Tips: Buying a New Air Conditioner

When summer weather is coming, homeowners turn to thoughts of air conditioner maintenance. If this is the year you'll be buying a new air conditioner, make sure you enter the process wisely. Here are some tips to help you find the right air conditioner.

Purchase the Proper Size

Sizing the air conditioner properly for your home is going to be crucial as you seek to properly and efficiently cool your home. If the new air conditioner is too large for your space, you will struggle with high humidity levels. If it is too small, it will work too hard and struggle to keep up on extremely hot days.

Check Efficiency Ratings

If your air conditioner is 10 or more years old, chances are it is less efficient than newer options. Purchasing a highly efficient air conditioner will help lower energy bills. To find an efficient air conditioner, look for labels from the federal Energy Star program and SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating on the air conditioner, the more efficient it is. Currently, a 13 SEER rating is the minimum requirement, and 16 or above is considered highly efficient.

Properly Match the Indoor and Outdoor Unit

If you are only replacing one part of your air conditioning system, you will need to ensure that the indoor unit and outdoor compressor are properly matched. Recent refrigeration changes mean that not all systems will match properly. Your HVAC professional will be able to help with this.

Remember to Check for Rebates

Rebates for high efficiency air conditioners are common, on both the federal and state levels. Find out what rebates are available, and take advantage of them. Keep in mind that you may be able to offset the cost of a new air conditioner with a higher efficiency rating using a rebate, so research rebates before you buy.

If you are looking for more advice about choosing the ideal air conditioner for your Broken Arrow home, consider consulting with an HVAC professional. Air Assurance has a team of dedicated professionals who are ready to help you. Contact them today.

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The Essential Home Energy Evaluation Checklist

Broken Arrow's climate gives us a wide range of weather to deal with, but with a few simple upgrades, you can make sure your home is ready for whatever comes. A home energy evaluation helps you choose the upgrades that will benefit you most.

Perform a Basic DIY Inspection

Look for leaks — Tiny cracks around doors, windows, plumbing and wiring penetrations, exhaust vents, and other areas waste your heated and cooled air. Test for these by holding a smoke pencil up to potentially leaky areas. If the smoke blows sideways, there's a leak. Caulk and weatherstripping can be used to seal leaks like these.

Inspect your insulation — To block unwanted heat loss and gain, your attic needs at least an R-30 (9-inch) layer of insulation. Adding more to achieve an R-60 layer further improves your home's efficiency.

Check your ducts — Ducts with poorly sealed joints and insufficient insulation drag down your furnace and A/C's efficiency. Sealing the duct joints with mastic and applying duct wrap insulation helps.

Assess your appliances — Appliances more than 10 years old run inefficiently and are at risk for failure. Upgrading to new models will help lower your monthly energy bills.

Consider your lighting — If any of your light fixtures still hold incandescent bulbs, consider upgrading to more efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED lamps.

How a Pro Can Help

During a professional home energy evaluation, your technician will use specialized knowledge and equipment to pinpoint energy wasters you wouldn't be able to find by yourself. With blower door equipment, the technician can depressurize your house to spot small yet significant air leaks. Duct blaster equipment allows your technician to test your ducts for leaks, so they can be sealed for maximum efficiency.

To assess the insulation inside your walls and floors, your technician will scan your home with an infrared camera, which shows where your home is losing or gaining heat. If these areas are short on insulation, adding loose-fill insulation is a convenient solution.

To schedule a home energy evaluation, contact us at Air Assurance in the Broken Arrow area.

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Are You a First-Time Home Buyer? Don't Forget These HVAC Tips

As a first-time home buyer, it's advisable to only consider homes that have been professionally inspected. That said, many home inspectors aren't familiar enough with HVAC systems to make accurate reports. Follow up with your own HVAC questions, consult an HVAC contractor if needed, and consider the following tips:

HVAC Tips for the First-Time Home Buyer

• Types of HVAC systems - First item on the agenda is to familiarize yourself with the HVAC system. Is the heating system a natural gas furnace, oil furnace, boiler, or dual-fuel system? Is a split-system heat pump or A/C used for home cooling?

• System age - If the homeowner or realtor doesn't know the age of the HVAC system, contact the manufacturer with the model number to find out the age of the heating and cooling systems. Generally speaking, if the furnace is more than 12 years old and the heat pump or A/C are more than 10 years old, consider the expense to your pocketbook to replace them in the near future—especially if professional maintenance wasn't performed semi-annually.

• Add-on systems - Add-on systems can greatly enhance home comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Find out if the HVAC system includes a zoning system, whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier, a ventilation system, WiFi thermostat, and air-purification system. Zoning systems and ventilation systems, for example, are going to provide you enhanced comfort.

• Transferable Warranty - If the HVAC system is new or only a few years old, ask to see the warranty. Check if the warranty is transferable. This will give you peace of mind for the remainder.

• Maintenance report - Regular professional HVAC maintenance is vital to maximize efficiency and to extend HVAC lifespan. If a homeowner has been mindful to schedule regular maintenance, they probably kept all records. Review the records to learn the HVAC system's history.

• Ductwork - Don't forget the air ducts. Ask for the latest ductwork inspection. Poor duct design and leaky ducts will cost you substantially in higher energy bills.

If you're a first-time home buyer, it pays to consult a professional to perform an HVAC evaluation. For more information, please contact Air Assurance today.

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How to Use Your Programmable Thermostat Correctly

Using a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to cut down on the costs of staying comfortable. For the greatest savings, though, it helps to follow some simple guidelines.

Choose Your Temperatures Carefully

The number of temperature schedules you can set depends on the type of programmable thermostat you have. For example, 1-week models allow only one schedule, 5-2 models let you choose separate workday and weekend schedules and a 7-day model allows you to select a different schedule for every day of the week. Most let you choose four temperature settings per day.Put your energy-saving set points at least eight hours apart. For example, you might set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or your furnace to 60 degrees while you're in bed. Then program your system to turn off while you're out at work and come on again an hour before you get home. Selecting extreme temperatures doesn't heat or cool your home faster. If it's important for your home to be at a specific temperature at a certain time, choose a thermostat with "adaptive recovery" or "smart" technology.

Use the Settings as Intended

The "override" option allows you to temporarily change the temperature on unusually hot or cold days without wiping out your programming. Avoid the temptation to use it whenever you're slightly uncomfortable or you'll negate your energy savings. If you're frequently too hot or cold, program in more comfortable temperatures.Use the "hold" or "vacation" setting to keep your home at a constant, energy-saving temperature when you're gone for more than a day. Using it to control your temperatures every day makes it hard to save because you're likely to forget to reset the thermostat to your energy-saving temperatures.

Change your thermostat's batteries at least once a year. Weak batteries can cause the thermostat to malfunction and fail to maintain your preferred temperatures.

For more tips on using your programmable thermostat or other ways to lower your energy bills, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve the Broken Arrow area.

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Programmable Thermostats Can Save Your More Than Money

The primary reason that most homeowners buy a programmable thermostat is to save money on their energy bills. This is a great reason and is why programmable thermostats often pay for themselves relatively quickly. However, there are also some other ways that this type of thermostat can benefit you that you should consider.

How Programmable Thermostats Save You Money

A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule changes in thermostat settings ahead of time. For example, you can have the temperature setting rise during the day when you are out so that you aren’t wasting energy to cool a house when nobody’s there. Programming your thermostat for the main periods of the day will result in large savings over the course of the summer, and will be equally important during the winter.

How Programmable Thermostats Give You More Than Savings

There are multiple ways that programmable units are better than their traditional counterparts. Consider that once you program your thermostat, you typically don’t have to adjust it often. Instead of having to constantly tweak your thermostat back and forth, it will do it automatically for you, the ultimate convenience.

Secondly, programmable thermostats allow you to achieve those aforementioned savings without interrupting your comfort. With a traditional thermostat, if you want to come home to a cooled and comfortable home, you would need to keep the temperature down all day. With a programmable unit you can have it set to lower the temperature of your home 30 minutes to an hour before you arrive so you walk in to a comfortable home.

If you’re looking for even more benefits from your thermostat, you could consider upgrading another step to a WiFi thermostat. A WiFi thermostat is a programmable thermostat that allows you to connect and change its settings remotely.

If you have any questions on what type of thermostat is best for your Broken Arrow home, please contact the experienced professionals 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). 

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Good Ductwork Design: Some Guidelines

The way the ductwork in your house is designed is as important as the way it's built. You may not have thought about it, but good ductwork design can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills. Badly designed ductwork won't work efficiently, and it can wear out your HVAC system by making it work harder than it should. You'll also have trouble keeping your home at a comfortable temperature. 

Guidelines for good ductwork design:

• The ducts should be located inside the air conditioned or heated part of the house. Ducts in the non-conditioned areas will work less efficiently. When it's necessary to install a duct in the attic or crawlspace, use an insulation with a higher rating than required. This is also important when your home has a variable-speed furnace and air conditioner.

• All the joints between ducts need to be fastened together mechanically. They also need to be sealed with mastic (a type of putty) and fiberglass mesh. The installation crew should also check for air leakage after the install and confirm it doesn't exceed five percent of the total air flow rate.

• Hard ductwork is preferred over flexible styles. If you're retrofitting an older house, you may need to use flexible ductwork, but it's less efficient than hard ducts and easier to damage. It's also hard to install and seal correctly.

• Dampers (the device inside the duct that regulates airflow) work better when they're installed closer to the end of the duct instead of near the supply register. This allows you, or the installer, to more accurately balance the system. The dampers also need to be fixed in position after balancing.

• Supply outlets (the vents that supply conditioned air) should be on interior walls so the heated or cooled air has less distance to travel.

• If you have a larger two-story house, think about installing two separate heating and cooling systems with separate ductwork. Two systems, along with good ductwork design, will work more efficiently in two-story or large homes.

If you're building a new home, and need quality ductwork design, contact Air Assurance in 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). 

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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). 

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Tips on Stopping Air Leaks in Your Home

Your Broken Arrow home may be plagued with air leaks, which can lead to a wide array of unpleasant problems. Poor indoor air quality, reduced home comfort, and increase in energy bills are just a few of the troubles that air leaks can cause. Fortunately, the following tips on stopping air leaks can increase your home’s energy efficiency, improve your indoor air and save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

Locating Air Leaks

Before you can stop the air leaks, you must first find them. Homes typically have leaks near windows, doors, floors, ductwork, baseboards, fireplaces, walls, outlets, rim and floor joints, ceilings, switch plates and the home’s foundation. Air leaks can also occur near pipes and vents that exit through basements and attics.

Stopping Air Leaks

Depending on where the air leak is located, it may only require a simple fix. For example, leaks around doors and windows can usually be fixed by installing inexpensive weather stripping available at hardware stores and home improvement centers. Expanding foam can fill in small holes and cracks in your foundation.

Homes with forced air heating and cooling often experience leaks due to damaged ductwork. If the problem area is located at an easy-to-reach location, you may be able to fix the problem with duct sealant. For areas that you cannot get to, such as behind walls and under floors, you will need the help of a professional to repair the damaged.

Energy Audit

Obtaining a whole-house energy audit from a respectable HVAC company is the first step in ensuring your home is running at maximum energy efficiency. During the audit, a highly trained technician will use the latest equipment to test your home’s efficient level. These tests will determine exactly where you are wasting energy and provide you with the information to go about stopping air leaks.

For more information about stopping air leaks, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We are a family-owned business providing heating, cooling, plumbing and air quality services to the Broken Arrow 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). 

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Surge Protectors Help Your Home's Energy Efficiency

A surge protector protects your electronics in the event of a lightning strike, electrical system failure, or power outage. Spikes or drops in the electrical current traveling through your home’s electrical system can damage appliances, HVAC system components, computers, and home theater equipment. These fluctuations, which may be the result of lightning strikes, tripped circuit breakers or short circuits, are unavoidable, but installing a surge protector helps prevent these surges from causing damage.

These devices can provide more than just protection, though. They can also help lower energy and maintenance or repair costs. Homeowners have a few options in terms of the types of surge protectors available. These can be divided into two categories:

1. Whole house: controls the flow of electricity into your home.

2. Point of entry or use: Controls the flow of electricity from the outlet to the item plugged into it.

A whole house surge protector is wired into your home’s electrical system to protect your entire home. Point of entry devices are connected directly to the items you wish to protect and are available in a few different types. These include:

• Computer surge protectors have inlets for coaxial cable, standard plugs and Ethernet cables.

• Standard surge protection devices consist of multiple outlets on a power strip. These should not be confused with a standard power strip, which works like a multi-outlet extension cord, but does not provide surge protection.

• Home theater surge protectors have numerous outlets, as well as inputs for coaxial cable.

• Energy conservation surge protectors protect most types of electrical equipment, and help reduce the amount of energy used in your home. They consist of two outlets that are always on, and additional outlets that can be turned off when not in use.

A combination of whole house and point of entry devices typically provides the best protection and energy savings.

For more information about surge protection and its benefits in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow area 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). 

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Water Heater Temperature: Why It Doesn't Need to Be So Hot

Whether you are looking for greater efficiency in your home energy usage to lessen your environmental impact, or to cut down on your energy bills, take a look at your hot water system. You may be surprised to find that savings can be made by simply lowering your water heater temperature.

Saving Money with Lower Heat

Due to a mix of different regulations and standards across states, you may find that your hot water system is set anywhere between 120 and 140 degrees. For most people, 120 degrees is just fine for their needs, but there are some exceptions, including:

• old dishwashers without preheat functionality, may need to run water at 140 degrees to properly sanitize household utensils.

• water with a detectable odor may have bacteria in the system, and a good flush at 140 degrees could be needed to kill off the bacteria.

In most other circumstances, you can save costs with a lower water heater temperature at 120 degrees. Turning the thermostat down saves you money in a couple ways:

• heat lost into the surrounds is at a lower cost than if the temperature was set higher.

• hot water used in the home for washing is available at a lower cost as well.

Also, if you are going to be away from home for some time, consider switching the temperature down low, and then turning it back up when you arrive home. Otherwise, all that energy devoted to heating the water is simply wasted.

Keep Your Hot Water System at Peak Efficiency

To support your efforts at minimizing hot water costs, regular preventative maintenance of your hot water system will help considerably. Get a HVAC contractor to clean out the system, checking for any signs of corrosion, unusual sediment levels, and serious wear and tear.

Free Expert Advice

If you are unsure about any of this, and need expert advice about any issues around lowering the water heater temperature in your home, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance. Since 1985, we have been looking after the home comfort needs of the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 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). 

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How Manuals J and D Save Energy, Ensure Proper HVAC System Design

Are you looking at upgrading or replacing your HVAC system? If so, you will want to make sure your system meets a set of energy efficient standards to help keep your energy bills low. The definitive guide for HVAC contractors is a set of standards developed by the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America). Of particular importance for home heating and cooling systems are Manuals J and D.

Manual J - Load Calculations

Manual J provides a set of technical load calculations that HVAC contractors use to determine the energy efficiency of each room in your house, or rather how well each room either holds or loses heat as the seasons change. Expert contractors take into account a range of influencing points, including:

• Local seasonal temperature averages and extremes

• How the main-facing areas of your home are affected by the heat and light of the sun

• Room sizes and window positions

• Current type of home insulation

• Your preferred seasonal temperature settings in the home, and

• The impact of your home lighting and domestic equipment power needs.

Manual D – Ductwork Design

Using the Manual J load calculations, the next stage is to design the system ductwork. This is not a case of big is best, you want to have a system that is just the right size for your home heating and cooling needs. This will minimize the amount of energy needed to keep the indoor temperature at your preferred level. Manual D provides the technical guidance for designing the best ductwork system based on the results of the load calculation work.

Verify HVAC Contractor Qualifications

Check that your intended HVAC contractor has the right skill set by asking about:

• certifications

• how they perform Manuals J and D assessments, and

• what type of reports they provide on these assessments.

Further Information

For expert advice about the use of Manuals J and D to save energy, or any other matters on home heating and cooling, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance. We have been serving 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). 

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Efficient Furnaces Are the Rage, but How Efficient Should Yours Be?

Replacing a furnace is a big decision that will affect your energy bills and comfort for the next several years of your life. One of the most important aspects to determine is how efficient of a furnace you should buy.

The Mark of Efficient Furnaces

It is really easy to compare the efficiency of different furnaces by looking at their annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating is a measure of what percent of fuel is converted into the heat.

A highly efficient furnace will waste less fuel, which leads to lower energy bills. The highest efficiency units on the market today can achieve almost 100 percent AFUE. However, higher efficiency furnaces typically cost more up-front. If you stick to a furnace in the standard efficiency range you can still see AFUE ratings of around 80 percent.

How Efficiency and Cost Combine

Cost is one of the most important factors for a big purchase. So while a higher efficiency is slightly better for the environment, the biggest difference for the average homeowner comes from the cost.

Keep the following in mind when looking at furnaces:

• Typical usage: If you run it a lot, then efficiency matters more. A higher efficiency furnace will save you more as your usage increases.

• Utility costs: Check out the cost of your local utilities. If the cost is really high, it makes sense to want to minimize the use of them by getting a more efficient unit.

• Your home: This is related to your usage as well. If your home is not well-insulated, it will lose a lot of heat. This means your furnace will have to run more to compensate, and again a higher efficiency would be important.

While you might have a good feel for the level of efficiency you're looking for among efficient furnaces, an HVAC contractor should be able to run multiple cost estimates of different models to get a concrete answer. Contact us at Air Assurance to get help finding the perfect furnace for your Oklahoma home.

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). 

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An Efficient Furnace Should Have an Efficient House

Having an efficient furnace goes a long way toward cutting your heating costs, but if your home lacks adequate insulation, has heat losses through the windows, or substantial air leaks, you may not notice as much savings. One of the best ways to learn if you could achieve lower energy bills is with an energy audit that you or a professional can perform.

A professional audit will show you where you have air leaks throughout your home's exterior and detect any leaks in the ductwork that cause high energy consumption. The auditing team will also evaluate your attic insulation to see if and where you need more. The centerpiece of the audit is a blower door test that pulls the air from your home and pulls it inside anywhere you have leaks and gaps. The professionals pinpoint the locations using thermographic equipment that shows the temperature difference between the incoming air.

You can perform your own audit by closing up your home and turning on the kitchen and bathroom fans. As you walk through your home with a candle or incense stick, note where the smoke wavers, indicating a leak. Once finished, you can seal smaller air leaks with suitable caulk. Expanding foam will seal larger leaks around the foundation or in the attic. Weatherstripping around exterior door frames will tighten the seal.

The recommended level of insulation in attics in this region stands R-38 or 16 inches. Increasing it will quickly help your efficient furnace run less. Thermal losses from either the roof or the windows increase the need for heat substantially.

Windows are a bit more challenging to weatherize, but doing so will cut your heating costs. Options include replacement with Energy Star or thermal windows, but if those aren't in the budget, consider plastic window kits that stop some of the heat transfer. Heavy drapes will also stop the losses, especially when they lie close to the window.

To learn more about increasing your energy savings with an efficient furnace, contact Air Assurance. We've provided top-notch HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners for more than 30 years.

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Fall Furnace Inspection: Highly Recommended for Your Tulsa Home

Broken Arrow will soon see winter weather arriving in force, and if you haven't already scheduled your fall furnace inspection, now is a good time to do it. Your furnace works 24/7 throughout the winter to keep you comfortable, and over time it loses efficiency. Maintaining your furnace will lower your energy bills, increase system safety and efficiency, extend its life and help prevent common problems this winter. 

A comprehensive tune-up by a reputable company should include these key tasks:

• Lubricate the system to prevent damaging friction.

• Clean and inspect the blower assembly, heat exchanger and other essential components.

• Measure the voltage and current on the motor to ensure they meet system specifications.

• Test the burner combustion and gas pressure for safety and efficiency.

• Check for dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.

• Measure the flue gases to ensure they comply with system standards.

• Inspect the ventilation system for proper venting of combustion gases.

• Inspect your ductwork for obstructions and loose joints that can restrict airflow.

• Check your thermostat for accuracy and calibrate it if necessary.

• Inspect the wiring and terminals for corrosion, and apply a nonconductive coating.

Maintaining the efficiency of your system is essential for season-long comfort and savings. These tips will help you lessen the load on your furnace to keep it operating efficiently all winter long:

• Check your furnace's air filter every month. When it's caked with dust, replace it with a good-quality, pleated filter. A dirty filter restricts the air flow to your system and can cause overheating and expensive related damage.

• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades to push warm air down and throughout your rooms, keeping you comfortable at lower thermostat settings.

• Seal around doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping to keep warm air in and cold air out. The typical home loses up to 20 percent of conditioned air through leaky doors and windows.

If you would like to schedule your furnace inspection with one of our qualified technicians in the Broken Arrow area, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.

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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). 

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Go Green This Winter With These Energy-Saving Tips

Go Green This Winter With These Energy-Saving Tips

Winter requires pretty much everybody to use their heating system in order to stay warm. However, many homeowners are trying to go green this winter by taking steps to reduce their energy usage. Follow this basic guide and use our energy-saving tips to go green and still keep your home comfortable and warm for yourself and your family.

• Lower the temperature of your thermostat a few degrees below where you would normally keep it. Every single degree lower can save you up to 5 percent on your energy bill in the winter months, and chances are you won’t notice much of a difference anyway. Put on a warm sweater and lower your thermostat a few degrees in the evening and you’ll save even more money when you go green.

• Install a two-zone programmable thermostat in your home that allows you to set different temperatures in different areas of your home. For example, you can keep your bedroom a little warmer while allowing the temperature to drop a few degrees lower while you’re sleeping in order to save money.

• Use your programmable thermostat to reduce your energy bills by lowering the temperature in your home considerably when you’re at work. You can set up a schedule on your thermostat so that your home is cool while you’re gone and nice and warm when you’re home. There’s no need to heat an empty house.

• Put a humidifier in rooms you spend a lot of time in like your bedroom. The warm moist air will help make you feel warmer even when the temperature might be a few degrees lower than you would normally keep it.

• Have your heating system inspected and tuned up by qualified professionals before you start using it regularly. An inefficient system will cost you more since you’ll need to run it much more frequently.

Contact Air Assurance for more information and tips on how to go green this winter. We’ve been serving the greater Tulsa metropolitan area since 1985 and we’re proud to help area residents with all of their heating and air conditioning needs.

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4 Geothermal System Benefits That May Persuade You to Install Your Own

4 Geothermal System Benefits That May Persuade You to Install Your Own

Installing a geothermal system for heating/cooling your Tulsa area home is a good idea and could represent one of the more important decisions you make regarding your home's energy bills. With geothermal heat pumps considered as one of the most efficient and economical means of conditioning a home's interior, installations here in northeastern Oklahoma have soared.

Efficiency and economy are two outstanding benefits of a geothermal system, whether water-source or ground-source. When in heating mode, these unique heat-pump systems absorb heat from the ground or water (surface or below-ground) and transfer it to your home's interior. Because no heat is being created and no combustion occurs, heating efficiency can be as much as 300-400 percent greater than with a top-of-the-line furnace. It's also safer, with no carbon monoxide or other negative environmental effects being produced.

In cooling mode, heat is absorbed from inside your home and transferred outside, either to the ground or water source, depending on the type of geothermal system being employed. This operation is the same as with conventional air-source heat pumps, with the exception of where the heat goes once it's been removed from your living area.

Because the earth (below the frost line) and water bodies (below freezing depth) remain at a fairly constant temperature, they are a perfect source of heat in winter and an ideal repository for heat in summer. The ground loops installed to facilitate the heat transfer promoted by geothermal system operation are typically made from high-density polyethylene or copper piping and have a life-expectancy of up to 50 years.

Here are four major benefits to consider:

1. High efficiency and low, economical operating costs.

2. Low environmental impact, with zero CO, CO2 or other greenhouse gas production.

3. Quiet operation due to no need for outside compressor or fan units.

4. Less maintenance required due to fewer moving parts, leading to longer life expectancy (25-50 years).

Since being founded in 1985, Air Assurance, located in Broken Arrow, has grown to be the largest HVAC service-provider in Metro Tulsa. Please contact us for further information on geothermal or advice on any other indoor air comfort matters.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

Considering an A/C Purchase? 7 Reasons Why It's a Good Idea

Considering an A/C Purchase? 7 Reasons Why It's a Good Idea

If your A/C system is more than 10-12 years old or the cost to have it repaired is approaching near 50 percent of the unit’s value, you may be contemplating replacement. Why should you consider an A/C purchase right now? Consider these seven reasons.

1. It will save you money.Newer, high efficiency units offer substantial savings on your monthly energy bills that add up over the life of the system.

• You can save on your taxes.Tax credits from an A/C purchase could save you up to 30 percent of the cost of your new system.

• You get a warranty.Newer units come with a warranty, which save you on repair costs should you encounter any issues. If your outdoor unit needs replacement but you aren’t able to replace your indoor unit, or air handler, a dry-charged unit may be an option for you. A dry-charged unit uses your system’s existing refrigerant and also comes with a warranty.

• You help save the planet.The U.S. Government has mandated R-22 refrigerant be phased out by 2020 in favor of a newer, more ozone friendly refrigerant, R-410A. An A/C purchase that uses R-410A helps you avoid the rising costs and limited availability of R-22 as this refrigerant is phased out.

• It feels good.Better humidity and temperature control keep your home more comfortable.

• You’ll breathe easier.Newer systems better control temperature and humidity, increasing air quality by reducing mold and mildew growth.

• You won’t get caught with your pants down…Or want to take them off, as the case may be, if you are sitting around waiting for parts for your old A/C system to be serviced.

If you have additional questions as to whether an A/C purchase is right for you, contact Air Assurance. Air Assurance is family-owned and operated and has been serving the Tulsa metropolitan area with exceptional service 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

How Manuals J and D Help You Get the Right Size HVAC

How Manuals J and D Help You Get the Right Size HVAC

When HVAC professionals size the cooling and heating system for your home, they use software called Manuals J and D. These software applications eliminate the guesswork involved with HVAC sizing. Manual J covers the size of the equipment, while Manual D addresses the ductwork design and its capacity. The longevity of the system, your energy bills and comfort are driven by the correct size for both.Manual J takes into account the conditioning load of your home, which includes these factors:

• Cubic footage

• Floorplan layout

• Number of windows, their orientation to the sun and efficiency

• Insulation levels in the walls and attic

• Air infiltration levels

• Heat-producing appliances and your lighting types

• Preferred indoor temperatures

• Number of household members and their ages

• Landscaping factors.

Once the contractor completes Manual J, he or she moves onto Manual D to determine the ductwork configuration and size you need. The layout of your home makes a difference in ductwork design, especially if you have an open floorplan or high ceilings. Another benefit of starting the HVAC replacement process with the load calculation using Manual J is seeing how improving insulation levels and sealing air leaks would lower the size of the HVAC system you need.Using Manuals J and D eliminates the risk of installing too large or small a system. When they're too small, they won't be able to keep up with the conditioning load during weather extremes. Systems that are too large short-cycle, which means they run for short periods more frequently.Short-cycling causes higher energy bills and more wear and tear on the system. During the summer, air conditioners that run for brief periods won't remove as much humidity or airborne particulates, like pollen, dust and pet dander. In the winter, the heating system won't run long enough to thoroughly warm solid objects in your home, which causes the furnace to turn on more frequently.If you're searching for a new HVAC system and would like to learn more about Manuals J and D, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa areas 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

Furnace On Its Last Legs? High-Efficiency Furnaces Are More Than Just A New Model

Choosing the right furnace can seem overwhelming.  There are many different types of units and options to choose from.  However, there is one choice that can be easy.  If your furnace has seen better days, replacing it with one of the newer high efficiency furnaces can make a big difference for your energy bills and comfort.High efficiency furnaces help homeowners see significant heating cost savings throughout the life of the furnace.  They are also the best choice for people wishing to be environmentally conscious.  All furnaces now come with an “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency” rating or AFUE.  This rating tells the consumer how much of the fuel the furnace turns into heat.Beginning in 1992, new furnaces were required to have an AFUE of at least 78 percent.  This means that all new furnaces must turn 78 percent of the fuel they use into heat.  While most manufacturers list their models as “high efficiency,” the U.S. Department of Energy defines high efficiency furnaces as units that utilize at least 90 percent of energy they consume into heat.  AFUE ratings between 78 percent and 90 percent are classified as “mid-efficiency.”  If you have a furnace that is older than that, furnace AFUE ratings could be as low as 55 percent.The simple math to figure out possible energy savings can come by looking at the difference in your gas bills from summer months (when the furnace is not working) and the winter months (when the furnace is).  If you know the AFUE rating of your furnace and the AFUE of the potential new furnace you are choosing between, you can take the percentage difference from those heating bills.  For example, you currently have a 65% AFUE furnace because it was installed around 20 years ago.  A new furnace with a rating of 95% could save you 30% off your winter heating bills.  This is a conservative way to analyze your potential savings.Replacing an outdated unit with a high efficiency furnace can cost between $2,000 and $3,500, but many homeowners recoup those costs in just a few years.  (A high efficiency furnace costs approximately $500 to $1,500 more than a new mid-efficiency furnace.)  The savings a homeowner will see depends on several factors including the price of the system, energy costs in your area, climate, and the difference in efficiency between your old heater and the new heater.There are also options on heating units that include variable speed blowers.  This allows air to move more freely, and "ramp" up and down based upon need.  This can also allow you to leave the fan on during milder temperatures in order to circulate air (without the noise) for better air filtration, as well as evening out temperatures throughout the home to eliminate hot and cold spots.Other options include 2 stage or modulating heating.  This allows the furnaces to use only the BTU heating that is needed to keep you comfortable.  In other words, if you only need a little heat, it only uses a little bit of gas.  But when temperatures drop, the furnace will automatically go into the higher stage of heat.  These functions create a more even temperature, and better comfort levels throughout the home.In addition to the money savings, more efficient units reduce the negative impact of energy consumption on the environment.  By turning more energy into actual heat, theses furnaces use less total energy.  This means that less pollution is released into the atmosphere.  If you are considering replacing your furnace Air Assurance is happy to offer expert advice or answer any questions you might have.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.

Keep Your Heating & Air Conditioning Running Year Round With Preventative Maintenance

We may not be able to count on the economic climate getting better any time soon, but it’s a safe bet that Tulsa homeowners can count on fierce winters and sizzling hot summer climates.  We depend heavily on our heating and air conditioning systems to keep our families comfortable and safe.  However, most people never worry about their air conditioning and heating unit until it makes a funny noise, smells odd or worse, stops working in the dead of night.  Think of it as changing the oil in your car.  If you neglect the maintenance on your car, your engine might fail, your brakes might fail, you won't get very good gas mileage.  All of which will cost you more money in the long run.It is vital that you have a qualified HVAC contractor to perform seasonal preventative maintenance on your system in the spring and fall to prevent this sort of thing from happening.  Your Tulsa heating and air conditioning experts can catch minuscule problems before they become huge, expensive dilemmas.  In fact, over 70% of failures are caused by lack of routine maintenance.Issues such as over-ventilated spaces, frayed wiring, dirty equipment and leaks in the ductwork significantly drive your monthly operation costs up.  It is better that your HVAC professional finds a small refrigerant leak, rather than waiting until improper refrigerant levels burn out the compressor, which is by far the most costly A/C repair.  Protecting your investment with a preventative maintenance agreement is imperative.Regular tune-ups and service ensures equipment longevity.  Think of it as “equipment insurance".  A bi-annual preventative maintenance agreement ensures that your heating and air conditioning system consistently works at peak efficiency, and also ensures that it is working safely.Spotting potential problems saves you from equipment failure, downtime and money further down the road.  Were you aware that your HVAC system accounts for almost half of the cost of your residential energy bill?  Being proactive is smart--foryou and your pocketbook.   They initially cost very little money, but can save you big in the long run.If your heating and air conditioning unit is more than 10 years old, you may also want to consider upgrading to an Energy Star unit and trim high utility costs-by as much as $200 per year.   If your unit is more than 20 years old, you can save up to 50% off your utility bills!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services the Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.