How to Make Sure You Get Energy Efficient AC Motors

With warmer weather just around the corner, you may be wondering if your utility bills are going to be as high as last year's. It's true that your energy bills have a lot to do with the HVAC system. So, maintaining energy efficient AC motors will certainly help keep energy usage lower and while also keeping your home cool and comfortable. Here's what to know about getting your AC motor ready for summer.

Energy Efficient AC Motors: AC Maintenance List

When speaking of an "AC motor," we're referring to the blower motor that drives the indoor blower fan. One of the things that helps the blower motor run more efficiently is to be free from dirt and grime buildup. That means staying on target with air filter changes. You don't want your air filter to become totally clogged up with dirt. It will slow down air movement and cause the blower motor to work harder and use more electricity.

Another task on your DIY AC maintenance list is clearing away debris and vegetation that may be hindering airflow at the outdoor unit. Keep at least 2 feet of free and clear space between the outdoor unit and any other vegetation or barriers. Spray the unit off with a garden hose to clean the fins.

Last on your list is keeping the supply air vents and return air grilles free of dirt buildup. This too can hinder airflow through the AC system, which uses up more energy and can degrade indoor air quality. 

Energy Efficient AC Motors: Upgrading Your AC Unit

AC systems typically last about eight to 12 years. It depends on how well energy efficient AC motors are maintained, both pro and homeowner maintenance, and how often the system is used. If your AC is getting up there in years, you may be better served with energy efficient AC motors via upgrading to a new AC unit with a variable-speed motor. Variable-speed motors save energy and boost home comfort!

If you would like to schedule AC maintenance to promote energy efficient AC motors in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.

The Best Ways to Improve Your Home's Value Through HVAC Upgrades

Although it’s not a showy or obvious improvement, making HVAC upgrades to your home could pay off should you want to sell your house down the road. Even though your system still functions, replacing it might be a sound investment, especially if it’s more than 10 years old or has required excessive repairs.

Homebuyers look at HVAC systems as an essential, must-have component of homes. If yours is compromised in any way, a prospective buyer may not even consider your home as a possibility. Being able to list HVAC upgrades on the features’ list can give potential buyers the incentive to prioritize your home over others they’re seeing. 

The National Association of Realtors surveys home buyers annually and has found that new HVAC upgrades have one of the highest rates of return compared to other home renovations. They report that the rate of return is 71%, which ranks above many that cost much more than a new HVAC system.

Best HVAC Upgrades

Our region requires both heating and cooling to maintain comfort. Since buyers put a high value on energy efficiency, it makes sense to make HVAC upgrades that deliver savings. The best system for your home depends on its floor plan and its heating and cooling load, which an HVAC pro can help you discover.

Besides the size of the system, you’ll also have different types of HVAC upgrades from which to choose, such as:

• Zoning systems for sprawling, ranch-style or two-story homes.

• Ductless mini-splits for homes with additions.

• High-efficiency systems that meet the Department of Energy’s Energy Star or most-efficient requirements.

Each of these types of systems might help your home qualify as energy efficient, a designation that helps homebuyers receive more favorable financing. In fact, the DOE and the U.S. Green Building Council have found that people are willing to pay more for a home with high-efficiency HVAC upgrades. As a homeowner, you may also qualify for incentives to install high-efficiency equipment. 

The pros at Air Assurance can evaluate your current home and system to see which HVAC upgrades could add value to your Broken Arrow home. Please contact us today to learn more. 

What Are the Smartest Ways to Cut Costs on Your Heating or Cooling Bill?

The price of energy remains relatively inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be cutting costs on electricity and gas whenever you can. There are so many easy ways to cut costs on energy use, and once you're aware of them, you'll want to put them into practice right away. 

Best Practices for Cutting Energy Costs

1. Change the Filter.
   Changing the HVAC filter allows air to flow through the system unimpeded so that the cooling and heating work more efficiently while cutting costs on energy use. Also, keeping the return air clean cuts down on friction caused by dirt entering the unit's parts, which makes the unit run hotter. Furthermore, when the HVAC labors to heat or cool, parts may wear out faster, necessitating repairs or replacements. 

2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat.
   While a programmable thermostat is more complicated than a smart thermostat, you can save money on energy with either type of technology if you set a program and stick to it. Cut back on energy use when you're away from home or sleeping. Even a change of a few degrees will contribute to cutting costs on the energy bill. 

3. Air-Seal Your Home.
   Air-sealing your home isn't that difficult, and the reward in cutting energy costs will be significant. Seal small leaks around door and window frames, baseboards, the attic hatch, and holes in exterior walls where pipes, cables, and wires come through. Use weatherstripping, insulation, and caulk.

4. Replace Inefficient Windows.
   Replace single-pane windows with the efficient, double-pane type.

5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance. 
   Have an HVAC consultant check your equipment regularly to ensure good performance. Ask your consultant to check the ductwork for holes or gaps to prevent air leaks — an important step in cutting costs of energy use. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) has found that heating and cooling accounts for 50% to 75% of energy used in the average American home. For more information on cutting energy costs in your home, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Which HVAC Units Are the Most Environmentally Friendly?

The cold comfort that your HVAC unit provides can feel like a lifesaver on hot summer days. But have you ever thought deeply about the environmental harm that the unit causes? Most air conditioning units run on electricity derived from the burning of fossil fuels. Many also use ozone-depleting HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Luckily, there are several ways to make your HVAC unit more eco-friendly and reduce the environmental risks it poses.

Size Matters

Having an air conditioner that's the right size is great for your comfort as well as the environment. An undersized unit will struggle to balance the cooled air in the condenser with the expended air drawn out from your home by the evaporator. It will waste electricity as it tries to keep the house cool.

Thermostat Scheduling

A programmable thermostat offers an easy way to make your air conditioner greener. Simply program it to turn your AC off when you're away from home and automatically turn it on when you return. That will save a significant amount of energy — and help save the planet.

Proper Maintenance

A clean and well-maintained HVAC system is more environmentally friendly. The recommended maintenance practices you should carry out include:

• Regularly replacing dirty filters with clean ones

• Having your HVAC unit tuned up by a professional at least once a year

• Sealing and adequately insulating your ductwork

Two-Stage Cooling

Typically, it's the compressor of your AC unit that uses the most electricity. It works hard to expel heated vapors to enable the refrigerant to return to its previous cooled state. A two-stage compressor automatically compresses less on the cooler days and more on the hotter days, saving energy. Therefore, when replacing your old unit, it's a great idea to look for a model that has a two-stage cooling option.

Energy Star Certification

When looking for an eco-friendly air conditioner, go for a model that has the Energy Star label. Energy Star-rated products adhere to strict energy-efficiency guidelines.

The environmentally helpful HVAC changes you make, no matter how small, will save you money and help the environment in the long run. If you need environmentally friendly HVAC products and solutions in the Broken Arrow area, please contact the experts at Air Assurance.

What Building Materials Are Best for Efficient HVAC Performance in Your Home?

What is your home made out of? The materials used to build a house are an important factor in its energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to your HVAC system. What are the best HVAC building materials to use? Here are a few.

Basic Materials

There are several options that have been used in building houses for millennia. Among them are stone, brick, and concrete. This is largely because they're strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. However, they have other benefits as well, in terms of temperature regulation.

All these materials are very effective at heat absorption, acting as natural insulation. In winter, the sun heats them up, providing warmth to the house's interior. In summer, they absorb the hot air inside the house, allowing it to cool more quickly. In both cases, it then becomes easier for your home to reach its ideal temperature, reducing the load on your HVAC system.

Cutting-Edge Materials

Stone and brick can be incredibly effective in temperature regulation. However, scientists are currently developing brand new HVAC building materials that can reduce HVAC energy use even more. Smart building materials are still in their infancy, but someday they may eliminate the need for AC and furnaces almost entirely.

These smart materials are modeled after the human body and that of other warm-blooded organisms. Whether there's a heat wave or a blizzard, your internal body temperature remains the same — around 98 degrees. Imagine if the temperature of an entire building could be regulated the same way and kept constant, regardless of outside conditions.

As it currently stands, the material is a gel-like substance, which would make it difficult to build with. However, it could line other building materials or be used as a window treatment to help with temperature regulation. It will likely be at least a few years before these materials become widely available. When they do, though, it could change the face of HVAC forever.

To learn about other HVAC building materials to improve your home's energy efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow.

How to Get Energy Efficiency Improvement Rebates

Rebates offered by utilities and other public sources can help reduce the up-front expense of making energy efficiency upgrades to your home. Though most federal rebates expired by 2018, here in Broken Arrow, both Oklahoma Natural Gas and PSO (Power Service Company of Oklahoma) still sponsor rebate programs for local residents who make these energy efficiency upgrades. More information, as well as applications, are available at the utility websites.

Oklahoma Natural Gas

• $1,950 rebate for upgrading from an electric resistance furnace to a standard-efficiency, gas-fired furnace. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency gas furnace with 95%+ AFUE rating, the rebate increases to $2,500.

• A $400 rebate is available for purchasing a new natural gas-fired clothes dryer. If the dryer is a more efficient Energy Star-certified unit, the available rebate is $450. The plan also offers a $100 rebate on the cost of installing or extending natural gas piping necessary to connect the dryer.

• $250 rebates are offered for two types of water heater upgrades: a natural gas tankless water heater with an energy-factor rating of at least .82 or a natural gas-condensing water heater with a .82 energy-factor rating.

PSO

• Purchasing an Energy Star central air conditioner or heat pump with an efficiency rating of SEER 16 up to SEER 20 qualifies for a rebate ranging from $500 to $800, depending on the SEER rating of the unit.

• Replacing a standard HVAC blower with an efficient ECM blower qualifies for $25.

• Upgrading attic insulation above an R-22 rating can be eligible for a $400 rebate.

• Depending on your HVAC system capacity, rebates for ductwork sealing can range from $500 up to $800.

• Upgrade to a Honeywell Programmable Wi-Fi Thermostat and receive a $110 rebate.

• Get $500 back on an Energy Star-certified heat pump water heater.

• $50 rebates are available on each of the following Energy Star certified upgrades: electric clothes dryer, refrigerator, and clothes washer.

For more information about energy-efficiency upgrades available from local utilities, contact Air Assurance.

Do Your High Ceilings Affect HVAC Efficiency?

High ceilings add a soaring, spacious feel that expands the enclosed indoor environment. While the standard 8-foot ceiling has been the norm for decades, increasingly, homeowners are opting for a high ceiling in at least one central area of the home.

However, a ceiling 4 feet or more above standard height may alter heating and cooling dynamics in a room. Here are some ways that high ceilings may affect HVAC performance and efficiency:

Heating

In a room with a vaulted ceiling, naturally rising heat collects much higher above floor level. Occupants of a high-ceilinged room may be more likely to feel heat-deprived in winter.

Cooling

A room with a high ceiling contains a greater volume of air that must be kept cool during summer. While rooms with standard ceilings may receive sufficient circulating cool air, a coolness deficit can occur in rooms with a high ceiling.

Strategies to resolve comfort issues in rooms with a high ceiling include:

• Install a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan mounted in a room with a vaulted ceiling can be set to continuously blow air downward. In winter, the fan gently circulates heat accumulating at the ceiling back down into the living area to optimize comfort.

• Run the system fan. Most central HVAC systems provide the option to run the system fan continuously, even when the furnace or air conditioner function cycles off. This continuous air circulation helps mix cool and warm air more effectively and tends to keep temperatures in rooms with a high ceiling more consistent.

• Make sure your air conditioner capacity is properly sized. Air conditioner cooling performance is rated by BTU capacity. If one or more rooms in the house has a high ceiling, however, an air conditioner with insufficient BTU capacity may not produce sufficient cooling power to accommodate the substantially larger air volume in the room. Higher cooling costs and a lower comfort level may result.

For professional advice about effective, efficient cooling and heating in homes with high ceilings, contact the experts at Air Assurance.

Check Your HVAC Airflow

Getting the maximum comfort from our HVAC systems is what it's all about, but sometimes, that can be elusive. Many factors affect HVAC airflow, so whenever we feel we're not getting the best performance, it's important to single out the problem and see if it can be fixed.

Most CommonReasons for Bad Airflow

1. A dirty furnace filter will slow down your air filter, causing your HVAC system to work harder to deliver comfort. As your unit struggles, you will be running up higher utility bills. Dirty filters can also damage your system, causing parts to wear out sooner than they would otherwise.

2. A dense furnace filter can be a good thing for keeping out airborne particulates, but if it's too dense, your HVAC system will struggle to pull in enough return air to cool or heat your home. Make sure the filter you choose is within the manufacturer's recommendations. If you need to improve indoor air quality with a denser filter, then you may need to modify your system.

3. All sorts of things can go wrong with your ducts over time. Ducts are generally out of sight, so you may not see when segments become disconnected, or the ducts crack, develop holes or become blocked. If ducts were not installed correctly in the first place, then they may not be delivering the proper amount of air to each room. Sometimes poor duct design results in constricted segments where air can't get through.

4. More often than you would think, an HVAC system is installed without enough return vents -- which are the vents that pull in air so that it can be conditioned and delivered through the supply vents. Ideally, the same amount should be drawn in that is distributed, but this doesn't happen when return vents are inadequate.

5. Ducts or vents are sometimes the wrong size. Air moves through ducts by static pressure; if ducts are too big for the volume of air, pressure will drop and not enough air will be delivered. If ducts are too small, they will restrict airflow.

For more on HVAC airflow, contact Air Assurance.

How Cleaning Your Windows Enhances Energy Efficiency

Spring cleaning the windows is a great way to refresh your home's exterior and give its aesthetic a boost. Shiny window panes are great for zesting up curb appeal, but for improving HVAC performance and your home's overall efficiency, you also need to focus on window maintenance.

Why Windows Matter for Energy Efficiency

Statistics from the Department of Energy tell us that 25 to 30 percent of a home's HVAC-related energy consumption can be wasted by heat gains and losses through the windows. You can trim that percentage by cleaning and enhancing your windows' efficiency. Having more efficient windows also reduces your HVAC equipment's workload, which translates into better performance and longer component lifespan.

Tips for Enhancing Window Efficiency

Along with tackling your normal spring cleaning, try taking a few of these measures to improve your windows' efficiency:

• Before shining and polishing the glass, inspect the windows to locate any areas of cracked/missing caulking or damaged/missing weatherstripping. To stop air leakage in these spots, remove any damaged material, then seal them with add new caulking or weatherstripping.

• If your windows are leaking badly or in poor condition, spring is an ideal time to replace them with energy-efficient units. A less costly option is purchasing interior inserts. These acrylic or plexiglass units are made to size, so they fit tightly and prevent air leaks.

• If your home has casement or double-hung windows, pay special attention to the tracks and moving parts when you clean. You need to remove all built-up debris in these areas so the windows close snugly and won't leak air.

• Give your home's interior a revamp with new insulated window treatments that you can close during the day to keep out solar heat.

• Shade your windows by adding awnings on your home's exterior and/or by planting a few strategically-placed trees.

• Put window cleaning on your fall home maintenance list too, because squeaky-clean glass lets in more of the sun's energy, which can help warm the interior during the winter.

To learn more effective ways to enhance energy efficiency in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance.

Bring Your Home Into the 21st Century With USB Receptacles

Smartphones, tablet computers, and similar electronic devices are common in the modern home. They require charging through a specialized wire that connects the device to a USB port in an adapter. The adapter, in turn, is plugged into a standard electrical outlet. These adapters can be large enough to block access to the second outlet. You can modernize your home with USB receptacles that offer standard electrical outlets along with dedicated USB ports.

Why Use USB Receptacles?

When you have USB ports on your receptacles, you don't have to plug in the bulky adapter to charge your devices. The USB wire from the device can be inserted directly into the port on the receptacle. This frees up space and allows you to use the electrical outlets and the USB charging ports at the same time.

Types of USB Receptacles

• Two outlets, two USB ports: This is the most common type of USB receptacle, with two normal electrical outlets and two USB ports. The ports are usually installed in the space between the outlets and are positioned at the far left and right of the receptacle itself. This configuration gives you plenty of room for your USB charging while maintaining the number of electrical outlets you expect.

• One outlet, two USB ports: In some cases, a USB receptacle will have an electrical outlet at the bottom and two USB ports on top. This configuration would work fine in most situations, although it leaves you with one less electrical outlet than normal.

• Four USB ports: Specialized USB receptacles are available that contain only USB ports, usually four ports in a vertical line. They do not have any electrical outlets at all, but they can be preferable in cases where you have multiple USB devices that need to be charged at once, quickly and efficiently.

Heating and cooling customers in Tulsa and the neighboring communities know that Air Assurance is the best choice for expert HVAC sales, service, and maintenance. Contact us today for more information on USB receptacles and how they can modernize your home and make device charging more convenient.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about USB receptacles and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “eroyka/Pixabay”

How to Read the EnergyGuide Label

Different Types of Plumbing Pipes

When you’re shopping for new HVAC equipment and home appliances, fixtures, and electronics, how can you be sure you’re buying quality merchandise? These days, when it comes to such products, “quality” applies to both performance and energy efficiency. Regarding the latter factor — how well the product uses or saves energy — the Energy Star label and EnergyGuide label both provide essential information about a product’s energy efficiency. Both are the result of a program coordinated between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.

Energy Star Label

This familiar blue label can be found on a wide range of energy-using products that meet minimum standards set by the federal government. These include water heaters, TVs, refrigerators, A/Cs and heat pumps, windows, and insulation, among many others. An Energy Star-certified product must achieve the following:

• Provide substantial energy savings throughout the country.

• Come with features and performance demanded by customers. In effect, energy efficiency can’t come at the cost of other characteristics of quality.

• If the Energy Star product costs more than a similar product with less energy efficiency, the product must provide energy savings that more than compensate for that extra cost.

• Technology in a qualifying product must be available from more than one manufacturer.

• The product’s energy use must be measurable and verifiable.

EnergyGuide Label

The EnergyGuide label differs from the Energy Star logo in that it doesn’t signify a superior product. Rather, the EnergyGuide label – affixed by manufacturers to most appliances – provides hard data about that product’s energy use, as compared to other, similar products. This includes the product's annual energy consumption and operating costs.Information on the label includes:

1. Maker, model number, and appliance size.

2. Estimated yearly operating cost, based on the average of electricity costs throughout the country.

3. Whether the product has qualified for the aforementioned Energy Star.

4. Estimated consumption of electricity every year.

5. Key features of this particular model class.

For more information on the Energy Star and EnergyGuide labels, please contact us at Air Assurance, providing quality HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area.

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Energy-Efficient Windows

Having energy-efficient windows installed in your Broken Arrow home can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bills. These come in a variety of designs and include different features that affect efficiency.

Types of Energy-Efficient Window Options

Energy-efficient window options include the following types:

• Double-hung — These are a common type of window found in most homes. The bottom part of the window slides up when opened. A double-hung window offers decent efficiency, although air sometimes flows in between the window sliders.

• Casement — These are ones that open out when you turn a crank. They offer high efficiency, as long as you make sure the seals and hinges on them are well maintained.

• Picture — This is a large type of window that typically doesn’t open. Certain features can improve the efficiency of a picture window.

Energy-Efficient Window Features

The following features affect a window’s efficiency:

• Low-E — Also known as low emissivity, this indicates how much heat a window can reflect. The more heat that is reflected, the more efficiency a window with this coating has.

• Gas fills — Some windows have krypton or argon between glazing, which helps boost insulation and reduces heat transfer.

• Double pane — A window with double panes offers better insulation and more efficiency than single-pane ones.

• Frame material — A window’s material can affect its efficiency. Vinyl offers good insulation, while aluminum provides a lower amount of efficiency. Wood and fiberglass also offer decent efficiency, although wood contracts or expands with moisture and fiberglass can be costly.

Keep in mind that installation is also an important factor for improving window efficiency in your home. It’s important to make sure you hire professionals who do new window installations properly, or you’ll have heated air leaking out in winter and hot air from outside getting in during summer. Proper installation helps ensure that you have as much window efficiency as possible in your Broken Arrow home.

If you need to replace old windows with energy-efficient ones, contact Air Assurance. We offer window replacement services, as well as HVAC and plumbing services, in the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “SpeedKingz/Shutterstock”

How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Existing Windows

Most homeowners spend plenty of time looking out of their windows, but when was the last time you ever looked at yours? A quick inspection could reveal problem areas that are causing you to lose out on energy dollars every single month. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows. Take a look at these tips for both quick fixes and long term solutions and start saving today.

For Drafts

Have you noticed a draft coming in through your doors and windows? Even seemingly small cracks and gaps can significantly reduce the energy efficiency of your home, cause issues with discomfort and allow precipitation or dust to find its way inside. To remedy these issues you can try:

• Rope caulk can be picked up at your local home improvement store and molded into any crack in a matter of minutes.

• Plastic V-Seal weather strips are easy to install and are an affordable means of eliminating air leaks while maintaining window operability.

• Shrink film is a great way to create a drum-tight seal during the colder months that will stop drafts and improve window energy efficiency.

• A permanent solution to deterring drafts is to remove your existing panes and apply a new layer of putty and glazing. This will better secure the panes and get rid of gaps that cause you to throw money out the window.

For Heat Loss/Gain

Heat is able to enter and leave your home even through shut windows. The simplest way to fix this is by installing insulated curtains. These attractive drapes feature a thick layer of high-density foam which prevents heat from passing through and keeps your home at a comfortable and energy-efficient temperature.

For more tips and tricks on how to improve the energy efficiency of existing windows, feel free to get in touch with the experts at Air Assurance. We've been servicing the greater Tulsa area since 1985.

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What's the Easiest Way to Make Your HVAC System More Efficient?

Keeping your HVAC system's air filter clean may not seem like it would make much of a difference in terms of performance. In reality, it's the most important thing you can do to keep your system running both efficiently and durably. Dust found on your filter and inside your air handler can significantly reduce your system's overall performance. 

Importance of Airflow

Engineers design forced-air HVAC systems to pull a specific amount of air through the air handler for peak efficiency. A dirty filter slows airflow, reducing the volume of air that passes through the ductwork. As a result, it will take longer to heat or cool your home, driving up energy consumption.Air handlers also house the components that exchange heat in both the heating and cooling mode. A gas furnace has a heat exchanger, while a heat pump has an evaporator coil that can both heat and cool. When your heat exchanger and coil are dust-free, the heat exchange process is faster and more efficient.

Reducing Dust

Air filters trap airborne particulates of varying sizes, depending on the quality of the filter. Running your system with a dirty filter will eventually cover the parts inside it with dust. A heat exchanger that's covered with dust holds onto heat longer, which can cause it to crack. When the cracks go all the way through, carbon monoxide can escape into your home's air. An HVAC system with a cracked heat exchanger needs to be repaired or completely replaced.When too much dust covers the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside it will stay cold long enough to freeze the condensation coming off the coil. Unless your system shuts off to give the coil a chance to thaw, the exceptionally cold refrigerant can burn out the compressor inside the outdoor condenser. Keeping your filter clean reduces the likelihood of compressor failure or water damage from a frozen coil.

To learn more about keeping your HVAC system running as efficiently as possible, contact Air Assurance. We've been providing top-notch HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Fulop-Zsolt/Shutterstock”

HVAC Efficiency Standards Will Look a Little Different Come 2015

In April 2014, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) implemented changes to HVAC efficiency standards. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2015, and apply to both commercial and residential equipment. Understanding these changes are important to homeowners who may be in need of a new furnace, air conditioner or split system heat pump.  What Is Changing?

• Starting on January 1, 2015, new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards will go into effect for all newly installed heat pumps and air conditioners. These standards will differ by region. In most areas, including Oklahoma, the 13 SEER standard for air conditioners will increase to 14 SEER.

• All areas of the country will move to new split system heat pump regulations. A new heat pump efficiency standard of 14 SEER and 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) will be enforced nationally. A HSPF value measures the efficiency of air-source heat pumps and helps homeowners understand the relative efficiency of different models.

• Also in 2015, all new gas furnaces will require an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) value of 80 percent. This value measures the efficiency of the furnace and the ability to condense water out of flue gasses for future use. Homeowners will notice that units with a AFUE value of 90 percent or better are identified as "condensing" products for their ability to efficiently recoup and condense gasses.

If you are in the market for new HVAC components, or if you have any questions about HVAC efficiency standards, contact our team at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing. We have proudly served the Tulsa metropolitan area for nearly 30 years, and we're ready to help you understand these changing standards.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Summer Heat Gain and How It Wrecks Your Cooling Efforts

Broken Arrow's scorching summer heat requires heavy use of air conditioning to keep you comfortable. As a result, your cooling bills are probably much higher than you'd like. Preventing heat gain is a major factor when it comes to decreasing the cooling load of your system. Heat gain refers to anything that heats up your rooms in the summer, such as heat-generating appliances, air leaks, and solar energy that strikes your home's exterior.Heat gain increases the cooling load of your air conditioning system, which must then run overtime to keep you comfortable. This leads to more wear on your heat pump or A/C and increases your energy bills. Combating summertime heat gain is essential for comfort, optimum system performance and lowering your cooling costs. Here are some ways to beat the extra heat that infiltrates your home when temperatures soar.Treat WindowsInstall awnings over windows that are exposed to direct sunlight to help shade them from the sun's energy. Plant bushes or trees in front of them to further decrease the warming effects of sunlight. Keep your interior window shades closed during the day.Paint the ExteriorDark home exteriors absorb more heat than light colors. When you're ready to paint, choose lighter pastels to reflect more sunlight and keep your rooms cooler.Shore Up InsulationInsulation in your attic blocks heat from entering your home and helps keep your rooms cooler. You should have 15 inches of R-38 insulation in your attic, as well as adequate ventilation to control the temperatures in your home.Seal Air LeaksKeep warm air out of your home. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows, service entrances, and pipes that penetrate exterior walls.Use Appliances WiselyAvoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and clothes dryer when the sun is beating down on your home. Instead, do your cooking and cleaning early in the morning or later in the evening.For more advice about combating heat gain, please feel free to contact us in the Broken Arrow area at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jane Kelly/Shutterstock”

Regional Efficiency Standards: A Settlement Has Been Reached

Recently, regional efficiency standards for HVAC equipment have been changed by the industry and the Department of Energy. Let's go over what this means for your household.

In 2006, the standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and heat pumps was raised from 10 to 13. In 2010, equipment manufacturers partnered with efficiency specialists to develop new regional efficiency standards, accounting for different climate conditions throughout the US. In the South and Southwest, SEER requirements were raised to 14, while they remained at 13 in the North.

Equivalent regional efficiency standards and adjustments have also been set for other equipment, such as gas furnaces.

However, the proposed January 2015 adjustments posed a few issues for manufacturers and distributors, so a new agreement has been reached with the DOE. It affects different equipment and regions in different ways.

Before we jump into the new rules, let’s go over a few terms. SEER we’ve already discussed. HSPF is related to heat pump efficiency, and stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. AFUE is for furnaces, and stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.

These new regional efficiency standards apply to all equipment manufactured after January 2015.

• Split system air conditioners: SEER 14 (This number applies specifically to the South, including Oklahoma.)

• Single package air conditioners: SEER 14

• Split system heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.2

• Single package heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.0

• Small-duct, high-velocity systems: SEER 13, HSPF 7.7

• Space-constrained air conditioners and heat pumps: SEER 12 (Heat pumps must meet an HSPF of 7.4.)

• Gas-fired furnaces: AFUE 80%

While these numbers will become regional efficiency standards as of January 2015, there’s an 18-month grace period for distributors to sell through equipment manufactured before then.

These developments don't mean you’ll be forced to upgrade your equipment. They do mean that if you purchase new equipment made in 2015 or later, it will comply with these standards, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.

Let us know if you have questions. Air Assurance has been serving the Greater Tulsa metro area since 1985, and we’ll be happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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