Winter is in full force in Oklahoma and you could be spending more money on your heating bill than you need to be. Drafty windows are one of the top ways for heat to escape your home. Making sure that windows are properly insulated is the best way to increase the energy efficiency of your home.
Test the windows in your home for drafts. Place a candle or tissue next to the window. If your see the flame on the candle flicker, or if the tissue flutters, then that means there is a draft coming from the window. The window should be insulated to keep heat in.
Here are a few insulation tips to consider when preparing your home for the chill of winter.
Repair any cracked glass or damaged trim around the window. Most of the time drafts are caused by loose trim or the panels of the window. Replacing these or using caulk to seal the leaks will save a lot of heat. Like caulk, putty can be used to fill in cracks and air leaks in the wood paneling and trim work around the window.
Single pane windows are a big source of heat loss in older homes. To keep from replacing the glass you can buy window insulating plastic. This is a sheet of place that is cut to fit over the window. It is hung around the edges of the trim tightly, and left up all winter.
Another great insulation tip is to hang heavy curtains or drapes during the winter months. When coupled with storm windows and other insulation methods the drapes will help the home retain heat.
Saving money on utility bills is a big concern for many people, and by following a few insulation tips you can save a few bucks each month. You will also be a little warmer this winter. For more information on proper insulation of your home contact Air Assurance, providing quality service to the Tulsa metropolitan area for over 25 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock
Insulation is basically equivalent to a thick, warm winter jacket for your home -- it adds an extra layer of protection from the elements. It helps to lock the heat inside, rather than letting it go to waste and escape outside. Considering how chilly it can get in northeast Oklahoma, the more heat you can retain inside your home, the better. This not only makes your home feel more comfortable, but can also significantly reduce your energy bills.
Does your home need an insulation make over?
While your home may already be insulated, there’s a possibility that it could use some added shielding from the cold. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this may be particularly true if you live in an older home, since homes today are built with a much higher standard for energy efficiency than they used to be. To maximize your energy savings, your home should be insulated from the bottom to the top.
Your attic, walls, crawl spaces, floors and basement walls should be examined to determine if added insulation would be beneficial. Even if you think your home has enough, adding another layer to the areas where it already exists can decrease your energy expenditures even more. Insulating areas where there is none is a also guaranteed a money-saver.
Additional tips for conserving energy
In addition to adding an extra layer of insulation, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for conserving energy:
Air sealing your home can help ensure heated air isn’t leaking outdoors.
Avoid moisture problems by cleaning your gutters, keeping a well-sealed home and making sure your home is properly ventilated.
Air Assurance
Air Assurance is a family owned business that has been helping people throughout the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas with a full line of HVAC services since 1985. For more expert advice about insulation and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock
An important factor in home energy efficiency is the type of insulation used in the building’s construction. Insulation works to provide resistance to heat flow; that is, it keeps heat from coming into your home in the summer and prevents it from migrating away in the winter. The effectiveness of insulation is measured by its R-value. This numerical rating indicates the insulation’s thermal resistance, a measure of its resistance to heat flow. Insulation with a high R-value is more efficient and more effective at restricting the flow of heat.Here are a few of the more common types of insulation used in building construction and home insulation projects.
Blanket insulation: This is probably what most people think of when they think of insulation—thick layers of fiberglass insulation installed between joists, studs, beams and boards in walls and ceilings. This type of insulation can also be made of mineral wool or various types of plastic or natural fibers. You'll see it often in unfinished walls, foundations, floors and ceilings.
Loose fill: This type of insulation consists of small balls or pellets that are blown or poured into open spaces in unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. The pellets can be made of cellulose, fiberglass, or mineral wool. Loose fill insulation is very useful in insulating areas that are are hard to reach with blanket insulation, such as tight, small spaces in attics or in irregularly-shaped areas around design or construction elements.
Spray foam: This insulation is made of polyurethane or other plastic-type foam which is sprayed into place in wall cavities and unfinished floors. Spray foam insulation then dries into a solid heat-blocking mass. Spray foam insulation is a good choice for irregularly-shaped spaces or places where there are obstructions such as pipes or beams.
Air Assurance has over 30 years of experience serving the residential HVAC needs of the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas. Contact us today for more information on insulation types and for help choosing the kind of insulation that will work best to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Helpful Tips image via Shutterstock
When you're adding a room or remodeling, insulation is a vital component to add to increase the comfort of the space indoors. The effectiveness of insulating materials is measured by its R-value, which is the term that describes how long the product resists temperature change in hours. If a material has an R-value of R-19, it means that it can resist a temperature change for 19 hours. Insulation is available in a number of different forms, including batt, loose, formed and liquid. Choosing the right kind depends on the project and where the material will be used.Batt Batts are easy to install and provide R-values based on the thickness of the material. Most often found as fiberglass or rock wool, the batts can be nailed or stapled between joists or studs. Thicker batts have higher R-values. The EPA recommends R-values of R-30 to R-60 in the attic and R-15 in the walls in this part of Oklahoma. Adding insulation to your basement ceiling or attic is an easy project with batts, since they unroll easily and the material is contained within protective outer covering.Blown-inWhen you need to add insulation to existing walls or new construction, blown-in provides good R-values and it can be easier to install than other kinds. Blown-in insulating materials are most often made from cellulose, 85 percent of which is recycled paper. The product is treated with borates as a fire retardant, which also protects against insect and rodent damage. Installers use a blower to add the material to attics and walls. The depth of the installation dictates R-value and thicker is always better.FoamWhen space is limited, whether for new construction or retrofitting, foam products provide the best values for resisting heat, with R-values that range from four to eight per inch. These are available as formed sheets or expanding urethane sprays. Insulating with expanding foam is more expensive than batt or blown-in.When you're planning to add to your home or do a home improvement project, contact Air Assurance. We can help you with planning the heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and yes, insulation, for the space.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Insulation Maintenance image via Shutterstock
Ice dams can occur in almost any climate, but they're more likely to happen in colder climates like Oklahoma’s. There are preventive measures homeowners can take to keep ice dams in check and avoid costly damage to roofs.When temperatures rise during the winter, most Broken Arrow residents are happy to strip off cumbersome jackets and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine. But it is often these conditions that lead to dangerous ice dams. So just how do ice dams form?First, temperatures must be cold enough to produce freezing conditions that lead to the formation of ice on the roof. A long or large snowfall could also cause snow to accumulate on the roof. Then two things can happen:
A warm weather system moves in, and the warm air starts to melt the snow and ice that’s gathered on the roof.
Warm air from your home rises up into the attic space and warms up the room, which causes the ice and snow to begin melting.
The ice and snow then drains in the form of water, dripping underneath the snow and ice, and down to the overhang where your home’s eaves are located. Since the eaves are still cold, the water refreezes and creates what is known as an "ice dam." As the water builds up around this “dam,” it can seep back into the attic and even extend into the home.There are several steps you can take to prevent ice dams from forming:
Increase the effectiveness of attic insulation to stop the movement of heat between the attic ceiling and the out of doors.
Use a ventilation system in the attic to maintain a consistent temperature between the roof and the outside.
If you’d like expert help with ice dam prevention and creating an efficient and durable attic, or if you have other heating and cooling questions, contact Air Assurance today! For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto get started today! Preventative Maintenance image via Shutterstock
Taking steps to prevent air infiltration helps your energy bills -- and home comfort. But when you’re undertaking this kind of project, if you neglect to address your home’s attic hatch, you’ll likely counteract any measures that you take to keep heated air inside of your home.When sealing air leaks in your home, it’s important to evaluate the outer perimeter of your home, such as its walls, an area where air typically enters the home. You can use caulk to seal areas around window frames, doors, electrical outlets and plumbing protrusions.However, one of the main ways that homes lose conditioned air is through the attic, or crawl space, so you’ll also want to pay attention to these spaces. Seal air leaks that exist in the attic where walls abut other walls, the ceiling and floor. Pay close attention to plumbing and electrical elements that penetrate the attic floor. Canned lights are a huge area where improvements can be made.If your home has an attic hatch, efforts to seal this access point will pay off. An attic hatch is generally constructed from a flat piece of plywood, which doesn’t offer much by way of protection.Here’s what you can do to prevent air infiltration into the attic via the attic hatch:
Apply insulation to the door. Make sure it adheres by using duct or foam tape.
The ideal insulation material to use is something durable and rigid, since you’ll be accessing the attic through the hatch. Rigid foam insulation works well.
Seal air leaks that may occur around the frame of the attic itself.
If your home has stairs that you can pull down from the attic, you can purchase an attic tent to do seal off the space, generally installed on the attic side of the home.Ensure that your home can resist the movement of heated air out of your home, and be sure to pay attention to your attic hatch as well. For help with this project, or any other heating and cooling needs, contact Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality -- serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
Home ventilation is an important part of maintaining high indoor air quality. Without a properly-operating vent system, your home would retain too much moisture, quickly becoming stuffy and full of chemical contaminants, such as those produced by household cleaners and plastics. A properly-working vent system can help eliminate some of these problems.According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), a home should have about 0.35 air changes per hour to maintain healthy indoor air quality. This means that the air in the home completely changes about once every three hours. The best way to ensure proper ventilation is to use a three-part strategic plan to keep the air flowing in and out of your home. These parts include natural venting, spot venting and whole-house venting.
Natural ventilation is the venting process that occurs naturally throughout the house by opening and closing doors to the outside, or when air escapes under door cracks, out windows, or through outdoor air vents. This natural venting is good for airflow, but bad for energy consumption. Most homes try to eliminate much of the natural venting to save on heating and cooling costs.
Spot venting is the type of venting used in bathrooms and kitchens to force indoor air out. These spot systems are especially beneficial while cooking and cleaning when smells and chemicals are in the air. ASHRAE recommends continuous or intermittent use of spot ventilation while cooking or cleaning.
Whole-house venting uses the home's vent and duct system, including fans and blowers. This system is part of every forced-air venting system and brings in new air from outside and draws out stale air.
Most homes already have at least the first two vent systems built into the heating and cooling system. However, there are always ways to improve on existing systems in your Broken Arrow home. Contact us at Air Assurance Heating and Air Conditioningfor more information on how to properly vent your house and improve the indoor air quality inside your home.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Insulation and ventilation material image via Shutterstock
You've made a wise decision if you've decided to purchase insulation for your home improvement project. After all, you will preserve your investment while saving energy costs all year round.But how do you know which type of insulation to buy? And isn't there more to insulation than just picking out a certain number of rolls of the ubiquitous, pink, fluffy stuff you see at home improvement stores?Demystify the process by learning a little about the various forms of insulation and the materials that are used to make them:
Cellulose insulation is blown into walls and ceiling cavities. It can be installed into wall cavities through a series of small holes drilled in the wall, which means that it causes minimal disturbance during remodeling. It is not suitable for application below grade or in other locations where it would be exposed to moisture.
Cotton batts can be rolled out between open roof rafters, ceiling joists and wall studs. Loose fill is also suitable for attic floors and wall cavities. As with any natural material, cotton insulation works best in areas where there is very little to no moisture.
Fiberglass insulation is well-suited for wall cavities or attic floors and ceilings. Batts and boards require open walls, and boards can be used in interior basement spaces.
Foam is best for interior basement walls, beneath siding and attic ceilings, and it can be sprayed through small holes in walls.
Mineral wool is available in batts and loose fill, and can be used anywhere inside a home, though only specially made mineral wool products should be used below grade. It can release more eye, throat and skin irritants, but mineral wool is also more durable.
If you decide to purchase and install your own installation -- and attic insulation is by far the simplest, followed by exterior walls -- make sure to purchase enough. Or let the pros at Air Assurancehelp you every step of the way -- from measuring, to insulation selection, to installation. Either way, insulation will help keep your warm home this winter while cooling down your energy bills.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Insulation image via Shutterstock
Your HVAC system will only work as well as your duct system allows, so it’s important to make sure your ducts are properly sealed and not causing you to lose out to air leaks. Duct sealing strategies can help you stay warm all winter long while helping your heating system operate as efficiently as possible. While much of your ductwork is inaccessible because it is in the walls or flooring of your house, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to improve on the ducts you can reach in your garage, basement or attic. Begin by looking for obviously loose connections between individual ducts. Secure the straps that join the two pieces so air isn’t able to easily leak out. While duct tape isn’t strong enough to hold for long, there are other materials you can use to strengthen these connections. Duct mastic, butyl tape and foil tape are all examples of materials that won’t start to peel off, as duct tape does after being exposed to warm air passing within the ducts.Next you should look for holes in the ducts. Some of these will be obvious and others will require a bit more attention. While the system is on, run your hands along your ducts to feel for air jetting out. Duct mastic is excellent for covering these holes; it is a putty-like material that is spread over the ducts with a trowel. The mastic then hardens and prevents air from escaping.Insulation on your ducts can also help to keep your warm air from transferring out of the ducts as it travels through unconditioned spaces. This can help you save a significant amount of money in the long run.The average home loses more than 35 percent of its conditioned air before it ever reaches the register because of duct leaks. This means that your air system is working much harder than it should to provide comfort to your home. And local utility companies now have programs that will pay for portions of the cost! For professional assistance with duct sealing and insulation, contact the experts at Air Assurancetoday. We proudly serve the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
Your indoor air quality is vitally important to the well-being and general comfort of your family. One of the most common threats to your air is mold, a fungus that can spread and become airborne quickly. Fortunately, there are ways you can stop mold from spreading, and prevent it from growing in the first place. Mold needs three things to grow: the right temperature, a damp and dark environment, and food. Because mold thrives in temperatures ranging from 70-90 degrees, and can feed off wood and other common materials, the easiest solution is to eliminate moisture entirely. Seal any leaks in your roof so that rain isn’t able to leak in. Standing water in your attic may not be discovered for a long time, and is a perfect place for mold to grow.There are also various products available that can be used to clean parts of your HVAC system that are frequently damp. Your cooling coils and drain pans are just two examples of parts that are contaminant-prone and can cause your indoor air quality to drop if not properly maintained. An HVAC expert can use various substances that will not only help clean them off, but help them stay clean for months afterwards by preventing any new mold growth. One of these products you've heard our technicians talk about is BBJ.You can also install UV lights into your air system. These are germicidal tools that kill off harmful microorganisms. When things like mold, viruses or bacteria pass through this light, the low levels of UV radiation alter their DNA, eradicating them instantly. They are extremely efficient and are even used in hospitals to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. Contact an HVAC technician to have them installed in your air system.Mold and other pollutants can be serious problems, especially if someone in your household already suffers from respiratory problems or asthma. Mold can also cause severe property damage if neglected for too long.For more tips on how to eliminate moisture and boost your indoor air quality, contact Air Assurancetoday. We have proudly served the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas for over 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Photo courtesy ofShutterstock.
This is the time of year when adding insulation is important for keeping the cold Oklahoma winter air out, and the warmed, humidified air inside. In addition to the benefits of added comfort and lower utility bills that you can expect from your investment, there is also a limited-time insulation tax credit that you can take advantage of. This tax credit is due to expire on December 31, 2011, so now is the time to act.Adding insulation to your attic is among the most cost-effective home improvement projects you can choose to perform. The insulation tax credit allotment is 10 percent of the cost of materials or up to $500. The standard types of insulation you might want to use are included in the tax credit. Examples include batts, rolls, rigid board, blow-in fibers, pour-in-place and expanding spray insulation.In addition to adding insulation to your attic and various other locations in your home, you can also make air-sealing improvements around your home that increase your energy efficiency and earn you even more tax credits. Materials such as weatherstripping, house wrap, caulk and spray foam can be used to seal up the leaks in your home. These products can go toward a greater insulation tax credit if they come with a Manufacturer’s Certification Statement.As for applying for the insulation tax credit, the process is simple. You must fill out IRS Form 5695 and submit it with your regular tax forms by April 15, 2012. The 2011 version of this form, which is the one you need to apply for 2011 insulation tax credit, is not yet available, though it will be in early 2012. Be sure to include this tax credit information on your 2011 IRS 1040 tax form as well.To get started down the road to improved home insulation, lower utility bills and a worthwhile tax credit, please contact Air Assurancein Broken Arrow today.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
When the air outside in Broken Arrow isn't pleasant enough to open up your home and let the outside air in, you need to be able to rely on healthy indoor air quality to keep your family comfortable. People don't often realize that indoor air can sometimes be more polluted than the air outdoors. Here are three simple steps you can take to improve the indoor air quality of your home:
Ventilate your home for at least 30 minutes each day to remove the stale, polluted air from your home, and to replace it with healthier air. You can open up your windows, or run bathroom or kitchen fans. If you are concerned with pollen levels or air pollution outside, both of these are lowest in the evenings.
Air purification units remove particles and other toxins from the air that can cause allergies, asthma or respiratory illness. A number of different models are on the market, some using electronically charged collection plates, and others utilizing filters (HEPA filters work the most effectively).
Address the source of problems affecting your indoor air to help fix the situation, or at least keep it at a minimum. Make sure things like asbestos are properly removed or sealed off. Alter your gas stove settings to prevent emissions. Some people even switch their flooring to hardwood to remove chemically treated carpets.
Contact Air Assurancefor more information on steps you can take to improve the indoor air quality in your home.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
If your home is leaking hot and cold air, the federal government will pay you to add insulation to reduce or prevent the leakage. You can take a tax credit for insulation added to your home for up to 10 percent of the cost, with a maximum credit of $500. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction of your tax bill. It is, in effect, a discount on the cost of your insulation.What QualifiesAlmost any type of insulation that saves energy will qualify for the tax credit. There are many types of insulation, each suitable for a specific purpose. It can be in the form of rolls, flat pieces (batts), loose pieces, sprays and other types. It can be made of a variety of materials, the most common of which is fiberglass. Products that stop air leaks, such as weather stripping may also qualify if the manufacturer certifies its effectiveness. What doesn’t qualify is the cost of installation, and you have to decide whether you have the do-it-yourself skills to choose the right insulation and install it properly.How to ApplyTo qualify for the tax credit in 2011, the insulation must be installed and ready for use by 12/31/2011 (the IRS term is “placed in service”). Merely buying and paying for the insulation will not qualify. You apply for the tax credit by attaching form 5695 to your 2011 federal income tax return. You need not include any invoices or manufacturer’s certifications with the form, but you should keep them for your records should any question arise in the future.Principal ResidenceThe insulation will qualify for the tax credit if it is installed in your main home. Second homes and rental units do not qualify. However, your main home can be a boat, a condominium, a trailer or any other dwelling located in the U.S., where most of your time is spent.If you live in the Broken Arrow/Tulsa area, and you need more advice, let one of our trained technicians help you. Contact us at Air Assurance.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
Here in Tulsa, we haven’t had a day with a high below ninety degrees since June 21st! That means that our air conditioners have been on full blast, and cooling costs are rising right along with the mercury in the thermometers outside. But how much is this actually costing homeowners? Are these costs on par with years past? What level of efficiency is your air conditioning unit running at, compared with prior summers?An easy way to answer all these question and more is by calculating heating degree days in your area. Heating degree days are a statistic that helps us identify how many times, and how far the outside temperature has gone over 65 degrees in a given time period.There are very complex, and relatively simple ways to calculate heating degree days. Our experts use many factors in order to get this number exactly right. The simplest way, however, is to take the high and low for each day in your time period, add them together, divide by two, and then subtract the 65. So, for example in Tulsa earlier this week:· if the high was 107 and the low 83,· then together they are 190· then divided by two, they are 95· And since 95 is exactly 30 degrees above 65 (standard baseline)· That means yesterday saw 30 degree days.Now, one day of figures isn’t especially exciting, nor is the prospect of calculating a whole month or year. Thankfully, there are convenient websites out there like here, where you can calculate huge time periods. With the total number of heating degree days in 2010, for example, you can compare that number to how much you spent on cooling costs that year. Then, you will know how much you spend cooling your home for every degree that outside temperatures go above 65.Now, compare these numbers with your friends and neighbors, see who has the lowest cost per degree day, and you’ll know who’s saving the most money, and who needs to call in the experts.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
Wondering whether your crawl space needs insulation? While all crawl spaces can benefit from some level of insulation, there are certain factors that determine the priority and level of necessary insulation. Perhaps the most important of these factors is ventilation.With a ventilated crawlspace, insulation is of greater importance. As you have no means of controlling the temperature or humidity of the air exchanged in a ventilated crawl space, insulation is often your first line of defense against the elements. Consider these common trouble spots:
Ductwork: When ducts are run through unconditioned areas such as the crawl space, they are exposed to ever-changing outdoor temperatures. Under the right circumstances, these temperature fluctuations can affect the temperature of your conditioned air. Adequate insulation prevents or at least limits such an occurrence.
Plumbing: Like ducts, pipes should be insulated against the elements. With pipes, this priority may be even higher, as frozen pipes can lead to expensive household damage.
Air leaks: If you have air leaks between you living space and crawl space, you’re going to lose conditioned air, sacrifice comfort and pay more in energy costs. To ensure energy efficiency, seal air leaks in places where pipes, ducts and wiring pass from the home to the crawl space. This should be done before insulating to prevent the unwanted exchange of moisture, which can actually damage insulation and lead to mold growth.
Moisture control: Speaking of moisture, when insulating your crawl space, be sure to use vapor barriers to help ward off unwanted moisture and the growth of mold.
If your crawl space happens to be sealed, insulation becomes less of a priority. For example, you won’t have to worry quite as much about outdoor temperatures affecting your plumbing or ductwork, and moisture should be less of an issue. Of course, insulation around foundation walls can help create a buffer against outdoor temperatures and improve the comfort of your home.If you're not sure how to handle insulating your crawl space, let one of our trained technicians assess the situation.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
Energy costs on the rise? Perhaps these attic sealing strategies can help put you on the road to energy efficiency.Roof LeaksA leaky roof can lead to a variety of problems, including:
Water damage.
Wood rot.
Mold growth.
Soaked, ineffective insulation.
With this in mind, perhaps the first step in your attic sealing strategy should be to seal off roof leaks with the appropriate flashing material.Air LeaksAir and moisture can also enter the attic from inside of the home, presenting some of the same moisture issues as roof leaks, while wasting your conditioned air and increasing your annual energy costs. In some homes, this is further complicated by exhaust fans, such as those found in kitchens and bathrooms, being vented directly into the attic. These fans should always exhaust moisture and air directly outside. Of course, most common air leaks occur around wiring, plumbing and ductwork, and are easily addressed using some form of weatherstripping or caulk.VentilationOne of the most important aspects of proper attic sealing is ventilation. While that statement may seem contrary, a well-ventilated attic ensures that moisture and contaminants that do enter the attic have a means of escaping your home. If your attic isn’t properly ventilated, consider adding continuous ventilation.InsulationWith your attic tightly sealed and proper ventilation in place, you can now finish off your attic sealing strategy by boosting your insulation. If you already have three to four inches of existing insulation, consider adding insulation with an R-value of 25-38. If you have no attic insulation at all, you may need R30-R60. For a more accurate assessment, consult a professional.A properly sealed attic will reduce moisture issues, improve household comfort and significantly increase your annual energy savings. For more information on improving the energy efficiency of your household, speak to one of our trained technicians. We're always standing by to serve your heating and cooling needs. For an expert consultation, contact Air Assurancetoday.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
With fall on the horizon for residents of Tulsa, it's time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for the cold weather. Here are eighteen different ways to stay warm and energy efficient this winter.
Stop Drafts: Drafts can waste up to 30 percent of your energy. There are various products that can be used to block drafts under doors and windows.
Change Furnace Filter: Change, or at least check your filter each month. With heavy dirt, comes less airflow, which means higher bills.
Run Fans in Reverse: Simply switching your fans to run clockwise will make your air warmer.
Drain Hoses and Air Conditioner Pipes: This prevents dangerous freezing.
Turn Down Your Water Heater: Lowering the temperature can reduce your water heating costs by 10 percent.
Install Storm Windows and Doors: This reduces drafts and can increase energy efficiency by 45 percent. Be careful though, the ROI can take years to pay you back.
Get a Tuneup: A preventive maintenance tuneup by a contractor will ensure that your heating system stays working efficiently, and most important, safely!
Program Your Thermostat: Set it intelligently, so you aren't paying to warm an empty house.
Use Plastic Insulation: Covering your windows adds a buffer against drafts.
Use An Energy Monitor: These inform you when you have been using more energy than usual.
Use Weatherstripping: This helps prevent air leaks.
Add Insulation: This is particularly helpful in the attic and basement.
Insulate Your Pipes: This will help decrease the chance of freezing pipes.
Seal Ductwork: Up to 30 percent of your conditioned air can leak out of your ducts before it reaches its destination.
Use Tax Credits to Your Advantage: These can make energy-efficient upgrades for your home more affordable.
Be Wise When Selecting a Contractor: Hire an Energy Star home comfort contractor who is certified to help you make the right choices for your home.
Use Alternative Energy Sources: These are often much more energy efficient than traditional methods.
Upgrade Your Furnace: Newer models can save you up to 50 percent when compared to older models.
For more information on how to prepare your home for winter, contact Air Assurance. We can help you turn these ideas into concrete action.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems) .Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!
If you are planning some landscaping work this fall, you might be able to kill the proverbial two birds with one stone, making your yard more beautiful while improving the insulation of your home.That's right: Those shrubs and trees, if placed properly, can serve as insulation for your home. They can even pay for themselves through lower heating and cooling bills. The key is to plant the right foliage in the right places.Here is a brief guide on using landscaping as insulation in different parts of your yard.North of the HouseOklahoma truly is, "where the wind comes sweeping down the plain," and it has the winter wind chills to prove it. You can protect your home from the air's unwelcome cooling effects by planting a windbreak north of the house. You'll want the plants to be evergreen, so they have full foliage during the winter months. It is recommended that windbreaks be planted at a distance from the house equal to 2-5 times the height of the mature evergreens.West of the HouseFor the hot Oklahoma summers, you'll want to strategically plant shade trees to block the sun's heating rays. The most important location for doing so is to the west of the house, where the walls receive direct sunlight during the late afternoon heat. You'll want to use deciduous trees, though, so they will drop their leaves in the winter and allow the sun's warmth to cut down on your heating bills.South of the HouseDeciduous trees can also help on the south side of the house at midday, but these trees should be located closer to the house, and be tall enough to shade the south-facing roof.Near the Air ConditionerShading your outdoor air conditioning unit can improve its energy-efficiency. Just be certain that you don't plant too close to it, where thick foliage could impede air flow.At Air Assurance, we can help you save energy in many ways, from using landscaping as insulation to utilizing the ground itself to heat and cool your Tulsa-area home. Contact us today to learn how we can help you improve your home's energy efficiency -- and comfort.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.
Home comfort and energy savings should be a priority in every Tulsa area household. To help you get optimal performance from your cooling system this summer, we’ve compiled this list of innovative energy-saving tips.
Raising temperature settings at the thermostat is a surefire way to reduce monthly cooling bills. To maximize savings without sacrificing home comfort, try keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re in the home and raising thermostat settings as high as 85 degrees while you’re away. But don't do this when it's over 95 degrees outside. That can actually cause energy bills to rise while the unit tries to catch up.
One way to take advantage of higher temperature settings without sacrificing home comfort is to utilize household ceiling fans. While ceiling fans don’t actually cool your home, running them while you're in the room can create a wind chill effect that will help you remain comfortable, even when thermostat settings are increased by as little as four degrees. Just remember to turn ceiling fans off when you’re not in the room.
Clogged air filters are notorious for restricting airflow and putting unnecessary strain on your air conditioner. Inspect filters monthly, cleaning and replacing as necessary.
Another cost-effective means of improving household energy efficiency is to address air leaks using caulking, seal and weather stripping. Common leakage points include areas around doors and windows, and gaps around lights, wiring, ductwork and plumbing.
Inadequate attic insulation can be a major drain on monthly energy costs. For an additional 10 percent savings, try boosting attic insulation to a minimum R-value of 30. If you can see your attic rafters, you are wasting lots of money on energy.
It also pays to properly seal ductwork. If your ducts leak, you could be losing as much as 20 percent of the air you pay to condition. While accessible ductwork can be addressed using metal tape or duct mastic, a professional can ensure that your entire duct system is sealed properly.
If your air conditioner is over ten years old, upgrading to a high-efficiency Energy Star-qualified model could save you as much as 10 percent.
In fact, Energy Star-qualified products are an ideal means of long-term energy savings. Look for products ranging from water heaters to light bulbs.
For a more customized assessment of your household energy efficiency, consult our NATE-certified technicians. Contact Air Assurance 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.
How would you like to increase your annual energy savings? By following these tips from Energy Star’s Home Advisor, Oklahoma homeowners in theTulsa area may be able to save an estimated 33 percent in annual energy costs.Suggestions include:
Sealing air leaks – One of the most cost-effective ways to increase household energy savings is to seal off major air leaks commonly found in attics, basements or crawl spaces. Focus on leaks around wiring, plumbing, and ductwork. For optimal results, consult a professional.
Duct sealing – With duct leaks responsible for an estimated 20 percent of conditioned air loss, duct sealing should be a priority. While you may be able to seal accessible ducts using mastic or metal tape and use at least R-6 insulation to shield exposed ductwork in unconditioned areas of the home, a professional can access those hard-to-reach areas and ensure that your entire system is properly sealed.
Insulation – To prevent the unwanted exchange of heat and moisture, adequate insulation should be installed. Generally, residents of theTulsaarea should use R-30 to R-49 insulation for the attic, R-13 to R-19 for the exterior wall frame, and somewhere between R-5 and R-13 for crawlspaces.
HVAC upgrades – Older heating and cooling components just aren’t as efficient as today’s high-efficiency options. If your HVAC system is nearing ten years old, it may be time for a replacement. To maximize long-term energy savings, look for a minimum 14.5 SEER on air conditioners and a minimum 80 percent AFUE on gas furnaces.
Programmable thermostats – Take full control of your HVAC energy consumption by pre-programming household temperatures according to your family routine. Conserve energy without sacrificing household comfort.
Energy Star – Products carrying the Energy Star label are designed to improve household energy savings. Consider over 60 types of Energy Star-qualified products, including water heaters, windows and light bulbs.
Depending on the unique needs of your household, you may be able to significantly increase your annual energy savings by implementing some of the strategies outlined by Energy Star’s Home Advisor. For a more personalized energy assessment, consult one of our trained technicians. Contact Air Assurance 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.
