Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa, OK

Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa OK

Determining the best heating method for your home in this area can be a challenge, since both heat pumps and combustion furnaces are viable choices for this climate. Weather throughout the winter tends to be mild, but there are times when the thermometer dips below freezing, which may influence your choice of the best heating method for your home and family.

These characteristics of each type of heating system might help you decide:

• Heat pumps work well in this climate for both heating and cooling. They are an energy-efficient option. Heat pumps warm your home by extracting the heat from the outdoor air. They work well until the temperature falls below freezing. At this point, there is less heat in the air, so the appliance will have to work harder. However, high-efficiency heat pumps are available that work effectively at much colder temperatures. If you require an exceptionally warm house, even during milder weather, you may want to consider a gas or oil furnace as your best heating method.

• The typical heat pump uses one unit of energy to provide three units of heat. A gas furnace or oil furnace never reaches such high efficiency, although high-efficiency systems can be 97% efficient, compared to 300% efficiency from a heat pump.

• Heat pumps have a high degree of safety compared to a gas or oil furnace. Any time that combustible fuels are used indoors, there is a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fuel leaks.

• A heat pump contributes to outdoor noise even in the winter. It uses the compressor inside the outdoor condenser to transfer heat in the same way it removes heat from your home in the summer. If you want a quiet yard in the winter, consider a furnace as your preferred heating method.

• If you need to replace your air conditioner along with your heating method, it makes financial sense to choose a heat pump. 

  ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT (25C) PROGRAM

  The previous Nonbusiness Energy Property credit (25C) for installing high-efficiency equipment was extended through 2022 and provides federal tax credits of up to $500.
  The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) begins in 2023 and extends through 2032. It increases the tax credit limits for high-efficiency equipment as follows:

  1. Eligible equipment includes:

     • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters

     • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

  2. The 25C credit has an annual cap of $1,200 (except heat pump):

     • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace, with an annual cap of $1,200

     • Up to $2,000 with a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler

  There are no income requirements for this tax credit, and it cannot be combined with other federal programs.

  WHO CAN USE THIS CREDIT?

  PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE OWNERS

  Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not apply.

  A principal residence is the home where you live most of the time. The home must be in the United States. It can include a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, condominium, and a manufactured home.

For professional advice about the best heating method based on your home and family, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide trusted HVAC services to Broken Arrow homeowners.

Gain Heater Knowledge: Learn How Your Heater Actually Works

Having some heater knowledge is useful for a couple of reasons. Knowing how heating systems work can help you select a new one for your Broken Arrow home if needed. Being familiar with how heaters work can also help you notice when something is wrong with your heating system so you can have it repaired right away.

Forced-Air Furnace

Forced-air furnaces use gas, oil, propane, or electricity to generate heat. These heating systems take in air, then heat it up and send it through ductwork and vents to warm homes. A blower motor pushes the heated air into the ducts, where it flows to different areas of your home. Colder air in your home is pulled into the furnace through return ducts, and the heating cycle begins again when your heating system is on.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps exchange heat rather than produce it from gas, electricity, oil, or propane. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside or from the ground and use it to heat a home's interior. Air-source heat pumps pull heat from above ground, while geothermal heat pumps pull heat from underground. This provides one energy-efficient way to heat homes in winter. These heating systems can also cool homes by moving hot indoor air outside in summer.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat produces heat through coils or pipes that are placed in floors, ceilings, or walls. These coils or pipes use either electricity or heated water to keep rooms or areas in homes warm. The heat from these pipes and coils flows into the room rather than coming through vents.

If you’re interested in heater knowledge so you can choose a new heating system, our experts can help. Contact Air Assurance for more heater knowledge about our HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area. We can assist you with choosing the most efficient heating system for your home.

Why Is My Heat Pump So Loud?

When your heat pump suddenly becomes noisy, the first thing that may come to your mind is that it's about to break down. But don't panic just yet. Loud heat pumps could be just that — loud. At times, the loud noise could be a sign of a problem. So how can you tell the difference? Read on to find out the common noises that heat pumps make and what they indicate.

Normal Noises

Heat pumps usually make some strange sounds while they operate. For instance, those that have a Scroll-type compressor make clicking and tapping sounds as they shut down. When coming on, they make rickety sounds. Swooshing sounds are also to be expected when heat pumps go into defrost mode. Shifting valves are responsible for the sounds, which shouldn't be a cause for concern. Rattling sounds at startup or shutdown that resemble an unbalanced washing machine are also typical.

Unsettling Noises

Some loud noises can be signs of trouble. They include:

• Gurgling — Low refrigerant charge often causes gurgling noises. It can severely downgrade your heat pump's performance.

• Rattling — Frequent rattling or vibration-like sounds could be caused by loose components or unsecured ducts.

• Metal-to-metal noises — At times, a heat pump can make banging or clanging sounds like metal hitting against metal. The fan blades could be hitting a chunk of ice or other components. The contact could damage the fan or the parts that the fan blades are hitting. To avoid costly repairs, turn the unit off as soon as you hear these noises.

• Popping — This sound could be as a result of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor. You should have it fixed soonest possible.

• Squealing — A high-pitched squealing sound could indicate your unit's motor is going bad. It could also be due to your compressor putting too much pressure on the refrigerant.

If your heat pump is making any of these worrisome sounds, call in an HVAC professional to examine it. If you need help with a noisy unit in the Broken Arrow area, contact the heat pump specialists 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Celebrate High-Tech Month with These HVAC Products

Why not add some HVAC products embedded with high-technology to honor the month of January. They’ll bring a new level of function to your home that will be as useful as it is interesting.

Wi-Fi and Smart Thermostats

By their nature, thermostats that you can control from anywhere have to be among the smartest products to use in your home to control its energy use. These thermostats let you monitor your home from anywhere you can get a Wi-Fi signal.Some thermostats track room occupancy to adjust the temperatures. Others have features that tell you when the unit needs servicing or when a part is malfunctioning. Overall, smart and Wi-Fi thermostats save considerable amounts of energy for people who aren’t home 24/7 or travel a lot. They’re also useful to control temperatures remotely.

Air Purifiers

Considering the high volume of air that you breathe daily, installing a central air purifier will clean the air and reduce the symptoms of allergies or asthma. You can choose from UV (ultraviolet) air purifiers and the advanced systems that eradicate the pollutants in the air without using filtration.

Air Quality Monitors

If you’re not sure you need an air purifier, start smaller with an air quality monitor. If your garage is attached and someone in your home has a hobby that uses chemicals, an air purifier will alert you when the air isn’t necessarily safe to breathe. Harmful but all too common airborne chemicals include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause a variety of complaints and serious illnesses will show up on the monitor, as well as. Other dangerous gases include carbon monoxide and dioxide and radon.

Advanced Heat Pumps

If you need a new heating and cooling system, consider an advanced heat pump with variable-speed operation. These kinds save tremendous energy and ensure your comfort using high-tech sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures and adjust their running speeds accordingly.

If you’d like more information about any of these HVAC products and others, talk to a pro at Air Assurance, providing 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Tips To Manage Home Heating Load

If you're heard the phrase “heating load” but you're not sure what it means, it's simply the amount of energy consumed by your heat pump or furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. If you'd like to save energy and reduce your utility bills, you can use these tips to better manage your home heating load:

Seal Air Leakage Sources

Heated air losses make your heating system work harder and waste energy. To curb these losses, use weatherstripping, expandable foam and caulk to seal gaps and leaks around your exterior doors, windows, and where wiring, pipes and vents penetrate the exterior shell. Seal spots where air leakage occurs between the attic and your finished living areas and the access hatch too, and have your accessible HVAC ducting runs sealed and insulated as well.

Maintain Your Heating Equipment

Well-maintained equipment consumes less energy, so get yours professionally serviced every year. To keep your equipment running efficiently throughout the heating season, check the system's air filter once a month, and put in a fresh one when you see any dirt accumulation.

Install Sufficient Attic Insulation

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), you should have a total of R-30 to R-49 installed between your attic floor joists to limit energy losses that add to your heating load. When you're insulating the attic, don't forget to do the access hatch too.

Keep Heating Vents Open and Unobstructed

When some vents are closed or blocked, it puts extra strain on your heating equipment and increases its energy consumption. You can avoid this by keeping your vent louvers open and checking periodically that they're unobstructed by household items like furniture, rugs or long window treatments.

Switch to a Programmable Thermostat

If you still have an older manual or digital thermostat, install a programmable model that allows you to automate energy-saving temperature setbacks. Ideally, these should be daily eight-hour periods, such as when everyone's away all day, or at night when your family is sleeping.

For personalized advice about managing your home heating load, contact the Broken Arrow HVAC pros 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: “geralt/Pixabay”

Five Things You Need to Know About Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a highly versatile climate control option for just about any home, offering excellent performance as well as tremendous savings. But before you decide to buy one, consider a few things you should know:

1. There are actually two types of heat pumps. Heat pumps can be divided into air-source and ground-source variants.

   • An air source heat pump uses outdoor air to gather latent heat during the heating season and release latent heat during the cooling season.

   • A ground-source heat pump, on the other hand, draws its latent heat from below-ground water sources. It also sends latent heat underground during the cooling season.

2. They use refrigerant to cool and heat your home. The average air conditioner uses its refrigerant as a medium for collecting latent heat found within indoor air and expelling that heat outdoors. A heat pump follows the same principle during the cooling season, but it completely reverses the process during the heating season, when it uses its refrigerant to draw latent heat from the outdoor air instead.

3. They can be used with supplementary heat sources. Most heat pumps are designed to be paired with electric, gas, or even oil heat. This can give you an effective fallback if you need a little extra heat during the winter.

4. Having one installed in your home can help save you money. A typical heat pump is designed to use far less energy for heating and cooling than other types of HVAC systems. An Energy Star-qualified system can save you even more money, as these units use up to 20 percent less energy than standard models.

5. Buying one can qualify you for a tax credit. Purchasing a ground-source heat pump can qualify you for a federal tax credit toward 30 percent of your system’s total cost.

To learn more about how a heat pump can help keep your home comfortable year-round, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Designua/Shutterstock”

Consider These Air Conditioner Options When Cooling Your New Home Addition

If you're planning to add a room or section onto your home, one of the major decisions you'll have to make is how to cool and heat the added space. The decision could have far-reaching consequences; if you choose the wrong alternative, it could prove quite costly. Here are three main options for heating or cooling your new home addition.

Extending an Existing Cooling and Heating System

This is the simplest option if your existing HVAC system has the capacity to cool and heat the added space. It just requires the labor and materials to extend existing ductwork. You can also have a zoning system installed, which allows for independent temperature control in the new area.

Replacing an Existing HVAC System

This option is practical if your existing system is nearing the end of its useful service life. This usually happens after 15 years or more for a furnace, and 10 to 12 years for an A/C or heat pump. When replacing your old system, you can upgrade to high efficiency heating and cooling, setting yourself up for lower energy bills. For even more efficiency, combine this with a weatherization project throughout your home by sealing air leaks and enhancing insulation.

Install an Independent System

If either of the first two options are too expensive or otherwise impractical, consider installing independent cooling and heating. A variety of options are available, including a ductless mini split, a small furnace-A/C setup, or a mini-duct HVAC system. With all of these options, you get independent temperature control in your home's added space.

For more advice on heating and cooling your new home addition, please contact us at Air Assurance. We've provided superior HVAC services to Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities 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: “GSPhotography/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Sizing a Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump is an inexpensive, renewable way of heating and cooling your home by using energy from the ground. However, before you invest in a geothermal system, it's important to get the correct size for your space. Otherwise, you could end up wasting energy instead of saving it. Let's look at why sizing a geothermal heat pump is so important, and how to do it properly.

How a Geothermal System Works

No matter what the weather is like outside, the temperature about 10 feet underground is a constant 50 to 60 degrees. A geothermal system buries a loop of pipe beneath the ground, then circulates liquid through it to absorb that heat energy and bring it into the home. During the summer, a geothermal heat pump extracts heat energy from indoor air and uses the ground as a heat-sink to dispose of the unwanted heat. The cool air is the result of this heat extraction.

Problems With Improper Sizing

If you size your system too small, it won't have the capacity to heat or cool the air as it should. It has to work harder to do the job properly, using extra electricity and putting undue stress on system components, which can cause unnecessary damage and ultimately shorten system life.Sizing a geothermal heat pump too large causes problems as well. A system that's too big will cycle on and off too frequently, which also causes damage and uses excess electricity. It also creates a disparity in temperature from one area to the next and can fail to dehumidify the space, making things wet and clammy.

So what size should your geothermal system be? It depends on the size of your home, as well as climate, soil type and other factors. Talk to a professional HVAC contractor, who can measure these factors and make sure your geothermal system and piping loop are the proper size for your home.

For help sizing a geothermal heat pump for your 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “John T Takai/Shutterstock”

Let's Debunk Common Geothermal Heating & Cooling Myths

Geothermal heating and cooling is generating substantial interest as more homeowners adopt the ultimate in low-cost and environmentally friendly indoor comfort. Just six feet beneath the earth's surface, temperatures average about 55 degrees. This convenient geological fact, combined with efficient heat pump technology, turns the earth itself into an available energy source for geothermal heating and cooling.

Misunderstandings and myths surround some of the basics of geothermal heating and cooling, however. Here are a few you may hear—plus the actual facts of the matter.

Geothermal Consumes Electricity

The nominal electricity consumed by a geothermal system is utilized only to power the heat pump compressor, circulation pumps and blower. Heat produced by a geothermal system is extracted from the earth by a ground heat exchanger consisting of buried tubes that continuously circulate a heat-absorbing solution. In summer, the system reverses and extracts heat from the home, dispersing it back into the earth through the ground heat exchanger.

Geothermal Requires Lots of Space

In a horizontal installation, tubing can be arranged in loops and “slinky” type configuration to reduce the required square footage. Moreover, heat exchange tubing can also be installed vertically, in a deep bore drilled into the ground. Vertical installations can be adapted to almost any size lot.

Underground Components Degrade

High-density polyethylene tubing utilized for the ground heat exchanger is typically guaranteed for 50 years or more. Because they are not exposed to weather extremes, buried components typically incur less wear and tear than surface components of a conventional A/C system.

Geothermal Heat Pumps Make Noise

All above-ground components of a geothermal system are installed indoors. Because heat is absorbed and dispersed by the buried heat exchanger, there are no noisy coil fans running.

Solar Panels and Wind Generators Are More Efficient

For every unit of energy consumed, a geothermal system returns four units of heating or cooling. Reduction in power demand of a geothermal system is equal to or up to four times greater than solar or wind.

Ask the professionals at Air Assurance for more facts about the advantages of geothermal heating and cooling.

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: “shanesabin/Shutterstock”

Find Out Why Preventative HVAC Maintenance Is So Important

The equipment and systems that heat and cool your home are just like any other mechanical devices. If they aren't properly maintained, they won't operate with optimum efficiency, they'll malfunction more often and they won't last as long. While cooling and heating systems need annual professional maintenance, they also need TLC from the homeowner in the form of preventative HVAC maintenance. Following are some steps you can take to help your HVAC systems keep your home comfortable while using energy efficiently.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance Steps

• Check the air filter. The air filter for your furnace, heat pump or A/C plays an essential role in delivering cooled and heated air throughout your home. If the filter is clogged or dirty, the HVAC equipment will have to work harder to push air through the system. This will waste energy and stress system components. A dirty air filter also will result in dust coating sensitive parts, causing friction and wasting energy. Finally, when a filter gets clogged, eventually your blower will start pushing particulates around the filter and into your indoor air. Inspect the filter monthly and when it looks dirty, change or clean it (depending on the filter).

• Keep vents and registers clear. Rugs, furniture, toys and other objects can block heating and cooling registers. This impedes airflow and reduces HVAC performance.

• Similarly, keep yard debris such as leaves, sticks and grass cuttings away from the outside unit of a split-system A/C or heat pump. Anything that restricts airflow to the condenser coil will erode efficiency and performance.

With today's complex heating and cooling systems, most homeowners are better off letting a professional technician handle any but the simplest preventative HVAC maintenance. During an annual or semi-annual maintenance tune-up, a trained technician will run through a lengthy checklist of tasks and checks to make sure your heating or cooling systems will operate efficiently and safely till the next regularly scheduled visit.

To schedule a preventative HVAC maintenance visit, or to discuss an extended service protection plan, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC services to the greater Tulsa metro area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ducu59us/Shutterstock”

Should You Leave These Heating Equipment Tasks to a Pro?

Taking care of your home's heating system is essential if you want to provide your home with reliable, comfortable heating throughout the winter. This is true whether you use a gas furnace, an electric heat pump or a combustion boiler. As with all HVAC systems, heating equipment maintenance involves a mixture of do-it-yourself steps and professional tasks.

So, how to you know which heating equipment tasks should be left to a professional? Here's a basic explanation:

Do-It-Yourself

• Inspect and change air filters when they get dirty. Make sure to check your filter at least once a month. A clean filter allows for a smooth airflow through your system, keeping damaging dust and debris out of sensitive components. As a result, you'll save money on energy and reduce the chance of breakdowns.

• Seal leaky ducts. If you find loose connections or actual holes or cracks, seal them with duct mastic and metal-backed tape. Then, insulate ducts that run through unconditioned areas, such as your crawlspace or basement.

• Remove obstructions from heating vents and registers. You'll be surprised by how many household objects get shoved atop vents, including rugs, furniture and drapes.

Call a Professional 

• Check ignition and combustion components for fuel-burning furnaces and boilers. All components should be clean, and moving parts should be lubricated.

• With combustion heating systems, your technician should make sure the venting, exhaust and chimney set-up is safe and up to code. Otherwise, you're risking carbon-monoxide poisoning and/or fire.

• Electric wiring and terminals should be assessed for proper connections and operation in heat pumps, furnaces and boiler systems.

• Heat pump systems should be inspected for correct refrigerant level, while indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned. Airflow should also be checked and adjusted.

• In both furnaces and heat pumps, the condensate drain should be inspected for blockages and cleaned.

For more advice on helpful heating equipment tasks to complete this season, please contact Air Assurance. We serve the Greater Tulsa area.

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

Replacing the A/C: Questions You Should Be Asking

If your old HVAC system has been experiencing breakdowns recently, hasn't been cooling as well, or was purchased more than ten years ago, it's probably time to think about replacing the A/C.A/C's that are older than ten years take significantly more energy to run for the same-- or in some cases, even less-- cooling benefit than current models. Ten years is also about the service life on a standard compressor, and so units that are older than ten years are more likely to start having problems, and A/C repair bills can quickly add up.If I'm replacing the A/C, do I have to replace the whole HVAC system?  It is best to replace all of the equipment at the same time. Otherwise, you can end up with ductwork that is too small to carry the full cooling capacity of your new unit to the living spaces of your house, or insufficient air handlers on the indoor unit. Mix and match systems are also more prone to energy loss and maintenance issues, which defeats some of the financial benefit of getting an energy-efficient system.How do I know if I've picked the right size A/C for my house?  This is a great question. If the system is too big, you'll be using more energy than necessary, but if it's too small, it'll have a hard time keeping up with your cooling needs. The best way to know if you're looking at the right size HVAC system for your house is to have a trained technician come in and do a detailed cooling load report on your home.There are so many systems on the market. Which type should I get? What type of cooling system is best largely depends on your circumstances and preferences, but here are some guidelines:

• A higher SEER rating will give more energy efficient operation

• A two-stage cooling system will remove more humidity

• A heat pump can provide year round heating and cooling

For more advice on replacing the A/C with the best results, contact Air Assurance, serving the greater 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: “_Leigh Prather/Shutterstock”

Get a Federal Tax Credit for Installing a Geothermal Heat Pump

A geothermal heat pump is the most energy efficient and durable system you can use in your home and a federal tax credit exists to help you offset the higher cost of these systems. A heat pump cools and heats by moving heat from one place to another. While air-source heat pumps depend on outdoor temperatures to harvest or deposit heat, a geothermal system executes this process by using underground resources.

Since temperatures vary little underground throughout the year, the geothermal system is more efficient at both heating and cooling. They use a loop field that's buried deeply underground as the resource for depositing heat in the summer and the resource in the winter. It's the loop field that adds the extra cost to a geothermal heat pump, and the tax credits will help offset this expense.

Homeowners who install a qualifying system can deduct its entire cost, with some exceptions, to receive a 30 percent credit on federal taxes. This credit applies to primary and secondary homes, but not rental properties. It even applies to new home construction. The program is so generous because geothermal systems have a low carbon footprint. The loop field can last 50 years or more, and the heat pump itself may last 25 years.

The federal tax credit won't cover the cost of the ductwork or a backup heating coil, but it will cover the cost of the desuperheater, an upgrade that takes the heat from your home and uses it to heat your water.

A geothermal system must meet the requirements for the Energy Star program to qualify and it must be installed on or before December 31, 2016. You can deduct the entire cost of the system, except for the ductwork and heating coil, to receive the credit. There's no cap on the amount you can deduct for the loop field and the remaining heat pump and desuperheater if you opt for this upgrade.

If you'd like more information about a geothermal heat pump and the federal tax credit, contact Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow homeowners with HVAC services 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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Tips to Protect Your Air Conditioner From Thieves

Most homeowners dedicate some time and effort toward security in their home, but what you may have missed is protecting your possessions that live outdoors. Your outside heat pump and air conditioning (A/C) units are both common targets of thieves because of their valuable copper content. There are a few simple things you can do to protect your air conditioner.

Use an Alarm

If you are looking for maximum protection, a video surveillance system combined with an alarm system is your best bet. There are special alarm systems designed just for outdoor HVAC units, although they can be fairly expensive. Both security consultants and HVAC technicians are good sources for more information and recommendations.

Disguise Your Equipment

One surefire way to stop most thieves from trying to steal from you is to pretend that you don’t have anything to steal. Installing your outdoor unit in your backyard and covering it with bushes or patio furniture is a great way to hide it.

Invest in a Cage

Another robust option is to buy a specialized cage for your A/C unit. Not only will this protect you from thieves, but it will also protect the unit from damage caused by weather. One thing to be wary of is that some cheaper cages may protect the unit from most things, but still allow copper to be stripped.

Fence It In

If you don’t already have your yard fenced in, building a tall fence can not only provide cover for your A/C, but also make it harder to spot. This works best if you have a large dog that often occupies the yard, but you could always stick up a dog warning sign as a deterrent anyways.

If you have any questions about how you can protect your air conditioner in your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance for further assistance.

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

3 Important Terms to Know for Your System: AFUE, SEER, HSPF

Whenever you’re buying a new major HVAC appliance or having repairs done, it’s good to be able to understand what your technician or salesman is talking about. It will help you learn about your HVAC system, which will in turn allow you to make better decisions that will benefit you and your home. Here are three important terms you should learn about: AFUE, SEER, HSPF.

AFUE

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is a value that shows how well a furnace or water heater is able to turn your fuel into usable heat. The word annual in the acronym indicates that this is an average value that was determined over the course of a typical year. This is important because some units will perform better or worse than others in extreme temperatures. The current minimum AFUE level in the U.S. has been set at 78 percent by the Department of Energy.

SEER

Air conditioners (A/Cs) have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) value that demonstrates how efficiently your A/C cools air. A high SEER number indicates that your A/C wastes less energy to cool air than a comparable air conditioner with a lower SEER value. The minimum standard for A/Cs in terms of SEER rating is currently 13.

HSPF

A final HVAC term you should understand is the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) of your heat pump. This number is again a type of efficiency rating that measures how well your pump translates the energy it consumes per hour into hot or cold air. High efficiency air conditioners will have the highest HSPFs, and will save you money on energy bills.

Understanding your HVAC system can only help you as a homeowner. If you have any questions or confusion about your Broken Arrow home’s HVAC system, please contact Air Assurance to clear them up.

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

What's Your Heat Pump's Balance Point?

What's Your Heat Pump's Balance Point?

Adjusting your thermostat and weatherizing your home are critical to maximize your heat pump's efficiency. A heat pump's balance point is the lowest limit at which the equipment can provide heating comfortably. Precisely determining your heat pump's point can be somewhat of a challenge. With the abundance of technical jargon and the scientific principles that are a part of determining the heat pump's balance point, this can seem like an elusive concept.The two major factors that play roles in determining the balance point are heating load and heating capacity. Heating load defines the difference between what your home's current temperature is and the temperature at which you desire to heat or cool it to. In other words, this term illustrates how much cooling or heating your home requires. In contrast, heating capacity is a metric that defines how much cooling or heating your heat pump can provide.Your heat pump system uses outdoor air as the thermal energy source to cool or heat your home. This means that a heat pump's heating capacity is dependent on outside temperatures. The scientific principles behind this are complex, but what you as a homeowner need to remember is that a heat pump's capacity increases as its heating load decreases and its capacity decreases as its heating load increases. The heat pump's balancing point is the point at which these two are equal, generally this is around 35 degrees Fahrenheit.This is important because if the outside temperature drops below your heat pump's balance point, your home will need a supplemental heating source to ensure that your heating load demands are met. Usually, this is by more expensive electric heat strips or a gas or propane furnace. Backup heat is often controlled by a two stage thermostat that switches on when the heat pump has ceased to be effective at heating your home. You can better improve your heat pump's effectiveness and lower its balancing point by properly weatherizing your home.To learn more about heat pump's an balancing points, contact your Oklahoma HVAC experts at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing today.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

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

Don't Let Those 2013 Tax Credits Get Away: Use Them on an Efficient A/C

Don't Let Those 2013 Tax Credits Get Away: Use Them on an Efficient A/C

Homeowners who install qualifying cooling systems this year can take advantage of tax credits from the federal government to help offset the cost. Those that qualify are high-efficiency central air conditioners and heat pumps. If your equipment is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs, or uses a lot of electricity, this summer might be an advantageous time to replace it. The minimum energy efficiency for central cooling systems stands at 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). In order to qualify for the tax credit whose maximum amount is $300, new equipment has to have a minimum rating from 14 to 16 SEER, and depends on whether you're installing a split or package system and whether it's an air conditioner or a heat pump.You and your HVAC contractor can discuss which system would be best for your home, along with going through the other important elements when choosing a new cooling system, particularly its size. Contractors use software called Manual J to perform a load calculation to arrive at the right tonnage for your new system.Going by the size of your existing equipment could result in a system that's too large or small for your home. Oversized systems drive up energy bills and leave humidity behind. They run in short cycles more frequently, which increases the wear on all the parts. A system that's too small won't keep you as comfortable during our hottest weather.Once you've chosen the right system for your home, a thorough ductwork inspection should be made to assess your current system, its size and integrity. The leaks should be sealed with mastic or metal tape. Choosing a shady location for the outdoor condenser also helps you get the most efficiency from your new system. The hot refrigerant from your home cools faster if the condenser is out of the sun and has plenty of clearance on all sides.If you'd like more information about the 2013 tax credit and choosing a new system, contact Air Assurance. We've provided top-notch 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

When Installing a Heat Pump, Let These Guidelines Show You the Way

When Installing a Heat Pump, Let These Guidelines Show You the Way

A heat pump is an economical way to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, especially in Midwestern climates. Instead of converting heat to fuel like combustion furnaces, heat pumps simply move heat. The performance of your heat pump relies on selecting the right type and size for your home and expert installation. Whether you use an air-source or geothermal heat pump, work with a professional HVAC technician to avoid problems and get the best results. When installing a heat pump, here are a few things to do first.

• Make sure your home is properly insulated with correct duct work and energy-efficient windows. If ducts are in the attic or crawl space, insulate with R-8 insulation to provide the best barrier. Install ducts inside your insulation to save energy. If your home is energy-efficient, you can install a smaller heat pump unit with shorter duct lengths.

• When installing new ducts, you can specify that measured air leaks should be below 10 percent of the airflow. A professional can reduce air leakage to below 5 percent with skill and careful planning and workmanship. Keep air leakage as low as possible for maximum efficiency.

• Do not use building cavities for your ducts. They typically leak, causing moisture problems, uncomfortable airflow and energy loss.

• After duct work is installed, test it by pulling on it to ensure that it's sealed well and fastened securely. Duct joints should be sealed with mastic.

• When installing a heat pump, put it on the north side of the house where it tends to be the shadiest. If this isn't possible, choose a shady place without any obstructions at least 10 feet from each open side and the top of your heat pump unit.

• For optimal heating and cooling efficiency, ask your technician or contractor to put a return register in each room of the house.

For more expert advice on installing a heat pump or other home comfort needs, please contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Broken Arrow, OK., servicing the greater 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).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

The Heat Pump in Your Tulsa Home Needs Seasonal Maintenance

Most homeowners know that their heat pumps require seasonal maintenance. However, you may be neglecting to schedule the service, especially if you aren’t convinced it provides long-term value. Learn the tasks your heat pump technician will perform during a seasonal tune-up, and see just why investing in maintenance offers proven, long-term benefits.

Here are just some of the tasks your technician will perform during maintenance:

• Identify components that are wearing out, and replace parts as necessary.

• Check the ductwork, ensuring that the duct's joints don’t leak; install insulation around ducts located in the basement or attic.

• Test the system’s airflow, making adjustments as needed.

• Clean all the components like the coils, giving heat transfer a boost.

• Test the refrigerant charge, adding more refrigerant if the charge is below manufacturer’s specs.

• Clean electric terminals, tightening connections and lubricating the motor’s bearings.

• Calibrate the thermostat to ensure correct temperature readings.

• Check the control sequence, making sure that the heat pump’s heating mode is locked out when the thermostat is set to cool.

• Clean the condensate drain, identifying obstructions that lead to water damage.

These are the primary benefits the service affords:

• Lower operating costs -- With a seasonal check, the technician is able to keep all of the components in peak operating condition, so the unit performs efficiently. Over the years, you’ll pay less to operate the system than you would if you neglected to service it.

• Fewer repairs – A neglected system will eventually break down, and you’ll likely pay for costly repairs to get the heat pump running again. Preseason tune-ups allow the technician to identify worn components before they break down, which means you’ll pay for a part replacement only, which typically costs less.

• Better comfort – When you keep your system in good shape with regular maintenance, it will not only operate more efficiently, but it will be able to keep your home comfort at optimal levels, regardless of the outdoor conditions—or how hot it gets.

Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has served homeowners in greater Broken Arrow for more than 30 years. Give us a call today to schedule preseason maintenance for your heat pump.

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

Heat Pump Too Frosty? Some Tips For Keeping It Ice-Free

It doesn’t take a snow storm to cause the heat pump condenser coil to ice over. Something as simple as a clogged air filter could be to blame. If you have problems with your coil accumulating ice, read through these causes for ice accumulation, and some troubleshooting tips to remedy the problem before you call in the pros. In heating mode, the refrigerant inside the outdoor condenser coil becomes extremely cold, while the refrigerant inside the indoor evaporator coil becomes extremely hot. This is heat exchange, and it’s the process that gives heat pumps up to 400 percent heating efficiency.However, when there is a glitch in the components which overburdens the system, efficiency and performance drop drastically, and the condenser coil ices over. These are some of the common issues for ice accumulation:

• Airflow is blocked or hindered by a clogged air filter, dirty condenser coil, malfunctioning air handler, and snow and/or other debris blocking airflow at the outside cabinet.

• Refrigerant charge is too high or low.

• Demand defrost mode isn’t functioning properly (bad timer, sensor or relay).

• Thermostat is faulty.

• Electrical contacts are worn.

• Air handler is malfunctioning or broken.

Except for specific electrical issues, or demand defrost malfunctions, all of these heat pump issues cause ice accumulation on the condenser coil by exerting too much stress on the system. Check all possible issues with hindered or blocked airflow. Ensure the outside cabinet has two or more feet of clearance on all sides. Check to see if the air handler is working.Significant issues, such as those involving faulty electrical components, thermostat or demand defrost malfunction, a sticky reversing valve or air handler issues, should be serviced by an HVAC professional. If after removing airflow obstructions, your heat pump still does not defrost properly, call your HVAC pro. Do not attempt to chip the ice away, or you may risk more serious damage.If you have any questions about your heat pump, or if you would like to schedule a service call, contact us at Air Assurance today. We proudly serve homeowners of the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock