Even the best HVAC equipment will need to be replaced over time. So how do you know it's time for a new HVAC system? Watch out for the following top HVAC replacement signs.
Age
Generally, HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement. As they get older, they tend to become more prone to breakdowns. If your unit is older than 10 to 12 years old, chances are good that you'll need to replace it soon.
HVAC Problems Are Occurring More Frequently or Are Costly to Fix
If your system has needed HVAC repair service three or more times in the past few months, it's probably time to think about replacing it. The repairs you've paid for are prolonging the unit's life for only short periods. Rather than getting caught in the vicious cycle of repair — one of the key HVAC replacement signs — it's likely to be more economical to purchase a new system.
It's also advisable to invest in a new system if your older system needs an expensive repair, such as a new compressor.
Rising Energy Bills
Your HVAC system may need replacement if your energy bills suddenly shoot up inexplicably. The system may have worn-out and inefficient parts that need more energy to do their work. An HVAC technician can check the system to determine whether there's an issue with your thermostat or ductwork, or your unit could be nearing the end of its life span, which is one of the major HVAC replacement signs.
Your System Uses Freon
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) phased out R-22 refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon. That helped ensure that new HVAC systems utilized more eco-friendly refrigerants. Freon is becoming more and more challenging to find, which has led to a spike in costs. Therefore, even routine maintenance of an air conditioner that runs on Freon can be a significant expense. If your system uses Freon, it's highly recommended that you consider replacing it.
When you notice these HVAC replacement signs, you can contact a trusted HVAC professional to assess the overall state of your system. For more helpful advice on replacing your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance. We provide HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance services to Broken Arrow homeowners.
The fluctuations in your energy usage during the year may make it difficult to predict how much you'll spend on your monthly bills. The price of utilities can also vary by region. Let's break down the average gas bill in winter.
What's the Average Gas Bill in Winter?
According to the American Gas Association's most recent findings, U.S. households spent $712 (on average) in natural gas to fuel and heat their houses. In Oklahoma, the average residential gas bill was $670. However, several variables affect your gas consumption, so your bill could be higher or lower.
For example, your monthly gas bill will likely be higher if you use gas to power all your major appliances, such as your furnace, dryer, water heater, and stove or oven. The size of your home also impacts your monthly gas bill. You'll pay more monthly if you have a big house.
A better way to understand your usage is by assessing your yearly consumption and comparing your monthly bills.
Lowering Your Gas Bill
If your gas bill is making a nasty dent in your finances, you can take several steps to lower it. Winter heating is a common cause of high gas bills. You could lower consumption by nudging down your thermostat. Boosting your home's energy efficiency will also help you reduce the gas you consume each month. You could achieve that by installing multi-pane windows and more insulation.
Other tips to help you reduce gas consumption include:
Turn the water heater temperature down to 120 degrees.
Insulate your hot-water pipes to retain heat.
Shorten your shower time.
Remember that the little changes you make could add up to significant energy savings. For more information on the average gas bill in winter, contact us at Air Assurance. We've helped Broken Arrow-area homeowners keep their homes comfortable and energy-efficient for more than 35 years.
Your residential cooling system shoulders most of the burden of keeping your indoor living spaces comfortable. This can lead to some significant utility bills, however, as your air conditioner or heat pump works to keep up with cooling demand. By using ceiling fans in rooms where you and your family gather most often, you can reduce those bills and increase cooling efficiency.
Why Use a Ceiling Fan?
Ceiling fans provide a way to increase air circulation in the rooms where they are used. This helps move cool air that has settled near the floor, recirculating already conditioned air and giving it a second chance to reduce the temperature in the room.
The drafts of air from ceiling fans also provide direct cooling when they make contact with your body. The air from your ceiling fan helps perspiration evaporate on your skin, which carries away heat and keeps you cool. This effect makes the room feel cooler than it actually is, allowing you to run your air conditioner at a lower level while still maintaining consistent comfort.
Considerations When Using a Ceiling Fan
When using a ceiling fan, remember that the drafts created by the fan must make contact with your body for the cooling effect to take place. A ceiling fan doesn't cool a room. It cools a person.
Fan blade rotation should be adjusted to allow the fan to send down into the room below. This is most effective at directed drafts where they are needed. In the winter, you can switch fan blade direction to boost heating system performance.
Make sure there is enough clearance between the fan and the space below it to allow safe operation. Fan blades should be mounted at about seven feet or higher, and there should be 18 inches of space between the walls and blade tips.
Air Assurance provides top-quality heating and cooling services to customers in and around Tulsa. Contact us today for more information on how you can use a ceiling fan to boost cooling system efficiency and keep your indoor living environment more comfortable.
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: “eak_kk/Pixabay”
Appliance Use Drives Up Energy Costs: Here's a Method for Monitoring
While the appliances and devices in our homes seem indispensable, appliance use does drive up energy costs. Any appliance that deals with heat, either creating it or removing it, uses more energy than others. The Department of Energy reports that these are the most energy-hungry appliances in your home in the order of the amount they consume:
Heating and cooling system;
Water heater;
Range/oven
Clothes dryer;
Swimming pool pump;
Refrigerator and freezer;
Desktop computer;
Television;
Microwave;
Dishwasher; and
Clothes washer.
With the exception of the larger appliances, like your HVAC system, you can estimate appliance use by looking at the tag on the cord, examining the packaging or the appliance itself to find its consumption in watts. For example, a computer monitor may use 150 watts, which means that it will use a kilowatt (kW) in 6.7 hours. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts and likely how your power company notes usage on your bill.A cooling system can use many kWs per hour, since it requires a lot of electricity. Their energy use is measured in amps, but you can multiply the amps by the volts they use (typically 220) to find their kW consumption. For example, a 20 amp air conditioner using 220 volts consumes 4,400 watts, or 4.4 kW.It's difficult to monitor the precise amount of energy your appliances use to estimate costs because electric rates vary, but there are things you can do to reduce consumption, like keeping the HVAC system and water heater clean and professionally serviced at least once a year.Keeping the air filter for the air handler clean lowers the amount of energy your HVAC system uses, as does hosing off the outdoor condenser occasionally. Draining off a quart of water from the water heater every few months takes out the hard water sediments at the bottom, improving efficiency.If you'd like to learn more about how maintenance reduces energy consumption for appliance use, contact Air Assurance. We've provided outstanding HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for nearly 30 years.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
Because cooling costs are high, homeowners are looking for solutions to lower their energy spending. It is true that there are a wide variety of energy-efficient air conditioners being manufactured today, however, there are other measures that you can take to help boost your system's efficiency and effectiveness even further. Though it may not have occurred to you previously, taking the time to strategically landscape around your home can go a long way in promoting energy savings.
Problem
As the sun beats down on your home, its heat can be radiated and absorbed through your home's windows and your roof, which increases the temperature inside your house. The warmer the air inside becomes, the higher of a demand will be placed on your air conditioner for cooling purposes. This will raise your utility bill while putting extra strain on your cooling equipment.
Solution
Utilizing your home's landscaping and shrubbery to your strategic advantage will increase your home comfort and improve your overall energy savings. You can handle this in a variety of ways including:
Trees - The trees around your home can reduce surrounding air temperatures greatly. The shade and the ability of a tree to move and release water vapor can bring these temperatures down by as much as 9 degrees. Because cool air has a tendency to stay near to the ground, the temperature of the space located under a tree can be up to 25 degrees cooler! Planting the right kind of tree at a location where its shadow will prevent heat from radiating through large windows or your roof can greatly boost your energy savings.
Shrubbery - Smaller plants and shrubbery can also help promote energy savings. When planted near your front or back patios, these plants can provide shading that will lower the temperatures of the asphalt or concrete surfaces around your home. The cooler temperatures surrounding your home will prevent excess heat from being absorbed inside.
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
Summertime brings allergies, high temperatures, A/C running on full-blast and, unfortunately, higher energy bills. As you're trying to keep yourself cool, we don't want your summer energy bills burning a hole in your pocket. With a few simple energy-saving tips, you can keep your home cool while saving money.Here are a few inexpensive and easy solutions to stay cool this summer:
Make sure your HVAC equipment and air filters are well-maintained. Replace or clean your air filters as needed. Don't forget to have your air conditioner unit serviced before the hot weather hits every year to make sure it runs more efficiently.
Don't let cool air escape. If your A/C is running all day, but your home doesn't feel much cooler, there could be air leaks in your home. You should add weatherstripping to your doors and windows, and caulk any cracks in the walls to keep cool air from escaping.
Properly insulate your attic. If your home has an attic, you should install modern insulation to help lower cooling costs in the summer. On warm days, temperatures in the attic can rise upwards of 140 degrees. Proper insulation and ventilation can help lower your attic temperatures.
Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use. Something as simple as turning off your electronics when they're not in use can help lower your energy bills. Keep in mind that electronics such as computers also give off heat, so it's a double-whammy in the summer.
Buy Energy Star products. From air conditioners to refrigerators, the federal Energy Star program ensures that products meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines that help protect the environment and save you money.
These energy-saving tips are just a start to help keep your home cool and your summer energy bills low. For more expert advice on energy-saving tips and other HVAC topics, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality today! We proudly service residents of Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.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
It is finally time for a much needed vacation. You have planned your trip to the last detail, and you cannot wait to get out the door and on the road to your vacation destination. But wait, you might not realize your electronics and appliances need a vacation, too. Here are some energy-saving tips that can ease your mind and lower your energy bills while you are away from home:
Turn off your air conditioning unit or set the thermostat on 85 degrees. You can save approximately one percent per degree you raise the temperature, provided that temperature change lasts for eight hours or more. This tip can save you beyond your vacation, as you can use these energy-saving settings while you're at work each day, or even while you're asleep. Install a programmable thermostat, and you won't have to lift a finger to save energy.
If your trip will last longer than three days, turn off your hot water heater. Just set a reminder to turn it back on when you return. It should only take a few hours to reheat the water. Consider lowering the temperature on your hot water heater to save energy all the time. Chances are you won't even notice the difference.
Turn off all the lights. Security lights can be set on a timer if necessary.
Unplug all of your electronic devices. Televisions, DVD players, computers and most coffee makers suck up to 10 percent of your total electric usage by using energy when plugged in but not turned on; this is known as phantom energy. Many gadgets like cell phone chargers and most appliances are also culprits.
Close curtains to keep the heat of the sun out.
Fill your refrigerator with full bottles of water. Refrigerators are more efficient when full.
Turn off the hot tub, as well as water fountains and outdoor pumps.
Now you are ready for that much needed and anticipated vacation. You deserve it. Contact us at Air Assurance today for more expert advice about energy savings in the Broken Arrow area.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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!
Because your home is comprised of a series of systems that work together, when one system fails, it can affect the energy efficiency of the others. If you want to save energy dollars, there’s a host of projects you can do to upgrade your home’s overall energy efficiency potential.Consider which of these projects will help you to save energy dollars:
Use a programmable thermostat – A programmable device helps save energy dollars because you can use it to preset energy-saving temperatures in your home that match how you use it. And you won’t waste energy cooling your home when you’re not present.
Become energy conscious – Turn off appliances and electronics when you’re not using them. These devices draw energy even when they're not in use. So unplug your toaster, and shut off the lights when you leave a room.
Find creative ways to reduce energy consumption – Choosing to air dry your dishes instead of running them through the system’s energy-consuming drying cycle helps to save energy. Air drying your clothes will accomplish the same goal. Additionally, only run your dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer when their loads are full.
Find the right settings – Most water heaters, for instance, are preset to an unnecessarily high temperature. You can save energy dollars by dialing it back to 120 degrees.
Use less hot water – Take shorter showers, and consider using low-flow showerheads and faucets.
Seal your home – Reducing air leaks will keep more conditioned air inside and allow less outside air to infiltrate your home. You can use caulk to seal around windows and electrical wiring outlets, and apply weatherstripping around doors
Upgrade your equipment – Possibly one the most effective actions that will save energy dollars, swapping out your old, inefficient water heater, furnace or air conditioner for a high-efficiency model can result in significantly higher energy savings.
If you’re not sure where to start, but you want to save energy dollars, contact the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality today for advice. We've been serving homeowners in the greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!
Heat Pump Maintenance -- What You Can Do And What To Save For A Professional
If you make heat pump maintenance a priority, you’ll maximize your investment in the system, ensure top energy savings and keep your home comfortable through every season.There are certain tasks homeowners can do, but others should be left to the professionals.Here’s what you can do:
Check your filter every month or so, particularly when the heat pump is used on a regular basis, and change it when it looks dirty or dingy. This action will allow optimal airflow into the system and keep your indoor air cleaner.
Inspect the coils on the outdoor unit when you inspect the air filter, and clean them with a soft cloth or use a garden hose (with a gentle spray).
Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear, because debris like leaves and grass clippings can inhibit airflow.
Check your home’s registers and grilles for dirt, and vacuum or wipe them down when dusty.
Here’s what an expert should do:
Check the system for dirt buildup, and provide a comprehensive cleaning for components like the air handler and coils.
Assess the ductwork’s performance, test the airflow, and seal any leaks.
Test the system’s refrigerant charge, and look for leaks in the refrigerant lines.
Check the electric terminals, clean dirty connections and tighten loose ones. Ensure that the nonconductive coating is at the appropriate levels.
Inspect the motor, lubricating it to ensure smooth operations, and check the belt for wear and tear (on older systems).
Assess the controls to ensure that the heat won’t cycle on when cooling mode is selected and vice versa.
Ensure that the thermostat’s settings operate correctly.
Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the reversing valve's operations.
If you perform these heat pump maintenance tasks every spring and fall, and schedule expert service in both seasons, you’ll ensure a top-performing system that lasts longer. To schedule a service appointment, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality today! We've been serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!
Programmable thermostats are a great upgrade to make to your home that will help reduce your energy costs if used properly. The use of a pre-set schedule can help minimize the use of your heating and cooling equipment, and lower your monthly energy bills.Programmable thermostats come in a number of different styles. The base touch-pad thermostat comes with data already entered, which is designed to save you money right off the bat. You can change the schedule in any way you wish to reflect your own personal lifestyle. If you work during the day, you can keep your temperature set low to minimize usage and when you will be returning home, a more comfortable temperature can kick in.More expensive touch screen models are more attractive by design and also have more functions. You can set a bunch of different schedules on these models and easily switch between them depending on what is going on in your home that day. Different schedules for work, weekends and vacation can all be utilized. Some utilize a remote control feature so you don't even have to leave your chair during the big game!Contact Air Assurancefor more information on the proper use of a programmable thermostat in your home. If you use the advantages of your programmable thermostat fully, you can reduce your energy costs greatly.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!
Wondering whether your crawl space needs insulation? While all crawl spaces can benefit from some level of insulation, there are certain factors that determine the priority and level of necessary insulation. Perhaps the most important of these factors is ventilation.With a ventilated crawlspace, insulation is of greater importance. As you have no means of controlling the temperature or humidity of the air exchanged in a ventilated crawl space, insulation is often your first line of defense against the elements. Consider these common trouble spots:
Ductwork: When ducts are run through unconditioned areas such as the crawl space, they are exposed to ever-changing outdoor temperatures. Under the right circumstances, these temperature fluctuations can affect the temperature of your conditioned air. Adequate insulation prevents or at least limits such an occurrence.
Plumbing: Like ducts, pipes should be insulated against the elements. With pipes, this priority may be even higher, as frozen pipes can lead to expensive household damage.
Air leaks: If you have air leaks between you living space and crawl space, you’re going to lose conditioned air, sacrifice comfort and pay more in energy costs. To ensure energy efficiency, seal air leaks in places where pipes, ducts and wiring pass from the home to the crawl space. This should be done before insulating to prevent the unwanted exchange of moisture, which can actually damage insulation and lead to mold growth.
Moisture control: Speaking of moisture, when insulating your crawl space, be sure to use vapor barriers to help ward off unwanted moisture and the growth of mold.
If your crawl space happens to be sealed, insulation becomes less of a priority. For example, you won’t have to worry quite as much about outdoor temperatures affecting your plumbing or ductwork, and moisture should be less of an issue. Of course, insulation around foundation walls can help create a buffer against outdoor temperatures and improve the comfort of your home.If you're not sure how to handle insulating your crawl space, let one of our trained technicians assess the situation.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!
Energy costs on the rise? Perhaps these attic sealing strategies can help put you on the road to energy efficiency.Roof LeaksA leaky roof can lead to a variety of problems, including:
Water damage.
Wood rot.
Mold growth.
Soaked, ineffective insulation.
With this in mind, perhaps the first step in your attic sealing strategy should be to seal off roof leaks with the appropriate flashing material.Air LeaksAir and moisture can also enter the attic from inside of the home, presenting some of the same moisture issues as roof leaks, while wasting your conditioned air and increasing your annual energy costs. In some homes, this is further complicated by exhaust fans, such as those found in kitchens and bathrooms, being vented directly into the attic. These fans should always exhaust moisture and air directly outside. Of course, most common air leaks occur around wiring, plumbing and ductwork, and are easily addressed using some form of weatherstripping or caulk.VentilationOne of the most important aspects of proper attic sealing is ventilation. While that statement may seem contrary, a well-ventilated attic ensures that moisture and contaminants that do enter the attic have a means of escaping your home. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, consider adding continuous ventilation.InsulationWith your attic tightly sealed and proper ventilation in place, you can now finish off your attic sealing strategy by boosting your insulation. If you already have three to four inches of existing insulation, consider adding insulation with an R-value of 25-38. If you have no attic insulation at all, you may need R30-R60. For a more accurate assessment, consult a professional.A properly sealed attic will reduce moisture issues, improve household comfort and significantly increase your annual energy savings. For more information on improving the energy efficiency of your household, speak to one of our trained technicians. We're always standing by to serve your heating and cooling needs. For an expert consultation, contact Air Assurancetoday.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!
While the summer is winding down, humidity levels remain high. As your air conditioner struggles to keep up with the heat and humidity, you may notice your energy costs rising and your household comfort suffering. What’s worse, as excess moisture begins to accumulate in your household, you may experience the growth of mold or even water damage to the structure of your home.Instead of putting your family’s respiratory health at risk, consider the benefits of dehumidification. Whether you choose a portable unit or a whole-house dehumidification system, you can alleviate the burden that excess moisture puts on your home, family and HVAC system.Keeping humidity levels between 35 and 50 percent is easy with a whole-house system. While room dehumidifiers can be successful within their indicated capacity, whole-house systems often provide as much as four times the efficiency. Plus, you have control over the humidity of your entire household, making it easier to keep consistent levels of comfort throughout the home. Other benefits of whole-house systems include:
No wasted space – Integrated into your HVAC system, a whole-house dehumidifier doesn’t impose on your floor space.
Quiet operation – Where room dehumidifiers are hard to miss due to the noise they produce, whole-house units offer quiet, distraction-free operation.
Whatever option you choose, be sure to consult with a professional regarding the proper sizing of your dehumidification unit. As with any HVAC component, dehumidifiers must be matched to the unique needs of your home. Larger rooms need larger capacity dehumidifiers. You can also look at the units EF, or energy factor, to determine the level of efficiency it will provide for the level of energy it will consume. More efficient systems carry a higher EF rating.It’s also important to look at temperature specifications when comparing dehumidification units. Some units are better suited to operation during lower temperatures, while others may be apt to freeze when the temperature drops below 65 degrees. Look for models that feature anti-frost sensors to prevent potential freeze-ups.If you’re having humidity issues in your home, don’t suffer quietly. Contact the experts at Air Assurancetoday.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!
There’s no better way to compromise the efficiency of your heating and cooling system than to neglect routine professional maintenance. Without preventive maintenance, you run the risk of small adjustments and repairs turning into costly emergency repairs and replacements.Even if you manage to avoid a system shutdown, an inefficient system means increased energy costs over the long term. That’s why we recommend scheduling preventive maintenance annually for both your heating and cooling systems.Different aspects of your system will be addressed during cooling- and heating-specific preventive maintenance calls. For example, during a cooling-specific maintenance check, our technicians address:
Condenser Coils – Dirty coils can compromise efficiency and system lifespan. Our technicians will remove any dirt and debris.
Refrigerant – If your system has a leak or was improperly charged upon installation, our technicians will ensure that refrigerant levels are charged to manufacturer specifications.
Air blower – Adjustments will be made to ensure maximum airflow throughout your home.
During heating-specific service, our technicians address:
Combustion chamber – Carbon buildup will be removed and your chamber will be evaluated for potential damage or corrosion.
Flue pipe – Adjustments will be made to ensure the efficiency of your barometric damper and your flue pipe will be inspected for damage.
Burner – Burners will be examined to ensure efficient operation.
Many aspects of your system are addressed during both preventive maintenance calls, including:
Air filters – Dirty and clogged filters can affect airflow and air quality. These will be replaced.
Condensate drains – Blockages will be removed to prevent water leakage that can affect humidity and damage the structure of your home.
Electrical components – These will be tightened and evaluated for safe operation.
Motor lubrication – Without lubrication, unnecessary friction can occur in the motor, compromising system efficiency and increasing energy costs.
System controls – Controls are evaluated to ensure safe operation and efficient system cycling.
Thermostat – Settings will be tested for accuracy.
These are just a few of the important issues our NATE-certified technicians address during an in-depth preventive maintenance check. If you've been neglecting your system, don't wait until it shuts down completely. Contact Air Assurance for an expert consultation. 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.
One of the greatest advances in home comfort was the introduction of zoning systems. A home can be fitted with separate thermostats to monitor heating and cooling in different "zones," or areas, of a home. These are tied to a central thermostat control that can distribute cool and warm air in a more controlled fashion. Dampers placed in ducts control the temperature for the different areas. For example, if a south-facing area of the home has a bank of windows and needs more cool air in the summer, dampers will open more for that area. North-facing areas with more shading would require less, and dampers would constrict that air flow. Zoning systems thus direct warm and cool air into areas where they are needed most.The floor plans of most homes are not logically designed for optimum air distribution. Hot air rises, cool air falls. Therefore, the same amount of cooling is not needed for downstairs areas as it is for upstairs. Rooms farther away from the HVAC system can also receive less air flow than is required. Zoning systems address that lack of balance and create a more even heating and cooling pattern throughout the home.In addition, rooms or sections of a home that require less heating or cooling due to limited use can get less air flow, thus saving energy. A properly designed zoning system can not only maximize home comfort but also reduce energy costs. Think of it as like a light switch for different rooms of your home. Of course we have those, but who would have only one light switch that controlled every room's lights? Same principle with zoning systems. You don't have to cool all of your house, just to be comfortable in part of your house.If you would like to investigate the advantages of zoning systems for your Oklahoma home, contact the comfort experts at Air Assurance. We can explain all the benefits and logistics of zoning. We're always ready to give you the information that you need in order to take better control of your home comfort.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.
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.
Operating costs for heating and air conditioning systems continue to rise year after year. So, we make sure our homes are sealed and insulated, weatherstripped and caulked, in order to reduce the infiltration of outside air and the loss of our precious, indoor conditioned air. That saves us money; but, it also creates another problem.Indoor air quality in homes is the new problem. The air we use gets circulated and filtered and we think all is well. Filtration is a tremendous help; the problem is that mold, mildew and bacteria can live in our homes with us. As they breed, their presence can cause allergies to flair and can contribute to other, more serious, respiratory conditions. Poor indoor air quality has become the price we pay for keeping our homes tight, more comfortable and for reducing our energy costs.When pollutants and contaminants leave our home to be filtered they travel through the duct system. Not all bacteria and mold spores go to the filter. Many cling to the ducts and other components in our heating and air conditioning system. As they breed, their numbers increase and they become unwelcome guests in our homes. They can live on anything that provides a comfortable, humid environment. The biggest example of where mold growth can occur is in our air conditioning evaportator coils. This is most likely the darkest, wettest, area in the home, which provides an ultimate safe harbor for these culprits to live, eat, and reproduce. A product that can fight mold and mildew in our home air ducts and coils is MicroBiocide.Microbiocide is a harmless chemical thats been approved by the EPA, to help reduce mold and other contaminants in our home comfort system. A treatment with this approved organic chemical can substantially improve the indoor air quality of any home.Reducing microbial irritants in the ducts can reduce duct odors, inhibit the spread and growth of mold colonies and greatly reduce allergens in the indoor air. Not only that, but by reducing these things that attach themselves to the coils, airflow and temperature transfer is less inhibited, therefore allowing your system to cool or heat more efficiently.Get more information on reducing mold and mildew and increasing the healthy level of indoor air quality by going here. For other information regarding the maintenance of quality indoor air for your family, log onto Air Assurance. We want everyone to enjoy both home comfort at the lowest possible cost and clean, healthy indoor air.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.
With today’s rising energy costs, everything a homeowner can do to reduce those costs, especially reoccurring costs like environmental control of their home, is worth the extra effort. However, finding the balance between controlling costs and maintaining your family’s comfort can be a challenge.In most families, different parts of the home are used during different parts of the day. During the day the living room and kitchen are the most occupied rooms; while at night those areas are abandoned and everyone is in the bedrooms. Unfortunately, in most homes, heating and cooling is piped throughout the whole house 24 hours a day. Another common example in our area is homes that have 2 levels, but only one central heating and air conditioning system. This tends to leave the upstairs hot, and the downstairs cold.Obviously, this is an inefficient way to maintain your family’s comfort. A zoning system, which only heats and cools the areas of the house while they are occupied can help. Early zoning systems were cost prohibitive, requiring a separate HVAC system for each zone of the house. While this type of system would pay off over time, for most people it was not financially feasible.Because most homes today are built with forced air heating and cooling, modern zoning systems take advantage of the centralized HVAC to produce heated and cooled air for the whole house. Motorized ducts are installed in the ductwork, each one connected to a programmable thermostat in its corresponding zone. The ducts are only opened when two conditions are met: firstly, that it is during time periods programmed into the thermostat; and secondly, when the temperature of the room warrants heating or cooling.This type of system is both easy to install and economical. Costs of installing your zoning system will easily be recouped in reduced energy bills. Not only that, but you can apply for an energy tax credit on your 2011 tax returns, which will return a portion of your installation costs to you.When additions are made to an existing home, upgrading your HVAC system to include zoned heating and cooling is a decision you won’t regret. 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.
