling costs. Remember:

• Older air conditioners usually have a lower SEER rating of perhaps 5 or 6.

• More efficient models have a rating of at least 14 and can extend to 21+. Geothermal units can go as high as 27!

Save Money with Efficient Energy UseResidential air conditioners are currently required to be manufactured with a minimum rating of 13. But when you decide to replace your A/C system, you should look at getting a SEER rating of 14 on your unit, which qualifies it as an Energy Star air conditioner. Energy Star labels tell you you're getting energy-efficient equipment. Typically, these units also qualify for additional utility company rebates which can often offset the cost of the upgrade.When you have a long cooling season and high electricity costs, it is quite justified to spend a little more upfront for a high-efficiency A/C unit because you'll save more over time.To review your options thoroughly, it’s best to get a professional HVAC contractor to go over them with you. At Air Assurance, we are happy to answer any questions and give you our expert advice.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Programmable Thermostat Features

Programmable thermostats are an excellent way to increase the energy efficiency of your home and save money on your monthly utility bills. They work especially well for anyone who is gone from their home for a specific period of time during the week. With a programmable thermostat you can set the temperature of your home and have your heating/cooling system operate only when it's needed.Programmable thermostats possess a temperature-sensitive switch that enables them to maintain the temperature you set. When choosing a programmable thermostat, you should take your weekly schedule into account. There are three different kinds of options that you can choose from:7-Day Model7-day models are the most efficient option if you or your family members have varying schedules throughout the week, therefor allowing the optimum schedule to be set for any day of the week. For example, if you work later than usual on Tuesdays, or have children that arrive home from school earlier than usual on Wednesdays, a 7-day model will allow you to program specific times for your heating/cooling system to kick in.5+2-Day Model5+2-day models are the way to go if you have the same schedule each week and have a separate schedule on the weekends. So, for instance if you arrive home at 5 o'clock each day during the week, you can set your thermostat to start running each day shortly before you return, so the house is comfortable when you arrive. On the weekends, you can set an entirely different schedule that will be the same for both two days.5-1-1 Model5-1-1 models are similar to 5+2-day models, except that they allow you to have a different schedule for each weekend day. So,  you can have the same schedule set during the week, as well as a different schedule for Saturday and a different schedule for Sunday.Some other options that can be found on programmable thermostats, are:

• Touch-pad screen programming

• Voice/phone programming

• Vacation settings

• Dirty air filter alerts

• Equipment malfunction alerts

• I-Phone or smart phone controlled

If a programmable thermostat is used correctly, it can pay for itself within four years. If you are having trouble deciding what thermostat would be best your home, contact the professionals at Air Assurance today. They have been serving Oklahoma's Tulsa and Broken Arrow region for more than 30 years and will be happy to help you with all of your home comfort needs.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.