Prevent Drain Pipes From Freezing

prevent frozen drains - tulsa ok

If you have any property in the northern climate zones, that are going to be left uninhabited during the winter months, you must drain pipes to prevent freezing. Although not a very difficult task, it can be a bit tedious because you have to be sure that most, if not all, of the water has been purged to prevent damage to the pipes.When you drain pipes to prevent freezing, make sure the main water supply valve has been turned off first, and it is usually located in the basement or a crawl space next to the water meter. Once the water has been turned off, you can proceed.

• Always start on the top floor. Water runs down with gravity, so drain pipes to prevent freezing on the upper floor first.

• Turn on all faucets. Any leftover pressure will force water out of these fixtures.

• Drain toilet tanks and bowls. Flush the toilets repeatedly until all of the tank water is drained. If possible, scoop out as much of the toilet bowl water that you can. If that can't be done, pour in a cup of biodegradable RV anti-freeze into the bowl. This will keep the left over water from freezing.

• Drain your hot water tank. Turn off the gas or electric power first, than drain the tank fully. A siphon effect will pull out most of the leftover hot and cold water from the pipes.

• Drain pipes. There are two things you can do for drain pipes. You can send compressed air into each drain to force the water out. If you don't have an air compressor, you can pour biodegradable RV anti-freeze into each drain. Doing either one of these will ensure that your drain pipes won't freeze and rupture.

By following these simple tips, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your pipes will be intact and problem free next time they are used.

If you need more information about draining your pipes, please feel free to contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the  Broken Arrow and 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: “Paul-Tessier/Shutterstock”

WATER PIPE FREEZE SERVICES

WATER PIPE FREEZE REPAIRS - TULSA OK

The cost of household water damage due to frozen pipes averages about $15,000. Though pooling water typically freezes at 32 degrees, outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees or lower are usually required to freeze water inside household pipes. Once it happens, ice formation inside a pipe typically expands by about 9%, imposing tremendous pressure inside the pipe, all too frequently causing a pipe rupture. The fact that a pipe has broken due to freezing may not be apparent until later, when temperatures rise and the pipe thaws.

A typical home water-supply line has a flow rate averaging 8 to 10 gallons per minute. If that pipe ruptures, the amount of water turned loose in your home can wreak severe damage on the structure of the house as well as on your possessions. However, you’re not helpless against the threat of damage that may occur due to frozen pipes. Here are some preventive measures you can take before frigid weather, as well as what to do once it strikes.

• Insulate now. Before cold weather strikes, install foam pipe insulation on all accessible spans of both cold- and hot-water pipes inside and under the house. The insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe and helps avoid ice formation that causes rupture.

• Turn up the thermostat. If extremely cold temperatures below 25 degrees are forecast, set the furnace thermostat to 70 degrees and maintain that temperature as long as frigid conditions persist.

• Let the faucets drip. Opening cold-water faucets to allow a slow drip of water during low temperatures reduces pressure inside pipes that occurs if ice forms. This can make the difference between merely frozen pipes and a ruptured pipe that causes water damage.

• Circulate warm air. Open cabinet doors and closets in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes in those areas.

• Know the location of your house's main water shut-off valve. Test it once a year to ensure it turns freely.

For more advice about preventing frozen pipes and the damage that ensues, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

tulsa tankless - water heater services

tulsa tankless - water heaters

The tankless water heater represents the most major advance in residential water heating since the first storage-tank model was invented in 1899. A tankless model generates hot water entirely on-demand. This eliminates many of the limitations of the traditional storage tank heater and improves energy-efficiency. As the typical American household spends about $500 annually on water heating, any cost savings can make a difference in the family budget. Here are some ways a tankless water heater improves both convenience and economy in your home.

• No standby heat loss. A typical conventional water heater utilizes a tank to store about 50 gallons of hot water. As time passes, water in the tank gradually cools, and the burner must activate to maintain proper water temperature. Due to this standby heat loss, energy is wasted reheating water in the tank multiple times until the water is finally used. Instead of storing water, a tankless unit heats only when hot water is needed.

• Unlimited hot water. When someone opens a hot water tap in the house, a tankless unit senses the requirement and instantly begins heating the continuous flow of water for as long as required. You never run out of hot water like you do with a storage-tank unit when demand is high. Nobody ends up shivering in a cold shower.

• Longer service life. The tank is a weak link in a storage-tank water heater. After an average service life of about 12 years, standard water-heater tanks are subject to internal corrosion, mineral accumulation, and leakage that require replacement of the entire unit. Tankless units eliminate these downsides and, with proper maintenance, will usually last more than 20 years.

• Improved energy efficiency and lower costs. In a home that uses up to 40 gallons of hot water daily, tankless heaters are about 30% more energy-efficient than a conventional tank model. According to the EPA, a tankless heater with Energy Star certification can reduce hot water costs by $100 per year in the typical household.

More Benefits Of tulsa Tankless Water Heaters

Not only will a tankless heater save you money on your energy bills, it will also save space within your home since these systems do not require large holding tanks like their traditional counterparts do. This can free up some space in your basement for extra storage, or a kid’s play area.

Another feature that makes these new, more modern heaters very popular is the fact that it is virtually impossible to run out of hot water. It only takes a few consecutive showers to deplete a traditional heater’s tank. Afterwards, it is necessary to wait until the tank’s contents are heated once again before you can access hot water. With a tankless system, the supply is continuous and plentiful.

Tankless Water Heater Installation

The proper installation of a tankless water heater is very important for it to run efficiently and perform as it is designed to do. There are many aspects to properly installing a tankless water heater and you should hire Air Assurance’s professional plumbers to complete the installation.

To properly install a tankless water heater, Air Assurance will first check the gas line. A tankless water heater will typically require a gas line with a larger diameter. There is a little electrical wiring involved as well, and once the old water heater is removed and disconnected, we can begin setup of the new water heater. Tankless water heaters are mounted to the wall, not left on the floor like a conventional water heater.

For more about the efficiency and performance benefits of a tankless water heater, contact Air Assurance.

Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

If your water heater doesn’t seem to be delivering as much hot water in the winter, it may not have anything to do with cold temperatures. Fresh water does cool off in the winter, but if your water heating appliance is fully functional, the incoming temperature shouldn’t matter .Most problems with heating water occur when the heater:

Needs flushing.

The most common cause of high water heating bills and premature tank failure are the hard water deposits that collect at the bottom of the tank. A few won’t interfere with water heating, but if there are too many, the heating process will slow, especially in gas water heaters. A gas water heater heats from the bottom only, and when that surface is covered with hard water deposits, there won’t be as much hot water.Most electric units have two heating elements. One sits close to the bottom of the tank and the other near the top. If the bottom is covered with solids, the water won’t heat as well. One of the heating elements may also not be working and needs replacing.

Has a broken dip tube.

The dip tube is made from plastic that can become brittle and break over time. This tube connects to the cold water inlet and sends the water to the bottom of the tank where it heats up. If it’s broken, the cold water stays at the top of the tank and the water you get won’t feel as hot.

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

If the tank feels hot to the touch, consider wrapping an insulation blanket around it to keep the heat inside longer.

Is too small.

If your family size has changed, someone’s taking longer showers, or you’re washing more clothes in hot water might force you to install a bigger water heater.Some of these water heater maintenance tasks might be better done by a pro. If you’d like assistance, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC and plumbing services for 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.

Main Drain Cleaning Services in Tulsa

Main Drain Cleaning Services in Tulsa

Mud, soil, leaves, branches, and burrowing nests are some of the things that can block your outside drain. Putting the wrong things down your kitchen sink, drains and toilets can also leave the outside drain clogged. Here's what you can do to deal with a blocked outdoor drain.

How to Handle It When You Find Your Outside Drain Clogged

You can clear a clogged outside drain by hand. However, you'll need to wear rubber gloves because the drains tend to be smelly and dirty. To unclog the drain:

1. Remove the drain covers.

2. Reach in and remove as much gunk as you can at the entrance and exit.

3. Insert your garden hose as far as possible into the entrance point, turn it on, and flush out the debris until the water frees up the line and runs clear.

If there's standing water, you may want to get rid of as much of it as possible before removing the clog with your hands. Nevertheless, your garden hose will work through the standing water.

An outside drain clogged may require some specialty tools, such as:

• Sewer-cleaning machine. To use the machine, you feed a cable attached to it into your outdoor drain pipe. The cable spins through the pipe to break up the blockage. You can't use the machine if your pipe is perforated or corrugated, because the sharp blade on the cable's tip can tear it apart.

• Hydro jetting. With a perforated or corrugated pipe and PVC, you can try using a hydro jetter. This machine flushes out the blockage using high-pressure water.

You can rent hydro jetters or sewer-cleaning machines from a local hardware store. Keep in mind that these machines can hurt you and your pipes if you're not experienced with them.

If you find your outside drain clogged despite your efforts or are having trouble clearing it, you should call in professionals. For all your plumbing problems in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance. We offer a variety of plumbing services, including hydro jetting drain cleaning and sewer repairs and installations.

What Are the Expected HVAC Trends in 2021?

Each year, advancements in technology and the demand for certain features play a role in HVAC trends. What are some of the 2021 HVAC trends you can expect to see in the new year? These are just a few of the trends that you might want to look into for your Broken Arrow home.

Green Heating and Cooling

Trends in the HVAC industry generally include improved ways to make homes more efficient and eco-friendly. The trends that are expected for the upcoming year include heating and cooling systems that use cleaner sources of power, such as geothermal energy, rather than gas and other fossil fuels. As more and more homeowners explore these kinds of options for their HVAC needs, the demand for green heating and cooling systems and equipment should increase. This typically leads to improvements in eco-friendly HVAC systems that help cut down on energy usage and heating and cooling bills.

Smart HVAC Features

More homeowners are making the switch to using smart technology for a convenient and quick way to adjust temperature settings in their home. Smart thermostats and similar kinds of HVAC technology — such as adjusting settings when you're not home — make it possible for homeowners to cool and heat their home more efficiently.

Improved Air Quality

The pandemic has led to a greater focus on boosting indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes for health purposes. Homeowners have been showing an increased interest in being able to measure the IAQ in their home and find effective ways to improve it. Apps for IAQ measurement are among the 2021 HVAC trends that should be showing up in the new year. These apps offer a convenient way for homeowners to determine if they need to make changes to boost their IAQ and lower the risk of illness, such as having an air-purification system or a whole-house humidifier installed.

If you need more information on 2021 HVAC trends, contact Air Assurance. We can help you update the HVAC system in your Broken Arrow home as needed for efficient heating and cooling.

What Brands of Pipes Are Best for Your Home?

The plumbing pipes in your home supply water to different areas and rooms. Since these pipes serve an important purpose, you should make sure you have the right type and the best brand of pipes. Otherwise, you might end up with plumbing problems that can cause serious damage to your home, such as major leaks. Keep the following information about pipes in mind, including pipe brands.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes come in different kinds of materials. Certain materials work better for pipes in specific areas, such as PVC pipes for cold- or warm-water applications. Different kinds of pipes include PVC, chlorinated PVC, copper, PEX, galvanized, and brass.

• PVC pipes are among the most common and can be used for several applications, such as sink drains, toilet drains, bathtub drains, and vent stacks. However, they cannot be used for hot-water applications.

• Chlorinated PVC pipes can be used for hot-water applications and drinking water.

• Copper pipes can be used for cold and hot drinking water and HVAC refrigerant lines.

• PEX pipes can be used for remodeling purposes in older homes.

• Galvanized pipes can be used for water supplies.

• Brass pipes can be used for water supplies, water-removal drains, and other applications, such as gas lines in some locations.

Plumbing Pipe Brands

You’ll find several pipe brands available to choose from. Some of the top brands include American Standard, Elkay, Kohler, Newport Brass, Pfister, and Symmons. Keep in mind that different brands offer different kinds of pipes and pipe materials, and costs can vary widely from brand to brand. The plumbing brand you should get for your home depends on the specific applications you need piping for and other factors, such as the age of your home. Professional plumbers can help you weigh the pros and cons of different brands in order to choose the one that fits your needs best.

If you need more information on choosing the best pipe brands for your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance.

How to Achieve HVAC Savings This Winter

We're fortunate that over the past few winters, the price of energy has been lower than in previous years, and predictions are that this winter, it will be lower still. Furthermore, winters of late have not been as cold as in former times, so homeowners have gotten a break on HVAC savings. Nevertheless, when it comes to our energy bills, we're always looking for ways to extend those HVAC savings.

In fact, if you've noticed that your heating bill has gone up, it's time to look for the reason and do something about it. Sometimes the remedy is quite simple, such as air sealing your home. Otherwise, you may have to make a more serious investment, such as newer, more efficient equipment to replace an old heating unit that's seen better days.

Here are some tips on how you can realize HVAC savings:

HVAC Savings This Winter

1. Air seal your home. Once a year, you should go around your home sealing air leaks that allow heated air out and cold air inside. Using caulk, insulation, and weatherstripping, seal around these spots: window and door frames; baseboards; electric switch plates (install a foam gasket inside the cover); at the bottom of the door; the attic hatch; and around the openings in exterior walls for pipes, cables, and wiring. Also check the fireplace chimney, furnaces, and gas-powered water heater vents, fixing leaks with fire-resistant materials such as Sheetrock, sheet metal, and furnace cement caulk.

2. Schedule maintenance for your furnace. Your HVAC technician can help boost your HVAC savings by servicing your furnace. The tech will ensure that burners are clean and igniting properly, and they can test the blower motor for amp draw. The tech will also inspect the vent system for blockages and make sure the blower is clean and functioning properly.

3. Turn the thermostat down a few degrees. You can save as much as 15% on your energy bill by turning the thermostat down a few degrees at night when the household is sleeping and when the premises is unoccupied.

For more on HVAC savings, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

How the Type of Vents You Have Affect Airflow

Good airflow is essential to an efficient HVAC system. Airflow is affected by a number of things, from possible leaks in your ductwork to how often you replace your filter and other factors. One possibility that tends to get overlooked is vent types. The kind of vents you have impact how air flows through your home. Here's what you need to know about vent types and airflow.

Vent Designs

Most vents look similar. They're square or rectangular, with horizontal slats. However, there are also decorative vents, with patterns and designs. The problem with these vent types is that they're designed for aesthetics, not functionality.

Your home's airflow depends on your vents being relatively unobstructed. As a rule, an effective vent should be at least 75% open space. The slats are there to direct the air. Decorative patterns are not.

Patterns mainly get in the way of the air as it flows into your home. If your system was designed specifically for decorative air vents, they'll likely be OK. However, if you're replacing your existing vents with decorative ones, be careful and keep functionality in mind.

Vent Materials

Some vents are made of alternate materials, such as wood or plastic, to fit with your home decor. Be careful of these vent types, since wood and plastic aren't as sturdy as metal. To make them strong enough to replace metal vents, they need to be significantly thicker — especially for floor vents that get walked on. That thickness often means less open space on your vent, which restricts your airflow. Stick to metal vents.

They also make magnetic vent types, so you can close the vents in little-used rooms and create a seal, so air can't leak out. This is a bad idea. Even if you don't use a room often, keep the vents open. Closing a vent increases air pressure throughout the rest of your home. The added stress wastes energy and leads to air leaks.

To learn more about vent types and other factors that affect your home's airflow, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC solutions to Broken Arrow homeowners.

How to Achieve Temperature Balance Between Inside and Outside

When the outdoor temperature gets colder and colder in the Broken Arrow area, it can be hard to get the inside of your home feeling comfortable. How can you maintain the right temperature balance between the outdoors and your home's interior? Keep the following tips in mind so you can have a cozy home without high energy bills this winter.

Check Your Insulation

Your home’s insulation helps keep colder air outside and warmer air inside. Not having enough insulation can cause your heating system to work harder and turn on for longer periods of time. This results in much higher energy usage and higher heating bills as the system strives to achieve temperature balance. Having the right amount of insulation can help you balance outdoor and indoor temperatures so that your home interior won’t get too cold or drafty this season. This can lead to lower energy bills — even when it’s freezing out.

Check Your Ductwork

Your ductwork can have an impact on how warm your home is and how much temperature balance you have in your home. Dents or other duct damage, or ducts that are filled with dust and debris, can make it harder for your home interior to stay evenly heated. Consider having your ductwork inspected and cleaned professionally in order to maintain a balanced temperature indoors when it’s cold out.

Schedule Maintenance

Your heating system won’t be able to heat your home efficiently as it gets colder outside if it’s not in good condition. Schedule HVAC maintenance to ensure that your home can stay comfortable and warm all winter without running up your energy bills. These maintenance visits include inspecting your HVAC equipment, cleaning and tightening components as needed, and checking for problems that could affect your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency.

If you need additional help with temperature balance or maintenance for your heating system this winter, please contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow. We can help you make sure your home is ready for winter’s freezing outdoor temperatures.

The Science Behind Air Purifiers

Looking to improve your indoor air quality? Then look into air purifier science for ways to deal with a variety of airborne pollutants. 

Air purifier science reveals how the air inside our homes is often worse than that outside. While stopping pollutants at the source is the best way to deal with them, you may need extra help from air-cleaning devices.

Have a look at how knowing more about air purifier science can help you make the right choice for cleaning your air. Here are some of the most popular devices for residential air cleaning. You may also find purifiers that combine the technology of some of these products in one device. 

Mechanical Filter

Many homeowners choose flimsy fiberglass air filters for their HVAC systems. These are only good for keeping larger particles of dirt out of your system. If you want to clean the air, you'll need dense pleated filters. These trap small particles, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mite particles — the cause of many allergies in the home.

Washable Filter

Washable (or permanent) filters catch particles as they pass through the system with the return air by means of an electrostatic charge. The collection plates must be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions.

HEPA Filter

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are extra dense to catch the finest particles. While you would have to modify your HVAC system to use one, you can buy stand-alone HEPA air purifiers.

Ozone Purifiers

These purifiers clean the air by means of a negative ion that attaches to fine particles. The drawback with this device is that they produce ozone, which can be harmful to those with allergies.

Activated Charcoal

This type of air purifier helps get rid of gases such as cigarette smoke.

UVGI Lights

UVGI (Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation) lights are installed inside the HVAC system. They disrupt the DNA of living pollutants such as germs, mildew, and mold.

For more on air purifier science, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Which HVAC Upgrades Are Designed with the Future in Mind?

From increasing energy efficiency to providing better temperature accuracy and greater control over home comfort, technology advances in HVAC have vastly transformed how we heat and cool our homes. Based on the innovations in the pipeline, it seems we've just scratched the surface of what HVAC technology really has to offer. Let's take a look at some of the future HVAC upgrades that will change home heating and cooling as we know it.

Thermal-Powered Air Conditioning

Chromasun, an Australian company, has recently implemented a thermally driven air conditioner. The system utilizes solar energy, with natural gas serving as a supplement. This makes it highly efficient. But that's not all. Its double-chiller design has greater cooling power than any existing AC system and can eliminate electricity costs.

Dual-Fuel Heat Pump

The system is a combination of a gas furnace and an electric heat pump. The concept is based on the argument that heat pumps usually provide maximum comfort and efficiency when combining fuel sources.

This heat pump uses gas heat at low temperatures and switches to electricity at temperatures higher than 35 degrees. Its initial costs are higher than those of a conventional system. However, the money you can save over several years makes it worth the extra cost — and a valuable one of many future HVAC upgrades.

Ice-Powered AC System

A California-based company called Ice Energy has designed the Ice Bear, an ice-powered air conditioner. The unit freezeswater overnight and then uses the ice to cool a building the next day. Currently, the system can only provide cooling for a maximum of six hours.

The Ice Bear doesn't have enough capacity to cool your home on its own. Nevertheless, its technology is quite impressive and will undoubtedly be an excellent system for your home when it's improved to provide cooling for significantly longer periods. Yet another impressive one of the future HVAC upgrades.

Based on these potential future HVAC upgrades, it's clear to see that continued innovation in HVAC technology will cause an unprecedented increase in energy efficiency while decreasing the need for reliance on environmentally harmful heating and cooling methods. For information on the high-tech HVAC solutions that you can use now, contact Air Assurance. We've proudly served residents in the Broken Arrow area with a variety of HVAC services since 1985.

What Are the Smartest Ways to Cut Costs on Your Heating or Cooling Bill?

The price of energy remains relatively inexpensive, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be cutting costs on electricity and gas whenever you can. There are so many easy ways to cut costs on energy use, and once you're aware of them, you'll want to put them into practice right away. 

Best Practices for Cutting Energy Costs

1. Change the Filter.
   Changing the HVAC filter allows air to flow through the system unimpeded so that the cooling and heating work more efficiently while cutting costs on energy use. Also, keeping the return air clean cuts down on friction caused by dirt entering the unit's parts, which makes the unit run hotter. Furthermore, when the HVAC labors to heat or cool, parts may wear out faster, necessitating repairs or replacements. 

2. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat.
   While a programmable thermostat is more complicated than a smart thermostat, you can save money on energy with either type of technology if you set a program and stick to it. Cut back on energy use when you're away from home or sleeping. Even a change of a few degrees will contribute to cutting costs on the energy bill. 

3. Air-Seal Your Home.
   Air-sealing your home isn't that difficult, and the reward in cutting energy costs will be significant. Seal small leaks around door and window frames, baseboards, the attic hatch, and holes in exterior walls where pipes, cables, and wires come through. Use weatherstripping, insulation, and caulk.

4. Replace Inefficient Windows.
   Replace single-pane windows with the efficient, double-pane type.

5. Schedule Preventative Maintenance. 
   Have an HVAC consultant check your equipment regularly to ensure good performance. Ask your consultant to check the ductwork for holes or gaps to prevent air leaks — an important step in cutting costs of energy use. 

The Department of Energy (DOE) has found that heating and cooling accounts for 50% to 75% of energy used in the average American home. For more information on cutting energy costs in your home, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

How to Prevent an AC Breakdown

Your air conditioner works the hardest on the hottest summer days. Unfortunately, all the stress from the constant running makes the unit likely to break down when you need it the most. And don't forget that scheduling emergency repairs in the summer is difficult because of the work crunch for AC technicians. Here are some tips to help you avoid a major AC breakdown on sizzling summer days.

Close your blinds.

Windows allow the sun's heat into your home. Consequently, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the indoor air. Use heavy curtains that effectively block sunlight.

Replace your air filters every month.

A clogged filter restricts the airflow into your air conditioner. In turn, that reduces the system's ability to cool your home.

Use fans.

Fans help you circulate stagnant air, which usually feels warmer. What's more, by circulating the air better, fans eliminate the need for your AC system to run constantly.

Vacuum registers.

Blocked registers can cause airflow restrictions that lower your air conditioner's efficiency. Vacuum them regularly to get rid of dust buildup. Move furniture and any other objects that may block the airflow through them.

Set the thermostat appropriately.

Set your programmable thermostat such that your air conditioner will sparingly come on when nobody's home and kick on just an hour before any family member returns. Such a schedule will work the system less.

Keep plants trimmed.

The outside compressor requires enough airflow to function properly. Make sure your plants are 2 to 3 feet away from the unit. If trees or any other plants are growing above your unit, trim them regularly to maintain a 5-foot clearance between them and the top of the unit.

Call a pro for routine maintenance.

When inspecting your system, an HVAC technician will spot serious problems before they become worse.

Rather than cranking up the air conditioner, use these tips to keep your home comfortable while preventing inconveniencing AC breakdowns. For the best heating and air conditioning products and services in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Water Heater Maintenance Can Affect Your HVAC

If you have a forced-air central HVAC system and a gas water heater like many area homes, and you're looking for ways to save energy, you need to understand that there's a maintenance correlation between the two. What this means is when you're taking steps to boost the efficiency of your HVAC, you'll waste potential savings if you ignore water heater maintenance.

Why Water Heater Maintenance is Important

When it comes to home comfort, your HVAC system and water heater are two necessities you rely on daily. They're also the two biggest energy users in most households. Just as twice-yearly maintenance is vital to keep your HVAC operating efficiently, it's essential for your water heater too.Having your water heater serviced regularly by an experienced professional not only helps with efficiency, but it also keeps the appliance running reliably and can prolong its lifespan too. Here are some key maintenance tasks that a pro will tackle:

• Testing the T&P valve. This valve needs to be fully functional so excess pressure/hot water can exit the tank. If it's seized up, it should be replaced to prevent a dangerous rupture or explosion.

• Checking/replacing the anode rod. This metal rod is in place to attract corrosion so it doesn't eat away at the tank material. Eventually, the rod will disintegrate, so it should be checked routinely and replaced as needed.

• Flushing sediment from the tank. Some minerals present in water form into sediment particles during the heating process, then settle to the tank bottom. Draining, flushing and refilling the tank every year is necessary to clear out sediment so it doesn't affect the unit's energy efficiency, or cause it to fail prematurely.

• Inspecting the tank for corrosion. If your plumber finds considerable rust development along the tank's seams and at various connections, it can be a sign that your water heater might start leaking or even rupture unexpectedly. If the appliance is badly rusted, having a new water heater installed will probably be recommended.

To schedule HVAC system or water heater maintenance in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Pros/Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are becoming a popular alternative to water heaters with conventional hot water storage tanks. Their unique design and ability to provide near-instantaneous hot water makes them a compelling option for homeowners looking to replace their existing water heater. As with any other type of appliance, a tankless water heater has its share of benefits and drawbacks to consider.

The Pros

It’s no secret that tankless water heaters offer several advantages over their conventional counterparts. For starters, these water heaters can be up to 34 percent more energy efficient than a traditional water heater if your home uses 41 gallons of hot water or less on a daily basis. A typical tankless water heater also offers a longer lifespan than its traditional counterpart. Whereas a typical conventional water heater offers a lifespan of up to 15 years, you can get up to 20 years out of a tankless variant with proper care and maintenance.There are plenty of other advantages to consider:

• Tankless water heaters provide near-instant hot water for ordinary washing, bathing and other household activities.

• The tankless design of demand-type water heaters takes up significantly less space than a conventional water heater. As a result, these units can be placed in areas where conventional water heaters can’t go.

• Tankless water heaters consume up to 50 percent less energy than their conventional counterparts.

• Unlike with a conventional water heater, you won’t have to deal with sediment issues.

The Cons

Although tankless water heaters offer a broad range of benefits, there are a few downsides associated with these appliances:

• Tankless water heaters usually carry a higher purchase price than their conventional counterparts. This can be a sticking point for homeowners on a tight budget.

• Demand-type water heaters that still utilize a standing pilot light may consume more energy than those with electronic ignition.

• In some cases, tankless water heaters may not be able to offer the consistent flow rate of a large conventional water heater.

Still interested in having a tankless water heater installed in your Broken Arrow home? Then contact the seasoned experts at 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). For more information about tankless water heaters and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “typographyimages/Pixabay”

Water Heater Sizing, Installation, Maintenance and Operation Tips

Are you looking at buying a new water heater? Make sure it’s the right size first. Then, become familiar with tips for installing, maintaining and operating your water heater for long-term savings.

Water Heater Sizing

Even if your last tank seemed to do its job well, don’t assume it was the ideal capacity. To size a new water heater, add up how much hot water your household consumes during the busiest hour of an average day. This is your peak-hour demand. Find a water heater with a comparable first-hour rating (FHR) printed on the yellow Energy Guide label.

Different fuel sources deliver different FHRs in relation to the tank size. As a general rule of thumb, one- to two-person households need about a 40-gallon electric or gas water heater while a four-person household may need a 50-gallon gas water heater or up to an 80-gallon electric water heater.

Installation

To maximize efficiency, install the following items along with your new investment:

• Aerating, low-flow showerheads and faucets

• Water heater and piping insulation

• Drain-water waste recovery system to preheat cold water entering the water heater

Maintenance

Neglect your water heater and it may last less than a decade. Take good care of it and it could last 20 years or more. Follow these maintenance tips to lengthen the life of your investment:

• Flush the tank twice a year.

• Inspect the pressure relief valve and have it replaced if you spot corrosion or rust.

• Remove and inspect the anode rod and replace it if six inches or more of the core wire is exposed.

• Inspect the combustion chamber and flue vent on gas- and oil-fired units.

• Remove and check the heating elements on electric units.

Operation Tips

Save energy and money with these tips:

• Set the water heater to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees.

• Repair leaky faucets promptly.

• Take shorter showers.

• Only run the dishwasher and clothes washing machine with full loads.

• Set the water heater to vacation mode when you leave town.

For help on water heater sizing for your Broken Arrow home, 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). 

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