Service Your HVAC Unit When — and Before — It Needs It

Did you know that more than three-quarters of all HVAC repairs could be prevented by taking proactive steps, such as regular maintenance? By scheduling maintenance in the spring for your cooling system and in the fall for your heating system, you'll avoid unnecessary problems and enjoy enhanced comfort throughout the year. If you haven't kept up with HVAC maintenance, the signs below will help you know when it's time to have your system serviced.

Poor Airflow

When you turn on your A/C system, you may feel very little air pressure coming out of your vents. Several A/C issues can cause little or no airflow, including:

• A clogged filter

• A malfunctioning fan

• Ductwork problems

• A faulty compressor

Besides making your home feel uncomfortable, poor airflow could also cause severe damage to your system. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system and provide the right diagnosis, as well as reliable repairs, if necessary.

Unusually High Energy Bills

Have you received an abnormally high electricity bill? Most probably, your system isn't operating as efficiently as it ought to be and needs to be checked. Make sure you schedule a system tuneup to fix the issue before the next power bill arrives.

Strange Noises

It's normal for your HVAC system to make some noise when it's running. However, unusual sounds like a hissing furnace or loud banging inside your air conditioner can be signs of a significant issue. Have the unit tuned up right away, or you risk having to buy a new one if you neglect the problem for too long.

Age

HVAC systems are usually designed to last for around 10 years. With regular maintenance, they can last even longer. If your system was installed more than a decade ago, you should contact a service person to tune it up.

Timely HVAC maintenance will protect your system's life span and save you money by preventing costly repairs. If you need HVAC maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer an Extended Service Plan that gives you peace of mind knowing we'll service your system every year. The plan also entitles you to priority service and a 15% discount on repairs.

All About Backflow Prevention & Installation

Backflow prevention helps prevent contamination if the municipal water supply flows in the wrong direction. We’re all accustomed to expecting fresh water to flow in one direction only: into the home. However, certain events can actually reverse that flow. These include a system water main break, fire hydrants suddenly opened, or another occurrence that causes the municipal water pressure to plunge rapidly. This effect may reverse proper normal water flow, pulling water from various undesirable sources back into the system. Polluted or otherwise unsanitary water may therefore potentially contaminate the home water supply.

Safeguarding Your Water

A single device to prevent backflow installed at the water meter is often required by municipal codes. However, this may not adequately protect your individual home if the house includes cross-connections where tainted water can be siphoned backward into household water-supply pipes. Common home cross-connections that could potentially threaten your fresh water include: home sprinkler systems, swimming pools, boilers, fire sprinklers, outdoor fountains, or even something as simple as a handheld shower spray or a garden hose that might be immersed in tainted water.

Home backflow-prevention devices are essentially one-way valves that do not allow water to flow backward and enter the home supply lines. In typical residential applications, these devices may be installed at:

• Each outdoor hose bib or connection

• Lawn-sprinkler supply pipe

• Fire sprinkler supply pipe

• Heating system boiler

• Individual devices such as handheld shower sprayers

Getting The Job Done

An inspection by a qualified professional plumber is required to identify any parts of your plumbing system that may require backflow prevention. Devices are available in several different types, which are designed to adapt to a particular installation or requirement. Because events that trigger backflow generally occur without notice and may happen at any time, backflow devices function automatically.

For more about the benefits of home backflow prevention devices, contact the plumbing pros at Air Assurance.

Spring Storm Preparation for Your HVAC

Here in Tornado Alley, spring weather can be wild and woolly. That's why we need to have a plan in case damaging storms come our way. Included in spring storm preparation should be some consideration for your HVAC system. Following are some ways Broken Arrow's spring weather can affect your HVAC system.

Lightning

Strong thunderstorms are a fact of life in Oklahoma during the spring. One of the best things you can do prior to a storm where lightning is expected is to turn off your HVAC system. This way, you have a better chance of avoiding power surges that may damage your unit. Also, unplug electronic appliances till the storm passes.If your home gets hit by lightning, you have two major concerns: possible fires (which may break out behind walls in locations you can't see) and storm surge. Call the fire department to report the strike; also, you may need to call an electrician to assess damage to your wiring.

Flooding

If your home is built in a flood-prone area, you may need to move your air conditioner condenser (the unit located outdoors) to higher ground. This can be expensive, involving hiring a contractor to raise or move the concrete base on which the unit sits.If flooding threatens to swamp your HVAC system, make sure it's turned off. Turn off switches and breakers and shut off gas valves.Flooding may also impact your interior HVAC equipment. If it's on the ground floor, you may have to move it to the attic, which can involve expensive rerouting of the ductwork. You may want to wait to move both sides of the A/C when you're ready to replace the equipment.If your equipment gets flooded, have it inspected both by an electrician and an HVAC consultant before you turn it back on.

High Winds

Prevent wind damage to your condenser by battening down all loose items in the yard. Trim overhanging limbs back so they don't fall on the unit.

For more about spring storm preparation, contact Air Assurance of 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Do Fallen Leaves Affect Your HVAC?

The outdoor half of your home's HVAC system contains critically-important cooling components: the compressor and condenser coil. Because this unit is typically situated somewhere out of sight, it's easy for yard debris to accumulate outside and even inside the unit's housing if you're not paying attention. A buildup of broken branches, fallen leaves, seed pods and grass trimmings can cause various problems you want to avoid, like:

• Airflow restrictions through the coil that interfere with proper heat transfer.

• Added strain on the compressor that can cause a premature failure of your system's most costly component.

• A decline in the HVAC system's efficiency that results in higher energy bills.

How to Prevent Adverse Effects from Fallen Leaves

Taking the following steps can help you avoid any adverse effects on your cooling system from leaves and other kinds of yard debris:

• Invest in a custom cover. A custom cover is designed to fit just right, and it has ventilation built in to prevent rust-causing condensation while keeping out debris and dirt. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the right cover to buy for your brand and model of equipment.

• Prepare the unit for the off season. When cooling season is over, prepare the unit for winter by flipping the outdoor shut-off switch, and shutting off its breaker in your home's circuit breaker panel. Then, remove any debris and dead vegetation from outside and inside the housing, and install its fitted cover. Before you turn on the cooling system next spring, do another cleanup around the unit, remove and store the cover and switch the power supply back on.

• Give the unit a year-round extra layer of debris protection.Another way to minimize any debris accumulation inside the unit throughout the year is to install a screen filter. These washable filters that wrap around the unit's fins aren't expensive, and they're quite effective for keeping yard debris out without restricting airflow through the coil.

To learn more ways to protect your Broken Arrow home's outdoor HVAC unit from the effects of yard debris like fallen leaves, contact us today 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 fall maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Kaz/Pixabay”

Whose Responsibility are Apartment Maintenance Requests?

If something breaks, leaks or stops working in your apartment, how do you know whether to handle it yourself or submit a maintenance request? The best course of action is to email or phone your landlord to ask who's responsible for making repairs. Here's a look at some common apartment maintenance issues and who generally takes care of them:

Malfunctioning Appliances

Appliances like the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer and hot water heater get a lot of use, so they're bound to malfunction or break down occasionally. If the issue is with an appliance that came with the apartment, your landlord needs to get it fixed or replace it.

Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detectors

A landlord should test safety devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in between tenants to make sure they're working properly. While you're living there, you're responsible for replacing the detector batteries if they die, and you'll want to put in fresh ones right away so you're fully protected.

Plumbing System Problems

Who handles plumbing repairs really depends on whether you, the tenant, caused the problem. For example, if you're not careful with the garbage disposal and it seizes up, or you flush something bulky that clogs the toilet, you'll probably have to hire a plumber. If a supply line or water pipes starts leaking, or the fill valve fails on the toilet, fixing it is your landlord's responsibility.

Defective Window and Door Locks

If the entry door lock breaks or a window lock comes apart, put in a maintenance request right away so your landlord can get it repaired or replaced so your apartment stays safe and secure.

Heating or Cooling Issues

If your apartment has an individual heating and cooling system, and it freezes up, stops producing conditioned air, or won't start at all, don't hesitate to contact your landlord. They'll likely have it looked at by the maintenance crew to determine if an experienced HVAC professional should be called in.

If you need expert advice about an apartment maintenance problem that involves the heating or cooling equipment, contact the Broken Arrow comfort 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 apartment maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Free-Photos/Pixabay”

Ways to Protect Your Home Until Next Winter

While it may seem a little odd to be worrying about your furnace and heating system during months when you don't typically need them, the truth is that it's necessary. To get you started, here are a few tips that will help you protect your home until next winter:

Schedule Maintenance

If you've ever scheduled maintenance on your heating system after winter had begun, you already know that those days of waiting due to backed-up service contractors can be horrible. This is why your annual maintenance should be done during the warmer months. Even if you have to wait a few days, you won't be freezing during that time.

Check and Replace Your Air Filter

It's easy to forget about your furnace's air filter once the heating season has ended. This is the best time for you to take a look at the filter and see if it's ready to be replaced. This will ensure that once winter arrives, your furnace's efficiency will already be ready to provide you with exceptional service.

Upgrade Your Furnace

If you walk into a home appliance store during the late spring or summer and tell them you're looking for a new furnace, you're probably going to get a funny look or two, but that's okay. Since you're not in any hurry to warm up your home with a new system, you can take your time and find the best deal possible. If you need help in selecting the best one for you, seek the assistance of a professional.

Maintain Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

When your furnace is up and running in the winter, you must be sure that your home is protected from possible carbon monoxide leaks. This can be done by changing out the batteries of your current detector or installing a new model, if needed.

If you'd like more expert advice on ways to protect your home, or if you have any other home comfort concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ArtsyBee/Pixabay”

Why it Pays to Invest in Preventive Maintenance

Everyone wants to save money, and when it comes to your HVAC systems, the more you save the better. One way in which you can save money, frustration and even wear and tear on your system is with preventive maintenance. Here are three reasons why investing in maintenance for your system is a wise choice.

Help Your Equipment Last Longer

If there's one thing you can do to ensure your air conditioner or furnace lasts as long as possible, it's preventive maintenance. Regular maintenance reduces stress and wear and tear on your unit, and helps ensure all of the parts stay in good working order. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can ensure you get the longest possible life out of your system.

Help Keep More Money in Your Pocket

Preventive maintenance saves you money in two ways. First, it lowers your energy bills by keeping your systems running at their most efficient levels. Maintenance will remove obstructions, oil moving parts and check all system components for signs of wear. By taking care of these small problems, the maintenance check can help improve the system's overall efficiency.In addition, regular maintenance helps save money by lowering your repair costs. At your annual maintenance check, your HVAC technician will catch small problems that you can address before they grow. This prevents the risk of a bigger, more costly breakdown later.

Help Protect You From System Failure

Finally, investing in maintenance will help protect you from system breakdown. Breakdowns are almost always at the least convenient time, and when you know your system's well maintained, you don't have to worry about it going out in the middle of the hottest or coldest day of the year.

Invest in Preventive Maintenance Now!

The bet time to have your maintenance done is in the spring before the cooling season and in the winter before the heating season.

If you are due for a maintenance check for your Broken Arrow home, the Air Assurance team is here to help. Contact Air Assurance to schedule a maintenance check today.

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 preventative maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

Ways to Pinpoint Water Heater Problems

water heater repairs - tulsa, ok

If you own your house long enough, you’ll probably face water heater problems at some point. The mean average service life of a residential water heater is about 10 years, so the odds are most homeowners will experience water heater symptoms that require either professional plumbing expertise to repair or install a new replacement unit. Look for these signs of water heater problems, then contact a qualified plumber as soon as possible.

No Hot Water

In a gas-fired heater, check to see if the pilot light is lit. If it’s not, follow manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it goes out again, contact a plumber. If the water heater is electric, check the unit’s power switch as well as your main electrical panel. A tripped circuit breaker usually indicates a specific cause, so contact your plumber if the heater’s circuit breaker trips repeatedly.

Water Not Hot Enough

Check the water heater thermostat setting. It should be no higher than 120 degrees. If the thermostat is correct but water temperature remains low, suspect a deteriorated dip tube that allows cold water to flow into the upper part of the tank. Your plumber may be able to replace that part alone.

Discolored Hot Water

Rusty hot water may indicate internal tank corrosion, a sign the heater is approaching the end of its service life and requires replacement. Muddy-colored water may be a sign of mineral sediment inside the tank which can be resolved by flushing the tank.

Popping or Bubbling Sounds

Another indication of sediment accumulation that causes uneven heating and produces bubbles inside the tank. Ask your plumber about the problem. If sediment hasn’t yet hardened, it may be removed from the tank by flushing.

Water Leakage

Evidence of water leakage around the heater may be the result of a leaky temperature and pressure relief valve–an easy component replacement for a qualified plumber—or a corroded tank, which means immediate replacement of the heater.

air assurance - plumbing professionals

For professional advice about water heater problems and qualified plumbing service to solve them, 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).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Samuel Acosta/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

While installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be a requirement in any house, don't decide that's enough. Carbon monoxide detectors must be tested regularly to make sure they're still operational. 

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

With enough exposure, this invisible, odorless gas can kill you. It can do its deadly work through gradual exposure over time or through a sudden, substantial buildup in a small, poorly ventilated room. An average of 170 Americans die each year of accidental residential CO exposure. Defective combustion heating equipment is the usual suspect, though other potential causes can occur any time of year.

Testing CO Monitors

Not all carbon monoxide detectors are the same, and different models will have different installation recommendations and testing procedures. However, most models call for monthly testing to make sure the battery is working and the device is otherwise operational. In most cases, experts suggest changing the batteries of battery-operated models every six months–perhaps when the clocks change in the early spring and late fall. Remember, too, that even models hardwired into your home's electrical system have battery backups.

The testing process for most carbon monoxide detectors is simple: Press the "test" button down two or three seconds, and when the alarm beep sounds, release the button. That's it. If you don't hear the beep, replace the batteries and test again. If you still don't hear it, take the detector back for a refund and try a different brand. The hassle isn't worth your family's health or lives.

CO Preventative Care

Carbon monoxide detectors are your safety net, but the best outcome, of course, is to avoid CO buildup in the first place. Schedule annual preventative maintenance on all combustion appliances to make sure they're burning their fuel and exhausting combustion gases such as CO efficiently and safely. Don't idle cars in the attached garage, and don't use combustion cooking devices inside the house, in a garage or next to open windows.

For more advice on carbon monoxide detectors, please contact us today at Air Assurance. We serve 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: “Grzegorz Petrykowski/Shutterstock”

Essential Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Broken Arrow Home

With spring almost here, it's time to perform some standard maintenance procedures around your home again. Preventative maintenance isn't something you want to skip, as taking a few proactive steps can result in energy savings and a more comfortable and attractive home. Here are a few spring maintenance tips to get you started:

Spring MaintenanceCheck your roof and gutters.

During the winter months, it's not uncommon for your roof and rain gutters to take a beating. Visually inspect your roof for lost or damaged shingles, and eyeball your gutters for damage. While you can make some repairs yourself, you're probably better off contacting a professional. Whatever you do, you'll want to prevent water from leaking into your walls and foundation.

Change your HVAC filter.

With the heating season soon coming to a close, now's a good time to inspect your forced-air system's air filter. A clogged filter can restrict system airflow and allow dirt and dust to get into sensitive machinery and coils, leading to an overworked A/C or heat pump, higher energy bills and eventual equipment breakdowns. Inspect your filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.

Vacuum refrigerator coils.

This is an easy job that will improve refrigerator performance. Don't forget to clean debris away from your A/C's outside compressor/condenser. Accumulated leaves, sticks and other debris can restrict essential airflow.

Schedule a spring maintenance tune-up for your air conditioning system.

Your A/C has been sitting dormant since last fall and should be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted for the new season. A professional technician can complete these tasks by checking your refrigerant level, adjusting airflow, checking all wiring connections and cleaning both inside and outside coils, among other things.

We've barely scratched the surface with these spring maintenance tips. For more information, or to schedule a spring tune-up for your Broken Arrow or Tulsa home's HVAC system, please contact Air Assurance today.

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: “Mert-Toker/Shutterstock”

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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Keep Those A/C Coils Clean for Top Efficiency

Keep Those A/C Coils Clean for Top Efficiency

You have to wonder how earlier generations survived the hot, muggy summers here in the Broken Arrow area without an air conditioner (A/C). Most homeowners know that regularly changing their air filters is a crucial to maintaining air conditioner top efficiency; however, many don’t realize that keeping the coils clean is just as important.

Dirty coils can cause your equipment to use 37 percent more energy, and can reduce its cooling capability by as much as 30 percent. Due to increased pressure on the system, equipment failure is possible, requiring the need for an experienced HVAC technician. Additionally, dirty coils and their condensate pans can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, greatly reducing your indoor air quality (IAQ).

Following are various methods for cleaning your A/C coils. Remember that for best results, you should call your HVAC pro to do the job.

• Compressed air. If the coils are not contaminated with adhered matter, blowing compressed air across the coil fins may suffice. A soft-bristled brush may also be used to remove light dust.

• Steam cleaning. Be careful to apply steam at a low pressure, and keep the stream parallel to the fins to avoid possibly bending them.

• Foaming chemicals. Using a garden-type of pump sprayer, apply a foaming chemical to the surface of the A/C coil and let it sit until it saturates the fins. Vacuum the dried foam, repeat the process, and then rinse with clean hose water.

• Pressure washing. Pressure wash in the normal airflow’s opposite direction, being careful not to bend the fins. If desired, apply a cleaning solution first with a hand sprayer or the built-in chemical injection system on the pressure washer. Repeat the process until the rinse water is free of particles. This method may increase Macromolecular Organic Dust (MOD), which must be contained in the cleaning area.

Remember to turn off the system at the thermostat and to clean the condensate pan along with the A/C coils. If you have any questions, or to schedule professional maintenance on your unit, contact us here at Air Assurance. Our all NATE-certified staff will be happy to assist you.

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

Alphabet Soup: Deciphering HVAC Terms

Unless you're a seasoned professional, you probably need help figuring out all the HVAC terms and acronyms. HVAC itself stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, by the way. Here are the meanings behind some common and important HVAC terms:

• ACCA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America. A nonprofit industry group promoting professionalism, efficiency and healthy indoor air.

• AHRI: Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. A nonprofit organization that publishes testing and rating standards for air conditioners and heat pumps.

• BTU: British thermal unit. The standard unit of measurement for heating and A/C capacity.

• CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon. An ecologically-harmful refrigerant known to harm the ozone.

• COP: Coefficient of performance. An efficiency ratio measuring heat delivered versus heat used. Higher numbers are better.

• ERV: Energy recovery ventilator. Saves heat energy from your exhaust air to pre-heat incoming air, and adds water vapor from the exhaust to the incoming air to help maintain consistent humidity indoors.

• HCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Another refrigerant used in heat pumps and air conditioners. Considered a less harmful alternative to CFCs.

• HRV: Heat recovery ventilator. Saves energy from your outgoing air; similar to an ERV but without regulating air moisture.

• HFC: Hydrofluorocarbon. A refrigerant with no or almost no harmful effects on the ozone.

• HSPF: Heating seasonal performance factor. Measures efficiency relative to the season; higher scores are better.

• IAQ: Indoor air quality. Refers to condition of indoor air, levels of pollution, etc.

• NATE: North American Technician Excellence. A testing and certification nonprofit for HVAC technicians.

• R-22: Refrigerant banned from new machines since 2010 by the EPA for links to global warming and ozone depletion.Will soon be phased out entirely.

• R-410A: Replacement refrigerant for R-22. Not ecologically hazardous and contains no chlorine.

• SEER: Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. An efficiency measurement that shows the amount of energy required to cool the air. Higher numbers are better.

It's good to know exactly what you're talking about when it comes to purchasing or repairing HVAC equipment, and learning these HVAC terms will help. For professional assistance with home heating and air conditioning around Broken Arrow, get in touch with Air Assurance. We've been servicing the Tulsa metropolitan area since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Avert Disaster And Detect Damaging Leaks With A Water Alarm

Household water leaks happen. When they do, they often happen in locations where residents aren’t aware of it until major damage is done. A one-eighth-inch hole in a corroded water supply line of the type commonly routed through a basement can leak 2,500 gallons of water in just 24 hours. Damage to possessions, electrical systems and even the home’s structure and foundation may occur without warning to occupants. Other areas of your home vulnerable to damaging water leaks include utility rooms with washing machines, hot water heater closets and high-energy heat pumps. Water alarms are self-contained electronic detectors that may be installed in any accessible area of your home. The devices are available in both passive and active models. Passive detectors function on a 9-volt battery and offer the flexibility to be located in areas without convenient AC power. The unit is placed at floor level in proximity to any potential leak source and activates a very high-decibel audio alarm when moisture is present. Since the majority of catastrophic indoor water leaks begin with simple dripping, a passive water alarm alerts residents to take action before a minor situation becomes a disaster.But what if you’re not home when it happens? Active water alarms take the necessary action for you. In addition to audible alarms, active units go the extra step of automatically turning off the water supply to the house in the event of a leak. These alarms may be stand-alone systems or integrated into a whole-house alarm circuit including fire and burglar alarms. Features of active water alarms include multiple water sensors to detect leakage in several locations and digital control panels offering different modes such as “At-Home” and “Away” to vary the alarm and response.You wouldn’t live without a smoke detector to guard your life. Don’t live without the protection of a water alarm to preserve your home and possessions. For residents of the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area, the professionals at Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning are available for advice on alarm systems to detect water leaks before damage occurs. Contact us today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock

Winter's Here, So Act Now To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Once winter arrives, one fear of every homeowner is to discover to frozen pipes. Far worse is to discover pipes that have burst, potentially causing significant damage. In order to prevent frozen or ruptured pipes, it is important you take some precautionary steps ahead of time. Typically in colder states with harsher winters, most homes have pipes that are located within building insulation, which protects them from subfreezing temperatures. Still, holes or cracks in a building, or extremely cold weather, can cause pipes to freeze or burst. Homes that have pipes located on the outside of building insulation leaving them completely unprotected from freezing temperatures. These homes are at greater risk for frozen pipes. These homes are typically those that have crawl spaces which is very common in Tulsa.Taking all this into consideration, what can a homeowner do to safeguard his pipes from freezing?

• Take time to caulk holes in walls or foundations near pipes to keep cold wind away from them.

• Insulate your pipes.

• If you have a crawlspace, consider foaming the crawlspace. This also can help with the energy efficiency of the home as well.

• Keep thermostat settings at 65 degrees minimum.

• Keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open to allow warm air to circulate to the pipes below.

• One of the most well known tips is to leave faucets running during extreme cold weather. This tried and true method of allowing a faucet to drip provides instant relief from the mounting pressure that can occur in between the faucet and potential ice blockage. If you get rid of the water pressure, you can hopefully guard against a rupture, even if the pipe freezes.

Bottom line, you have to keep your pipes warm to prevent the costly damage of frozen and burst pipes. For more information on how you can prevent frozen pipes this winter, or for other HVAC-related questions, Broken Arrow-area residents should 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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     Freezing pipes image via Shutterstock

Surge Protectors: The Most Reliable Way To Guard Against Power Failures

Surge protectors are common devices in many households, and for good reason. Surge protectors are the most reliable way to protect your sensitive appliances and electronic devices against power failures and surges. A power surge is an increase in voltage in a circuit, and this can result from a number of different causes.

• Lightning strikes might be the most familiar cause of power surges, but they are actually one of the least common.

• Power surges are more often caused by using high-powered electrical devices.

• Surges are also caused by power outages. When the power is restored to your home after an outage, the returning electricity can create a powerful and potentially damaging power surge.

Surge protectors work by redirecting the excess voltage from a power surge away from your appliances. Some appliances are more sensitive than others, so it's important to know what needs to be protected and what doesn't.

• Simple appliances like lamps and fans generally don't need protection. The worst a power surge can do to a lamp is burn out the bulb.

• High-end electronics, including stereos and entertainment equipment, should be protected. Surges can shorten the lifespan of these devices.

• Computers are at the greatest risk, and they should always be connected to a surge protector. Surges not only shorten the lifespan of your computer, but may wipe out all your data.

• The most potentially costly appliance needing a surge protector may be your heating and air conditioning system. New, high efficiency models have control boards, compressors, and motors that are unprotected from surges and are not cheap to replace.

• Any appliance that contains a microprocessor should be protected.

When you look into purchasing surge protectors for your home, you have a few options, so it's important to choose the right surge protectors for your home's needs. Your options include:

• Surge protector strips

• Wall-mount surge protectors

• Battery backups

• Whole-house surge protectors.

The first three types are point-of-use surge protectors, meaning they serve as sort of an intermediary between your appliances and your wall outlets. Whole-house surge protectors are installed on your main electrical panel, and can protect your entire home from most surges.Air Assurance offers specific surge protectors to cover your heating and air conditioning systems.  They are backed with insurance coverages, that should they fail to prevent damage, in most cases the surge protector company will pay for your deductable if needed in order to cover those damages.For more information, contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!     

Ice Dams: Take Preventive Measures To Keep Them From Forming

Ice dams can occur in almost any climate, but they're more likely to happen in colder climates like Oklahoma’s. There are preventive measures homeowners can take to keep ice dams in check and avoid costly damage to roofs.When temperatures rise during the winter, most Broken Arrow residents are happy to strip off cumbersome jackets and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. But it is often these conditions that lead to dangerous ice dams. So just how do ice dams form?First, temperatures must be cold enough to produce freezing conditions that lead to the formation of ice on the roof. A long or large snowfall could also cause snow to accumulate on the roof. Then two things can happen:

• A warm weather system moves in, and the warm air starts to melt the snow and ice that’s gathered on the roof.

• Warm air from your home rises up into the attic space and warms up the room, which causes the ice and snow to begin melting.

The ice and snow then drains in the form of water, dripping underneath the snow and ice, and down to the overhang where your home’s eaves are located. Since the eaves are still cold, the water refreezes and creates what is known as an "ice dam." As the water builds up around this “dam,” it can seep back into the attic and even extend into the home.There are several steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming:

• Have a contractor evaluate your roof.

• Seal air leaks in the attic space, especially those that exist between the attic and the home.

• Increase the effectiveness of attic insulation to stop the movement of heat between the attic ceiling and the out of doors.

• Use a ventilation system in the attic to maintain a consistent temperature between the roof and the outside.

If you’d like expert help with ice dam prevention and creating an efficient and durable attic, or if you have other heating and cooling questions, contact Air Assurance today! For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area.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 get started today!     Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock

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.