What Are the Best Ways to Conserve Energy This Winter?

Exploring ways to conserve energy will give you a road map to energy savings in your home. The effort and financial outlays it takes to improve your home's energy efficiency will pay for itself all year long via lower heating and cooling costs and greater health and comfort. Read on to learn about the best ways to conserve energy.

• Have your heating system serviced. The technicians from Air Assurance go through the entire system cleaning, adjusting, and verifying that it's running as efficiently and as safely as possible.

• Add a programmable thermostat. When you have your system serviced, ask the technician about installing a programmable or smart thermostat to help you save energy. You can reduce heating costs by turning the temperature down when you're away and during the night. Smart thermostats give you even more options for controlling home comfort that can help you save energy.

• Check the doors and windows for air infiltration and thermal losses. Dual- or triple-pane windows prevent much heat loss through the glass, while single-pane windows have almost no insulating value. You can use storm windows or plastic window film kits from local or online retailers.

  Over time, the weatherstripping around doors and windows wears out and needs replacing. Locking the doors and windows helps prevent drafts. Draft blockers placed at the base of the doors and windows are one of the best ways to conserve energy.

• Look for other signs of air leaks around the exterior walls and the ceiling plate. Electrical switches and outlets could be leaking cold air into your home. Recessed lighting that protrudes into the attic is another source of energy loss. Vents and fans can also need additional insulation or sealing.

• Check insulation levels in the attic. Then add more insulation if you can see the tops of the ceiling joists.

• Lower the water heater's temperature to 120 degrees. Water heaters rank high on the list of energy-hungry home appliances. This temperature also prevents accidental scalding injuries and hard-water deposits from forming in the tank.

If you'd like more ways to conserve energy, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Keeping Your AC Constantly Running?

Walking in to your nice cool home sure is a sweet retreat on a hot summer day. You may have wondered, however, whether it's wise to keep your AC constantly running. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, there are pros and cons to consider for your situation. Here's what to know:

Pros of Having Your AC Constantly Running

The biggest logical advantage for your AC constantly running is that your home will always be comfortable day or night. In some cases, this might be necessary. Perhaps there is always someone at home, which would be a good reason to keep your AC constantly running. Maybe you have pets that you want to keep comfortable as well.

Some newer, high-efficiency AC models are designed to run almost constantly by maintaining temperatures very close to your thermostat setting. Therefore, they don't cycle off and on nearly as much as a conventional air conditioner.

Another advantage of running your AC all the time is better indoor air quality. By constantly running your AC, indoor air is filtered much more frequently.

Cons of Having Your AC Constantly Running

One of the obvious disadvantages of having your AC constantly running is higher energy bills. Cooling and heating systems account for nearly half of the typical household's energy budget, which is likely why the AC is turned off at times.

One way to combat high energy bills and to keep your home comfortable when you need it is with a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can program temperature-event changes to coincide with your lifestyle, so you can save energy and stay comfortable.

Another disadvantage of constant AC is the extra wear and tear that you can place on it. If your AC is on all the time, parts are going to wear out sooner, meaning a higher cost for repairs and, eventually, early system replacement. Regular HVAC maintenance will help minimize repairs and replacement, but the fact remains that keeping your AC constantly running will take its toll sooner rather than later.

To learn more about keeping your AC constantly running (or not) in your Broken Arrow home, contactAir Assurance for the answers.

Housewarming Gifts that Actually Warm

When you’re searching for the right housewarming gifts for someone who just bought a home, give some thought to their comfort. They might enjoy and find something that complements the heating system useful like:

Blankets

Having enough warm blankets lets the new homeowners turn the heat down at night. Not only will they save energy by keeping the house cooler, but they may also sleep better as well. Scientific studies have found that sleeping in cooler rooms enhances the quality of sleep. Lower nighttime temperatures also drop heating costs. Select blankets, quilts, or comforters that are easy to wash and dry.

Fireplace kits

If the home your friends or family members are buying has a fireplace, a fireplace kit will give them the tools they need to enjoy the fire and manage it too.Besides fireplace tools, you can give them a fireplace liner or a fireplace grate, both of which make the fireplace more energy efficient. They’re designed to act as heat exchangers and instead of sending most of the heat up the chimney, they let much of it radiate into the room.

A space heater

If the new homeowner finds that the bathroom is cold compared to the rest of the house, a space heater could be one of the best housewarming gifts. It doesn’t make sense to heat the whole house for such a small room. As long as the heater has an anti-tip mechanism, is grounded and UL certified, it should be safe to use in the bathroom.

A programmable thermostat

If the home didn’t come equipped, why not make it a gift? It will help the new owners save money on heating and cooling bills and save them time. It’s too easy to forget to turn down the thermostat when racing for the door in the morning or going to bed at night. With a programmable unit, they’ll have convenience and practicality in one simple gift.

If you’d like more ideas related to housewarming gifts, give Air Assurance a call. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Daylight Saving Time and Your Programmable Thermostat

Your programmable thermostat gives you an easy way to set up a daily schedule of energy-saving temperature setbacks, without the inconvenience of making multiple manual adjustments.The one-hour change that occurs in early November with the end of daylight saving time can throw off your established schedule, though, unless your thermostat's internal clock is equipped to automatically “fall back.” If your model doesn't include this feature, you'll have to change the time for each scheduled temperature setback so your thermostat works accurately during heating season.

Additional Thermostat Recommendations for the Winter

While you're making needed scheduling changes on your thermostat to reflect daylight saving time, it's a good opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to the various temperature settings you've programmed in, to ensure your family's comfort throughout heating season.Here are some suggestions for beneficial changes:

• Set a temperature of 68 degrees for the usual time your family wakes up each morning.

• Program in a 10-degree temperature setback for the daytime periods when family members are away at school or work, and your home isn't occupied.

• Set the thermostat to raise the temperature up to 68 degrees again at the time when the first person usually arrives back home each day.

• For nighttime periods when your family is usually sleeping, program in a temperature setback of 15 degrees. Setting daily eight-hour temperature setback periods generate the greatest energy savings, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

• If it's necessary to change your normal routine on occasion, simply use the thermostat's override feature instead of making manual adjustments, so it can automatically revert back to your established schedule.

• Once you've made all your needed scheduling and temperature adjustments, it's the ideal time to put fresh batteries in your thermostat. Tackling these thermostat-related tasks is also a good reminder to test and replace the batteries in each of your carbon monoxide detectors, so you know they're ready and able to protect your family throughout the coming heating season.

For help changing the thermostat programming in your Broken Arrow home at the end of daylight saving time, contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “thatpalletguy/Pixabay”

What's the Ideal Temperature for Pets in Fall?

Now that fall is here, the arrival of colder weather isn't far off, so you'll soon have to adjust the temperature settings on your programmable thermostat to lower your wintertime energy bills. Like most Broken Arrow homeowners, you're probably planning to program in substantial temperature adjustments for nights and weekdays when everyone heads off to work or school, and only the family pets are left at home. Before you make any radical setting changes, you'll want to give some thought to the best temperature for pets to stay healthy and comfortable.

Understanding How Temperature Changes Can Affect a Pet

Just like their owners, our pets can react badly to significant or sudden temperature changes, such as any sizable daily setback made on a programmable thermostat. While our dogs and cats do have fur to help them stay warm in a cool environment, an individual pet's tolerance for colder temperatures is also affected by factors like:

• Type of coat. Dogs or cats that have thick and/or long fur may not be bothered by lower temperatures. Those with short hair or smooth coats can mind being in a chilly environment, though, since they don't have a layer of extra insulation.

• Size and weight. Bigger, heavier pets tend to do fine when it's cool, while cats or small dogs may feel some discomfort at colder temperatures.

• Overall health. Pets can have problems regulating their body temperature if they're suffering from heart or kidney disease, or endocrine system issues like thyroid or Cushing's disease, and significant temperature changes may cause them undue stress.

Making Temperature Setbacks With Your Pet in Mind

Before you set specific temperatures for the coming heating season, weigh the above-mentioned factors, and talk to your veterinarian about any concerns with your pet's health. In most cases, you can go by how you'd react to temperature changes: if you find the house too cold for comfort at a specific temperature, it's likely that your pet will too.

For more advice about your comfort settings in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about ideal indoor temperatures and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “3194556/Pixabay”

Programming Your Thermostat for Colder Weather

Bravo if you know how to correctly set your home's programmable thermostat for maximum energy savings. But it's important to remember that the temperature settings need to be changed once the weather shifts from summer to fall and winter. A programmable thermostat with improper settings is no better than an old-school manual thermostat.

A properly set programmable thermostat allows you to program temperature changes (sometimes called "setbacks") to fit your lifestyle and schedule, or those of family members. It turns down the heating or cooling when nobody's home or when everybody's sleeping. A manual thermostat can save money, too, though it requires a vigilant human being to monitor the settings and adjust them constantly. It also doesn't allow for temperature changes when nobody's around to adjust the thermostat.

Resetting the programmable thermostat is necessary when cooling season changes to heating season, since the setbacks need to be adjusted to account for the shift from a cooling system to a heating system. Here's a sample schedule for resetting the programmable thermostat for the heating season:

• Program the temperature several degrees — as many as 10 or 12 — lower for times when you're going to be gone for more than several hours, such as at work or school.

• Set it to return to your comfort level shortly before you expect to arrive home. Leave it that temperature throughout the evening.

• Lower the temperature several degrees for overnight, since most people prefer it several degrees cooler while they're sleeping and are covered with blankets.

• Program the thermostat to return to your daytime comfort level shortly before you expect to awaken in the morning. You might decide to skip this temperature change if you're planning to go right out the door after a quick breakfast. It may strain your heating system to crank up the temperature several degrees, for a half hour or so, then reduce it again for the day.

For more advice on resetting the programmable thermostat for the heating season, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide superior HVAC services to the Broken Arrow area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about thermostats and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “sashkin/Shutterstock”

How to Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency

A high-efficiency air conditioner keeps your home cool while at the same time using less energy and costing you less money. Over time, however, issues can develop that decrease air conditioner efficiency and drive up your cooling costs. Here are a few steps you can take to boost A/C efficiency, reduce energy usage, and trim your monthly bills.

• Have preventive maintenance performed — A preventive maintenance check-up gives your trusted HVAC professional to opportunity to inspect your cooling system from end to end. He will make adjustments and minor repairs that will increase efficiency and performance quality. Maintenance should be done at least once a year, usually in the springtime before cooling season sets in.

• Change air filters — Dirty, clogged air filters can restrict the air flow your cooling system needs to work properly and at its best level of efficiency. Check filter condition at least once a month. Put new, fresh filters in when the old ones get dirty.

• Cut down on heat gain — Heat gain is the accumulation of heat inside your home from external sources. These include sunshine coming through windows, heat from appliances, and heat radiating downward from a hot attic. To avoid sunshine, close drapes and curtains. Avoid running ovens and clothes dryers at the hottest times of day. Make sure your attic is well ventilated and insulated to keep it cool.

• Use a programmable thermostat — Programmable thermostats help you get the best efficiency from your air conditioner. Use pre-programmed set points to control when the air conditioner turns off and on. Program the thermostat to reduce cooling when you're not at home, such as during the workday, then automatically increase cooling to make your living spaces comfortable when you get back.

• Seal ductwork to stop air leaks — Make sure ductwork connections are fitted tightly together and that they are sealed with mastic or metal tape.

Air Assurance is Tulsa's leading choice for professional HVAC sales, installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner efficiency and how to keep your cooling system working at its best throughout the summer and beyond.

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: “Juergen-Faelchle/Shutterstock”

Tips to Save Money and Increase Energy Efficiency During Cooler Weather

Winter is coming to Broken Arrow, and that means running the furnace nearly constantly to beat the cold. It's why winter also means skyrocketing energy bills. What can you do about it? Is there a way to save money and increase energy efficiency while still maintaining your overall comfort? Here are a few tips.

• Get a programmable thermostat. Rather than having your furnace running full blast while you're not home, a programmable thermostat lets you switch between your general home comfort setting and an energy-saving setting that's a few degrees warmer. Switch to the energy-saving setting automatically during the day while you're at work and at night when you're asleep. Throw a few extra blankets on the bed to make up the difference in heat.

• Seal your ducts. Holes in your ductwork cause air (and heat) to leak out before it reaches your rooms, which requires more energy to make your home comfortable. Inspect your ductwork carefully for tears, holes, gaps and other damage that can allow air to leak out, and seal them up with metal tape or mastic sealant.

• Insulate. Even if your home has insulation, chances are it could use more. Insulation slows the flow of heat so that it stays in your home longer. Since heat rises, the best place to insulate your home is the attic. If the insulation in your attic is at or below your floor joists, then you could use more. Call an HVAC professional to help you add insulation.

• Upgrade. All the energy-efficiency advice in the world won't help if your furnace is wasting energy. That's when it's time to upgrade to one that will run more efficiently and save money. It may cost a bit, but it'll save you in the long run. Look for the blue Energy Star label, which indicates your furnace has been inspected by the federal Energy Star program and is proven to save money and energy over comparable models without sacrificing performance or features.

To learn more about improving your home's energy efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance.

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

Energy Saving Tips for Your Programmable Thermostat

If your home is outfitted with a programmable thermostat, you've already taken an important step toward saving energy and money. However, if you're not sure how to program or use this modern device, you're missing out on the potential benefits. These include both greater energy efficiency and enhanced convenience.

How Does a Programmable Thermostat Differ from a Standard Thermostat?

It's all about control. With an older, manual thermostat, you have to adjust temperature settings by hand. If you forget to adjust the thermostat for when you're not home or are sleeping, the temperature setting remains at whatever point you last set it. With a programmable thermostat, you can program temperature changes to match your daily and weekly schedules. Typically, people will lower (or raise, in the summer) the temperature while they're at work or school during the day, and then program the temperature to return to their comfort level shortly before they expect to arrive home.

Three Different Types of Programming Options:

• 7-day. This is the most versatile model, allowing a separate program to be set for each day of the week.

• 5-2-day. You'll be able to have one program for five days (usually the weekdays) and a separate program that applies to Saturday and Sunday.

• 5-1-1-day. Resembling the 5-2 model, it allows a separate schedule for one weekend day and another schedule for the other weekend day, with the other five days set to the same schedule.

Save Energy by Following these Guidelines:

• Try to schedule energy-saving setbacks for a minimum of eight hours for maximum savings. Frequently adjusting temperatures will handicap your efforts to save money.

• Avoid overriding temperature settings as seldom as possible. This just defeats the purpose of your programmable thermostat.

• Let the thermostat save energy and money while you're on vacation, by keeping the temperature eight to 15 degrees higher/lower than your comfort level. There's no reason to fully heat or cool a home when nobody's home for the week.

For more advice on optimum usage of your Broken Arrow home's programmable thermostat, 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “marinini/Shutterstock”

Feeling Uncomfortable? Check Out These Factors That Affect Home Comfort

While controlling the temperature in your home is extremely important to comfort and energy efficiency, there are other aspects that are also essential. Factors that affect home comfort include temperature, humidity, indoor air quality and the capability to control these things. If you understand how these four factors work together, you can enhance home comfort while saving energy.

Temperature

This probably seems like a no-brainer; you control the temperature by turning the thermostat up or down. But there's more to it than that. While you can set the temperature of the thermostat, it won't necessarily control temperatures elsewhere in the house, such as in a finished basement or upstairs bedrooms. A zoning system can help you better control temperature throughout your house.

Humidity

Even if the thermostat is set right where you want it, you'll still feel uncomfortable if humidity is too high during the summer. And during the heating season, excessively dry air won't feel that great either. A well-maintained central A/C should control humidity, but if it doesn't, your comfort will suffer. In this case, you'll probably want to consider a whole-house dehumidifier.

Indoor Air Quality

Home comfort also takes a hit when indoor air is stale or dirty. Contaminants in the air can irritate your eyes, nose and lungs, and create a foul smell. Poor indoor air quality can trigger or exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues.Several strategies are available to clean indoor air, including removing or mitigating the sources of indoor pollution like using a fresh, high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system, investing in a whole-house air cleaner, or employing affective mechanical ventilation.

Control

A modern programmable thermostat, equipped with humidity control will allow you to influence and control the other factors.

For more information on factors that affect home comfort, please contact the pros at Air Assurance. We're proud to provide reliable and quality HVAC and plumbing services to the greater Tulsa area.

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

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.

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: “tab62/Shutterstock”

Reduce Cooling Costs at Home With These Simple Tips

With another cooling season looming, it's time to get serious about energy savings by making efficiency-minded changes around your home. These simple tips can help you reduce cooling costs and enjoy a comfortable living environment all summer long.

Tips to Reduce Cooling Costs

• Seal leaky ducts. You can prevent the waste of up to 30 percent of the A/C's cool air output due to leakage by having ducts sealed with mastic and wrapped in at least R-6 insulation.

• Run exhaust fans. Activities like cooking, bathing and washing dishes add heat and humidity to the indoor air, so run the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan to vent it outdoors where it can't increase your energy bills.

• Switch on the ceiling fans. Operating ceiling fans while the air conditioner is running can increase comfort and allow you to raise the thermostat setting a few degrees, curbing your energy usage.

• Shade the windows. Heat gain through the window glass makes the A/C work harder and increases energy consumption. Keep it under control by installing energy-efficient shades, blinds or reflective window film.

• Purchase a programmable thermostat. Choose a model that matches your normal weekly schedule and your HVAC equipment brand. Use it to program 10-degree temperature setbacks for a daily eight-hour period, and you can slash energy costs by 15 percent a year.

• Stop conditioned air losses. Seal leaks by caulking window frames and replacing any missing or damaged weatherstripping around exterior doors. Plug holes and gaps around the foundation and any shell penetrations with expandable foam spray.

• Prevent heat build-up. Replace incandescent lights with energy-efficient bulbs that produce much less heat. Use the microwave or outdoor grill for cooking instead of the oven, and air dry dishes and laundry so you don't create heat that adds to the A/C's workload.

• Upgrade an older cooling system. Replacing an inefficient air conditioner can reduce your cooling expenses by as much as 50 percent. To boost those energy savings by up to 15 percent more, choose Energy Star-rated equipment.

To learn more ways to reduce cooling costs in your Broken Arrow home, contact the comfort experts at Air Assurance. We've been helping homeowners since 1985.

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

Energy-Saving Tips for Your Tulsa Home This Spring

Now that spring weather is here, you have a golden opportunity to make some energy-wise changes before another hot summer arrives. The following home energy-saving tips can help you keep consumption and costs under control and boost your comfort too.

• Get your air conditioner tuned up. Scheduling A/C maintenance with your HVAC contractor before you start it up for the season guarantees it's ready and able to keep your home comfortable when the temperatures soar. To keep your cooling system operating at maximum efficiency, remember to check the air filter every month and change it as needed.

• Upgrade to a programmable thermostat. If you're still using a manual thermostat, talk to your HVAC pro about the benefits of switching to a programmable model. You'll learn that it's the most convenient way to schedule daily eight-hour, 10-to 15-degree temperature setbacks and save energy.

• Have your ducts sealed and insulated. A knowledgeable HVAC specialist will also advise that sealing your ducts can stop the loss of up to 30 percent of your A/C's cooling output. By having the seams and joints sealed with foil-backed tape, and wrapping the ducts with R-6 insulation, you'll see a drop in energy consumption and an increase in comfort.

• Increase your water heating efficiency. The sediment that builds up in your tank during the normal heating process can erode energy efficiency and even ruin the appliance. Having the tank flushed twice a year to get rid of the accumulation can keep it operating efficiently. While it's being serviced, have the water heater thermostat dialed to 120 degrees and add an insulated jacket if it's an older model.

• Check your attic insulation. Have a pro measure the insulation level on your attic floor and, if necessary, get extra installed to bring it up to the recommended minimum of R-49. If it hasn't been done already, make sure your access hatch is insulated on the attic side and properly sealed to stop conditioned air losses.

For more home energy-saving tips, contact Air Assurance. We've helped make life more comfortable for Broken Arrow area homeowners since 1985.

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

5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills This Winter

With cold weather approaching, now's the time to complete some home projects to cut your energy bills this winter. These easy-to-complete projects are inexpensive in the short run and can each be completed within 30 minutes.

Weatherstripping

A properly fitted door or window is lined with flexible weatherstripping to keep drafts out and heat in. Over time, these strips break down from use, so locating these weak spots should be your first priority. When you locate a length of weatherstripping that needs replacing, simply pull it away from the sill and tack up a fresh piece.

Outlet Protection

Electrical outlets on a home's exterior are often the most overlooked source of heat loss in the home. You can cut your energy bills this winter by removing outlet plates and inserting inexpensive outlet gaskets designed to add insulation in areas often lacking in protection.

Plug Exterior Holes

Exterior water faucets and meter lines poking through your home's exterior are often left exposed to the cold, as well as pests using your entryway to get in. With an expanding foam product, you can fill these gaps and reduce not only heat loss, but the encroachment of pests.

Plastic Film

It's estimated that up to 25 percent of a home's heating loss occurs through windows, so by adding another layer of easy-to-install plastic film, you can retain heat and lower your bills. Kits are readily available at your local hardware store.

Programmable Thermostat

Even an inexpensive programmable thermostat can help reduce your home heating costs by 10 percent, allowing you to establish heat levels during the day and night. You have the ability to lower the heat when you're away and raise it to comfort level when you're home.For more expert techniques to cut your energy bills this winter, please contact Air Assurance. We're been serving the Greater Tulsa community since 1985 and are here to help.

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: “Merydolla/Shutterstock”

Extend HVAC System Life and Get the Most Out of Your Home Comfort Investment

One of the most expensive issues that you'll have to deal with as a homeowner is the replacement of your HVAC system. But don't worry -- there are ways to extend HVAC system life. You can start with these tips:

• Get it serviced -- As you might imagine, the more you use your HVAC system, the faster its performance will deteriorate. To keep it running efficiently and prolong its operating life, hire a technician to give it a little tune-up.

• Change the filters -- When your system's air filter gets dirty, it won't work as efficiently. Start each season with a fresh filter and then change it every 1-2 months, as needed.

• Install a programmable thermostat -- These devices are more accurate and flexible than manual thermostats, which means your HVAC system won't be in operation when it doesn't need to be, thereby decreasing the strain placed upon it.

• Clean the outdoor unit -- If your system uses an outdoor condensing unit, which most do, you'll want to clear off any debris that has accumulated on it. This can be done by simply spraying it off with a water hose.

• Keep the air flowing -- Even if you don't spend any time in a particular room, it's important to keep the air flowing by leaving the vents open. The same goes for rooms that aren't occupied -- keep the doors open to maintain good air flow.

• Clean duct grills -- Each year at this time, you should clean the vents and grills of the duct in each room. To clean them, simply put it out and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth or vacuum it.

• Leave discharge pipes open -- A clogged-up discharge pipe, the one that runs outdoors from your HVAC system, can lead to costly repairs. To prevent this, be sure to keep it clean and free of debris.

For more expert advice on ways to extend HVAC system life, or if you have any other home comfort concerns, get in touch with the knowledgeable technicians at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan area since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “bitt24/Shutterstock”

How Your Programmable Thermostat Can Help You Heat Your Home More Efficiently

With fall rapidly approaching, the leaves are beginning to fall as well as the temperatures. Keeping your house consistently warm during the brutal Oklahoma cold months is a luxury that can quickly add up on your power bill. Using your thermostat at regularly planned intervals can help curb power costs, but some of us are so busy that we can't tend to the thermostat every few hours. Fortunately, using a programmable thermostat is a great solution to this that can help you heat your home more efficiently. Here's how:How Do Programmable Thermostats Work?Programmable thermostats operate at different intervals that you preset yourself. At each interval, the temperature of your house will adjust according to what you preset in advance. You don't really need to keep your house at 70 degrees all day, as this can be a huge energy dump. Programmable thermostats will let you control the temperatures of your house at various times of the day, even if you're not home at that time.How Can I Get The Most Efficient Use From My Programmable Thermostat?To save you the most money, it is recommended that you opt for a temperature setting on the low side when you're in bed or when you're not home. Reserve the warmer settings for all other times. Choosing this method can reduce your bill by up to 20 percent. Depending on which unit you have, you may be able to have multiple settings per day.The cold months don't have to leave you choosing between a cold home and an empty wallet. A programmable thermostat is a convenient way to save money and stay warm indoors, provided you use it the right way. For more professional advice about programmable thermostats and other questions relating to home comfort, feel free to contact us at Air Assurance. We've been working with 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).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Danylo-Samiylenko/Shutterstock”

Programmable Thermostat on the Blink? Diagnose It With This Guide

Many people today are discovering the benefits of programmable or "smart" thermostats. A programmable thermostat can be a real help in saving money while keeping your home comfortable — but only if it's working properly.

If you suspect that your programmable thermostat may be malfunctioning, there are some simple steps you can take to find out.

• Check the displayIf the display is blank, the thermostat isn't working and may have been disconnected from its electricity supply.

• Check the batteries or electrical connectionSome thermostats are battery-powered, while others draw electricity from your home's domestic electricity supply. The easiest way to find out if the cells in a battery-powered unit are dead is to replace them. For thermostats that draw electricity from an external source, ensure that they are properly connected.

• Check the fuseThere will typically be a fuse to control the amount of power that a wired thermostat receives. If this fuse has blown, you'll need to replace it. Remove the fuse and take it with you to a hardware store so that you can get the right fuse to replace it.

• Check the "opposite" systemThe "opposite" system is the system you're not currently running. If you're trying to diagnose why your air conditioning isn't coming on, for example, you would run your heating. Set your thermostat to a sufficiently high temperature and see if it turns your heating on and off as it should.If your thermostat works with your heating but not with your air conditioning, the problem may be with your A/C rather than the thermostat. You'll need to call in a suitably qualified service technician to identify and fix the problem.

If you have tried all the above and the problem still seems to be with your thermostat, it may need to be replaced.

At Air Assurance, our aim is to inform and educate customers throughout Tulsa and Broken Arrow on energy and home comfort topics (relating to HVAC systems). To find out more about the proper maintenance and use of your programmable thermostat, or for help with other HVAC issues, contact us 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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Save Every Cent You Can With These Summertime A/C Tips

If you treat your air conditioner well, it will return the favor. Use these summertime A/C tips and save those pennies to use to water your yard instead.

Proper Size

Bigger is not always better. Larger systems may cool your home faster, but at what cost? They require extra energy to serve the same purpose. And quick cooling isn't the only end goal. Your air conditioner also works to remove humidity in your home, but it needs to run a certain amount of time in order to do so. Larger systems that cool faster will shut off before the humidity issue is addressed. Do some research to determine if the air conditioner you have is the right size for your home.

Proper Maintenance

Dirt, dust, hair, lint and pet fur can cover coils and impede the efficiency of your A/C. Simply put: clean systems run less. Proper maintenance keeps the inside and outside coils clean, changes the air filter regularly and manages the refrigerant charge. These minor tune-ups save you money on energy and repairs, extending the life of your A/C along the way.

Proper Duct Sealing

Before conditioned air flows through the vents in your home, it must first travel through a system of ducts. Ideally those ducts will transport the air without losing any along the way. Gaps and cracks in your ductwork allow conditioned air to escape into your attic. Seal gaps and replace damaged ducts to ensure that the air you've paid to cool keeps you and your family comfortable. Insulated ductwork prevents the radiant heat of your attic in the summertime from altering the coolness of the air inside the ducts.

Proper Help

These summertime A/C tips, along with a programmable thermostat, keep your A/C running as efficiently as possible. If the maintenance, installation, sizing or repairs are too far outside your DIY comfort zone, don't hesitate to give the professionals at Air Assurance a call. We've been serving the Tulsa 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

How Smart Thermostats Can Boost Savings, Comfort and Convenience

If you’re looking to save money on your heating and cooling expenses (and who isn’t looking to save money?), consider installing a smart/programmable thermostat.

Smart thermostats don’t simply allow you to raise and/or lower the temperature in your home. They function as a control panel for your heating and air conditioning systems. A smart thermostat allows you to pre-program temperatures during the day. In other words, you can program it to heat up the house in the early morning, allowing you to wake up to a comfortable temperature.

Similarly, a smart thermostat can keep the house at a lower temperature during the day when the house is empty, and raise the heat so you come home to a warm house. Units range from thermostats you program on the control panel (similar to programming a DVD-R device) to those that are controlled via the Internet.

So because you’re able to program your temperature beforehand (or in the case of advanced models, remotely), you’re able to genuinely save money, because you’re not turning on the heat or A/C during the hours when you’re not home. It also is a comfort factor, as you can program your unit to raise or lower the temperature automatically, so your home is at the desired temperature.

Programmable/smart thermostats are pricier than standard units. Obviously, the more advanced and complex they are, the more they cost. Units that are programmed on the front of the unit and work on a timer are less expensive then their web-enabled counterparts.

Also realize that installing a thermostat is not a job for novices. If you have no experience with home wiring, it’s best to leave it to a professional. And you also should factor in that the more expense you incur to install smart thermostats, the longer it will take to realize the savings.

Whenever you need expert advice with heating and air conditioning in your home or office, or any other issues related to home comfort, please contact us. Whether it’s heating, air conditioning or hot water, we’ve been servicing the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan area for almost three decades.

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

Efficient Furnace? Get the Most Out of the System in Your Tulsa Home

Winter can mean high heating bills here in Northeastern Oklahoma. Purchasing an efficient furnace is a great decision, and can result in a lot of energy and money savings over the lifetime of the system. You may find, however, that the efficient furnace isn't enough- it needs an efficient household to operate at peak efficiency. If your efficient furnace isn't at its best, there are a few things you can do to reduce your energy use and give your furnace a boost. These tips can also help to improve the performance of an older, less efficient furnace if you aren't quite ready to replace it.

The first step in boosting your furnace's heating power is making sure to schedule routine maintenance. Even if there doesn't seem to be a problem, have a professional give your furnace a check-up every year. This habit is fairly low-cost, and will catch small problems before they become major issues. You should also be sure to change your furnace's air filter routinely. It's recommended that you change it every three months, but you can replace it monthly if anyone in your home has air quality concerns. Blocked filters can overwork your heater and waste energy.

Once you've done the maintenance on your furnace, it's time to to make sure the house itself is well-sealed. Check around the house for leaks, or hire a professional to do an energy evaluation. Seal any gaps that you find around windows and doors, and fill in any gaps in insulation. It's also important to check your ductwork, as duct leaks are often a major culprit in home heat loss.

To save even more on energy costs, change your heating habits. Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees, or install a programmable thermostat, which will heat the house based on your schedule and preferences, even when no one is home. Be careful not to change your thermostat settings too often. Frequent temperature adjustments can put undue strain on your furnace.

Contact Air Assurance for more expert advice on using your efficient furnace and increasing household efficiency 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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock