How to Care for Your Furnace When It's Dormant

furance maintenance services - tulsa, ok

Most households stop using their furnace once the spring season arrives because they simply don't need it anymore. However, you still want to care for the unit and prepare it before the winter season so that when the weather gets cold again, the system is operating properly. Here are a few furnace-care tips that you should follow:

Hire an HVAC Technician

The first thing to remember about keeping any type of HVAC equipment running smoothly is to have it checked out by a professional technician at least once every year. The warmer months are the perfect time to have your furnace maintenance scheduled, because the techs won't be busy with those types of requests.

Test It Out Periodically

The last thing you want is to turn on the furnace at the beginning of the cold season only to find that it's probably not been working for a while. Test it out by letting the system run periodically to see if it seems to be functioning properly, especially as you get closer to the winter months.

Clean or Replace the Air filter

It's always best that you check your furnace's air filter once per month, but there's a good chance that you didn't take a look at it when the winter season ended. To make sure you're ready for the next winter season, check to see if the filter is filled up and then either clean or replace it if that's the case.

Remove All Obstructions

Since you won't be using the furnace for a while, you and other household members may get a little careless with regard to placing obstructions near the equipment, which can impede its operation and act as a fire hazard. Before you turn the system on again, be sure to remove anything that's been placed close to the unit.

As you can see, proper furnace care doesn't take a whole lot of time or effort. If you would like more tips or need service for your home or business, the experts at Air Assurance can assist you. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

5 Reasons You Need An Annual Furnace Tune-Up - Air Assurance

Top 5 Reasons for Furnace Maintenance Tune Up

Top 5 Reasons to schedule your annual furnace service with Air Assurance and stay ahead of any seasonal breakdowns. Neglect is the number #1 reason why mechanical system fail.

Energy Savings - With the system clean, filter changed, gas pressures set correctly….it can mean the difference in your comfort and the performance on your utility savings during the fall and winter months.

Safe Operation - AC clean and check service is all about efficiencies. But the furnace check is all about safety. Safety from fire. Safety from Carbon Monoxide potentials and more.

Early Detection - You don’t wait until you have a flat tire on the highway to buy new tires right? When you notice the tread wearing and the tire becoming bald it affects performance. Stay ahead of any potential break downs this season.

Optimize Performance - Our technicians will use a combustion analyzer to determine how efficient you furnace is operating….and we can make adjustments to make sure you get the best performance.

Peace of Mind - We check over 25 items during our heating and furnace check to give you comfort and peace of mind.

Call Air Assurance to inquire or schedule your AC or Furnace clean and check maintenance service today!

Air Assurance Company

Serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Sapulpa, Owasso, and more. Call Today!

Furnace Maintenance

The furnace burner is the heart of your central heating system. It’s the component that mixes air with natural gas and produces a clean-burning, high-temperature flame that generates heat for the whole house. A clean, intact furnace burner also ensures maximum fuel efficiency and low operating costs while minimizing the amount of combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide. Here are some details about the process:

The Burner Cycle

In a typical gas-fired furnace, heating and burner operation are divided into several stages:

• Signaling for Heat. When the household temperature drops below the thermostat setting, the furnace receives a signal to initiate heating from the system thermostat.

• Fuel Delivery. The furnace fuel valve opens to start the flow of natural gas to the burner. At the same time, air from the furnace air intake blends with gas flow to provide the right mixture for clean, safe ignition and combustion.

• Ignition. The mixture of natural gas and air is ignited at the burner. Ignition may be provided by a pilot light — a small flame that runs continuously — or, more commonly in newer furnaces, by an electric igniter that produces a spark.

• Heat Transfer. Heat produced by the burner enclosed within the combustion chamber is added to the HVAC system's airflow by the heat exchanger. This vital component incorporates air passages to transfer heat efficiently to the airflow while sealing out dangerous gases.

• Heated Air Circulation. Heated air is pulled into the ductwork by the system blower and distributed throughout the house and into each individual room through supply air vents.

• Burner Shutdown. When household temperatures reach the desired setting, the thermostat sends a signal to shut off gas flow until temperatures drop again and the heating cycle repeats.

Furnace Burner Maintenance

Checking the burner is a critical part of annual furnace maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor. The technician can verify proper burner operation by sampling and analyzing combustion gases. The burner in a gas furnace may require professional cleaning at intervals to support efficient and safe operation. 

For more about furnace burner operation and annual professional furnace maintenance, contact Air Assurance. 

Furnace Replacement In Your Future? Right Sizing Is Crucial

Furnace Installation & Replacement Tulsa

A furnace replacement may be one of the more challenging decisions you make as a homeowner, since these systems are complex and involve a number of factors. The right size is critical, not just for energy efficiency, but also for your comfort and the longevity of the system.Before homes were as air tight and energy efficient as they now are, larger equipment was needed to adequately compensate for lower insulation levels and more air infiltration. If you live in an older home and have made any improvements to either the insulation and plugged the air leaks, chances are you need a smaller system than you now have.HVAC contractors use a tool called Manual J to pinpoint the size that you need. This system was developed decades ago and it factors many aspects of your home, including:

• Cubic footage you need to heat;

• Layout of your home;

• Number of windows, their efficiency and exposure to the sun;

• Insulation levels in the attic and walls;

• Air infiltration rates;

• Heat-producing appliances under roof;

• Outdoor landscaping characteristics;

• Preferred indoor temperatures; and

• Age and number of household members.

Once the HVAC contractor finishes the analysis and knows the BTUs you need, he moves onto evaluating your current ductwork, using Manual D.Knowing the precise size you need not only saves you money initially for a furnace replacement, it also saves money over the life of the equipment. When furnaces are too large, they short cycle, which means they turn on and off more frequently. Short cycling increases your energy costs because the more the furnace runs, the more fuel it uses, and a portion of it goes up the flue, which is wasted. Running frequently also increases the wear and tear on all the components inside the system. Your comfort also suffers, since rooms may not thoroughly warm enough.If you'd like more information about furnace replacement, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Top Reasons For Furnace Clean & Check Service

Top Reasons for Furnace Maintenance

Top 5 Reasons to schedule your annual furnace service with Air Assurance and stay ahead of any seasonal breakdowns. Neglect is the number #1 reason why mechanical system fail.

Energy Savings - With the system clean, filter changed, gas pressures set correctly….it can mean the difference in your comfort and the performance on your utility savings during the fall and winter months.

Safe Operation - AC clean and check service is all about efficiencies. But the furnace check is all about safety. Safety from fire. Safety from Carbon Monoxide potentials and more.

Early Detection - You don’t wait until you have a flat tire on the highway to buy new tires right? When you notice the tread wearing and the tire becoming bald it affects performance. Stay ahead of any potential break downs this season.

Optimize Performance - Our technicians will use a combustion analyzer to determine how efficient you furnace is operating….and we can make adjustments to make sure you get the best performance.

Peace of Mind - We check over 25 items during our heating and furnace check to give you comfort and peace of mind.

Call Air Assurance to inquire or schedule your AC or Furnace clean and check maintenance service today!

Air Assurance Company

Serving Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Sapulpa, Owasso, and more. Call Today!

Furnace Maintenance

The furnace burner is the heart of your central heating system. It’s the component that mixes air with natural gas and produces a clean-burning, high-temperature flame that generates heat for the whole house. A clean, intact furnace burner also ensures maximum fuel efficiency and low operating costs while minimizing the amount of combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide. Here are some details about the process:

The Burner Cycle

In a typical gas-fired furnace, heating and burner operation are divided into several stages:

• Signaling for Heat. When the household temperature drops below the thermostat setting, the furnace receives a signal to initiate heating from the system thermostat.

• Fuel Delivery. The furnace fuel valve opens to start the flow of natural gas to the burner. At the same time, air from the furnace air intake blends with gas flow to provide the right mixture for clean, safe ignition and combustion.

• Ignition. The mixture of natural gas and air is ignited at the burner. Ignition may be provided by a pilot light — a small flame that runs continuously — or, more commonly in newer furnaces, by an electric igniter that produces a spark.

• Heat Transfer. Heat produced by the burner enclosed within the combustion chamber is added to the HVAC system's airflow by the heat exchanger. This vital component incorporates air passages to transfer heat efficiently to the airflow while sealing out dangerous gases.

• Heated Air Circulation. Heated air is pulled into the ductwork by the system blower and distributed throughout the house and into each individual room through supply air vents.

• Burner Shutdown. When household temperatures reach the desired setting, the thermostat sends a signal to shut off gas flow until temperatures drop again and the heating cycle repeats.

Furnace Burner Maintenance

Checking the burner is a critical part of annual furnace maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor. The technician can verify proper burner operation by sampling and analyzing combustion gases. The burner in a gas furnace may require professional cleaning at intervals to support efficient and safe operation. 

For more about furnace burner operation and annual professional furnace maintenance, contact Air Assurance. 

What Is a Furnace Burner and How Does It Work in Your HVAC System?

The furnace burner is the heart of your central heating system. It’s the component that mixes air with natural gas and produces a clean-burning, high-temperature flame that generates heat for the whole house. A clean, intact furnace burner also ensures maximum fuel efficiency and low operating costs while minimizing the amount of combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide. Here are some details about the process:

The Burner Cycle

In a typical gas-fired furnace, heating and burner operation are divided into several stages:

• Signaling for Heat. When the household temperature drops below the thermostat setting, the furnace receives a signal to initiate heating from the system thermostat.

• Fuel Delivery. The furnace fuel valve opens to start the flow of natural gas to the burner. At the same time, air from the furnace air intake blends with gas flow to provide the right mixture for clean, safe ignition and combustion.

• Ignition. The mixture of natural gas and air is ignited at the burner. Ignition may be provided by a pilot light — a small flame that runs continuously — or, more commonly in newer furnaces, by an electric igniter that produces a spark.

• Heat Transfer. Heat produced by the burner enclosed within the combustion chamber is added to the HVAC system's airflow by the heat exchanger. This vital component incorporates air passages to transfer heat efficiently to the airflow while sealing out dangerous gases.

• Heated Air Circulation. Heated air is pulled into the ductwork by the system blower and distributed throughout the house and into each individual room through supply air vents.

• Burner Shutdown. When household temperatures reach the desired setting, the thermostat sends a signal to shut off gas flow until temperatures drop again and the heating cycle repeats.

Furnace Burner Maintenance

Checking the burner is a critical part of annual furnace maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor. The technician can verify proper burner operation by sampling and analyzing combustion gases. The burner in a gas furnace may require professional cleaning at intervals to support efficient and safe operation. 

For more about furnace burner operation and annual professional furnace maintenance, contact Air Assurance. 

Beyond a Breakdown, Which Heater Issues Are Most Urgent?

Your heater isn't broken, but it's definitely acting strange. You don't want to call your HVAC technician for something minor, but you also don't want to ignore potentially urgent heater issues. Here's a brief rundown of which are the truly urgent heater issues and which ones are no big deal.

Identifying Urgent Heater Issues

Pay attention to how your furnace sounds, smells, and feels. Screeching noises may mean a pressure problem or a loose belt. Popping and buzzing indicate electrical problems. Loud banging may mean a delay in the gas ignition. All of these are urgent heater issues that should be dealt with immediately.

If you smell burning the first time you turn on your furnace at the beginning of winter, it's probably not a big deal. It's dust that has accumulated in the offseason, which is now burning off. However, if the smell doesn't go away after a few minutes or reappears every time you turn on the furnace, then it's more serious. Call your HVAC technician.

Likewise, if you smell gas, it's a serious problem. Get out of the house and call your gas company — and 911. Once you're sure everyone's safe, call your HVAC technician as well.

Finally, if you don't feel air coming from your vents, even though your furnace is on, you should call for a repair. It could be indicative of several different issues, but the bottom line is, your house isn't getting warm the way it should be, so your furnace needs fixing.

Minor Issues

So which ones aren't urgent heater issues? If your heater causes the power to go out in your home, it may seem dire, but in fact, it's probably just an overloaded circuit. This tends to happen more as systems get older and use more energy. Make sure you're not running any other major appliances on the same circuit.

Similarly, if the thermostat stops working, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Try replacing it rather than calling for repairs.

For help with your urgent heater issues, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality home-comfort solutions.

Always Have This Handy Furnace Checklist at the Ready This Winter

Cooler temperatures will have you turning your furnace on soon enough. If your heating system hasn’t had HVAC maintenance done since last year, it’s important to make sure it’s working properly. Keep the following tasks on your furnace checklist so that your Broken Arrow home can remain well heated all fall and winter.

Check the Pilot

Furnace pilots sometimes stop working or don’t light properly due to debris or other problems. One of the items on your furnace checklist should be having an HVAC technician inspect and clean your gas furnace pilot.

Inspect the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger in a gas furnace can end up with cracks or other damage due to wear and tear. This, in turn, can lead to a higher risk of carbon monoxide leaks in your home. You should have HVAC technicians check the heat exchanger as part of your furnace checklist to make sure there are no cracks or other damage.

Clean the Burners

The burners in your furnace should also be inspected and cleaned as part of your furnace checklist to make sure they’re in good condition and working properly. HVAC technicians can handle this task safely.

Inspect Pulleys and Belts

Belts and pulleys are components in your furnace that can become loose or damaged over time. Your HVAC technician can inspect these parts of your furnace during a routine maintenance visit.

Adjust the Fan Switch

If needed, have HVAC technicians adjust the fan switch for your furnace. Doing so means your furnace won’t run too long or too often, which would result in higher heating bills.

Replace the Air Filter

You should put a new air filter in your HVAC system to help ensure that it runs efficiently. Keep in mind that you should do this every month or every few months. Clean air filters help improve your indoor air quality and ensure proper airflow.

If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance as part of your furnace checklist, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team in Broken Arrow can provide you with prompt and dependable service to keep your furnace in good condition.

While You're Enjoying Your AC, Is it Too Early to Think About Your Furnace?

The climbing temperatures of the summer create the need to feel that cold blast of air from your cranked-up air conditioner. It might surprise you, but this is the time to also think about furnace maintenance. Keep reading to discover why it's essential to have some summer furnace thoughts, even though you won't have to keep warm for a few months.

Changing Your Air Filters

Your filter-replacement schedule runs throughout the year. You should typically replace your furnace filter every three to six months. The regularity depends on factors such as the filter's Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and if you have indoor pets.

Did you know that the filter gets dirty even when you're not using the furnace? If the filter gets too dirty, it could cause your system to suffer long-term damage in addition to impairing its efficiency. A clean filter is necessary for maintaining energy efficiency.

The Pilot Light

If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it has a pilot light that stays lit 24/7. Considering how much the summer temperatures can take a toll on your energy bills, it makes sense to save a few dollars by switching off the pilot light. Doing this helps your air conditioner run efficiently. Don't forget to relight the pilot light when the next heating season arrives.

Your Furnace Gets Dirty

Your furnace, just like the filter, needs to be clean. After working hard to keep you comfortable during the winter, it's likely to have debris or dust on the exterior and interior components. If you don't clean the unit regularly, the debris may prevent it from running efficiently. It's always a good idea to contact a qualified contractor to carry out a safe cleaning process, especially when going from the winter to the summer.

Furnace Replacement

If you've been thinking of purchasing a new furnace, now is the perfect time. By not waiting until temperatures start dropping, you'll have ample time to do thorough research, consult professionals, and shop properly for the right replacement system.

Your summer furnace thoughts will go a long way toward preventing major problems when the cold weather returns. If you need help with furnace or AC maintenance, contact Air Assurance. Since 1985, we've been assisting Broken Arrow-area homeowners with their heating and cooling needs.

The Top Signs Your Furnace Is on the Fritz

The winter months can get bitterly cold at times in the Broken Arrow area, so it’s important to make sure you have reliable heat. How do you know if your furnace might need repairs? If you’re experiencing any of the following furnace problems, you should schedule repairs.

Cold Air Blowing Out

Your furnace should be warming up your home, so you should feel heated air coming out of your vents when it’s on. Cold air coming out of the vents when your furnace is running could mean that there’s a problem with the motor, heat exchanger, or another component. A skilled technician can determine the cause of this problem and get it repaired.

Odd Sounds

Furnaces make some noise when they’re running, which you’re probably used to hearing. If you’ve been hearing unfamiliar or odd noises, such as squeals or rattling, you’ll need to have your furnace inspected and repaired as needed. Odd sounds can indicate that your furnace has a loose part that needs to be tightened or that there could be a more serious problem that needs to be fixed.

Higher Heating Bills

You probably have a good idea of how much your heating bills typically cost. While natural gas and electric prices can fluctuate, you shouldn’t be seeing significant increases in your heating bills. If your bills have been going up more than usual, this can mean that your furnace isn’t able to heat your home efficiently. Having repairs and maintenance done should correct this, but you might need to have an older furnace replaced if this keeps happening.

Yellow Pilot Light

If the pilot light on your gas furnace is yellow, this can indicate a carbon monoxide leak. You should shut your furnace off right away, call for service, and leave your home until it’s safe to go back. Keep in mind that your gas furnace should have a blue pilot light when it’s working properly.

If you’re having furnace problems at your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today for prompt service.

How to Transition Your Home and HVAC into Heating Season

Cooler fall temperatures are a welcome relief after the summer heat and humidity, and they are also a sign that Broken Arrow residents need to think about switching from cooling to heating their homes. By transitioning seasons wisely, you can ensure the comfort and safety of your family throughout the winter months while saving money on the cost of heating and repairs, using these tips.

Enhance Airflow

Supply and return vents are an important part of your HVAC system and those which are closed or obstructed can upset the pressure balance and cause a loss of efficiency or equipment malfunction or breakdown. Check your registers to ensure they remain open and they are not blocked by drapes, furniture, area rugs, or other items.

Turn Off Your A/C at Night

Milder daytime temperatures translate into colder nights, so rather than leaving your A/C running and burrowing under the covers, set the temperature several degrees higher or turn it off altogether. Ceiling and floor fans can help to circulate the air while you sleep without breaking the bank.

Clean Your Air Filter

An air filter is the first line of defense to prevent particulates such as allergens, dander, dirt, and dust from traveling throughout your HVAC system, and it should be cleaned or changed before you first turn on your heating system each fall, and again every four to six weeks as needed.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Annual preventive maintenance each spring and fall can help make transitioning seasons easy, by ensuring your HVAC equipment is cleaned, tuned, and optimized for maximum efficiency and performance.

Change Direction on Your Ceiling Fans

During the summer months, your ceiling fan should be set to rotate counter-clockwise to push the cool air towards the floor, but in winter, your ceiling fans should be set to rotate clockwise at a slower pace to create an updraft that redistributes rising warm air back down the walls.

Contact Air Assurance for expert assistance with transitioning seasons, with services that include residential HVAC installation, replacement, and repair. We have been proudly serving Tulsa area residents for more than 30 years.

Why Get Furnace Maintenance Before the Heating Season Starts?

While it's still early in the fall, it's not too early to begin thinking about scheduling furnace maintenance. If you wait until the busy late fall/early winter HVAC season, you may have trouble scheduling a timely appointment. A professional furnace maintenance tuneup will provide multiple benefits, including energy efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Why Is Regular Furnace Maintenance So Important?

• Energy efficiency - The technician will check every component of your furnace, as well as the ductwork and registers. He or she will check the air filter, lubricate moving parts in the blower, make sure the burner(s) are clean, and check the ignition system for proper operation. Any worn or malfunctioning parts will be repaired or replaced. A cleanly burning, efficiently operating furnace will save energy every month, ensuring that it's operating at or near its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.

• Safety - The technician will examine the furnace and exhaust system to make sure nothing poses a risk of fire or toxic emissions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of fuel combustion and in a properly operating furnace will be safely removed from the home. However, if exhaust pipes are not connected properly or the furnace heat exchanger is cracked—among other issues—CO may escape into the home, threatening occupants with injury or death.

• Comfort - The more efficiently your furnace operates, the quicker and more evenly your home will heat. Problems with air distribution and ductwork can erode comfort in a home.

• Long-term savings - An efficient combustion furnace will save on utility bills over the long haul. Plus, having a trained technician inspect the furnace annually will ensure that small problems won't develop into large ones and extend the service life of your furnace.

At Air Assurance, we offer an Extended Service Plan that includes annual maintenance on both your heating and cooling systems. This offers a number of benefits and savings. However, you're also welcome to schedule a fall furnace maintenance appointment on its own. To discuss proper care for your home's heating system, please contact us at Air Assurance, serving 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Globalphotogroup/Shutterstock”

Furnace Installation Coming Up? 3 Points to Ponder Prior

If you're in the process of shopping for a furnace replacement, there are a few things you'll want to consider. Selecting the wrong type of furnace will result in energy waste, excessive fuel and repair costs, and can also compromise your indoor comfort and air quality.

Make sure you discuss the following three points with a licensed HVAC contractor before moving forward with your furnace installation.

Sizing. Many homeowners automatically use their old furnace size as the guideline for their replacement. That can be a huge mistake. Since furnaces have an average lifespan of about 20 years or so, chances are the original HVAC contractor used "rule of thumb" measurements to determine the furnace size. These days, knowledgeable contractors use Manuals J, D, and S to get accurate load calculations and to determine the most energy-efficient HVAC equipment and design for your home. Among other things, accurate furnace sizing requires an inspection of your current HVAC system, building materials, insulation R-values and a conversation regarding typical home occupancy and furnace usage.

Energy and Cost Efficiency. Modern furnaces can have AFUEs as high as 97 or more. However, your contractor may recommend one with a slightly lower AFUE depending on your needs. The key is to find the best system in terms of energy consumption and fuel costs, as well your household budget. Your contractor can use a series of calculations based on your home's energy efficiency, current fuel prices and projected fuel costs to select a furnace with an AFUE that will pay for itself, and possibly more, over time.

Fuel source. Fuel prices are always fluctuating. The most affordable fuel when your original furnace was installed may not be the most cost-effective option now. Talk to your HVAC technician about your options, including wood pellets or geothermal heat pump, which may be wiser investments in today's market.

Once your new furnace installation is complete, make sure to observe annual maintenance appointments, or sign up for a maintenance plan to reduce lifetime repair costs.

Need a new furnace installation in your Broken Arrow area home? Contact 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 furnace installation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Efficient Furnace? Get the Most Out of the System in Your Tulsa Home

Winter can mean high heating bills here in Northeastern Oklahoma. Purchasing an efficient furnace is a great decision, and can result in a lot of energy and money savings over the lifetime of the system. You may find, however, that the efficient furnace isn't enough- it needs an efficient household to operate at peak efficiency. If your efficient furnace isn't at its best, there are a few things you can do to reduce your energy use and give your furnace a boost. These tips can also help to improve the performance of an older, less efficient furnace if you aren't quite ready to replace it.

The first step in boosting your furnace's heating power is making sure to schedule routine maintenance. Even if there doesn't seem to be a problem, have a professional give your furnace a check-up every year. This habit is fairly low-cost, and will catch small problems before they become major issues. You should also be sure to change your furnace's air filter routinely. It's recommended that you change it every three months, but you can replace it monthly if anyone in your home has air quality concerns. Blocked filters can overwork your heater and waste energy.

Once you've done the maintenance on your furnace, it's time to to make sure the house itself is well-sealed. Check around the house for leaks, or hire a professional to do an energy evaluation. Seal any gaps that you find around windows and doors, and fill in any gaps in insulation. It's also important to check your ductwork, as duct leaks are often a major culprit in home heat loss.

To save even more on energy costs, change your heating habits. Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees, or install a programmable thermostat, which will heat the house based on your schedule and preferences, even when no one is home. Be careful not to change your thermostat settings too often. Frequent temperature adjustments can put undue strain on your furnace.

Contact Air Assurance for more expert advice on using your efficient furnace and increasing household efficiency in 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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Installing a New Furnace? Questions to Ask Your HVAC Contractor

If you’re planning on installing a new furnace or air conditioner, arm yourself with these questions to ask your HVAC technician before the installation process begins.

• Are you licensed and insured? Ask for the contractor’s license number and verify it with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. Then, ask whether the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Odds are the job will go smoothly, but just in case, insurance guarantees you are not responsible for any accident or injury.

• Are you NATE certified? While you certainly want a contractor who is licensed and insured, take it one step further by asking about North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. This is the only third-party certification program for HVAC technicians recognized across the industry.

• Can you give me references and a written bid? Check with references and compare bids from three or more contractors before making your choice.

• How will you size my new furnace? If the contractor says they plan on installing a new furnace based on square footage alone, look elsewhere. This inaccurate rule of thumb won’t provide the accurate sizing you need for efficient performance and maximum home comfort. Formal calculations are found in Manual J, and that’s what you want your contractor to refer to when sizing your new HVAC equipment.

• Are there any rebates available? Many companies consider this a hassle. Paperwork, delayed payment, etc can deter them from doing the right thing. Always ask or do your research. WIth the many rebates available currently, you can purchase higher efficiency units at the same cost as the lower efficient units for the same net cost!

• What energy efficiency should I choose? Discuss all your options with the contractor and figure out your return on investment for more costly but also more efficient furnaces so you can make an informed decision.

• What about warranties? Compare warranty options between units. Get any guarantees from the contractor in writing.

• Will someone come and inspect my system? It’s common practice for the contractor to revisit your home about one month after installation to verify the furnace is working correctly.

• What maintenance should I perform? Taking good care of your furnace after it’s installed will help it perform efficiently and last years longer. Learn about changing the filter and sign up for a maintenance agreement.

Air Assurance is a reputable, affordable contractor in Broken Arrow. To start the process of installing a new furnace, contact us 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

Furnace Replacement: An Easy Buyer's Guide

If you’re facing a furnace replacement this year, you can use this easy buyer’s guide to help you through the process. Homeowners can get bogged down in the details when selecting a furnace, but with these three key factors in mind, you can confidently select a system that will work with your home’s needs, and provide energy savings and comfort for many years to come.  For 2012, you can even take advantage of the money given by ONG, PSO, and Lennox to help with the investment cost.  This can be upwards of over $3000 on furnaces alone.SizeIn the past, most furnaces were over-sized to accommodate for drafty homes. That means that your current system might actually be too large for what you now need, especially if you’ve taken steps to increase the seal around your home’s exterior. In any case, under- and over-sized systems cost you, because neither will keep your home comfortable, nor ensure energy efficiency. Make sure your contractor conducts a load calculation to size the system to your home before installing a furnace replacement.EfficiencyWhen choosing a furnace, you should pay close attention to efficiency ratings, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). These ratings are designed to show homeowners how efficiently a system operates, through a percentage that reveals the converted-energy-to-heated-air rate, and how much energy is lost. A high-efficiency system, above 90 AFUE, will get better energy savings, but requires a higher initial investment.FeaturesHigher-efficiency systems include features that allow them to get better AFUE ratings, which ultimately translate into more dollars in your pocket every month. Look for systems that include:

• Variable-speed blowers, which will evenly deliver heated air, and help to manage humidity in the summer.

• Dual- or multi-stage furnaces that have a valve which meters the delivery of fuel to optimize efficiency, depending on the demands of the weather.

• Advanced ignitions that have abandoned the inefficient pilot light in favor of intermittent, hot-surface or direct spark ignitions, which don't carry standby losses.

Selecting a furnace replacement can be easy, if you keep sizing, efficiency, and features in mind. For expert help selecting your next furnace system, contact the area’s leading HVAC experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality -- serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area 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 website to see our current promotions and get started today!