Best HVAC Brands to Buy

When you're in the market for a new HVAC system, you'll want to get a unit that provides reliable performance year after year. Such a system will make your life more comfortable and prevent you from having to shell out a small fortune regularly. Therefore, you should take the time to find out which HVAC brands stand out above the rest. Here are some of the best brands available today:

American Standard

American Standard has consistently been rated as one of the top premium brands. It's a bit pricey, but that shouldn't worry you a lot because you'll get excellent reliability and far fewer issues with its heat pumps and air conditioners.

Mitsubishi Electric

Mitsubishi Electric produces the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. They're widely used in Europe and Japan. The systems are ductless, so each room will need its own system. Installing the systems in your entire house is far more costly than having a central heating and cooling system.

Carrier

The company consistently earns high ratings for its sturdiness, efficiency, and quiet operation. It has a low percentage of units that need major repairs and maintenance, and it offers generous warranty coverage. If price isn't an issue for you, then this is a brand worth considering.

Lennox

This company keeps working to improve the efficiency of its equipment, and that's why it has models with efficiency levels of more than 98 percent and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) levels of up to 23.5. Many of its systems accept two types of fuel.

Ruud

This reliable brand is backed up by lots of testing and consumer reviews that describe its products as long-lasting. It makes both commercial and residential products. Its parts are readily available throughout the United States, making repairs not too expensive and warranty issues easy to clear.

Doing research on the top HVAC brands will go a long way to helping you find the best system for your needs. If you're unsure about which brand to choose, please contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly 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). For more information about HVAC brands and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Need Advice on Choosing a New HVAC System? Here's a Helpful Guide

When choosing a new HVAC system, you'll be looking at technology you may not have known existed, most of it vastly more efficient than what you had in your home before. Here's a rundown on some of the new technology, but remember, your best bet is discussing your HVAC system replacement with an experienced contractor.

Cooling

When choosing a new central air conditioner, your new system is likely to be much more efficient with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). You'll also have the option to choose features such as:

• Variable-speed air handlers that gently gear up to provide cooling as needed, then slowly cycle down, maintaining cool temperatures as you need them.

• Two-stage compressors that use the most power only on the hottest days.

• Scroll compressors that use less energy than a piston-driven compressor.

These features are also available with a heat pump, which works similarly to an A/C. Both systems use refrigerant to extra heat from the home, but a heat pump can be reversed in winter so that it moves heat into the house from the outdoors for warming.

If you already have central heating but don't have a central cooling system, ask your HVAC consultant if the current ductwork is sufficient to handle the volume of air produced by the A/C you are considering. You may have to replace the ductwork.

Ductless systems are a popular option for homes without existing ductwork. You can get a ductless A/C or heat pump depending on your heating and cooling needs. With these systems, air is distributed by small, strategically mounted air handlers, which are connected to an outdoor compressor/condenser. Multiple air handlers can run on one outdoor unit, making these systems perfect for creating comfort zones.

Heating

When choosing a new furnace, pay attention to annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace you choose will be. Newer furnaces also may have safer, more efficiently sealed combustion technology, as well as an efficient modulating gas valve and a variable-speed blower.

To learn more about choosing a new HVAC system, contact Air Assurance. We've been serving customers in 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).  Credit/Copyright Attribution: “schatzy/Shutterstock”

HVAC Efficiency Standards Will Look a Little Different Come 2015

In April 2014, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) implemented changes to HVAC efficiency standards. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2015, and apply to both commercial and residential equipment. Understanding these changes are important to homeowners who may be in need of a new furnace, air conditioner or split system heat pump.  What Is Changing?

• Starting on January 1, 2015, new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards will go into effect for all newly installed heat pumps and air conditioners. These standards will differ by region. In most areas, including Oklahoma, the 13 SEER standard for air conditioners will increase to 14 SEER.

• All areas of the country will move to new split system heat pump regulations. A new heat pump efficiency standard of 14 SEER and 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) will be enforced nationally. A HSPF value measures the efficiency of air-source heat pumps and helps homeowners understand the relative efficiency of different models.

• Also in 2015, all new gas furnaces will require an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) value of 80 percent. This value measures the efficiency of the furnace and the ability to condense water out of flue gasses for future use. Homeowners will notice that units with a AFUE value of 90 percent or better are identified as "condensing" products for their ability to efficiently recoup and condense gasses.

If you are in the market for new HVAC components, or if you have any questions about HVAC efficiency standards, contact our team at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing. We have proudly served the Tulsa metropolitan area for nearly 30 years, and we're ready to help you understand these changing standards.

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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HVAC Terms That Are Handy to Know

When speaking with an HVAC professional about your system, you may become confused when they use HVAC terms to describe your system. If you know and understand some of the basic terms that are used in the HVAC industry, you'll be on top of what all the professional terminology means.Here are some of the basic HVAC terms that you'll hear when a heating or air conditioning system is being described.

• HVAC -- (H)eating, (V)entilation and (A)ir (C)onditioning comprises your entire HVAC heating and cooling system.

• BTU -- Describes how much heating capacity your HVAC system has. The higher the BTU rating, the greater its heating ability.

• Ton -- How much cooling capacity your central air conditioning has. Just like a BTU unit, the more tons your air conditioner has, the greater its cooling ability.

• AFUE -- Stands for Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and refers directly to how efficient your furnace is. The higher the AFUE number, the more efficient the system.

• SEER -- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is how the efficiency of air conditioners is classified. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system.

• MERV Rating -- MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It directly relates to how efficient your HVAC system filter is, and the higher the MERV rating, the more efficient it is at trapping dirt, dust, smoke and pollen particles.

• Off-Grid -- Going "off-grid" means you have your own power source, like solar panels or a windmill, and are able to disconnect from your local utility service provider.

• Energy Star -- A product designation from the Environmental Protection Agency that promises an Energy Star product meets or beats EPA energy efficient guidelines.

If you'd like to know more about HVAC terms and what they mean, contact Air Assurance. We'll answer your questions and provide outstanding service for all of your HVAC needs. Serving the Tulsa metropolitan area for more than 50 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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Replacing the A/C: Questions You Should Be Asking

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

• A higher SEER rating will give more energy efficient operation

• A two-stage cooling system will remove more humidity

• A heat pump can provide year round heating and cooling

For more advice on replacing the A/C with the best results, contact Air Assurance, serving the greater Tulsa Metropolitan area since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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Regional Efficiency Standards: A Settlement Has Been Reached

Recently, regional efficiency standards for HVAC equipment have been changed by the industry and the Department of Energy. Let's go over what this means for your household.

In 2006, the standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and heat pumps was raised from 10 to 13. In 2010, equipment manufacturers partnered with efficiency specialists to develop new regional efficiency standards, accounting for different climate conditions throughout the US. In the South and Southwest, SEER requirements were raised to 14, while they remained at 13 in the North.

Equivalent regional efficiency standards and adjustments have also been set for other equipment, such as gas furnaces.

However, the proposed January 2015 adjustments posed a few issues for manufacturers and distributors, so a new agreement has been reached with the DOE. It affects different equipment and regions in different ways.

Before we jump into the new rules, let’s go over a few terms. SEER we’ve already discussed. HSPF is related to heat pump efficiency, and stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. AFUE is for furnaces, and stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.

These new regional efficiency standards apply to all equipment manufactured after January 2015.

• Split system air conditioners: SEER 14 (This number applies specifically to the South, including Oklahoma.)

• Single package air conditioners: SEER 14

• Split system heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.2

• Single package heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.0

• Small-duct, high-velocity systems: SEER 13, HSPF 7.7

• Space-constrained air conditioners and heat pumps: SEER 12 (Heat pumps must meet an HSPF of 7.4.)

• Gas-fired furnaces: AFUE 80%

While these numbers will become regional efficiency standards as of January 2015, there’s an 18-month grace period for distributors to sell through equipment manufactured before then.

These developments don't mean you’ll be forced to upgrade your equipment. They do mean that if you purchase new equipment made in 2015 or later, it will comply with these standards, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.

Let us know if you have questions. Air Assurance has been serving the Greater Tulsa metro area since 1985, and we’ll be happy 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). 

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SEER, EER and COP: Three Terms You Should Know Before You Shop

When Tulsa-area homeowners search for an efficient air conditioner to combat this summer’s heat, they will be confronted with three acronyms: SEER, EER and COP, often given in air conditioning sales literature without explanation. To find the best value for your home, make sure you understand the HVAC terms: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, Energy Efficiency Ratio, and Coefficient of Performance (SEER, EER and COP) before any purchase.

COP

If you are considering a heat pump to cool and warm your Broken Arrow home, the COP will be an important measure. Mechanical devices such as heat pumps should have a COP of at least three, though the range can be two to four. Higher COP means greater efficiency.

EER

Of SEER, EER and COP, EER is the most involved calculation. EER is a ratio of the cooling energy coming from a window air conditioner and the electricity used to operate the air conditioner. A high EER means the room air conditioner will save you more money on your electrical bill than a machine with a low EER.

If a sales person tries to dazzle you about the virtues of a particular unit, just mention that your EER is calculated as British Thermal Units (BTUs) divided by Watt-hours. Your knowledge is your best defense against distracting sales talk.

SEER

With SEER, EER and COP, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the only measure to calculate costs for an entire season. This allows you to estimate electricity costs for your Broken Arrow home when shopping for, and comparing, various central air conditioners.

The higher a central air conditioner’s SEER, the more efficiently the machine will cool your Broken Arrow home. Look for numbers of 13, the current minimum allowed by regulation, or higher. While you can find central air conditioners with SEERs into the 20s, their expense may not support your investment. Take comfort, though—a 13 SEER unit is 30 percent more efficient than a 10 SEER unit.

For help understanding how SEER, EER and COP will affect your central air conditioner purchase for your Tulsa-area 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). 

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Think It's Time to Replace the A/C? Know for Sure With These Tips

If you’re not pleased with your air conditioner’s performance, you may be just about ready to throw in the towel. Is it really time to replace the A/C, or could a repair get it back up and running? Know for sure with these tips.

• Consider the age: If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if the equipment hasn’t given you trouble lately, it’s wise to start browsing replacement options so it’s a planned investment, not a rushed emergency installation.

• Assess efficiency: With age comes decreased efficiency. Take a look at your energy bills from past summers. Notice how your electricity usage has gone up? That’s because a well-worn, 10-year-old A/C rated at 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, performs closer to an 8 SEER unit. The lowest efficiency models available today are 13 SEER, and the highest efficiency ratings climb into the mid-20s.

• Evaluate repair frequency: There are only so many times you can fix an inefficient, aging air conditioner before you’ve had enough. Each individual repair is less expensive than a replacement, but if you’re having your equipment serviced more than once a year, that money could be going toward an efficient new replacement.

• Understand refrigerant requirements: An air conditioner with a refrigerant leak could signal it’s time to replace the A/C. Older air conditioners run on R-22 refrigerant which is an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. A gradual phase out has replaced R-22 with R-410A refrigerant, or Puron. Because R-22 refrigerant is now incredibly hard to come by, recharging an older system could cost far more than it used to. This could be the excuse you need to upgrade to a Puron-compatible system.

• Analyze home comfort and system performance: Is your home overly humid? Are some rooms difficult to keep cool while others get too cold? Does the A/C operate noisily? A system replacement could resolve these comfort and performance issues.

If these tips make it clear it’s time to replace the A/C, please contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow to begin the replacement process 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). 

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Why Your A/C's SEER Isn't Being Reached

Why Your A/C's SEER Isn't Being Reached

The SEER rating on an air conditioning system stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. SEER measures how many units of energy are expended by the air conditioner to generate one unit of cooling. Modern units are required to have a rating of at least 13 and some are much higher. You can achieve a lot of savings on your utility bill when you replace your old inefficient unit. However, poor conditions can lower an A/C's SEER so much that you won’t even see an improvement.

First, your house should be well insulated to keep hot air out and cool air in. Leaky ducts are another factor that can mean poor energy efficiency. Have your technician check ductwork to make sure it's the right size, tight and leak-free. Leaks can be sealed by a trained professional.

Make sure you choose the right size unit for your home. An oversized unit won’t deliver more cool air, but will run in shorter, inefficient cycles that never achieve the right level of cooling and dehumidification -- especially in places like Broken Arrow, where summers are hot. Your HVAC technician should use Manuals J and S to find the unit that is just the right size and is compatible with your ductwork.

Inefficient airflow can increase energy costs by up to 10 percent, so it’s important to take care of any issues during installation. Airflow can be obstructed by damaged ducts or grilles or obstructions like debris in the ducts. An improperly sized air handler is another cause of improper airflow. Your technician should measure the air handler to make sure it's the right size for your A/C unit.

Refrigerant charge is another important component on the installation checklist. Most systems are either undercharged or overcharged. Your technician will do a careful measurement of the line set to get the right charge.

If your A/C's SEER isn't being reached, call Air Assurance. With more than 20 years experience and the largest fleet team in the area, we can find and eliminate the factors that lower your A/C's SEER.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

Invest In A High-Efficiency Air-Conditioning System Now, And Enjoy The Savings For Years To Come

Depending on the age of your current air conditioning system, a high-efficiency upgrade has the potential to reduce your annual cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. In fact, if your air conditioning system is more than ten years old, the federal government recommends a replacement due to the relative inefficiency of older systems.To see how your current system measures up to today’s high-efficiency models, you can compare Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER). The higher your system’s SEER, the more efficient your system is in terms of energy consumption over the entire cooling season. While older units may rate a SEER of 10 or below, today’s high-efficiency air conditioning units carry a minimum SEER of 13. Thus, a high-efficiency upgrade can equal significant savings over the long term.Of course, proper sizing is required to maximize the efficiency of any air conditioning system. Often, older systems have become oversized thanks to energy efficient upgrades to the home such as insulation or weather stripping. As such, these systems are not as efficient and tend to have issues with improper cycling leading to high relative humidity levels in the home.Bigger isn’t always better, and having a proper load calculation performed during a high-efficiency upgrade can help ensure that the system you choose is the most appropriate for your household.There are also several innovative features available with today’s high-efficiency air conditioners that are designed to further increase long-term comfort and energy savings. For example:

• Fan-only switches give you the option of reducing cooling costs without sacrificing household ventilation.

• Filter check lights prevent filter neglect and reduce the chances of the system inefficiency -- or even damage -- that can result from clogged filters.

The sooner you make the initial investment in high-efficiency air conditioning, the more you stand to save in terms of energy costs over the long term. Depending on the system you choose, you may also be eligible for federal energy-based tax credits. If you’re interested in a high-efficiency upgrade, let our trained technicians help you make an informed decision. For an expert consultation, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma today!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.