Yes, High-Efficiency A/C Saves You Money, But There Are Other Benefits Too

Yes, High-Efficiency A/C Saves You Money, But There Are Other Benefits Too

High-efficiency A/C upgrades are becoming more popular every day in the Tulsa area, with more and more homeowners taking advantage of not only the energy savings these new systems provide but also the other benefits they bring. According to government data, today's high-efficiency A/C systems, with SEER ratings that eclipse those of just a decade ago, could save you as much as 40 percent in operational costs compared to what you're now using to cool your northeastern Oklahoma home.

SEER, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measurement of cooling capacity. It represents the amount of heat that's removed by a specific A/C system while consuming one watt of electrical energy. Higher numbers equate to higher efficiency, with many experts considering a high-efficiency A/C as having a SEER rating of at least 16.

The enhancements available on today's A/C systems are a big part of what contributes to their increased efficiency, while simultaneously adding benefits that promote a higher level of indoor air comfort for you and your family. They include:

• Variable-speed air handler – this allows your system to run at a lower speed when cooling demand is lower, causing an even, steady cooling effect with fewer temperature fluctuations.

• Thermal expansion valve – regulates refrigerant flow to the indoor coils, responding to changing cooling requirements. This valve promotes an even cooling environment, regardless of changing demands, and also protects your equipment from damage if the refrigerant level falls below the recommended level.

• Higher-quality manufacturing of today's equipment translates to longer life expectancy, fewer breakdowns and less need for repairs.

• Fan-only mode - lets you provide nighttime ventilation without air cooling, increasing comfort while lowering energy consumption.

• Two-stage compressor - allows the system to run at reduced power when cooling demand is reduced, providing for quieter operation.

• Automatic fan-delay – keeps the fan running for several minutes after compressor shutdown, allowing for continued cooling at reduced cost.

• Remember, this is just part of the "system" and ductwork that is designed, sealed, and sized correctly makes these benefits work the way they were designed!

Since 1985, Air Assurance has proudly served the entire Tulsa Metro and surrounding areas, providing custom comfort indoor air solutions. For expert advice or information regarding heating, cooling or air quality topics, please contact us today.

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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

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!      

Innovative Tips That Make Home Comfort And Savings A Priority

Home comfort and energy savings should be a priority in every Tulsa area household. To help you get optimal performance from your cooling system this summer, we’ve compiled this list of innovative energy-saving tips.

• Raising temperature settings at the thermostat is a surefire way to reduce monthly cooling bills. To maximize savings without sacrificing home comfort, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re in the home and raising thermostat settings as high as 85 degrees while you’re away. But don't do this when it's over 95 degrees outside. That can actually cause energy bills to rise while the unit tries to catch up.

• One way to take advantage of higher temperature settings without sacrificing home comfort is to utilize household ceiling fans. While ceiling fans don’t actually cool your home, running them while you're in the room can create a wind chill effect that will help you remain comfortable, even when thermostat settings are increased by as little as four degrees. Just remember to turn ceiling fans off when you’re not in the room.

• Clogged air filters are notorious for restricting airflow and putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. Inspect filters monthly, cleaning and replacing as necessary.

• Another cost-effective means of improving household energy efficiency is to address air leaks using caulking, seal and weather stripping. Common leakage points include areas around doors and windows, and gaps around lights, wiring, ductwork and plumbing.

• Inadequate attic insulation can be a major drain on monthly energy costs. For an additional 10 percent savings, try boosting attic insulation to a minimum R-value of 30. If you can see your attic rafters, you are wasting lots of money on energy.

• It also pays to properly seal ductwork. If your ducts leak, you could be losing as much as 20 percent of the air you pay to condition. While accessible ductwork can be addressed using metal tape or duct mastic, a professional can ensure that your entire duct system is sealed properly.

• If your air conditioner is over ten years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency Energy Star-qualified model could save you as much as 10 percent.

• In fact, Energy Star-qualified products are an ideal means of long-term energy savings. Look for products ranging from water heaters to light bulbs.

For a more customized assessment of your household energy efficiency, consult our NATE-certified technicians. Contact Air Assurance today!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.

Invest In A High-Efficiency Air-Conditioning System Now, And Enjoy The Savings For Years To Come

Depending on the age of your current air conditioning system, a high-efficiency upgrade has the potential to reduce your annual cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. In fact, if your air conditioning system is more than ten years old, the federal government recommends a replacement due to the relative inefficiency of older systems.To see how your current system measures up to today’s high-efficiency models, you can compare Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER). The higher your system’s SEER, the more efficient your system is in terms of energy consumption over the entire cooling season. While older units may rate a SEER of 10 or below, today’s high-efficiency air conditioning units carry a minimum SEER of 13. Thus, a high-efficiency upgrade can equal significant savings over the long term.Of course, proper sizing is required to maximize the efficiency of any air conditioning system. Often, older systems have become oversized thanks to energy efficient upgrades to the home such as insulation or weather stripping. As such, these systems are not as efficient and tend to have issues with improper cycling leading to high relative humidity levels in the home.Bigger isn’t always better, and having a proper load calculation performed during a high-efficiency upgrade can help ensure that the system you choose is the most appropriate for your household.There are also several innovative features available with today’s high-efficiency air conditioners that are designed to further increase long-term comfort and energy savings. For example:

• Fan-only switches give you the option of reducing cooling costs without sacrificing household ventilation.

• Filter check lights prevent filter neglect and reduce the chances of the system inefficiency -- or even damage -- that can result from clogged filters.

The sooner you make the initial investment in high-efficiency air conditioning, the more you stand to save in terms of energy costs over the long term. Depending on the system you choose, you may also be eligible for federal energy-based tax credits. If you’re interested in a high-efficiency upgrade, let our trained technicians help you make an informed decision. For an expert consultation, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma today!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.

Take Advantage Of Two Rebate Programs To Drive Down The Final Cost Of Your High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

Over the past few years, the media has made a pretty big deal about government tax credits that have made upgrading to energy-efficient equipment a reality with increased savings. However, you may not have heard as much about other rebates from manufacturers and utility companies that you can access when upgrading to high-efficiency air-conditioning systems. For many homeowners, these combined rebates can often mean the difference between upgrading and maintaining the status quo.The Public Service Company of Oklahoma offers rebates of $100 to $600, depending on the size and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of your high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump. Larger systems and higher SEER ratings get bigger incentives and rebates. The guidelines restrict the incentive to a replacement system that uses the same (current) energy source for residential (single or multi-family) homes and small commercial buildings.  They also offer incentives of up to $1500 for an entire home performance upgrades which include duct sealing, insulation, radiant barriers, home envelope sealing, etc.Lennox, a manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment, indoor air quality products, and comfort controls, also offers savings on energy-efficient products. High-efficiency air-conditioning or heat-pump systems qualify for up to $1,400 when combined with a thermostat and indoor air quality system.High-efficiency air conditioners make energy savings possible for Oklahoma homeowners. While they often cost more up-front, incentives make them more affordable. High-efficiency systems are rated SEER 16 to 23 and have a low lifetime cost. Lifetime cost takes into account the spending a system requires over the course of its life. This takes into account regular preventive maintenance costs, fuel costs, and repairs. With the energy savings that high-efficiency systems get, you get a relatively quick return on your investment and save on monthly utility bills long after you’ve paid for the system.Why not take advantage of combined rebates from every avenue possible, to drive down the cost and make your new system replacement happen? The experts at Air Assurance can assess your home’s needs, assist you in selecting an A/C, and help you take advantage of manufacturer and utility company incentives to get you the maximum savings possible. Call us today.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.