Understanding Energy Star Guidelines

Understanding what the Energy Star label means and how the program works helps you chose appliances that stand up to rigorous use and cut energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) started the program in the 1990s, and it makes it easy to make product choices based on performance and efficiency.The DOE requires EnergyGuide labels on some major appliances like HVAC systems, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators and dishwashers because they have engineering differences that can improve their efficiency. Those labels tell you how much energy the appliance uses over the course of a year along with its cost based on average use and energy prices.

The products that exceed the standards for energy efficiency in each appliance group receive the Energy Star’s distinctive label found on the EnergyGuide label or the product itself. The DOE’s guidelines for the Energy Star include:

• The product must demonstrate it performs well under a wide variety of operating conditions.

• Consumers need to recoup the extra costs that high efficiency products carry over a reasonable time period.

• The energy consumption of a product can be accurately measured and verified.

• Labeling the product would help consumers differentiate that product from other less efficient models.

Besides major home appliances, you’ll find the Energy Star label on computers and peripherals, light bulbs and televisions. While every bit of energy saved is important, it’s especially important to look for the label on major appliances, especially heating and cooling equipment, because they use the bulk of energy consumed in homes.

The DOE also uses the product’s durability and versatility under varying conditions to award it the designation, another good reason to look for the label on major home appliances. Better quality often translates to increased dependability and a longer lifetime for high-ticket appliances, and those characteristics also save money over the long term.

HVAC systems that earn the Energy Star label pay for themselves in lower operating costs and many have features that enhance comfort. To learn more, contact Air Assurance, providing top-notch HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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 Energy Star guidelines and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PublicDomain/Wikipedia”

Tips to Save Money and Increase Energy Efficiency During Cooler Weather

Winter is coming to Broken Arrow, and that means running the furnace nearly constantly to beat the cold. It's why winter also means skyrocketing energy bills. What can you do about it? Is there a way to save money and increase energy efficiency while still maintaining your overall comfort? Here are a few tips.

• Get a programmable thermostat. Rather than having your furnace running full blast while you're not home, a programmable thermostat lets you switch between your general home comfort setting and an energy-saving setting that's a few degrees warmer. Switch to the energy-saving setting automatically during the day while you're at work and at night when you're asleep. Throw a few extra blankets on the bed to make up the difference in heat.

• Seal your ducts. Holes in your ductwork cause air (and heat) to leak out before it reaches your rooms, which requires more energy to make your home comfortable. Inspect your ductwork carefully for tears, holes, gaps and other damage that can allow air to leak out, and seal them up with metal tape or mastic sealant.

• Insulate. Even if your home has insulation, chances are it could use more. Insulation slows the flow of heat so that it stays in your home longer. Since heat rises, the best place to insulate your home is the attic. If the insulation in your attic is at or below your floor joists, then you could use more. Call an HVAC professional to help you add insulation.

• Upgrade. All the energy-efficiency advice in the world won't help if your furnace is wasting energy. That's when it's time to upgrade to one that will run more efficiently and save money. It may cost a bit, but it'll save you in the long run. Look for the blue Energy Star label, which indicates your furnace has been inspected by the federal Energy Star program and is proven to save money and energy over comparable models without sacrificing performance or features.

To learn more about improving your home's energy efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance.

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: “twobee/Shutterstock”

Ways to Save Energy in the 3 Most Important Rooms in Your Home

The ways you can save energy at home vary from room to room, but look carefully and you'll discover many opportunities for reducing your carbon footprint and realizing energy savings. Let the tips below guide you, and use them in your home whenever you can.

Living Room

The living room offers ways to save energy from ceiling to floor. Start with the air conditioning/heating registers. Make sure ductwork is securely attached to the vents so that no air is leaking around them. Check for air leaks around windows, exterior doors, light switches and wiring on exterior walls. Seal the openings with caulk or insulation.

Close blinds and curtains in summer to prevent heat gain. In winter, open the blinds during the day, and close them at night to prevent heat loss.When you choose an entertainment center or appliance, make sure it's rated by Energy Star, the Environmental Protection Agency's energy efficiency program. Plug all electronic appliances and lamps into a power strip, which you should turn off when you leave the room. Also, use fluorescent light bulbs for light fixtures, and turn lights off when the occupants leave the room.

Bathroom

Save water by fixing toilet, sink and shower leaks. Take shorter showers and install low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets. To help get rid of moisture that contributes to higher humidity and a clammy feeling that inspires turning down the thermostat, install exhaust ventilation. Replace vanity lights with Energy Star-certified fixtures and bulbs, and always turn off lights when you leave the room.

Attic

Keep heat from the attic out of the home by insulating and weatherstripping the attic hatch. Likewise, seal air leaks around an attic or furnace flue, and cover gaps with metal flashing or high-temperature caulk. Repair holes in ducts with mastic and metal tape. Make sure there's proper ventilation in the attic to let out heat and moisture.

For more on how to save energy at home, contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the Tulsa metropolitan area 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: “dgbomb/Shutterstock”

Everything You Need to Know About the EnergyGuide Label

That distinctive yellow sticker on new appliances like A/Cs, water heaters and heat pumps is called the EnergyGuide label, but it might as well be called the energy-saving label. If you use this federally mandated label as intended to compare the energy-saving potential for a given appliance to that of similar appliances, it can save you money on energy bills throughout the life of the appliance you choose. If you're shopping for a furnace, the EnergyGuide label will show you how one furnace compares energy-wise to other furnaces with the same size and features.

You'll find the EnergyGuide sticker on a broad range of appliances, but not all of them. The label is affixed to air conditioners, heat pumps, dishwashers, clothes washers, furnaces, freezers, TVs, refrigerators and pool heaters. The label isn't placed on clothes dryers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ovens and ranges.

Reading the Label

You'll find the following pieces of information on the EnergyGuide label:

• Estimated yearly operating cost: A single-line continuum graph shows where a particular appliance stands in regard to energy costs compared to similar models. These numbers are based on average national electrical costs.

• Estimated electrical usage: The label uses kilowatt hours to show how much electricity the appliance will consume annually, based on typical users.

• Details on key features of the appliance: Other appliances used for comparison purposes will have the same basic features and size. The tag also will provide details on the model and manufacturer.

• The Energy Star logo: If the appliance you're considering has achieved minimum energy efficiency standards set by the federal Energy Star program, it will feature the familiar blue logo on the EnergyGuide label. Appliances with this designation use less energy than an equivalent product that doesn't sport the Energy Star while offering the same or better functionality and quality. If at all possible, make sure any new appliance you buy comes with the Energy Star logo.

For more information on the EnergyGuide label, please contact the pros at Air Assurance. We proudly supply excellent service to the Tulsa metro area, including Broken Arrow.

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: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Eighteen Ways To Get Your Home Ready For Cool Weather

With fall on the horizon for residents of Tulsa, it's time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for the cold weather.  Here are eighteen different ways to stay warm and energy efficient this winter.

• Stop Drafts: Drafts can waste up to 30 percent of your energy. There are various products that can be used to block drafts under doors and windows.

• Change Furnace Filter: Change, or at least check your filter each month. With heavy dirt, comes less airflow, which means higher bills.

• Run Fans in Reverse: Simply switching your fans to run clockwise will make your air warmer.

• Drain Hoses and Air Conditioner Pipes: This prevents dangerous freezing.

• Turn Down Your Water Heater: Lowering the temperature can reduce your water heating costs by 10 percent.

• Install Storm Windows and Doors: This reduces drafts and can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent. Be careful though, the ROI can take years to pay you back.

• Get a Tuneup: A preventive maintenance tuneup by a contractor will ensure that your heating system stays working efficiently, and most important, safely!

• Program Your Thermostat: Set it intelligently, so you aren't paying to warm an empty house.

• Use Plastic Insulation: Covering your windows adds a buffer against drafts.

• Use An Energy Monitor: These inform you when you have been using more energy than usual.

• Use Weatherstripping: This helps prevent air leaks.

• Add Insulation: This is particularly helpful in the attic and basement.

• Insulate Your Pipes: This will help decrease the chance of freezing pipes.

• Seal Ductwork: Up to 30 percent of your conditioned air can leak out of your ducts before it reaches its destination.

• Use Tax Credits to Your Advantage: These can make energy-efficient upgrades for your home more affordable.

• Be Wise When Selecting a Contractor: Hire an Energy Star home comfort contractor who is certified to help you make the right choices for your home.

• Use Alternative Energy Sources: These are often much more energy efficient than traditional methods.

• Upgrade Your Furnace: Newer models can save you up to 50 percent when compared to older models.

For more information on how to prepare your home for winter, contact Air Assurance. We can help you turn these ideas into concrete action.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!      

Realize Big Savings With A Geothermal System

If you live in Broken Arrow, you know that the summer months can get extremely hot and the winters can produce some pretty cold weather. These varying temperatures put your heating and cooling systems to the test, and can often leave you spending too much on your utility bills. Geothermal heat pumps provide a much more effective method of heating and cooling than do standard systems, and can also help you save money.Geothermal heating and cooling units are unlike most heat pumps in that they use the ground to provide your home's heating, air conditioning and hot water. These systems are considered to be 45-75 percent more energy-efficient than standard options. And because of their efficiency, the Federal government offers a 30 percent tax credit to consumers who add new geothermal heat pumps to their homes.The 30 percent tax credit currently being given by the government takes into account the price of the unit, in addition to the price of all of the installation and labor required. This credit is also uncapped, so no matter how large the project, the credit remains 30 percent.  Also, the credit can be rolled over into other years up to 2016.  A geothermal heating and cooling system must meet the Energy Star requirements that are in effect at the time of purchase.While geothermal systems cost more upfront, they will make up for that cost by saving you money in the long run. The experts at Air Assurance are well-trained to provide you with the assistance you need in choosing the correct heat pump for your home. Please contact us today for more information.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.

Duct Sealing: Proven Energy Savings

Are you considering replacement of your heating or air conditioning system?  Do you want better performance from your HVAC system?  You should consider duct sealing to boost your system’s efficiency. In areas like Oklahoma where temperatures can range from very hot to very cold, getting the most out of your heating and air conditioning system is critical.  In fact, duct leakage can account for over 50% of your cooling/heating bill if problems are evident.Duct sealing is performed by your air conditioning professional and includes sealing all ductwork with gaskets, welds, tapes and mastic (adhesive) fabrics.  By sealing your ducts, heated or cooled air can travel into your home without escaping through the ductwork.  Note that duct tape is not really a sealant – a professional will use the appropriate materials to insure the ductwork is sealed properly.While this task can be performed on existing systems, it is a best practice to have duct sealing done as part of a new system installation.  In some situations, going back to seal existing ducts is cost-prohibitive because access is more difficult.  Therefore, getting the ducts sealed at installation is the best choice.A professional HVAC company like Air Assurance can make sure the job is done right the first time.  Proper steps are taken to make sure attics and crawl space ducts are sealed with materials to prevent heat loss during the winter season as well as cool air loss during the summer months.If you are not sure if your ducts are sealed properly, or if you are replacing your existing heating and air conditioning system, be sure to ask about having your ductwork checked.  The investment in duct sealing can make sure your system does not waste energy and clean air is circulated with minimal dust particles or allergens leaking into the ducts.  Also note that if there are serious leaks in the ducts, a home could fail to qualify for the Energy Star Homes program.  Have your system checked by 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.

Get Efficient A/C Systems With SEER

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

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

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

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

Take A Whole-House Look At Energy Savings With This Online Tool

If you’re a homeowner, you are already familiar with the time-consuming, often stressful demands of home ownership. There’s lawn care and upgrading the kitchen to increase the home’s value. Yes, there are lots of perks too, like privacy and building equity; however, the money and energy that it takes to maintain and increase that investment is often overwhelming. Utility bills are an all-to-familiar concern for homeowners.Homeowners can do lots of things to increase energy savings. Without a complete picture of where your home stands on energy consumption, taking a stab at one area, such as insulation, might prove futile in light of other concerns. That’s where Energy Star’s online tool helps. The Home Energy Yardstick: What’s Your Score? tool helps homeowners do just that: you get a big picture view of areas that impact your home’s energy consumption and information on how to increase energy savings in each one.After entering your home’s square footage and energy consumption for the past year, Energy Star provides a score on their yardstick. Depending on your score, the program lists nine possible areas for improvement. You'll also get an overview of your home’s energy efficiency.Homeowners will appreciate the specific suggestions Energy Star provides for each area. For example, you can learn about the importance of sealing air leaks. Using the insulation guide might reveal that insulation is more of a problem in your home than leaky windows and ducts. You can then focus on priority issues first to get the most energy savings.Take a whole-house view of how your home uses energy, and use Energy Star’s tool to find out the areas that have the greatest potential return in energy savings. Of course, an online tool can't replace real advice from a company that knows your neighborhood. Air Assurance wants to be your partner in home comfort and energy savings, so call us if we can help.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.