What's the Difference Between HVAC and A/C?

If you're like most homeowners, you find HVAC terms confusing, and since some seem interchangeable, it can be hard to know exactly what terminology like “HVAC” and “A/C” really means. Although they're similar, these two terms aren't synonymous, so it's beneficial to know the differences between the two.

Definition of HVAC

The meaning of the term “HVAC” is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Most often, this acronym is used in reference to a home's complete comfort system. A system may be comprised of various heating and cooling components, such as a gas furnace, electric central split air conditioner or heat pump, ductless mini split units, or geothermal heat pump system. The system's ventilation portion often refers to the air circulation/distribution components like the blower unit, ductwork and air filter, but it can also include a whole-house ventilation unit, or an air cleaner unit added to the HVAC system.

What A/C Means

The term “A/C” stands for “air conditioning,” but it's frequently used to describe any type of home cooling equipment, such as a traditional split-system air conditioner or heat pump, mini-split unit, geothermal system, or even a window unit.

Different Types of Equipment Have Different Maintenance Needs

Routine preventive maintenance is the key to keeping any sort of comfort equipment running reliably and efficiently, so all the common components of your HVAC system should be inspected, cleaned and tuned-up by a skilled technician on a twice-yearly basis. Different portions in your home's HVAC system also need specific maintenance tasks performed, such as:

• Cooling equipment: Before cooling season begins, the evaporator and condenser coils should be cleaned, the condensate drain flushed and the refrigerant level checked.

• Heating equipment: Every fall, the gas burner should be cleaned and tested, and the venting system and heat exchanger inspected.

• Ventilation components: With every preventive maintenance visit, your technician should clean and lubricate the blower assembly, check for proper system airflow, and install a fresh air filter.

To learn more about the meaning of different HVAC terms and how they relate to the comfort system 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Back-to-School Tips for Your HVAC System

A great way to remember it's time for fall HVAC maintenance is to tie it in with back-to-school activities. Once the kids have started their fall routines, they'll be out of the house more, and you'll have an opportunity to make some energy-saving adjustments and perform some maintenance that will keep your HVAC system in good shape for the season ahead.

1. Adjust your programmable thermostat.

If you spent the entire summer adjusting the thermostat manually, maybe it's time you looked at more efficient operation. If you have a programmable thermostat and you're not using it in an efficient way, then it's time to start. While it's still warm, program the thermostat up a few degrees at night and when the house is unoccupied. As the weather cools, set the thermostat a few degrees lower for those times.

2. Change the air filter.

The change of seasons is always a good time to change the air filter. You probably won't need the HVAC system to run the HVAC that much until the cold weather sets in, but keep a clean filter in it so you'll be ready when it's time to turn the furnace on. A clean filter ensures your system runs more efficiently, and that parts are less subject to friction and wear.

3. Clean up around the compressor.

Perhaps you won't be using the air conditioner much longer, but take a look around the outdoor compressor and make sure it's got plenty of clearance for air flow. Trim branches and limbs within two feet of the unit. Clear away leaves and other debris. Trim weeds and grass.

4. Schedule fall maintenance.

No need to wait till the cold weather arrives and your HVAC service pro is booked to the max. Schedule fall maintenance ahead so you have a jump on replacements or repairs. Be sure your service tech looks at the heat exchanger and burners of your furnace to ensure proper combustion.

To learn more about back-to-school season maintenance for your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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Helpful New Homeowner Plumbing Tips

When moving into a new home, most people don’t give a lot of thought to what’s going on inside the drains or the pipes hidden inside walls or the crawl space — until something goes wrong, that is. Plumbing issues can make an otherwise trouble-free home a headache. Here are a few plumbing tips to help you be prepared for any unpleasant surprises in the future.

• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve and how to operate it. Every adult in the house should be able to turn off the water supply to the house in the event of a serious indoor plumbing emergency. Test the main valve annually to make sure it turns freely. Also test shutoff valves to individual toilets in the house in case a toilet overflows. Consult a plumber if any valves won’t turn or function properly.

• Clear clogged drains with hot water and a common plunger. Avoid using caustic drain openers that contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate plumbing pipes and seals. Powered drain snakes from rental outlets may be improperly sized for your plumbing and may damage delicate pipes. If simple plunging fails to open a clogged drain, contact a qualified plumber.

• If the house came with a washer connected to rubber hot and cold water supply hoses, these hoses typically have a short service life and may fail unexpectedly. Ruptured washer supply hoses are a frequent source of major indoor water damage. Put rubber washer supply hoses on your list to be replaced with braided stainless steel lines that have an unlimited service life.

• There’s no such thing as a minor leak in a water supply line. Small pinhole leaks may be external evidence of serious corrosion inside the pipe. A pipe rupture and expensive water damage may happen at any time. Get advice from a qualified plumber about any pipe leaks.

For more plumbing tips, or professional service to resolve any plumbing issues that may come up, contact Air Assurance.

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Things to Consider for Furnace Installation

Upgrading to a new furnace is an important step towards improved home comfort and lower energy bills. Furnace installation is a lengthier and more complex process than installing simpler appliances, however. In order to get the most benefit from your new furnace and to ensure installation goes smoothly, keep in mind the following things.

Furnace Installation Should be Completed by a Professional

Poorly installed furnaces pose serious safety hazards, such as the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Only allow a licensed technician to install your new heating system. Professional HVAC contractors understand the importance of following special guidelines for furnace installation. These include:

• Calculating the heating load — A load calculation is necessary in order to determine the correct furnace size for your home. An undersized or oversized furnace will cost you money and won’t give you the best in comfort. Many variables, such as number of occupants, the home’s insulation, number of windows and type of windows, and the number of levels to the home figure into this calculation.

• Placement — A furnace requires sufficient clearance to allow sufficient airflow and maintenance access. Your contractor will also follow local codes regarding distance between the furnace and combustible materials.

• Ductwork — Before installation begins, a contractor should check your home’s ducts to ensure they are compatible and in good repair. Cracks in the ductwork or poor duct design will diminish your new furnace’s efficiency.

Prepare Your Space

The furnace installer will need enough room to work safely and comfortably. You can help by clearing a path to the furnace area and then cleaning the area itself of debris. Move items into another room or at least away from the work area and make sure pets are safely confined in another area of the home.Professional technicians clean up after they are finished. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless, but it is very helpful if the area is clear of furnishings or anything else that could get in the way.

For more information about furnace installation in your Broken Arrow home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

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Power Outage Preparation Tips

While you can’t prevent a power outage, you can lessen the discomfort and damage it may cause by preparing ahead. It doesn’t take long or require an investment to protect your home and family and ensure a greater degree of comfort.

• Sign up for text or email alerts when outages occur, especially if you’re away from home on a routine basis.

• Have an adequate supply of candles and matches, as well as fresh batteries for flashlights and radios.

• Invest in a phone charger for your car if you rely on a cell phone for communication. You can charge a low battery by driving or idling your car in the driveway.

• Prepare a list of emergency numbers, especially if you or family members have any health issues.

• Keep extra canned food in the pantry that’s easy to heat to avoid opening the freezer or refrigerator. Never bring a gas or charcoal barbecue into the garage or home to cook or provide heat. Both emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO).

• Have a professional inspect your fireplace annually. It can provide heat during a power outage but must be clean to prevent chimney fires or deadly CO from entering your home.

• Test your CO detectors monthly and replace any weak batteries. Smoke detector batteries should be checked at least once a year.

• Turn off your heating system at the circuit breaker when the power goes out, even for a short period. As utility workers restore the power, power surges are common that can damage your equipment. You can also add a surge protector to its circuit to automatically shut it off to prevent serious damage.If you have a heat pump, ask your HVAC contractor how to start it if there's been an extended outage. The heat pump needs to warm its lubricants before starting the heating cycle, whose length varies depending on the heat pump’s size.

The pros at Air Assurance can help you protect your home and HVAC system during a power outage. We've provided top-notch HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners for more than 30 years.

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Tips for Selecting the Best HVAC Contractor for Your Home

When the time comes to hire an HVAC contractor, you want one with a high degree of professionalism. Entrusting someone who's not qualified with repairing or replacing your sophisticated, expensive HVAC system is risky at best. So how do you find an HVAC contractor with the right skills and expertise? Here are some tips to guide you through your search.

What to Look For

Talk to your friends, family and business associates and ask who they use. Go online and have a look at these contractors' websites. A professional website won't necessarily guarantee a good job, but it does suggest that a contractor is operating at a professional level. Look for the following:

• Length of time in business. This alone won't guarantee professionalism, but it can show stability and level of experience.

• Testimonials. Online testimonials can be manufactured, so be wary. Ask for referrals and follow up on them.

• Types of services and brands. You probably want a contractor who has experience installing and repairing your particular brand of HVAC system.

• Licensing and insurance. These can differ widely even from county to county, so be sure to discuss licensing and insurance issues before you sign a contract.

• Types of affiliations and certifications. An HVAC contractor may belong to a number of professional organizations, from the Better Business Bureau to the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), but one of the key organizations that should be on the list is NATE (North American Technician Excellence). NATE affiliation proves that the contractor's technicians are certified and capable of working at the highest level of professionalism in the industry.

• Home evaluation. Don't accept any estimates over the phone. You want a contractor who will come to your home to carefully evaluate conditions and to size your HVAC system. Expect a detailed estimate.

• Written contract. Your contract should spell out the scope of the job, time line, model numbers and projected costs. The job should not begin until the contract is signed.

If you're looking for a quality HVAC contractor to do your repair or replacement, contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.

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