How to Best Conserve Heat Inside Your Home This Winter

Cold temperatures can make it hard to keep your Broken Arrow home warm and cozy without relying a lot on your heating system. However, using your furnace or heat pump often drives up your energy bills. Find out how you can conserve heat this winter to achieve lower energy bills and a comfortable home interior at the same time.

Change Filters

Has it been awhile since you changed your HVAC filters? If they’re dirty, your heating system works harder to keep your home warm. Putting in new filters reduces its energy usage and results in less wear and tear. Change HVAC filters every few months — or even every month if you have pets.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Turning your thermostat setting down at night helps you conserve heat. Your home will still feel warm, but your heating system won’t be running as much. A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat provides an easy way to adjust settings on a regular basis.

Improve Attic Insulation

Insulating your attic helps trap heated air and stop it from escaping through the roof. Your attic probably has insulation already, but does it have enough? Adding more if needed helps ensure that heated air stays inside your home all winter long.

Use Ceiling Fans

Having your ceiling fans on during winter can help rooms with high ceilings stay warm. Just make sure they’re on the right setting. Your ceiling fans should be on the clockwise position so that they push heated air down.

Eliminate Drafts

Use or replace worn weatherstripping around doors to block drafts. Seal cracks or gaps around windows to keep cold air out and heated air in. Drafts can lower the temperature inside your home, forcing your furnace or heat pump to run more often.

Add Natural Light

The sun can heat up your home during the day. Open curtains or drapes to let in as much natural light as possible while it’s light out and conserve heat that way.

For more advice on how to conserve heat in your Broken Arrow home or to schedule HVAC service, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team is ready to assist you.

What Are Some Natural Heating Methods You Can Use at Home?

There are a couple of reasons for learning about natural heating. The most important reason is that you can heat your home more efficiently and thus save money on your energy bill by employing these heating methods. The second reason is that you might have to endure a power loss — perhaps during a bad ice storm when power lines break and you, with a largely electric home, find yourself without heating. Some of these natural heating methods can contribute to keeping you warmer during a power outage.

Let's have a look at some of the natural heating methods that can come in handy in your Broken Arrow home. 

1. Let the sunshine in. Letting the sun in can help warm up the house. Open drapes, blinds, and shades in the morning on sunny days. This can help augment your heating efforts, warming your house so you don't have to turn up the thermostat. Close window treatments in the evening to keep the cold out. There are motorized window treatments that you can program to open and close automatically.

2. Add rugs and carpeting. Rugs and carpeting can absorb warmth. Wherever possible, install carpeting or add rugs to create more warmth in your house.

3. Use outdoor plants strategically to increase warmth in your home. Outdoor plants can help warm up the home. Plant evergreen trees in a row on the north side so that they block harsh winter winds. Also, plant shrubs and trees about a foot from the outer wall of the house so they act as an insulator.

4. Air-seal the home. Through the years, a home with even the tightest construction will settle and create minute cracks that let the cold air in and the warm air out. You can keep the cold air out and the warm air in by sealing up those cracks. Use weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation around windows and doors, on baseboards, on electric plugs in exterior walls, and in holes for wires, pipes, and cables in exterior walls.

For more on natural heating, contact Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area. 

Why Is the AFUE Rating Important for Home Heating?

When shopping for a new furnace, one of your chief concerns is efficiency. How much energy will the unit use in making your home comfortable? There are a number of factors that determine this, but the quickest way to find out is to look at the AFUE.

HVAC Heat Production

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is a measurement of how much heat your system produces for the amount of energy it consumes. To determine the rating, the manufacturers divide the total BTUs of heat the unit gives off in a year by the total BTUs of energy it expends in that time. Multiply that figure by 100, and you get a percentage. That's the AFUE.

For example, if a furnace has an AFUE rating of 85, that means 85% of the energy it uses is given off as heat and the other 15% is vented as exhaust. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. All gas furnaces sold in the United States must be rated at least 80%, while oil-fired boilers must be at least 84%.

Getting Optimum Efficiency

The most efficient furnaces on the market are rated 98.5%. However, these models tend be prohibitively expensive. On a practical level, anything above 85% is great, particularly if you're upgrading from a less-efficient model.

It also helps to look for features that improve energy efficiency. For instance, modulating furnaces adjust the amount of gas burned as needed based on how cold the house actually is in order to minimize waste. A variable-speed air handler does the same with airflow, regulating the amount of air that circulates as needed, so the system doesn't just run full blast all the time.

Finally, look for the blue Energy Star logo on any furnace model you're considering. This means it's been proven to save money and energy over similar models while still providing the same level of comfort and basic features.

To ensure your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency all year long, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow.

What Are the Most Important Heater Troubleshooting Tips?

It's the middle of winter and your furnace starts acting up. You don't want to call your HVAC technician until you know if it's a major repair or just a quick fix you can do on your own. How can you find out, though? Here are a few tips for heater troubleshooting.

• Check the unit. Sometimes, the obvious solutions get overlooked, which is why heater troubleshooting is so important. Make sure your heater is switched on and that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped. Check the furnace door as well, since the system often won't run if the door is open. Then try resetting the system, as a reboot often gets things working again.

• Check the thermostat. Your thermostat batteries should be replaced once a year to ensure that the unit is in proper shape and is responsive. Also make sure the thermostat is set to "Heat" rather than "Cool" or "Fan Only."

• Check the gas. Is the gas valve on? Without it, fuel can't flow to the system and heat can't be produced. Follow the gas line to the meter and make sure the handle at the end is parallel to the gas pipe and not perpendicular to check off one of the most crucial heater troubleshooting steps.

• Check the ductwork. Even pinhole leaks in your ducts can reduce airflow significantly. Look for tears and other damage, then repair it with metal tape or mastic sealant.

• Change the filter. Your air filter clogs more quickly in winter due to an excess of contaminants in the air. A clogged filter in turn restricts airflow, keeping your furnace from working properly. Check the filter, and if it's gray, opaque, and covered in dust and debris, replace it.

• Flush drain lines. Your drain line removes several gallons of water from your furnace every day. If there's a clog or sediment buildup, it can keep the water from being drained off and the furnace will stop working. Remove the hose and run water and bleach through it. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out and replace it.

If, after taking these heater troubleshooting steps, your furnace still isn't working, contact us at Air Assurance. We make sure Broken Arrow HVAC systems run smoothly and efficiently.

Some Furnace Upgrades That Can Improve Home Heating

As we get into the winter season, we become much more aware of how important our furnace is to the sanctity of our home. This is the perfect time to think about furnace upgrades that can make your living situation even better. Here we'll discuss some of the most popular furnace upgrades.

Smart Thermostat

Although your thermostat isn't a part of the furnace itself, it's an integral part of your overall heating system. If you haven't already upgraded your thermostat to a smart model, now's the perfect time. Smart thermostats will give you better control over your home's heating, allowing you to set the times at which the equipment is on and off. Changes can be done remotely, which means you can warm up your home before you arrive.

Zoned HVAC System

If you really want to upgrade the way your furnace operates, then you should definitely consider installing a zoned system. A zoned HVAC system allows you to divide your home into designated "zones," each of which can be individually heated or cooled as needed. This saves a lot of energy because you're not being forced to heat up your entire home when only one or two rooms are occupied.

Solar-Powered HVAC System

The future of the world is sustainable energy. There are a few different types of green energy available to homeowners, but the most popular one, by far, is the use of solar power. Upgrading your HVAC system, which would include your furnace, will make your home much more efficient. Plus, you may be eligible for local and federal tax credits.

UV Light System

If you want to improve your indoor air quality you may want to consider installing a UV light system within your HVAC equipment. Of all the furnace upgrades you can arrange, this is great for those who are susceptible to airborne contaminants. By installing UV lights inside the system, usually at the point of the return duct, you'll be able to kill 99.9% of pollutants that may enter your air and endanger your household.

If you have any questions about furnace upgrades or you'd like to schedule service, reach out to the experts at Air Assurance today. Our team has been servicing Broken Arrow and the nearby areas since 1985.

Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa, OK

Air Source Heat Pumps Tax Credit - Tulsa OK

Determining the best heating method for your home in this area can be a challenge, since both heat pumps and combustion furnaces are viable choices for this climate. Weather throughout the winter tends to be mild, but there are times when the thermometer dips below freezing, which may influence your choice of the best heating method for your home and family.

These characteristics of each type of heating system might help you decide:

• Heat pumps work well in this climate for both heating and cooling. They are an energy-efficient option. Heat pumps warm your home by extracting the heat from the outdoor air. They work well until the temperature falls below freezing. At this point, there is less heat in the air, so the appliance will have to work harder. However, high-efficiency heat pumps are available that work effectively at much colder temperatures. If you require an exceptionally warm house, even during milder weather, you may want to consider a gas or oil furnace as your best heating method.

• The typical heat pump uses one unit of energy to provide three units of heat. A gas furnace or oil furnace never reaches such high efficiency, although high-efficiency systems can be 97% efficient, compared to 300% efficiency from a heat pump.

• Heat pumps have a high degree of safety compared to a gas or oil furnace. Any time that combustible fuels are used indoors, there is a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and fuel leaks.

• A heat pump contributes to outdoor noise even in the winter. It uses the compressor inside the outdoor condenser to transfer heat in the same way it removes heat from your home in the summer. If you want a quiet yard in the winter, consider a furnace as your preferred heating method.

• If you need to replace your air conditioner along with your heating method, it makes financial sense to choose a heat pump. 

  ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDIT (25C) PROGRAM

  The previous Nonbusiness Energy Property credit (25C) for installing high-efficiency equipment was extended through 2022 and provides federal tax credits of up to $500.
  The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) begins in 2023 and extends through 2032. It increases the tax credit limits for high-efficiency equipment as follows:

  1. Eligible equipment includes:

     • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters

     • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

  2. The 25C credit has an annual cap of $1,200 (except heat pump):

     • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace, with an annual cap of $1,200

     • Up to $2,000 with a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler

  There are no income requirements for this tax credit, and it cannot be combined with other federal programs.

  WHO CAN USE THIS CREDIT?

  PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE OWNERS

  Must be an existing home & your principal residence. New construction and rentals do not apply.

  A principal residence is the home where you live most of the time. The home must be in the United States. It can include a house, houseboat, mobile home, cooperative apartment, condominium, and a manufactured home.

For professional advice about the best heating method based on your home and family, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide trusted HVAC services to Broken Arrow homeowners.

What Are the Benefits of Baseboard Heating?

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Baseboard heating units are typically zone heaters installed directly on your floor or on an exterior wall a couple of inches above the floor. They're designed to provide warm air to rooms without consuming too much electricity. Here's more on the advantages that baseboard heaters have to offer.

Energy Savings

Baseboard heating units are highly efficient and help you save on energy bills. They're more energy-efficient than radiators and cumbersome heating systems. You can turn your central heating system low and turn on your baseboard heater to heat a room more efficiently on colder evenings. With a baseboard heater, you can heat only the room you're in, thus avoiding wasting energy on unoccupied rooms.

Quiet Operation

Baseboard heating doesn't use fans. As a result, they operate quietly. You can install a heater in your bedroom without worrying about it disrupting your sleep.

Good Secondary Heating Source

You can use a baseboard heater to supplement your furnace in an older home or in a large home space on days when winter is at its most severe. The average unit can create and disperse even heat over up to 150 square feet of space. Baseboard heaters are excellent sources of heating for rooms that are difficult to keep warm, such as your garage and basement.

Easy Installation

Baseboard heaters are easier and cheaper to install than many other heating systems. They don't need ductwork. In fact, some portable models require only that you plug them into an electrical outlet, and some have carry handles that let you pick them up and move them to a different location quickly.

Little Maintenance

Baseboard heaters don't need much maintenance to work optimally. Their heating elements lack moving parts and need minimal cleaning, like wiping lint and dust from the heater's grill.

Remember, you'll need to install a baseboard heater correctly to get maximum benefits. Call a professional if you're uncomfortable or unsure about installing it on your own. For more information on baseboard heating, contact us at Air Assurance. We've provided reliable HVAC installations, repairs, replacements, and maintenance services to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

Advantages of Geothermal Heating in Your Home

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Geothermal heating utilizes the natural heat in the ground to warm your home in the winter. It comprises an indoor pump, a compressor, and a fan, as well as looped piping that's buried in your yard. The geothermal pipes contain a fluid that absorbs heat from the ground and transfers it to the geothermal pump, which sends the heat as warm air throughout your home.

Here are some exceptional benefits a geothermal system offers your Broken Arrow home.

Promotes Health and Safety

Geothermal heating uses renewable energy from below the Earth's surface rather than flammable fossil fuels, making it safer and more environmentally friendly than other heating systems. It doesn't produce carbon monoxide. It also doesn't recycle air, which reduces the threats to your home's air quality. As a result, a geothermal system is more beneficial to your family's health.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

In addition to providing heating in the winter, a geothermal system can provide cooling in the summer. In the summer, a geothermal system absorbs heat from your home and transfers it to the underground piping loops, where the Earth absorbs it.

Hot Water Supply

A geothermal system can produce the hot water you need for your bathroom and kitchen. What's more, it heats water more efficiently than standard water heaters.

Efficiency

A geothermal system uses significantly less energy to draw heat from the ground than gas furnaces, achieving between 400% and 600% efficiency. It also performs the work of an air conditioner and a water heater. Consequently, it can lower your overall energy consumption by as much as 70%.

Works Silently

Once installed, a geothermal system operates quietly.

Long-Lasting

A geothermal system isn't installed directly outside. As a result, its components aren't subject to deterioration from exterior elements like rain, snow, ice, and varying temperatures. The indoor parts have a life span of several decades. The rest of the geothermal system can last as long as 80 to 100 years and usually comes with an especially long warranty.

Although geothermal heating has high initial costs, it will likely end up paying for itself and providing valuable benefits for many generations to come. Contact us at Air Assurance if you need information on geothermal systems or other heating and cooling products and services in the Broken Arrow area.

Gain Heater Knowledge: Learn How Your Heater Actually Works

Having some heater knowledge is useful for a couple of reasons. Knowing how heating systems work can help you select a new one for your Broken Arrow home if needed. Being familiar with how heaters work can also help you notice when something is wrong with your heating system so you can have it repaired right away.

Forced-Air Furnace

Forced-air furnaces use gas, oil, propane, or electricity to generate heat. These heating systems take in air, then heat it up and send it through ductwork and vents to warm homes. A blower motor pushes the heated air into the ducts, where it flows to different areas of your home. Colder air in your home is pulled into the furnace through return ducts, and the heating cycle begins again when your heating system is on.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps exchange heat rather than produce it from gas, electricity, oil, or propane. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside or from the ground and use it to heat a home's interior. Air-source heat pumps pull heat from above ground, while geothermal heat pumps pull heat from underground. This provides one energy-efficient way to heat homes in winter. These heating systems can also cool homes by moving hot indoor air outside in summer.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat produces heat through coils or pipes that are placed in floors, ceilings, or walls. These coils or pipes use either electricity or heated water to keep rooms or areas in homes warm. The heat from these pipes and coils flows into the room rather than coming through vents.

If you’re interested in heater knowledge so you can choose a new heating system, our experts can help. Contact Air Assurance for more heater knowledge about our HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area. We can assist you with choosing the most efficient heating system for your home.

What Are All the Types of Home Heating You Can Get?

Homeowners in Broken Arrow are lucky because there are plenty of types of home heating systems that are efficient and convenient here. Fuel-burning furnaces, radiant-heating systems, and heat pumps are all types of home heating that work effectively in this climate. 

Forced-Air Furnaces

These systems are by far the most common of all the types of home heating in the United States. They are cost-efficient, relatively easy to install, and they can be highly energy efficient. They produce heat using a fuel, and they blow warmed air through ductwork that's distributed throughout the home. 

Fuel options include natural gas, propane, fuel oil, or electric. Natural gas is the most common and least expensive to operate given the widespread availability of natural gas. 

Oil furnaces produce the most heat per unit of energy consumed. Electric furnaces, while easy to install and operate, cost the most to run. In this region, it makes sense to choose a natural gas furnace if this fuel is available on your lot. 

Radiant Heating

Instead of blowing heated air throughout ductwork like furnaces and heat pumps do, radiant systems use pipes or coils that use electricity or circulate heated liquids in coils in radiators or coils placed on the walls, the ceiling, or under the floors. The heat gradually radiates into the room. This kind of heating is comfortable and quiet. It doesn't contribute to household dust or aggravate airborne allergies. 

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps function like forced-air furnaces but exchange heat instead of creating it with a combustible fuel. Technically, they are the most energy-efficient types of home heating, especially if they're geothermal heat pumps (GHPs). 

GHPs and above-ground air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) work like refrigerators. In the summer, they absorb the heat in your home and move it outside. In the winter, the appliance removes the heat in the outdoor air and brings it inside. 

A GHP has such great efficiency because it uses an underground loop field where temperatures are always stable. ASHPs complete the heat exchange in above-ground air that can be either hot or cold. 

Contact Air Assurance for help choosing the best types of home-heating systems. Our pros can give you professional advice and insight. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners. 

Know These Top Heater Brands as Cooler Weather Approaches

Trying to choose from the top heater brands can lead you down the rabbit hole of "we agree to disagree" kind of discussions. On one hand, you have homeowners with brand loyalty and even loyalty for fuel type. On the other hand, many homeowners that use a furnace for home heating don't know what AFUE means, let alone have a desire to skim through page after page of furnace makes and models.

And that's entirely okay. What matters the most when weighing top heater brands is complete satisfaction regarding home comfort, energy efficiency, and a manageable initial and lifetime cost.

Lennox Heaters

Founded by Dave Lennox in 1895 with an idea for a coal-fired furnace, the name Lennox for HVAC manufacturing has become synonymous with products of the highest quality, performance, and energy efficiency when it comes to heater brands. With those criteria in mind, Lennox tops the list of the best brands for residential HVAC furnaces.

Lennox SLP99V Gas Furnace

This is the Rolls Royce of gas furnaces. The Lennox SLP99V has bragging rights as the quietest and most energy-efficient residential gas furnace money can buy (as of testing in March 2020). It boasts an astounding 99% fuel efficiency (AFUE).

Lennox SLP98V Gas Furnace

Tied for first place with the Lennox SLP99V, with nearly identical specs for efficiency and quiet operation, is the SLP98V variable-capacity gas furnace. This furnace delivers practically the same performance as the SLP99V for lower initial costs.

Lennox High-Efficiency Furnace at Mid-Efficiency Price

The Lennox EL296V gas furnace easily joins the list of top heater models with features like a variable-speed blower and two-stage heating. Offered at a substantially lower price than the SLP99V, it boasts 96 AFUE, has a lifetime heat-exchanger warranty, and averages 4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,000 customer reviews.

Lennox Elite Series ELO183 Oil Furnace

This top heater model is a shout-out to the loyal oil-furnace customers who are out there. The ELO183 is a mid-efficiency oil furnace delivering 83 AFUE, a modest initial cost, and quiet and efficient home heating.

To help decide the best heater brands for your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today!

How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

For persons looking for an option to heat small spaces in their house, the question is often: How much electricity does a space heater use? Electric space heaters can be an efficient option if utilized within the limits of the unit and with appropriate attention to safety. 

Crunching the Numbers

The monthly costs of operating a space heater are also an issue, depending on how many hours the unit will be utilized per day. How much electricity does a space heater use, then? Fortunately the answer can be calculated with a simple formula, plus one bit of information typically available from your electricity bill. 

• The heater’s wattage rating. This figure represents the amount of electricity expressed in watts that the heater uses per hour. It’s usually shown on a label or is available from the unit’s owner’s manual. A typical residential space heater is rated for 1,500 watts (or 1.5 kilowatts per hour), so we’ll use that figure for our example.

• The local cost of electricity. Your monthly electric bill will show how much the utility charges per kilowatt of electricity. In this part of Oklahoma, residential electricity costs an average of about 9 cents per kilowatt per hour.

• To answer “how much electricity does a space heater use?”, we’ll also need to decide on an average amount of time the heater runs per day. Six hours is a good average during cold weather, so we’ll plug that into the calculation.

So How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

1,500 watts (space heater rating) x 6 (average daily hours) = 9,000 watts or 9 kilowatts of electricity daily.

9 kilowatts x 9 cents per kilowatt = 81 cents per day.

On a monthly basis, the cost of running a typical household space heater six hours per day is, therefore, $24.30.

For more answers to heating questions like how much electricity does a space heater use?, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

What Are the Pros and Cons of an Electric Fireplace?

Is an electric fireplace a worthwhile home addition? Just more than 40% of recent new houses come with a fireplace, and a substantially higher percentage of homes built in the decades since the 1970s incorporate at least one fireplace.

Though not all standard fireplaces get the regular use they once did, many people still miss the appearance and comfort of a warming fire inside the house. An electric fireplace may provide a simpler, less labor-intensive alternative to the real thing. Here are some pros and cons of having an electric fireplace in your home. 

Pros

• Convenience. No need to obtain and/or store firewood and lug it into the house to build a fire. An electric fire starts with the flip of a switch, eliminating the sometimes difficult process of lighting a real fire. After enjoying the fire, just turn it off. No cleanup and disposal of ashes.

• Safety. Because there’s no combustion nor flames, certain safety issues are eliminated, such as possible carbon monoxide gas, chimney fires, and sparks or embers from the fireplace triggering an indoor fire.

• Less heat loss; higher efficiency. A wood fireplace loses substantial heat up the chimney. An electric unit, conversely, requires no venting or chimney, so all generated heat goes into warming the room. While the process of burning wood is considered an inefficient method for home heating by the Environmental Protection Agency, electricity produces heat with a 99% efficiency rating.

Cons

• Less ambiance. Few persons would claim that electric fireplaces produce the same classic, charming indoor atmosphere on a winter evening as a crackling, natural wood fire.

• Modest heating performance. While electric fireplaces are efficient in terms of energy consumption, perceptible heat these units produce is about the same as a standard electric space heater.

• No boost to the home's value. While a wood fireplace may increase home value up to 8%, most realtors agree that an electric fireplace adds no value to the home.

• Higher electrical demands. Household circuits must be adequate to handle the fireplace’s considerable electrical load.

For more pros and cons of having an electric fireplace, contact the pros at Air Assurance.

How Much Heat Is Too Much Heat in the Winter?

During those cold winter months, there's nothing better than feeling your heating system turn on to keep you warm and cozy. But what if it produces too much heat? Is that a cause for concern? Let's explore this notion of your house getting too hot in the winter.

The Problem with Too Much Heat in the Winter

It seems silly to consider excessive heat on a cold winter morning or night as a bad thing. However, a house that's overheating when the HVAC system is on is no joke. It will feel uncomfortably hot, and the feeling of sweating every time will make your home feel stuffy. A furnace that's overheating your home also wastes a lot of energy and wears down sooner than it should.

The Causes of Too Much Heat

Several factors can contribute to an overheated home in the winter. For instance, duct blockage and poor fan speed can make hot air linger in your heating system. Therefore, troubleshooting the problem may start with changing the filter in your system — or rather, not doing so if you haven't changed it recently. Alternatively, you may need to open your ducts if you've closed more than 20% of them.

There are several other causes of too much heat that require professional assistance. These include:

• A nonstop system. A furnace that constantly runs without shutting off like it's supposed to will supply too much heat to the rooms in your home. The unit running nonstop may be due to a broken limit switch, a malfunctioning primary control, broken thermostat wiring, or stuck control buttons.

• A faulty thermostat. If the temperature sensor of your thermostat is broken or miscalibrated, then it will have problems reading your home's temperature. It may not detect heat, or it may read your home as being cooler than it actually is, making your heater turn your house into an oven.

Besides causing discomfort, too much heat affects your heating system's components and causes your energy bills to skyrocket. An HVAC professional will help you find the specific reason behind the overheating issue. For more information on fixing the issue of too much heat in the winter, contact Air Assurance. We're Broken Arrow's trusted source for quality HVAC installation and repair.

What Are the Best and Safest Brands of Space and Mini Heaters?

A portable space heater can help you offset a drafty room's chill or give your heating system a small boost. You have many types and styles of portable space and mini heaters to choose from. Getting one that's high quality and powerful yet safe can be daunting. Let's help you narrow down your choices by telling you the highest-rated space and mini heaters on the market.

Vornado VH200

Vornado manufactures high-quality space heaters, and the VH200 bears testament to that. It warms an entire room fast and comfortably. What's more, it heats rooms more evenly than many other models. It operates quietly, emitting only a soft whir as it runs.

It features a tip-over switch and overheating protection. The plastic exterior remains relatively cool as it heats your room.

The VH200 isn't ugly, but it isn't the most attractive space heater either. Whatever it lacks in looks it makes up for in power and performance.

Dyson Hot+Cool Jet Focus AM09 Fan Heater

The sleek Dyson heater lets you warm the whole room or use it as a personal heater if you choose between dispersed and focused airflow. You can use the unit as a cooling fan in the summer.

Its surface remains cool even after running continuously for an hour, thanks to some thoughtful engineering. It automatically shuts off when tipped over.

You'll have to use the remote control to access some features. The disadvantage with this remote is that you have to aim it at the machine's base, where the power button is located.

Lasko FH500 Tower Fan and Heater

This Lasko heater sends a vertical column of heated air evenly throughout your room. It comes with several thoughtful features, such as an easily navigable control panel and an auto eco feature for improved efficiency.

It features an overheat protection and tip-over safety switch. You can use the Lasko as a fan for cooling. However, you may find it difficult to clean the fan blades due to the tower design.

Whatever the heater brand you choose to purchase when choosing between space and mini heaters, make sure you read the manual to learn the necessary safety measures you need to take. For more information on space and mini heaters, contact Air Assurance. We offer superior heating and cooling products to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

What Are the Top 3 Heater Brands You Should Consider to Keep Warm This Winter?

A furnace is great for keeping your house warm in the winter, but what about just one room? For that, you'll need a space heater. For small jobs, it's more efficient than central heating, and it saves energy. Which heater brands will work best, though? There are a lot to choose from. Here's a guide to the top three heater brands on the market.

Factors to Consider in Comparing Heater Brands

The first thing to look at is size. How big of a room do you need to heat, and how big of a heater will do it efficiently? Next, consider power. Electric heaters are cheaper to buy, but they use more energy. A gas or propane-powered heater, on the other hand, is more expensive, but it will save you money and energy in the long run.

Finally, you should think about safety when comparing heater brands. A poor safety rating could end up being a fire hazard. Find a heater that's been certified by the Underwriters Laboratories or a similar organization. Consider a model that's cool to the touch to prevent accidental burning. For gas-powered heaters, get one with carbon monoxide safeguardsas well, including proper ventilation and an automatic turn-off feature when there's not enough oxygen present.

Choosing the Top Heater Brands

1. Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater. This energy-efficient heater comes with a built-in thermostat so that you can adjust your heating level. It also has a dual heating system to allow you to heat the entire room evenly.

2. Cadet Com-Pak Twin. Installed directly into the wall and with its own vent covering, the Com-Pak distributes air just like your HVAC system to heat rooms up to 600 square feet. It's also energy-efficient and UL safety rated.

3. Lasko 5160 Ceramic Tower Heater. Portable and easy to store, this electric heater is remotely controlled for easy use, and it oscillates to create even heat distribution. It also comes with automatic safeguards against overheating, and it can cover an area of up to 300 square feet.

For more help choosing the best heater brands for your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow comfortable all year.

With Fall on the Way, Here Are the Top Heater Issues to Double-Check

Broken Arrow's winters can be chilly and windy, so it's always a good idea to have your heating equipment in top form before the cold weather arrives. Maybe you're wondering what are the top heater issues that homeowners in this area have to deal with. Read on to learn about the heating problems you should be aware of as you schedule fall maintenance on your HVAC system.

Issues with the Pilot Light or Ignition Control

Most heating systems have either a pilot light or a hot-surface ignition control. The failure of either may cause intermittent heat or a lack of heat. Maintenance is key to keeping them working. Newer furnaces usually have electronic ignition systems rather than pilot lights.

A Dirty Air Filter

This is one of the most common causes of heating systems not heating adequately. When the filter is too dirty, the system runs sluggishly and struggles to heat properly. Change the filter whenever it's dirty. You may need to change filters more often if you have pets, burn candles, or you have a dusty house.

Air Leaks

Air leaks will make your heating system work harder, costing you money on energy and repairs. Although it's one of the top heater issues afflicting most homeowners, it's easily solved by checking your home's most vulnerable areas for leaks: window and door frames, baseboards, corners where walls meet the ceiling or floor, and holes in exterior walls that are used for cables, pipes, or wires. Seal all these leaks with insulation, caulk, or weatherstripping. Also, have your HVAC tech check ducts for air leaks. 

A Malfunctioning Heat Exchanger

This is one of the most important parts of your furnace, and it can be among the top heater issues homeowners must deal with. Over time, a heat exchanger can develop minute cracks as the metal expands and contracts with continuous heating and cooling. Have the heat exchanger checked regularly as part of your furnace inspection. 

A Faulty Thermostat

This is one of the top heater issues a homeowner may experience, but fixing or replacing a faulty thermostat isn't difficult.

For more about top heater issues, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

Is It Better to Combine or Separate Your Heating and Cooling Systems?

Your AC and furnace are both essential to your home comfort. However, both units require a significant amount of care and maintenance. Replacement costs can be high as well. Would it just be easier to combine heating and cooling systems into a single unit that does both? Here are some of the advantages.

Advantages of Combining HVAC Systems

The biggest advantage to consolidating your heating and cooling into a single system is that it saves space. Rather than having two different units in different areas of the house, you only have one. If you have a smaller home or want to free up some storage space, combining systems might be a good option.

It also saves money. Rather than having to buy both a furnace and an AC, you can just pay for a single system. It may be a bit more expensive than either of them are individually, but it's still cheaper than the combined cost of both.

Additionally, since you'll have just one system, you can get it serviced just once a year, rather than scheduling an AC tuneup in the spring and a furnace inspection in the fall. Finally, a combined system can save you energy. How, you ask?

Saving Energy with Heat Pumps

The best way to combine heating and cooling systems is with a heat pump. They're perfect for milder winter climates like Oklahoma's, and they can save you energy. Whereas gas furnaces burn fuel to heat the air, heat pumps are electric and operate on the same principle as air conditioners.

In the summer, it operates just like a regular AC. A heat exchanger absorbs heat, leaving you with cool air to circulate through your house, while the heat is vented outside. In winter, it's reversed: The heat that's absorbed is pumped into your home, while the cool air is vented outside. This not only saves energy, but it provides you with home comfort year round, from a single system.

If you want to combine heating and cooling systems in your home, contact us at Air Assurance today. We proudly serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

When You Need to Buy a New Heater, What Are the Best Ones on the Market?

Heating systems generally last 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced. However, factors like frequency of repairs, overall condition, and maintenance history also come into play and may necessitate a replacement sooner. When exploring replacement options, the numerous models available can make choosing the best one a large task. Here are some of the best options available at the moment that are worth considering when buying a new heater:

• Lennox Signature Series — The heating systems in this series have efficiency ratings that are as high as 98.7 percent AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). They also come with excellent climate control features and a lifetime warranty on the extremely important heat exchanger.

• Carrier Infinity — This is Carrier's flagship lineup. It comprises a wider range of models than most brands. The heat pumps have HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings ranging from 8.5 to as high as 13.0.

• Trane XR — The lineup stands out due to the relative affordability and durability of its products. It offers a decent range of efficient options.

• American Standard Platinum — This is American Standard's best series of heating and cooling equipment. The products come with premium control features, quiet operation, and lifetime heat-exchanger warranties.

• Goodman GMS and GSX/GSZ Series — These series have some of the best value furnaces and heat pumps available. Despite their comparatively low price, they offer good warranties. In fact, some furnace models qualify for a complete replacement if they fail within 10 years.

• Daikin VC/MC Series — This dependable Daikin product lineup features energy-saving motors and warranties that are longer than those of most comparable brands.

Whatever the system you choose from the brands we've listed above, you're sure to get durability and reliable performance. If you have any more questions about buying a new heater, contact us at Air Assurance. We help homeowners in the Broken Arrow area choose and install the right heating and cooling systems for their homes.

Keep Everyone — and Every Pet — In Your House Comfortable

In most households, we're continuously adjusting the thermostat to accommodate a wide variety of temperature needs. But while we tend to think mostly of our own human comfort, what about the needs of our pets?

Whether they are covered with fur, scales or feathers, animals often have different temperature needs than we do. Forced to endure conditions that are too hot or too cold, pets may sicken and die. Read on for some wisdom regarding home comfort for pets.

Wintertime Comfort

If you have indoor pets, be aware that they may find your heating a bit excessive. The fact that they have fur coats — particularly dogs — can mean they need to cool off a bit when you crank up the heat. If your dog is panting and the rest of your household is toasty at between 72 and 78 degrees, you may want to provide the dog with a fan to cool off.

Elderly and sick animals are a different story. Make sure they have a warm place to sleep when you turn the thermostat down to save energy when you're away from home or sleeping. Sometimes, pets may require a heated bed or a space heater to be comfortable.

Adjust the thermostat in a fish tank in line with recommendations for the species of fish you have.

Make sure birds are not too close to heat sources and that they are not stuck in sunlight or in a draft. Low-voltage heaters are available for bird cages. Don't give birds fibrous material to shred, as they might eat it.

For other types of caged animals, such as rabbits and rodents, give them shavings or recycled cardboard bedding, and provide them with a nesting box.

Summertime Comfort

During cooling season, you may want to provide a fan to ensure dogs and cats are comfortable, especially if you tend to keep the house on the warm side.

Be sure that pets have access to water in both summer and winter. Drinking water helps many mammals cool off.

For more on home comfort for pets, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.