Furnace Replacement In Your Future? Right Sizing Is Crucial

Furnace Installation & Replacement Tulsa

A furnace replacement may be one of the more challenging decisions you make as a homeowner, since these systems are complex and involve a number of factors. The right size is critical, not just for energy efficiency, but also for your comfort and the longevity of the system.Before homes were as air tight and energy efficient as they now are, larger equipment was needed to adequately compensate for lower insulation levels and more air infiltration. If you live in an older home and have made any improvements to either the insulation and plugged the air leaks, chances are you need a smaller system than you now have.HVAC contractors use a tool called Manual J to pinpoint the size that you need. This system was developed decades ago and it factors many aspects of your home, including:

• Cubic footage you need to heat;

• Layout of your home;

• Number of windows, their efficiency and exposure to the sun;

• Insulation levels in the attic and walls;

• Air infiltration rates;

• Heat-producing appliances under roof;

• Outdoor landscaping characteristics;

• Preferred indoor temperatures; and

• Age and number of household members.

Once the HVAC contractor finishes the analysis and knows the BTUs you need, he moves onto evaluating your current ductwork, using Manual D.Knowing the precise size you need not only saves you money initially for a furnace replacement, it also saves money over the life of the equipment. When furnaces are too large, they short cycle, which means they turn on and off more frequently. Short cycling increases your energy costs because the more the furnace runs, the more fuel it uses, and a portion of it goes up the flue, which is wasted. Running frequently also increases the wear and tear on all the components inside the system. Your comfort also suffers, since rooms may not thoroughly warm enough.If you'd like more information about furnace replacement, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for more than 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

How to Find Reputable HVAC Contractors

When you're in the market for an HVAC contractor, the process can become quite vexing. After all, you need to find a company that you can fully trust with essential systems that ensure a high level of home comfort. Our goal here is to make the process easier for you by providing a few simple tips.

Ask Around for Recommendations

If you can get a recommendation from someone you know -- family member, friend, or co-worker -- your search may be over only a few moments after it's begun. This is definitely the first step you should take.

Check Out Referrals

The first time you contact a new contractor, ask for a list of referrals of past clients. You can receive a fair sampling by choosing one or two letters from the alphabet, and then asking for referrals with last names that correspond to your choices.

Ensure NATE Certification

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification provides testing on technicians to ensure vast knowledge of various HVAC systems and topics. If a potential company doesn't utilize certified technicians, go somewhere else for service.

Make Sure They're Attentive

While it's true that HVAC contractors typically have a lot of customers to deal with at any given time, that's certainly no excuse for providing bad service. You should always expect to be treated respectfully and responded to in a timely manner.

Check on Industry Knowledge

We're not talking about basic industry knowledge -- every HVAC company will obviously employ technicians who know their jobs. What you should look for, though, is a contractor that keeps up with evolving technology and techniques.

Take a Look at the BBB Website

The Better Business Bureau website is a great way to get a feel for the quality of an HVAC contractor. You can use the site to check out a company's ratings and see how they handled any complaints against them.

For more expert advice on how to find a reputable HVAC contractor, or any other home comfort concerns, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

HVAC Quotes: Tips For Reviewing Them To Hire Expert HVAC Service

When you’re in need of HVAC service or repair, you may feel pressured to choose a contractor quickly in order to minimize the discomfort suffered by your family. Unfortunately, rushing such a decision can prove costly over the long term, especially if you don’t take the time to compare quotes from competing HVAC contractors. In what seems like a time of desperation, HVAC service quotes can offer some means of control.In order to make a fair comparison of parts and services, you need to have a basic understanding of your heating and cooling components and the terminology used to refer to their parts, functions and efficiency. For example, it pays to know that the SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, on older air conditioners is relatively low compared to today's high-efficiency models, and that replacing a 10-year-old system will likely prove more cost effective than attempting to repair it.Of course, the first and perhaps most obvious item Broken Arrow homeowners notice when reviewing HVAC service quotes is pricing. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma residents mistakenly use pricing as their sole point of comparison. This can be misleading for several reasons. For instance, pricing doesn’t always give a clear indication of:

• The quality level of different brands

• Energy-efficiency ratings such as SEER or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

• Convenience- and energy-enhancing features such as filter check reminders, thermal expansion valves or R-410A refrigerant

• The long-term implications of manufacturer and contractor warranties

• Eligibility for energy-based credits, incentives and rebates from the manufacturer or at the local, state and federal levels

• What kind of other values does the contractor offer. Anyone can replace boxes, but who takes care of other issues that impact the efficiency and return on investment when installation occurs including duct sizing and sealing

• Most importantly, how is the contractor standing behind your comfort and reliability in the future?

If not clearly indicated, you should also ask for details regarding costs of service versus costs of equipment. Knowing exactly what you are paying for is the best way to make an educated decision. In comparing HVAC service quotes, you have a chance to weed out less-than-reputable companies who might otherwise take advantage of their position as so-called experts.If you’ve spotted discrepancies in your HVAC service quotes, our NATE-certified technicians are here to answer your questions. For more information regarding the service and repair of your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance 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 website to see our current promotions and get started today!