#1 Furnace REPAIR IN TULSA OK

FURNACE REPAIR SERVICES - TULSA OK

With winter just around the corner in Oklahoma, now's the right time to start preparing your furnace or heat pump for the cold weather. This means both professional maintenance and do-it-yourself tasks, to make sure your forced-air heating system will be ready when the temperatures go south of freezing.

Preparing your heating system for winter early is a good idea since many HVAC businesses get very busy once cold weather arrives.

A professional furnace or heat pump maintenance visit will accomplish the following:

• Enhance energy efficiency. An efficient furnace or heat pump will require less energy to provide comfortable heating than a system for which maintenance has been neglected.

• Ensure safety. The technician will inspect and adjust your heating system to minimize the risk of fire or hazardous gas leaks in a combustion furnace, or electrical or refrigerant issues in a heat pump.

• Repair small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.

• Ensure proper airflow so all parts of your home are evenly and comfortably heated.

What Happens During Professional Maintenance?

While different levels of maintenance are available, a comprehensive heating system maintenance visit will include an inspection of your equipment and air distribution system. The technician should clean and lubricate moving parts, check the thermostat, electrical connections and system controls, and perform appropriate diagnostic tests. They'll also replace the air filter if necessary.

With furnace maintenance, the technician will check and/or adjust the ignition system and combustion burners, making sure the burners aren't clogged. They'll check that the exhaust system is working correctly, among other things.If you have a heat pump, the technician should check the refrigerant level, ensure that heat-exchange coils are clean, and make sure the condensate drain system isn't clogged.

Homeowner maintenance steps include regular air filter checks, making sure the area around the heating appliance is clean and clear of clutter, and removing any items that might be blocking heating vents and registers.

To schedule a fall maintenance tune-up for your heating system, please contact us at Air Assurance, providing quality HVAC services to Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

The Top Signs Your Furnace Is on the Fritz

The winter months can get bitterly cold at times in the Broken Arrow area, so it’s important to make sure you have reliable heat. How do you know if your furnace might need repairs? If you’re experiencing any of the following furnace problems, you should schedule repairs.

Cold Air Blowing Out

Your furnace should be warming up your home, so you should feel heated air coming out of your vents when it’s on. Cold air coming out of the vents when your furnace is running could mean that there’s a problem with the motor, heat exchanger, or another component. A skilled technician can determine the cause of this problem and get it repaired.

Odd Sounds

Furnaces make some noise when they’re running, which you’re probably used to hearing. If you’ve been hearing unfamiliar or odd noises, such as squeals or rattling, you’ll need to have your furnace inspected and repaired as needed. Odd sounds can indicate that your furnace has a loose part that needs to be tightened or that there could be a more serious problem that needs to be fixed.

Higher Heating Bills

You probably have a good idea of how much your heating bills typically cost. While natural gas and electric prices can fluctuate, you shouldn’t be seeing significant increases in your heating bills. If your bills have been going up more than usual, this can mean that your furnace isn’t able to heat your home efficiently. Having repairs and maintenance done should correct this, but you might need to have an older furnace replaced if this keeps happening.

Yellow Pilot Light

If the pilot light on your gas furnace is yellow, this can indicate a carbon monoxide leak. You should shut your furnace off right away, call for service, and leave your home until it’s safe to go back. Keep in mind that your gas furnace should have a blue pilot light when it’s working properly.

If you’re having furnace problems at your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today for prompt service.

4 Things to Know Before You Replace Your Furnace

When it comes to your home's central heating system, you don't want to be the guy or gal who's totally surprised when the furnace conks out on the coldest day of winter. It's better to be ready for that inevitable time when your heating system needs to be replaced, and then know the correct steps to take before installing a new system.

In general, you should start preparing to replace your furnace when it nears the end of its estimated service life. That's typically 15-20 years, though it can be shorter or longer depending on the amount of usage and maintenance the furnace gets. Certain red flags will tell you more specifically that it's time for replacement, including frequent repairs (more than one significant repair in a year) and lost heating effectiveness.

Once you've made the decision, consider these tips:

Work with an HVAC contractor whom you trust when it's time to replace your furnace. This is much too great an investment to make without feeling secure about your contractor.

Discuss with the contractor what capacity furnace is needed for your home. They should perform a heating load calculation that takes into account your home's size and layout, airtightness and insulation, window coverage, and many other factors. The heating load is the amount of heating required to make your home comfortable.

Likewise, discuss what level of energy efficiency is desirable in your particular home. In general, higher efficiency comes with a higher purchase price but lower operating costs once the furnace is installed. Climate is a key factor when considering furnace efficiency, since you'll reap more monthly energy savings in a climate with a colder, longer winter. Your contractor can tell you what efficiency level makes the most sense in our Broken Arrow climate.

Your contractor also should discuss what advanced features are available for your new furnace. This can include add-ons that increase furnace efficiency, and supplemental systems for whole-house air cleaning and humidity control.

For more advice on upgrading your Broken Arrow area home's heating system, please 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). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay”

The Benefits of Modulating Furnaces

Often when you hear about combustion furnace options, fuel efficiency is the main metric thrown around.These are usually shown in terms of AFUE (annualized fuel utilization efficiency) percentage, in other words, the amount of fuel that gets converted into heat (furnaces with AFUE 90 percent and above are considered "high-efficiency"). High efficiency in a furnace is mainly accomplished with variable gas-valve staging and blower-motor speed. Modulating furnaces are considered the best in terms of both efficiency and performance.

Single-Stage Furnace Operation

To understand the benefits of modulating furnaces, it helps to realize that furnaces without multi-stage, variable-speed operation come with just one stage and one speed – meaning the gas valve is either open or closed, and the blower motor operates at 100 percent speed or not at all. When the thermostat signals the furnace to kick on, it immediately begins churning out heat at full blast, runs until the desired temperature is achieved, then shuts off.The result is short-cycling, especially during milder weather, with the furnace alternating between full-blast and "off" at relatively short intervals. Not only does full-go operation use more fuel than necessary to heat a house, the most fuel is consumed at start-up, so frequent on-and-off cycling also wastes energy.Short-cycling in a single-stage furnace without variable-speed operation also can result in uneven heating, as well as noticeable temperature swings.

Two-Stage and Modulating Furnaces

A two-stage furnace, with a gas valve that can open partially when it's not fully open, is a big improvement over a single-stage furnace. Even better is a modulating furnace featuring a gas valve with multiple staging, with the heating needs at any given time determining the setting. Two-stage or modulating operation is generally combined with a variable-speed blower motor, which also adapts its running speed depending on heating needs.These furnaces typically ramp up to full blast upon starting, then settle into lower-stage, lower-speed continuous operation, which results in more consistent temperatures throughout the house and less fuel consumption.

To discuss installing a new high-efficiency modulating furnace in your Broken Arrow area home, please 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). For more information about modulating furnaces and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Lowering Your Heating Load For Your Home

You might be surprised to hear how much control you have over the amount you pay in heating bills, as well as how big a furnace or heat pump is required to heat your home. Furnace sizing is directly related to your home's heating load, as is the amount you pay in monthly energy bills. If you lower the heating load, you can get away with a smaller furnace and lower heating bills.Following are some effective ways to reduce the heating load of your home:

• Seal air leaks. When warm air is escaping your home via gaps in the outer envelope, the furnace has to work harder to replace that warm air. In the summer, when warm air is infiltrating your home through the same openings, your A/C has to work harder. Using caulk, weatherstripping or spray foam (depending on the location and size of air leak), seal your house so it's as airtight as possible.

• Upgrade insulation. Without adequate insulation in walls, foundation, ceilings and attic, heat energy has an easier time transferring to the outside in winter and inside in the summer. As with air leaks, this forces your furnace to work harder, wasting energy and stressing parts. Attic insulation especially is important to keep heat inside.

• Get a programmable thermostat. These devices allow you to set energy-saving programs to match your daily schedule. The thermostat will lower heating when nobody's home or when everybody's asleep at night, and return it to your comfort level shortly before home occupants are expected to awaken or return home from work or school.

• Use ceiling fans. In the winter, set the fan blade rotation to clockwise. This blows air upward, where it displaces warm air that collects near the ceiling, pushing it down into the room where people can feel it.

• Schedule preventive maintenance. Make sure you schedule a maintenance tuneup on your furnace once a year, to ensure it's operating effectively, efficiently and safely.

More more information on how to lower the heating load in your Broken Arrow area home, please call 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). For more information about heating loads and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “OpenClipart-Vectors/Pixabay”

These are the Most Common Furnace Troubleshooting Situations

In the midst of cool winter weather, the last thing you need is for your furnace to give you problems. If and when that happens, you’ll need to rely on your furnace troubleshooting expertise until you can get your HVAC technician to take a look at the problem. If you’re not getting enough heat or any heat at all, here are a few furnace troubleshooting tips to consider:

Not getting enough heat?

First, check your thermostat and make sure it’s set to your desired temperature. Also make sure the furnace filter isn’t clogged with debris. An undersized furnace can also fail to produce enough heat for your home’s space.

Not getting any heat at all?

Check the circuit breaker or fuse box for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Afterwards, make sure your thermostat is set to “heat” and the desired temperature is set above the current indoor temperature. Also make sure your pilot light is on or your electric ignition is working properly.

Blower running continuously?

Have your HVAC technician check and, if necessary, replace the limit switch on the blower motor.

Not getting enough airflow?

Make sure the furnace filter isn’t clogged with debris. Also check the ducts for any breaks, holes or other damage that could accidentally reroute airflow.

Furnace too noisy?

Make sure there aren’t any loose components on your furnace. Some noises, including rumbling or squeaking sounds, could indicate a mechanical problem that your HVAC technician should deal with.

Furnace frequently cycling?

It could be a bad thermostat, clogged furnace filter or poor airflow at play. Oversized furnaces can also cycle frequently, resulting in increased wear and tear.

Can’t see your pilot light?

Try relighting the pilot. If it won’t stay lit, there may be a problem with the thermocouple or the gas supply. Don’t forget to check the surrounding area for drafts.

For more furnace troubleshooting tips and other advice, turn to the professionals at Air Assurance. We proudly offer the best in heating and cooling service and installation for homeowners 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). For more information about troubleshooting and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

All About Furnace Smells

When you turned on your furnace for the first chilly weather this fall, you may have been aware of a burning smell pervading the home. As most homeowners know, this furnace smell is nothing more than the dust that's collected on the combustion chamber during the time the furnace is unused. The dust quickly burns up when the furnace is turned on. It's nothing to worry about, as long as it does not persist past a couple of hours.A very strong burning smell, or a persistent burning smell is, however, something you should be concerned about. Common causes of persistent burning odors are dirty air filters blocking the heating system and perhaps causing overheating, or blower malfunction. You can change the filter and see if the burning smell goes away. But if it's a blower malfunction, you will need professional help.

Other Common Furnace Smells

Rotten Egg Smell

This smell usually signals a gas leak. Turn the furnace off and open windows. Then clear out, taking all the living creatures in the home with you, and call your gas company. They will have to fix the leak before the HVAC tech can work on the furnace.

Electrical/Metallic Smells

This might be a burning odor, indicating components inside the furnace are getting too hot. If you smell this type of odor and the furnace shuts down randomly, it may be a protective mechanism. Call your HVAC company right away.You may also smell unfamiliar odors associated with the burning caused by aging or worn parts made of metal or rubber. Again, you'll need an HVAC tech to identify the source of the smells and replace the parts before they malfunction and cause damage.

Musty or Moldy Smell

This is a problem more commonly associated with the air conditioner. However, if you have damp conditions inside your home or your HVAC system, and mold spores have taken hold inside the parts or the ductwork or vents, have your HVAC tech check it out.

For more on identifying a furnace smell, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “piotr-marcinski/Shutterstock”

Learn the Components of Your Furnace

How much do you know about your furnace? You turn it on and heat comes out. The higher the thermostat temperature, the more energy you use. How much more do you need to know than that? Well, it can be helpful to learn at least a few basics about your system and how it works. At minimum, it will help you communicate more effectively with your HVAC technician, to diagnose repairs more quickly. So here's a breakdown of some of the basic components of your furnace and what they do.

Blower Motor

Found at the base of your unit, this is an electric motor, attached to a fan, which distributes air evenly through the system.

Supply Plenum

The duct through which that air is distributed to your home.

Heat Exchanger

This is what transfers heat from the natural gas being burned for fuel to the air that warms your home. A small chamber with metal walls, the gas enters the exchanger, and the heat is absorbed. The gas is then cooled and removed from your home. During this process, the blower motor blows air past the exchanger, absorbing the heat from the metal, before it enters the supply plenum, where it can be distributed to the rest of your ductwork and heat your home.

Air Filter

Captures dust and other contaminants as air flows through your system. It's meant to keep your blower motor free of debris, but has the added benefit of providing cleaner air to breathe. Be sure to change your filter regularly, or it can reduce airflow, damaging your system.

Flue

A bit like a chimney, the flue is a duct through which exhaust can exit your home, as your system burns fuel. If it's not vented properly, then carbon monoxide can get into your living space, putting you and your family in danger. If your heating system is electrical and doesn't burn fuel, then it won't have a flue.

To learn more about your furnace and how it works, contact us at Air Assurance. We've been Broken Arrow's trusted source for quality HVAC solutions 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). For more information about furnace components and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “petelinforth/Pixabay”

Furnace Motor Replacement: ECM or PSC

If you're replacing a heating system with a standard blower motor, it's worthwhile investigating different furnace motor replacement options such as an electronically commutated motor (ECM). Here's a look at how standard permanent split capacitor motors compare to more technologically-advanced ECM motors.

Permanent Split Capacitor Motors (PSC)

Standard PSC motors have just two operating modes: off and on. When signaled by the thermostat, these single-speed motors start up and run on high, then cycle off when the temperature setting is reached.

Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM)

An ECM motor can vary its speed in response to changes in your home's heating needs. The motor cycles on slowly and runs for longer periods on the lowest speed necessary to maintain comfort. When more warm air output is needed, it speeds automatically.

PSC Vs. ECM Motors

Here are some additional factors to consider so you can compare how PSC and ECM motors perform and make a more informed decision on which type is the best choice for your home:

• Energy consumption. A furnace blower unit equipped with a variable-speed ECM motor uses up to 75 percent less electricity than a blower that's powered by a PSC motor.

• Maintenance needs. An ECM motor has "true" bearings that don't need lubrication, it starts, ramps up and stops "softly" and runs on low speed most of the time. Because an ECM motor is under less strain and subject to less wear than a PSC unit, it requires less maintenance.

• Temperature control. With its longer cycling and variable-speed operation, an ECM motor can provide more consistent temperatures and better humidity control than a one-speed PSC unit that cycles on and off frequently.

• Equipment lifespan. ECM motors have an expected lifespan of about 90,000 hours, compared to PSC motors that typically last for 40,000–50,000 hours.

• Air filtration. The prolonged cycling of an ECM motor also means that the indoor air gets pulled through the furnace filter more often, so it's able to remove more debris from your air supply.

To learn more about different furnace motor replacement options for your Broken Arrow home, 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). For more information about motor replacement and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “feng-yu/Shutterstock”

Is It Time for a Heating Upgrade? What to Consider

As the single biggest use of energy in your Broken Arrow home, your heating and cooling system has the biggest impact on your energy costs. As a result, it's important for your heating and cooling systems to operate as efficiently as possible. Even more, it's important to know when it is time to upgrade your heating system. The following information is designed to inform you of a few tell tale signs its time for a heating upgrade.

Exceeded Life Expectancy

Since all equipment has a life expectancy, it's important to consider a heating upgrade when your equipment has reached its life expectancy. While most heat pumps have a life expectancy of 10 years, furnaces and boilers have a longer life of around 15 years. In any case, when your system reaches its life expectancy, you should consider replacing it with a more energy efficient unit.

Frequent Repairs

Over time, your heating equipment will become much less efficient because component parts will fail. If your equipment starts to need frequent repairs outside of regular maintenance and your energy bill rises, it's time to consider upgrading your heating system.

Rooms Too Hot or Cold

If your rooms are too cold or too hot, it could be the result of improper ductwork. At the same time, your equipment could be malfunctioning.

Humidity Problems

If the air in your home is too humid in the summer or too dry in the winter, it could the result of inadequate equipment, leaky ductwork, or the need for a heating upgrade

Noisy Heating System

If your heating system is making strange noises, it's time to consider a heating upgrade. In most cases, the problem is with the indoor coil or your duct system is undersized.

In any case, if your heating isn't working efficiently, it may be costing you much more than you know. As a result, it's important to know when it is time for a heating upgrade and whom to contact. Since 1985, Air Assurance has been servicing the Broken Arrow and Tulsa area. Contact us for more expert advice all of your HVAC issues.

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: “Thinglass/Shutterstock”

Buying A New Furnace: Understand AFUE Ratings Before You Choose

If your heating equipment was on the fritz at the end of last heating season, the time is now to upgrade your furnace. Amongst other things, it is imperative that you know how to read and understand the annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE ratings that are displayed on all new furnace models. Here's why:What AFUE isAFUE ratings are a measurement of how well a furnace is able to change the energy within its fuel into usable heat throughout the course of a year. To be more specific, AFUE serves as the ratio of the furnace's annual output of heat versus the total amount of energy that is consumed by the boiler. All new heating equipment including both furnaces and boilers is required to display AFUE ratings so that consumers are able to easily make comparisons between the efficiency of various models.What the numbers meanWhen it comes to AFUE, the larger the number you see, the more efficient the furnace is. As an example, if a furnace has been assigned an AFUE rating of 85 percent, you will know that 85 percent of the energy from its fuel will be efficiently converted into heat from your home. The remaining 15 percent will be lost through your flue pipe, pilot light, or other means of losing efficiency.Other considerations when looking at AFUE ratingsFirst, it is important to keep in mind that AFUE does not take the losses of heat within your duct system or piping into consideration. If your home's ducts are located in your attic, you can expect that as much as 35 percent of your furnace's energy output could be lost. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the best heating systems for a home with such a duct system. In addition, you should know that bigger is not always better with AFUE. Electric furnaces tend to have AFUE ratings between 95 - 100 percent, for example, but the higher costs of electricity over gas make these an uneconomical decision.For more advice on understanding furnace efficiency ratings, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We proudly serve residents of the Tulsa and Broken Arrow 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

Staying Safe When Using A Natural Gas Furnace

A gas furnace is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home in central Oklahoma, and it's rarely a safety hazard. However, to minimize any problems with burning a combustible fuel in your home for heat, it helps to follow some guidelines.

• Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector no closer than 15 feet from the furnace. If you have just one detector, place it at eye level close to the master bedroom. CO rises and putting it too close to the floor lowers its reliability. Avoid placing the detector close to a bathroom, since the humidity levels can interfere with its operation.

• Try not to use flammable aerosols in your home during the winter. If you must use one, shut the furnace off and open a door or window until the gas dissipates. Store any flammable material away from the furnace.

• Make sure that your gas meter is in the open, along with your incoming shut-off valve for the gas line. In the event of a problem, being able to turn off the gas quickly can prevent a serious emergency. The gas utility technicians need quick access to the meter, so do not cover it, paint it or allow your children to play around it.

• Report any gas odors immediately to your gas provider. If you don't know their contact number, call 911 for assistance.

• Keep your furnace filter clean or change it regularly. A clean filter is your best defense against premature wear, and will promote efficient operation. When the filter gets dirty, it impedes the flow of air over the heat exchanger inside the gas furnace, which can overheat it. Over time, cracks form in the heat exchanger that can emit carbon monoxide and render your furnace unsafe and illegal to use.

• Have your furnace maintained and inspected each year. The inspection includes a check of the flue, the heat exchanger and the thermostat, as well as a check for leaks in all parts leading to the gas furnace.

Air Assurance in Broken Arrow provides annual inspection and maintenance services for gas furnaces. Please contact us to schedule a visit to keep your system working safely and efficiently.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!     

Help Your Furnace Work At Peak Efficiency With Duct Maintenance

Unfortunately, many homes have duct systems that lose lots of heat through air leaks and insufficient insulation. Properly designed and maintained ducts help your furnace work at peak efficiency, saving you money on energy bills. If your energy bills seem overly high, duct maintenance could make your home more efficient. Fixing air leaksSealing your ducts will probably increase your home's energy efficiency. Some homes lose as much as 35 percent of heated or air conditioned air due to duct leaks. It's easiest to have a professional find and seal duct leaks, but you may be able to repair some leaks yourself. To seal leaks yourself, use duct mastic, butyl tape or foil tape rather than duct tape. Duct tape breaks down too quickly. Look for areas where your ducts are accessible and check for holes or cracks to repair.Duct insulationDucts tend to lose energy through improper insulation. For example, ducts that run along uninsulated attic walls are not very efficient. If you can see exposed ductwork in your home or know that your ducts sit inside uninsulated walls, it's a good idea to ask a contractor about improving your duct insulation. If your duct system is over 10 years old, it's possible it only started with an R factor of 4.  Today, the new codes require an R factor of double that.Ductwork designProper ductwork design distributes heated or air conditioned air evenly throughout your house. Smoothly curving ductwork and smooth ductwork materials help your ductwork distribute air as efficiently as possible. Check for sharp angles in your ductwork or ducts that are made out of materials other than smooth sheet metal. As part of your routine duct maintenance, have your contractor assess your ductwork design. Make sure your ductwork is the right size, allowing proper air flow to and from the unit.  By not having the correct sized ductwork, capacity and efficiency can be cut by over half.Cost vs. benefit It will likely cost some money to have duct maintenance performed. Luckily, the long-term energy savings from efficient ductwork usually make up for maintenance costs. A licensed and experienced HVAC contractor can help you determine whether sealing, insulating or redesigning your ductwork might save you money in the long run. Currently, PSO even has programs to help you pay for it now!For help with duct maintenance in the Tulsa area, contact the friendly experts at 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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Duct image via Shutterstock

Finding The MERV Filter That's Right For Your Family's Health And Your Furnace Efficiency

Finding a MERV filter that works for your family, and helps your furnace to function efficiently, is actually a rather simple process. All you need to know is how MERV, minimum efficiency reporting value, works, and which MERV filter will work with your system.A MERV rating, developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), is designed to show how well a filter traps particles, and the size of particle it can trap. Higher-rated MERV filters will trap smaller particles. Low-efficiency filters Rated MERV 1-4, these filters offer the most basic level of protection for your furnace and your home’s air. They aren’t able to trap smaller particles very well, but do a decent job of capturing larger particles. If you’ve never evaluated your furnace filter before, it’s likely that its MERV rating is within this range. Mid-efficiency filters These filters, rated MERV 5-13, generally have an expanded surface, either through a pleated design or some other technology that increases the filter space, so they can trap more particles. The density of the filter’s surface is also critical to efficiency, and mid-range filters have denser fibers. Overall, these filters are the best choice for residential use because they allow enough air to flow through the filter, while balancing the capacity to trap particles of both small and large sizes. High-efficiency filters -- including HEPA It's possible to purchase a higher-efficiency filter, rated MERV 14-16, or a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, rated MERV 17-20; however, both types of filters greatly restrict airflow and are not recommended for use with residential systems. For the ultimate in indoor air quality, you can opt to purchase an air-cleaning device that can be used alongside your HVAC system, which will use a higher-efficiency filter without affecting airflow.If you suspect that your furnace’s MERV filter could use an upgrade, or for any other heating and cooling questions, 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 website and get started today!     Maintenance Checklist image via Shutterstock

Why It's Important To Understand The Efficiency Ratings for Furnaces

Furnace efficiency is defined by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating represents the percentage of energy in the fuel that is converted to usable heat for warming your home or business. AFUE ratings apply to both electric furnaces and units that use fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas. They are a direct indication of how efficiently your furnace will operate and how much money you are likely to spend, or save, on your heating bills.In a gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 85, for example, 85 percent of the available energy in the gas fuel is converted to heat. However, 15 percent of the energy in the fuel will be wasted. This lost 15 percent will escape out the flue, unused, or will seep out elsewhere in the furnace system.Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings are more efficient, meaning they make better use of the fuel they consume to generate heat. Less fuel is wasted as the furnace operates, and less fuel is needed to attain the desired heating levels than with a lower-AFUE unit. Reduced energy waste and less fuel consumption translates to measurable savings on your winter heating bills.According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you replace an existing AFUE 50 furnace with an AFUE 80 unit, you could save almost 25 percent on your heating fuel costs. Replacing an AFUE 50 unit with an AFUE 95 amounts to almost 50 percent savings.Government standards mandate that new fossil-fuel warm-air furnaces carry a minimum AFUE 78 rating. Electric furnaces generally have an AFUE rating of 95 or higher.High-efficiency, high-AFUE furnaces generally cost more than lower-AFUE models, but the substantial savings on heating bills can offset the expense of a better furnace relatively quickly.Air Assurance has more than 30 years of experience serving heating and air conditioning customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas. We carry a full line of high-efficiency furnaces and can help you decide which model at which AFUE rating is best for your needs. Contact us today.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!      Photo courtesy ofShutterstock.