Ways to Protect Your Home from Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that feed on dust inside your home. If dusty areas make you sniffly, this is an allergic reaction to these mites. You can keep them at bay by keeping your home as clean as possible and taking other steps. Find out more about dust mite protection for your home in Broken Arrow.

Maintain the Right Humidity Level

Dust mites thrive when your home is more humid than it should be. Ideally, the humidity level in your bedroom, where dust mites are commonly found, should be kept at 50 percent or lower. Dust mites do best in environments where the humidity level is 70 percent or higher. Using a portable dehumidifier in your bedroom or having a whole-home dehumidifier installed makes it easier for you to control the humidity level and reduce these pests.

Change Your HVAC Filter

Changing your HVAC filter on a regular basis, such as every month or every other month, helps cut down on the amount of dust you have in your home. This helps keep dust mite populations down in your home. Consider switching to an HVAC filter that offers higher efficiency, which helps ensure that it’s able to trap as many dust particles as possible.

Dust and Vacuum Regularly

One of the most effective dust protection methods is to reduce the amount of dust in your home overall. You can do this by dusting and vacuuming your home on a regular basis. You should dust and vacuum a few times a week or more often if you have pets in your home, since their dander can create more dust.

Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers won’t get rid of dust mites, but they do help remove dust from the air inside your home. This helps cut down on the amount of dust you have, which can help reduce the dust mite population you have.

If you need help with maintaining the right humidity level or need dust mite protection advice, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team can provide you with the service you need to discourage dust mites.

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.

Questions First-Time HVAC Purchasers Should Ask

Your HVAC system contains some of your home's most expensive and essential equipment, so making a first-time purchase when it needs replacement can be a daunting experience. You can make HVAC purchases less stressful and more successful by carefully choosing your installer and getting the right answers to some important questions.

What to Do and Ask Before an HVAC Purchase

There's more to a successful HVAC equipment purchase than just choosing between different models. Having the equipment installed properly makes a big difference in its energy consumption, performance and lifespan. To ensure a quality installation, you want to choose a reputable, well-established HVAC contractor with industry expertise. For peace of mind that you're hiring the right installer, consider the answers you get when you ask the following questions too:

How do you size my equipment?

Installing poorly-sized equipment can have long-term repercussions. Oversized HVAC with too much capacity will short-cycle, which wastes energy. Undersized equipment simply won't keep your home warm or cool enough. A knowledgeable installer will tell you they do a load calculation for accurate sizing, not just match the old equipment or use a “rule of thumb.”

Is my existing ductwork okay?

A contractor worth hiring will say they have to verify that the ductwork design provides balanced airflow and the ducts are free from damage and leaks before installing your new HVAC equipment.

How can I compare efficiency ratings?

A dependable HVAC pro knows that higher-rated equipment that's more efficient is less expensive to operate, but costs more upfront. They'll help you weigh the price tag vs. potential energy savings for different models so you can make an informed choice within your budget.

What equipment features are worthwhile?

Some HVAC equipment models have optional features that can enhance energy efficiency and your comfort. A good contractor should tell you about any beneficial features that match your home and budget, and may recommend options like a variable-speed compressor, air handler or furnace, or installing a zoning system or smart thermostat.

For personalized help making informed HVAC purchases for 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.

Typical Lifespan of HVAC Components

Your HVAC isn't just some of your home's most expensive equipment, it's also crucial for your family's comfort, so it makes good sense to know how long you can expect it to last.

HVAC lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 25 years, and it varies depending on the equipment type:

Gas furnaces can last for 15-25 years. Most often, they need replacement due to issues like cracks or corrosion of the most expensive component, the heat exchanger. Split-system air conditioners have lifespans of 7-20 years. The summers here in Oklahoma mean that A/Cs get a lot of use, so they may need replacement sooner due to coil corrosion or compressor failure. Heat pumps and ductless mini-splits can last for up to 25 years. Since these units heat and cool, year-round use may shorten their service life.

Other Factors that Impact HVAC Component Lifespan

Beyond the type of equipment, these additional factors can affect the life expectancy of your home's HVAC components:

Initial quality.

Equipment that's cheaply built is less likely to last over the long term, and it can also have construction or design flaws that shorten its life.

Sizing accuracy and installation.

For a long lifespan, HVAC equipment needs to be sized correctly for your home, and installed with care to the manufacturer's specific requirements.

Preventive maintenance.

HVAC components are like any other kind of mechanical equipment: they perform better, break down less often and last longer when they receive timely preventive maintenance.

Ways to Maximize HVAC Lifespan

Here's some advice to help you prevent life-shortening problems in new HVAC equipment or your current components:Only hire a reputable HVAC contractor when you purchase new equipment. This ensures that a load calculation is done to size the capacity correctly, and the manufacturer's specifications and best practices are followed during installation.Invest in twice-yearly preventive maintenance over your equipment's lifespan so it stays in the best possible working condition.

For expert installations and maintenance to help the comfort equipment in your Broken Arrow home reach or exceed the typical HVAC lifespan, contact us today 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.

Keeping Bugs Out of Your System This Summer

Pesky bugs showing up around your house? Here are some quick tips that you can implement right now to avoid bugs in HVAC equipment.

Change the Air Filter

While there's a good chance that you know how a clogged air filter can impede the flow of air and affect the efficiency of your HVAC system, you may not be aware that it can also cause a moisture build-up. This moisture becomes an attractive spot for bugs, which is one more reason why you should change the filter on a regular basis.

Seal the Home's Ductwork

Over time, our home's ductwork becomes stressed from contstant use, causing tears and holes to appear. This is how insects are able to get inside your ductwork, which then leads them to the HVAC equipment itself. Foil tape and sealant are all you need to solve this problem, but if you need professional assistance, don't be afraid to ask.

Clean Up Around the Outdoor Unit

All types of insects, including bees and wasps, have been known to invade an HVAC system's outoor unit. Many of these little creatures are attracted by vegetation, debris, and moisture surrounding the system. Your best bet is to keep the area clean and free of vegetation approximately two feet in all directions around the unit.

Call an Exterminator

It's always a good idea to call a pest control expert on a regular basis to keep bugs out of your home. Insects are a nuisance, and no matter where they hole up - whether it's in your HVAC equipment or someplace else - an infestation can be damaging to your home itself. This is especially true if the area you live in is known to be a haven for the tiny creatures. 

For more expert advice on preventing bugs in HVAC equipment, or if you have any other home comfort concerns, please contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We serve the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.

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.

School's Out: Changing Your HVAC Schedule

You always want your children to be comfortable. Since kids will be spending more time at home in the summer, you'll need to take the necessary steps to keep your home cool enough for your little ones. Here are some useful tips on how to adjust your home's HVAC schedule accordingly.

When at Home

When your kids are at home, it's best to set your thermostat to 78 degrees. This will not only keep them comfortable but also save you money. You can make your home's cooling system more effective by taking the following steps.

• Invest in a dehumidifier.

• Replace worn weatherstripping and caulk around your windows and doors to keep your house sealed.

• Install window treatments to block out the sun's rays.

• Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise.

When Nobody's Home

Whether you're taking your children to soccer, for a walk in the park, or going on a bike ride, you should alter your home's temperature settings when everyone's away. Turn your thermostat up to 85 to 88 degrees to keep your home warmer than usual.If you have a standard thermostat, you'll have to manually adjust the temperature each time you and your kids are leaving the house. With a programmable thermostat, you can program a different cooling schedule for a specific time of the day or each day of the week, depending on your family's schedule. You simply set it and forget it. Be sure to follow these programming timing tips when using a programmable thermostat:

• Reset the thermostat to 78 degrees 30 minutes before returning home.

• Reduce cooling an hour before going to bed each night.

• Increase the cooling about 30 minutes before your wake up time.

Adopting the HVAC schedule above will keep your entire family comfortable and your cooling bills lower. For more home comfort and energy efficiency tips, contact the experts at Air Assurance. For more than 30 years, we've helped homeowners in the Broken Arrow area with their HVAC needs and won numerous awards for our exceptional services.

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.

Guest House Comfort Considerations

Giving overnight visitors a separate space inside or adjacent to your home makes it easier to host others overnight. When you’re looking for ways to provide guest house comfort when the weather is hot, one of these options might work well for your particular space.

When it’s a separate structure.

A ductless mini split heat pump may be the best option for conditioning a separate guest space to use it year-round. Ductless systems offer a high degree of energy efficiency for both cooling and heating. They’re easy for an HVAC pro to install, use little interior space and operate quietly.If you only want to cool the structure, you may find that a portable A/C or window air conditioner will work well, as long as your homeowner’s association permits them.

When it’s a space inside or attached to your home.

Besides using a wall or window air conditioner for individual cooling, there are two other options that use your existing HVAC system. The first is to install a zoning system that lets your guest select the comfort level that works for him.

A zoning system divides your home into separate areas, each of which has its own thermostat. It’s an ideal solution for families that have different temperature preferences or in homes where temperature variances are wide.

You could put the guest quarters on a separate zone, so that the area only received conditioned air when someone wanted to use the space. Two-story homes, those with unequally-sized windows, or variable ceiling heights throughout benefit from zoning systems because their temperatures vary quite a bit. These systems can be installed with new HVAC equipment or as an upgrade for an existing system.

If your guest space isn’t part of the conditioned area, ask your HVAC contractor if your system is large enough to extend the ductwork. The contractor will evaluate the capacity of the system and the cooling load inside the guest space.

For more information about which guest house comfort option will work best for your home, contact a pro at Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Keep Guests Cool at Summer Parties

Summer parties are the best, but when guests are uncomfortable because of the sweltering heat, they can turn into a disaster. We'd hate to see that happen, so we've compiled some of our favorite tips to help you keep your guests cool:

Get a Checkup for Your HVAC System

Like clockwork, you should be scheduling a yearly inspection of your cooling system by an HVAC professional. This will keep your system running more efficiently for your guests (and you, of course) while prolonging its lifespan.

Change the Air Filter

If you want to keep your guests cool, then you need to make sure that your HVAC system is as efficient as possible. If the air filter is dirty, then that's not happening. Replace it at the beginning of the summer season and then get it replaced every 30 days or so after that, as needed.

Consider an Evening Party

Everyone loves a good BBQ in the middle of the day, but the heat might bother some guests. A great way to keep them cool during summer parties is by taking away the sun. No, they don't have an app for that, so your best bet is to schedule your party in the evening.

Serve Plenty of Liquids

Guests who become dehydrated are not only unhappy, but could be in serious danger. You can solve this problem by providing plenty of water and other refreshing drinks. This is essential if you're serving alcohol since those will add to the dehydration.

Provide Tons of Shade

If you prefer to have an outdoor party during the day, then you should ensure that your guests have plenty of shade to shield themselves from the summer sun. If your backyard is lacking, there are plenty of shading choices that can be set up and taken down for each get-together.

To schedule services to ensure your guests stay cool at summer parties, reach out to the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas for more than 30 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

What to Expect: HVAC Costs

Most people don't know much about their HVAC systems. And that's OK, as long as you have a trained, experienced technician to take care of problems for you. But until you find that technician, you're often flying blind. One quotes you a price for fixing your A/C, and it seems a little high, but in the end, you have no frame of reference for what the actual price should be.So here's a helpful guide to various HVAC costs you can expect.

Repair Costs

In Broken Arrow, the average HVAC repair job will cost you $212. You can expect to pay a minimum of $100, just for basic service fees, and possibly up to $400. Bear in mind, this is a bit higher than the national average and that more extensive repairs can run higher yet.Also note that your HVAC costs are very much dependent on what repairs need to be made, how serious they are, and what you're willing to pay for. Replacing your thermostat, for example, can cost anywhere from $60, for a basic model, to $250, for a top of the line Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat. And one of your most expensive repairs will be to replace your air compressor. That can range anywhere from $1,350 to $1,800, depending on what size and type of compressor you need.

Annual Maintenance

There are other types of HVAC costs besides just repairs. In order to make sure your system is running at peak efficiency, your HVAC technician needs to perform annual maintenance. Keeping up with this can help you avoid expensive repairs later, and extend the life of your system overall.On average, you can expect to pay between $70 and $100 for your maintenance visit. Or, by paying just a little more, you can get a service contract. For a flat annual fee, not only do you get scheduled tuneups for both your A/C and furnace, but service visits for basic repairs as well.

To learn more about your expected HVAC costs, contact us at Air Assurance today. We're Broken Arrow's trusted source for quality HVAC solutions.

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.

HVAC Parts Every Homeowner Should Recognize

 It's no secret your HVAC system is one of the most important elements of your Oklahoma home. For you to keep it working efficiently throughout the year, it's vital that you understand its basic components. Read on to learn more about the essential HVAC parts.

Thermostat

This is the panel you use to adjust your home's temperature. It controls the rest of your HVAC system. If you still use a manual thermostat and want more energy savings and home comfort, switch to a programmable thermostat.

Furnace

This is the heart of your home's heating system. It consists of a blower cabinet and burner cabinet. It's usually installed in a designated spot, usually the basement, attic, or special cabinet. If you hear groaning, banging, and whirring noises coming from it, you should contact an HVAC professional. A blue furnace pilot light shows your system is safe whereas a yellow one shows you may be having a carbon monoxide problem.

Heat Exchanger

It's the HVAC component that actually warms your home. It's located inside your furnace unit. When it's on, air is sucked into it from the outdoors or through specific indoor vents. This air is heated rapidly and then blown into your home via the ductwork.

Condensing Unit

The unit sits outside the home. It cools a special refrigerant gas, which is transported to the evaporator coil after sufficient cooling. It's crucial to keep the area around this unit clear of fallen leaves and other debris to avoid diminishing its efficiency.

Evaporator Coil

It's located inside the house and is responsible for providing cool air for your home. The cold refrigerant inside it absorbs heat and moisture from your home's air.

Ducts

They deliver hot or cold air to your home. Having them sealed by a professional will make your home more energy efficient.

Knowing the HVAC parts involved in your system's operation helps you spot problems when they arise more easily and fix them before they get bigger. If you need excellent and dependable HVAC service in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the experts 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.

Vacation 101: HVAC Prep Before You Go

As welcome as any getaway is, taking time for vacation HVAC prep ahead of time may help you have a more relaxing and carefree trip. Leaving it on will keep your home healthier while you're away and more comfortable when you return.

Inspect the air filter.

If it’s dirty, change it before you leave. Leaving a dirty filter in place puts it at risk for freezing over or shutting down entirely.Low airflow over the evaporator coil inside the air handler could easily make it freeze over. If it continues to run, the cold refrigerant can harm the compressor, the system’s most expensive part. Eventually the AC will turn off and the excessive frost could flood the drain pan and the areas near the air handler.?Sometimes a dirty filter will block the airflow enough to trigger a low airflow switch inside the air handler. If you leave your home with a dirty filter in place, the HVAC system may not run at all, which could allow humidity to build and create uncomfortable temperatures for any pets or plants you leave behind.

Clean the outdoor condenser.

Be sure that the area around the outdoor condenser has at least three feet of clearance around it and nothing sits on top. The condenser needs free airflow to cool the hot refrigerant coming from your home. Hose off the coils if they appear dusty.

Have it professionally serviced.

An important part of vacation HVAC prep is having a professional HVAC technician look over the equipment before you go. The cleaning and adjusting that’s part of annual servicing will keep it running smoothly. The technician will check the refrigerant level, oil the motors and remove any oxidation or dust from the electrical components.Install a surge protector to protect the HVAC system from power surges that may occur from strong spring storms while you're away.Starting the cooling season with personal and professional vacation HVAC prep will reward you with dependable and efficient air conditioning performance. For more information, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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

Homes With Pets: HVAC Tips and Maintenance

Throughout much of the history of the Western world, the prevailing practice regarding the treatment of pets was to leave them outside. Nowadays, that's far from the case. In fact most pet owners can't imagine leaving beloved cats and dogs outside to face the weather without the comfort of air conditioning and heating.But living indoors with pets creates some challenges when it comes to keeping the home clean, and preventing the pets from disrupting our home appliances. Among the major challenges for people in homes with pets is filtering pet hair out of the HVAC system.

Pet Dander and More

The main issue for most homeowners when it comes to shedding pets is the hair. You have to vacuum the home more often, and though you may not have known it, you should be changing your HVAC filter more often too. It's not just the hair you want to keep out of the equipment; pets also shed dander, to which many people are allergic. When dander is pulled into your system, it can get redistributed into your home's air. The best defense is a good quality, dense air filter. The filter should likely be changed even more often than the manufacturer recommends when you have pets.Brush your pets outdoors frequently to remove loose hair and dander. Also, bathe them as often as the vet recommends.

Dirt

Pets, like people, track dirt and dust into the home when they go in and out. While we can take our shoes off, they will be bringing in dirt on their feet. You are probably already in the practice of cleaning their feet if they are muddy, but you may want to wipe their feet off when they come inside just to get the dust off.

Marking Territory

Male dogs are known for marking territory by hiking their legs and urinating on objects in the yard -- including the air conditioner condenser. If your dog does this, erect a barrier around the unit. Urine can corrode the coils.

For more tips for homes with pets, contact Air Assurance, serving 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.

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.

Career Day: Teaching Kids about HVAC and Energy Efficiency

From leaving the lights on to taking long showers to turning the thermostat up and down in a bid to achieve instant temperature control, children can significantly increase your utility bills due to their wasteful habits. For that reason, teaching kids about HVAC and energy efficiency should be a priority. Use the tips below to get them involved in saving energy at home.

Discuss the Thermostat

Your HVAC system is a major energy consumer. One of its parts that you interact with the most is the thermostat. Take the time to talk to your kids about how its settings affect energy efficiency. Explain to them why they should leave the settings alone to make them appreciate the need to have adults solely responsible for managing the device.

Do Basic HVAC Maintenance Together

Kids love doing adult work. Ask them to help you in doing basic maintenance tasks, such as:

• Inspecting and cleaning or replacing air filters

• Cleaning air vents

• Looking for air leaks

• Hosing down the exterior A/C unit

As you perform these tasks, make sure you explain to them the importance of what you're doing.

Give Rewards

A great way to prevent children from viewing conservation as a new chore is by turning it into a game. For example, you could come up with a game to find out and reward the person that best remembers to unplug unused appliances or turn off the lights. You could also keep track of their energy-saving habits and reward them once they meet certain goals.

Involve Them in HVAC Decisions

Are you planning to upgrade your thermostat? Let the kids help you choose a new programmable thermostat. If your furnace or air conditioner needs repair or replacement, talk to the young ones about the process. Allow them to watch your HVAC technician work and encourage them to ask questions.

Teaching kids about energy efficiency helps them develop good habits that will yield lifelong benefits. For more tips on energy efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. Our friendly all-NATE certified technicians serve the Broken Arrow area with safe, effective, and efficient HVAC services.

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.

HVAC Problems: Normal or Not?

Your HVAC system is comprised of complicated equipment, so it can be hard to know if a developing issue is really a cause for concern, or the equipment is operating normally. To help you determine when expert help is needed, here's some guidance on common HVAC problems that should raise a red flag:

New Sounds

Some HVAC noise is completely normal, like a humming outdoor compressor, a whirring blower fan, or the whoosh of air traveling through the ducting. If startling new sounds like clanking, rattling, hissing or shrill screeching occur, it deserves attention before costly component damage occurs.

Condensate Leaks

Heat pumps and air conditioners pull water from the air when they're cooling, but it should drain away unseen through the system's condensate drain. If you discover a puddle of water below or near the air handler unit, there's likely a blockage or other problem with the condensate drain system. To minimize the risk of water backups that result in interior damage, call your HVAC pro for help.

Excess Humidity

If your home always seems too hot and sticky, and you're seeing more mold growth in the bathrooms, it's wise to have an HVAC technician assess your system. If your cooling equipment isn't dehumidifying properly because of its age or capacity, you may be advised to upgrade.

Bigger Energy Bills

If your utility company increases its rates, or your normal consumption increases, you expect to see bigger energy bills, but an increase for no obvious reason may point to a problem with your HVAC. A technician may discover that it's caused by an age-related drop in your equipment's efficiency, dirty cooling coils, a low refrigerant level, or leaky ductwork.

Odd Odors

Normally, you shouldn't notice any odor in the conditioned air coming from your HVAC vents. If you detect a dirty sock, acetone or acrid, burnt scent, it needs further investigation because there may be mold or algae growth, a refrigerant leak, or arcing/overheating electrical components within your HVAC system.

If you're experiencing HVAC problems in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today at Air Assurance for expert solutions.

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.

Ways to Hide Your Outdoor HVAC Unit Without Compromising Efficiency

The outdoor side of your HVAC system is essential to your comfort, but let's face it: it's not the most attractive feature of your landscaping scheme. Chances are, you find it ungainly, intrusive and downright ugly, and wish there were a way to hide it. Maybe it's even noisy, and spoils your efforts at outdoor entertaining with its annoying roar.

What can you do to lower the profile of your outdoor HVAC unit? We've got a few suggestions that can help.

Move it.

This can be rather an expensive solution but in some cases, you may want to consider relocating your HVAC unit to a less intrusive location. It's probably best to consider this step when you're ready to replace HVAC equipment. Your options will be limited -- you can only move it so far away from the home, but a different location may help you make it more obscure and satisfy your landscaping and entertainment needs.

Landscape around it.

Attractive landscaping around an HVAC unit is often the key to making it less prominent. Choose plants carefully. Don't plant bushes such as holly with stiff, poking leaves, nor plants that are likely to shed fiber, seeds or leaves that will clog up the unit's parts. Plant plants 2-3 feet away from the unit, and keep them trimmed back for easy access.

Hide it.

Decorative garden elements can hide the unit. For instance, erecting a trellis and growing vines such as clematis, Virginia creeper or morning glory will help. You might also plant climbing roses, but make sure the thorns are far enough away where they won't trouble the technician. A wall in front of the unit or a wall around it might be another solution. If you're not handy enough to build these structures, you may find a pre-fabricated model at a garden landscaping supply or online. If noise is an issue, make sure you purchase a structure that muffles the sound, but doesn't restrict air flow.

We've got other solutions for hiding your outdoor HVAC unit at Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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

What is a "Properly Matched" System?

You may have heard of the term “properly matched” if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system. Having a properly matched system is important if you want to get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment. Read on to learn more about properly matched systems and the problems that could come with using mismatched equipment.

A Matched Set Ensures Proper Performance

Most split HVAC systems are comprised of two parts: an indoor air handler that contains the evaporator coil and blower fan and an outdoor cabinet containing the compressor and condenser coil. Both halves are connected by copper or aluminum lines that circulate refrigerant between the two halves.

The two halves of a typical split HVAC system are designed to work as a team, highlighting the importance of a properly matched system. Matching one halve with another that’s not specifically designed to work with the other can result in poor performance, among other issues.

Perils of Mismatching

If you need to replace your HVAC system, you might be tempted to replace only half of the system in order to save money. However, this pennywise step can quickly turn into a pound-foolish mistake for a variety of reasons:

• Improperly matched HVAC equipment can fail prematurely due to added stress on mismatched components.

• Mismatched units that use non-ozone depleting refrigerants will fail when mated to equipment using older, incompatible refrigerants such as R-22.

• Improperly matched HVAC systems are not only unreliable, but they’re also extremely inefficient.

• Using improperly matched equipment can also void your HVAC warranty.

Undoing the damage caused by improperly matched HVAC equipment can also be expensive. In many cases, the damage can be so severe that only a complete replacement can correct the issue.

Only a properly matched system offers the performance, longevity and efficiency you expect from your heating and cooling equipment. If you need a new HVAC system for your Broken Arrow home, 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Spring Cleaning and Your HVAC System

When you make out a spring cleaning list, you likely include cleaning out the closets, giving the refrigerator a good once over while throwing away any out-of-date food in the freezer, cleaning windows and performing a host of other chores that you might get to only once a year. One task you should add to that list is looking after your HVAC system.Many homeowners think that all you need to do come spring is turn off the furnace and turn on the air conditioner. But giving your A/C a little attention before you turn it on for the cooling season could be quite beneficial. Not only will it run more efficiently so that you save money on utilities, but you'll also help ensure that it stays in good working order throughout the season.

HVAC Cleanup -- Inside and Outside

Your A/C likely is a split system model with two parts: an outdoor condenser, and the indoor air handler and evaporator coils. Let's start with the condenser. After winter's done, check around the condenser for leaves, dirt and other debris that may have collected on your unit's coils and fins. If you're able to easily access them, you can clean them with a sprayer hose; if they're really dirty, use coil cleaner and a soft brush. Be careful not to bend the fins as you clean.Trim any limbs away from the unit so you have at least a 2-foot clearing. Have a look at the hoses that conduct the refrigerant. If anything looks worn, let your HVAC tech know when you schedule your annual spring maintenance visitIndoors, change the air filter. Always buy the right size; never tforce the wrong size filter into the unit.You can also have a look at the evaporator coils, inspecting them for dirt or mold. If you know where the condensate pan is, inspect it for holes, and for sludge that might stop up the condensate drain.Adding your HVAC system to your spring cleaning list will help ensure the parts last longer. Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow for more information.

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

How to Eliminate Odors in Your HVAC System

The air that flows from your HVAC registers should make your home more comfortable. When certain conditions exist, though, that airflow can also spread bad odors throughout the house. Eliminating odors wafting from your HVAC system air vents is not only crucial for your comfort, but it can help you avoid possible health and safety risks as well.

Why Do Unpleasant HVAC Odors Occur?

Your conditioned air can carry various kinds of disagreeable scents for a number of reasons. Here are some common types of HVAC odors and where they typically originate, as well as advice on the best way to eliminate them.

• Chemical fumes. Off-gassing VOCs and hazardous vapors from common household chemical can stay trapped in your indoor air supply if your home is tightly constructed and well-sealed for efficiency. To achieve a fresher, healthier indoor air quality, talk to your HVAC pro about effective solutions like installing a ventilator or adding a whole-house air cleaner to your HVAC system.

• “Burnt” electrical odors. A burnt-wiring smell is usually a telltale warning that an electrical component like a fan motor or circuit board is overheating. To avert the danger of a fire, shut off the HVAC system via its breaker in the main electrical panel, then contact your HVAC professional for help.

• Acetone-like vapors. If your conditioned air carries an odor that reminds you of nail polish remover, there's likely a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system. Your HVAC technician will need to locate and fix the leak, then top off the system's refrigerant level to prevent damage to key components like the compressor.

• “Dirty-sock” or musty smells. These kinds of pungent odors are especially unpleasant, and they're the result of algae, bacteria, mold or mildew growth within your HVAC system. The underlying cause may be debris/dampness in the ducts, a clogged cooling coil or air filter, or a blockage in the condensate drain lines. A trained technician can pinpoint the source and clean the component to eliminate the odor.

For more advice or help eliminating odors in your Broken Arrow home's HVAC system, contact us at Air Assurance.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Your HVAC System When Selling Your Home

If you're getting your home ready to sell, you're likely planning various repairs and upgrades to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. If your HVAC equipment is functional, but older, you may be on the fence about whether to update it before your home goes on the market.Before you decide, you'll want to consider the potential pros and cons of replacing your HVAC when selling.

Drawbacks of Replacing Your HVAC

HVAC equipment isn't cheap, so the cash outlay to replace an aging heat pump, furnace or air conditioner is without a doubt the biggest drawback of installing new components before you sell your home. Plus, the amount that's recouped from an HVAC equipment purchase when a home sells usually ranges from 35 to 50 percent of the upgrade's cost, which isn't a particularly high return on your investment.

Advantages of HVAC Replacement

The expense and expected ROI may have you leaning toward leaving your older HVAC equipment in place, but you also need to consider how an HVAC upgrade can boost your home's perceived value and help it sell faster, because it can offer buyers:

• Peace of mind about reliability. Home buyers don't want the worry that they'll face costly repairs or an equipment failure soon after they close on a property, so they appreciate a home with reliable new HVAC components that come with a manufacturer's warranty.

• Energy savings. Buyers today are more likely to use HVAC efficiency ratings as a gauge for comparing expected energy costs for homes they're seriously considering. If your home has highly-rated or Energy Star-certified equipment, it can help tip the balance in your favor.

• Desirable features. In this tech-savvy world, increasing numbers of home buyers are looking for smart HVAC controls and advanced features like variable-speed air handlers, two-stage compressors, modulating gas valves and intelligent zoning systems.

• No history concerns. When your home has brand new HVAC equipment, buyers can rest easy knowing there are no concerns about its maintenance and repair history.

For personalized advice about replacing your HVAC when selling 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.

Looking Back: HVAC History to Note

One of the many luxuries of modern society is the convenience of tapping or programming your HVAC thermostat to make your home comfortable to your liking. Not long ago, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment wasn't so simple. Keep reading to take a look back at notable inventions in HVAC history and how they influence our modern world.

Mechanical Room Fan

The first known invention of the mechanical room fan was during the Han Dynasty in China's Golden Age. A network of large room fans could be controlled by one person operating large wheels to spin the fans. The wheels could be 10-foot in diameter, which surely created quite the wind-chill effect!

Radiant Heating

Modern radiant heating systems use a solution that is heated and circulated through pipes installed inside or beneath floors (and walls). Heat from the hot solution rises and radiates into the room and furnishings. Several ancient societies had their own style of radiant heating. The Greeks and Romans used pipes and channels installed beneath marble floors that transmitted heat from fires and furnaces into the rooms above.

Electric-Resistance Heating

Electric-resistance heating is widely used in many applications. Air-source heat pumps, electric radiant heating panels, electric water heaters, electric stoves, and more use the technology. William Siemens invented electric-resistance heating coils when he proved that metal coils produced heat by applying an electrical current.

Modern-Day Air Conditioner

The most important invention in HVAC history has to be the modern-day air conditioner. Willis Carrier, an American engineer, was actually trying to invent a dehumidifier that could remove moisture from large factory rooms. He did, and much more. Our modern economic, scientific, and technological world wouldn't be possible without cooled, climate-controlled environments.

Ductless Mini Split

Developed by Mitsubishi Electric during the 1970s, ductless mini splits provide exceptional cooling and heating solutions where space is limited or impractical for conventional air ducts. Ductless systems are ideal for conditioning guest rooms, bonus rooms, additions, and more.

We hope you enjoyed this look back through HVAC history. For modern HVAC services in your Broken Arrow home, contact the professionals 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.