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.

What Types of Home Insulation Can You Get This Winter?

If you're working on combating drafts and improving the efficiency of your HVAC system, you have likely come across several types of home insulation. How do you know which option for home insulation is right for your needs? Here are some of the benefits of different types of home insulation.

Fiberglass Insulation

If you are dealing with an area that is easy to reach and does not have nooks to fill in, fiberglass insulation may be the right choice for you. Fiberglass insulation tends to be less expensive than other options, and the installation process is simple enough for a homeowner to take on the job themselves. Fiberglass is the traditional insulation option that many homeowners think of when they are working on insulating their home against the cold.

Sprayed Foam

Areas that are hard to reach or have an irregular shape that makes other insulation materials more difficult to install efficiently and effectively can benefit from the use of sprayed foam. This type of foam insulation is applied via a spray that then expands to create a seal against air leaks. While sprayed foam tends to be a more expensive option when it comes to home insulation, it is also one of the most effective options.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is made from plant fibers and comes in several forms that are applied differently depending on which option you choose. Loose-fill cellulose is an option that is used in older homes, as it can be blown into existing walls to provide a protective layer against drafts. While other types of cellulose insulation are applied wet, loose-fill cellulose is dry when it is blown into the wall. No matter what form is used, cellulose insulation is a cost-effective option due to its lower cost when compared with spray foam.

To learn more about the different types of insulation and how they can work for your home, contact Air Assurance today. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.

Tips for Winterizing Your Home During Cold Weather

Cold weather will be here before you know it. Don’t wait until it arrives to get your Broken Arrow home ready. Take steps now by using the following helpful tips for winterizing your home.

Schedule Heating-System Maintenance While Winterizing Your Home

Your furnace or heat pump needs routine maintenance to make sure it runs efficiently and safely. Gas furnaces can have buildup that needs to be cleaned to prevent safety issues. Set up an HVAC maintenance visit before you start using your heating system this season.

Find and Seal Gaps While Winterizing Your Home

Gaps and cracks make it easy for cold winter air to get into your home. It might flow in through openings around doors and windows, for example. Add weatherstripping to these areas or replace existing weatherstripping that’s worn. Seal up other gaps in your home exterior to keep cold air out and hot air in.

Check Insulation While Winterizing Your Home

Insulation in your attic helps keep heated air in your living space. Otherwise, it can escape through the roof. This causes you to use your heating system more and more, leading to wear and tear and higher utility bills. Add insulation to your attic if you don’t have enough in there.

Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors While Winterizing Your Home

Check carbon monoxide detectors this season. These detectors alert you immediately if carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly, is leaking inside your home. These leaks can be life-threatening, so making sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working is essential.

Change Air Filters While Winterizing Your Home

Put new air filters into your HVAC system, especially if you haven’t changed them in a while. This helps ensure that your heating system can work efficiently while also improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). Check your air filters again during winter to see if they need to be replaced.

If you need help winterizing your home, such as with HVAC maintenance or adding insulation, contact Air Assurance. We offer dependable HVAC services for homeowners in and around Broken Arrow.

What to Do If Your Home Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

Few things can make life in your Broken Arrow home more frustrating and uncomfortable in the winter than a furnace that's blowing cold air. Several issues could cause your furnace to act up in this way. Keep reading to learn more about these issues with cold air and what you can do to restore normal functioning to your furnace.

Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat is set to "On" rather than "Auto," the furnace fan will run continuously, including when your furnace isn't producing heat. As a result, the system may circulate cool air between the heating cycles. Change the thermostat fan setting to "Auto" to ensure that the blower runs only during the heating cycles.

Clogged Air Filter

An air filter clogged with airborne pollutants restricts airflow and can lead to overheating and short-cycling of the furnace. If your furnace is blowing cold air and your thermostat has been set correctly, you may need to remove and clean (or replace) your filter.

The Pilot Light Has Gone Out

If your gas furnace has a pilot light and is blowing cold air, the reason could be that the pilot light has gone out. If you've set your thermostat correctly and see that there's no flame when you check the pilot light assembly, you'll need to relight the pilot flame. Furnace instruction kits usually have details on how to check and relight the pilot light.

Flame-Sensor Problems

A flame sensor that's worn out or covered in dust, dirt, and grime will make your furnace shut off because of its inability to detect the burner flame correctly. Cleaning the flame sensor may solve the issue. You may also need to have the sensor replaced.

Leaky Ductwork

Cracks and holes will allow warm air to escape and cold air to enter your ductwork and be circulated throughout your home. Duct sealing will eliminate these leaks.

Clogged Condensate Drain Lines

The latest furnace models have condensate lines to help remove excess moisture. Your furnace may not work properly if there's a blockage in the lines. It's best to have an HVAC professional clean clogged furnace-drain lines.

If your furnace is blowing cold air despite your best efforts to rectify the issue, don't hesitate to contact an HVAC professional. Don't forget that furnace maintenance will help you avoid this and many other problems. Contact Air Assurance if you need furnace installation, repair, or maintenance in the Broken Arrow area.

tulsa tankless - water heater services

tulsa tankless - water heaters

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

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

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

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

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

More Benefits Of tulsa Tankless Water Heaters

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

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

Tankless Water Heater Installation

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

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

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

Getting Your Home's Furnace Ready for Fall and Winter

Is your furnace ready for another northeastern Oklahoma winter? Low temperatures during winter months here average around 28 degrees. That’s definitely a good reason to prepare your furnace to keep the house cozy. It’s also important to ensure that your furnace is operating up to specifications to ensure maximum energy efficiency and low operating costs, as well as safety. As the weeks pass and temperatures drop, here are some tips to get your furnace ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store this winter.

Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance

Now’s the time of year to schedule a furnace checkup with a qualified professional HVAC technician to get your furnace ready for colder weather. This procedure is critical to ensure that all heating components are fully operational and meet industry criteria for reliable operation, as well as economical use. This service also includes vital tests to confirm that all functions are operating safely. Also, if your heating components are still under warranty, annual professional maintenance is likely also specified in the terms.

Verify Programmed Thermostat Settings

It’s a good idea to run through the thermostat settings to make sure they're correct. It’s not unusual that someone might have altered the settings last winter or that conditions in the home, such as the number and temperature preference of occupants, have changed.

Replace the System Air Filter

Your HVAC air filter is ready for replacement after this hot summer. A clean, fresh filter helps your furnace operate up to the manufacturer’s energy-efficiency specs, as well as ensuring that warm air effectively circulates throughout all the rooms in your home. The Environmental Protection Agency, as well as most furnace manufacturers, recommend installing a new air filter every 60 to 90 days.  

Protect the Outdoor AC Component

Once you’re certain you won’t be operating your central air conditioner until spring rolls around, consider covering the outdoor unit to protect it from potential weather extremes, as well as accumulation of dead leaves, falling icicles, and animals that might try to take shelter inside the unit. 

For professional service to get your furnace ready for winter weather, contact the HVAC pros at Air Assurance.

What Is the Best Sleep Temperature in Colder Weather?

Do you have trouble sleeping? Many people do for various reasons. One of the main reasons — and one you may not have heard of — has to do with temperature. It turns out that sleep temperature is best when it's on the low side.

Melatonin Rules

Most of us live in houses where the heating can be on the warm side in winter. Unfortunately, making the house warmer can inhibit our brain's production of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps us fall asleep, and in addition to being produced when the temperature is cooler, it's also produced when the light diminishes, as in a natural setting. A cool, dark, quiet setting — one not jazzed up by TV light or noise from your phone — is more natural and apt to be more conducive to good sleep because it fosters melatonin production. 

Ideal Sleep Temperature

Setting the thermostat at a cooler temperature can promote good sleep. A temperature of around 65 degrees is ideal. Actually, the best temperature for sleeping could be anywhere from 60 to 72 degrees. If that seems a bit chilly, you can always add a blanket. In the winter, keeping the thermostat at this cooler temperature will also help you save money on the utility bill.

In summertime, however, it may be a little more costly to keep the interior of your home at 72 degrees or lower. That's when it's important to keep the window shades, blinds, or drapes closed in the daytime to cut down on solar radiation. Keeping the sun from shining into the home can go a long way toward cutting back on your utility bill in the summer. A window unit might also help. 

Sleeping in a colder room, where your brain is producing more melatonin, has actual health benefits. When your sleep temperature is lower, you'll be less restless and more likely to sleep without waking. Sleeping in a warm (and humid) environment can contribute to a decrease in slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, both of which we need for better health.

For more on sleep temperature, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

The Real Differences Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump

When looking for the perfect heating system for your Broken Arrow home, you'll need to choose between a furnace and a heat pump. Let's help you out by breaking down their major differences.

How They Work

Most furnaces burn natural gas, propane, or oil to generate heat and blow it into your house. On the other hand, heat pumps don't generate heat or use fuel sources. They use electricity to move heat energy from outside into your home.

Due to how heat pumps work, they may not provide enough heat when the outdoor temperatures are too low. As a result, they're ideal for milder climates. Furnaces produce heat by themselves, providing greater heating ability in harsher winter conditions.

Furnaces only heat your home. Heat pumps can reverse how they work in the summer, collecting heat from your home and transferring it outside. As a result, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling.

Both heat pumps and furnaces include filters that you can replace easily. Typical heat pumps have an indoor and outdoor unit. Furnaces typically don't require an outdoor unit. However, they're frequently paired with central AC units.

Energy Efficiency

Scientifically, highly efficient heat pumps are more energy efficient than highly efficient furnaces. A heat pump can transfer more energy than it uses. At peak performance, the system can take a single unit of electricity to move as much as three units of heat into your house. As a result, it can be up to 300% efficient. On the other hand, highly efficient furnaces can have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of around 98%.

In warmer climates, a highly efficient heat pump typically uses less energy than a gas furnace. However, in colder climates, a highly efficient gas furnace, such as one with an AFUE of 95% or higher, performs better than even an Energy Star-certified heat pump.

An HVAC professional can provide more help with choosing between a furnace and a heat pump, considering several factors like your individual needs, efficiency comparisons, and lifetime operating costs. If you need help with navigating different heating and cooling options or have problems with your current HVAC system in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact us at Air Assurance.

Does Air Quality Improve During the Colder Months?

You might think air quality is better when the weather is colder. It would seem that warm air encourages pollution, but that's not so, say the experts. It turns out that various factors are at play to make cold air more polluted than warmer air. Let's see what they are and what that means for your breathing when you're outside. Cold, polluted air can also have an effect on your indoor air quality.

Why Cold Air Is More Polluted

It has to do with the fact that cold air sinks and warm air rises. Cold air is denser, with less space between the molecules of air. When there is a plunge in temperature, warm air is forced to pass over a blanket of cold air. This cold air keeps a cap on the environment, and pollutants can't escape and disperse. 

Being denser than warm air, this cold blanket of air moves slowly. Thus, cold air traps pollution and keeps it in place. In fact, it keeps it in place much longer than in the summer. 

Most efforts in this country to reduce air pollution have been focused on the summer. Smog is actually a greater concern in our bigger cities during winter.

Rainfall can also have an effect on pollution. When it rains, the pollution is washed away; after a summer storm, the air is nice and clean. In the winter, the same thing can happen, but it tends to rain less in the wintertime. 

In the wintertime, we also leave our vehicles running for longer periods so they can warm up. This adds to pollution, as does the greater use of HVAC equipment, both residential and commercial.

What's more, in the home, we tend to keep doors and windows closed in the winter. This allows airborne pollutants to build up until the home's air quality is very poor. The only way to improve it if you can't open windows or doors is to install some type of ventilation. 

Want to know more about how temperature affects air quality? Contact Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area. 

How to Properly Clean All the Air Vents in Your Home

Having dusty air vents can affect the air quality in your home and your HVAC system’s efficiency. Cleaning these vents helps improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy efficiency. Keep reading to find out how to effectively clean these vents throughout your Broken Arrow home.

What You’ll Need for Cleaning

To get your air vents clean, you’ll need soap and water, clean rags or cloths, a cleaning brush, a vacuum cleaner, a broom, and a screwdriver.

Turn Off the HVAC System

You don’t want your HVAC system running while you’re trying to clean the vents. Turn it off until you’re done cleaning and the vents are back in place.

Remove Vent Covers

Use a screwdriver to take off the vent covers. You can clean them room by room or put them in a pile and go through them one by one. Just make sure you know where each vent cover goes.

Wash, Brush, or Wipe Vent Covers

For light dust or debris, you can use a dry, clean cloth to wipe them clean. You can also use a cleaning brush to remove more stubborn debris. If your vent covers have a lot of debris, clean them with soap and water and then wipe them dry with a clean cloth.

Vacuum Air Vents and Grills

Vacuum inside each air vent to remove dust and debris. You can also use your vacuum cleaner to clean any grills that are on ceilings. Watch for dust falling down onto you if you do this.

Replace Vent Covers

When all vent covers are dry, put them back in place using your screwdriver.

Turn Your HVAC System On

You can now run your HVAC system again. You should notice better efficiency and have healthier air.

How Often to Clean Air Vents

You should clean your vents every few months to prevent dust and debris from building up. Remember to also change your air filters for even cleaner air.

If you need air duct cleaning done by a professional, please contact  Air Assurance. Our HVAC team can eliminate dust and debris from the ductwork in your Broken Arrow home so you have cleaner air.

Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

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

Needs flushing.

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

Has a broken dip tube.

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

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

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

Is too small.

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

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

How Often Should You Schedule Your Home HVAC Service?

Many homeowners are rather casual when it comes to preventative maintenance on their HVAC system. All too many homeowners tend to wait until there is trouble before calling for a checkup. That's not necessarily the best way to keep your HVAC running right. With a piece of equipment as expensive as your HVAC, you want to catch little problems before they become big problems.

Let's have a look at what the industry recommends when it comes to HVAC service.

Spring and Fall HVAC Service

Most experts recommend twice-yearly visits from the HVAC technician. In spring, we call for maintenance on the air conditioner; in fall, we call for maintenance on the heating equipment. We want to be sure that any potential problems are discovered before the triple-digit days of summer arrive or we're plunged into the frigid depths of winter storms. The last thing you want is a failed HVAC system in the middle of a serious weather event.

Other Benefits of Preventative HVAC Service

Besides circumventing breakdowns, there are other benefits of preventative maintenance. The most obvious is that you can keep your equipment running in good order for years, extending its life beyond your best expectations. Should you decide to sell your house, you will also have a track record that shows that your HVAC equipment has been well maintained. So, even if it's older, you have the benefit of showing you've been conscientious about keeping it up to speed.

Furthermore, your HVAC system will run more efficiently when it's well maintained. Without regular maintenance, you may be missing out on minor repairs that could bring you greater efficiency and less energy usage.

Maintenance Checklist

In spring, your HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Clean evaporator and condenser coils 

• Check the refrigerant level

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections

• Examine the condensate drain and pan

• Calibrate the thermostat

• Clean and fine-tune the air handler and blower for adequate airflow

In fall, the HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Change filter

• Clean burners

• Check the gas line

• Clean the air handler

• Check the thermostat

• Inspect heat exchanger

Questions on HVAC service? Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

What Are the Top HVAC Energy Wasters in Your Home?

Do rising electricity costs make you dread opening your monthly power bill? The biggest consumer of energy in your home is your HVAC system, so if you want to save money, that's the place to start. Fortunately, there are a few simple changes that can help enormously. Here are some of the top HVAC energy wasters in your home and what to do about them.

• Clogged air filter. As dust builds up in your filter, it's harder for air to get through it. Thus, the system has to work harder and run longer, running up your energy bill. Check the filter monthly and replace it regularly to keep air flowing properly. You can also keep it from getting clogged quickly by dusting and vacuuming your home regularly to reduce dirt and other contaminants and, in turn, limit one of the top HVAC energy wasters.

• Leaky ducts. It doesn't matter how well air flows through your system if that same air is still leaking out before it can reach your home. Pinhole leaks in your ductwork can cause energy losses of up to 30%, making them one of the top HVAC energy wasters. Look for leaks, holes, and other ductwork issues and seal them up with metal tape or mastic sealant (not duct tape).

• Thermostat settings. The lower your AC setting and the higher your furnace temperatures, the more energy you use. Turning the thermostat up or down a few degrees can make a world of difference. It's recommended you set your thermostat at 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter to balance comfort and energy usage.

• Thermostat programming. A programmable thermostat is one of the best tools for energy savings. Turning your HVAC system off entirely when you leave the house results in extreme temperatures and a lot more energy spent getting your home back to your comfort setting. A programmable thermostat lets you turn the temperature up or down a few degrees when you leave home or when you return, saving money and energy.

To keep HVAC energy wasters out of your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We help HVAC systems run comfortably and efficiently throughout the Broken Arrow area.

Ways You Can Protect Your Pipes from Colder Weather

Broken Arrow's cold winter weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst, leading to flooding and damage to your property. Fortunately, you can protect your pipes and your home from damage by taking the right steps. Here are some valuable tips to help you prevent your pipes from freezing.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulate cold- and hot-water pipes in the unheated areas of your home with products made specifically for pipes, such as pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, and thermostatically controlled heat cables. Newspaper and old towels can also provide some form of insulation for exposed water pipes.

Consider adding insulation to your attic, basement, and crawl space to keep temperatures higher in those areas.

Secure Your Outdoor Hoses, Faucets, and Valves

Before winter is upon you, ensure that you disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close the indoor valves supplying your outdoor hose bibs. Open those hose bibs to drain water from them.

Keep Your Thermostat Settings Consistent

Quick temperature drops and setting the thermostat too low are common factors behind frozen pipes. You can protect your pipes from freezing by setting your thermostat to the same temperature during day and night.

Open Cabinet Doors

Opening bathroom- and kitchen-cabinet doors allows warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes and appliances under sinks and close to exterior walls.

Let Water Trickle

A precautionary measure you should take when it's frigid outside is to allow cold water to drip from the faucet connected to exposed pipes. That helps protect pipes from freezing.

Protect Pipes Before Traveling

You'll need to take some measures to avoid worrying about your plumbing while on vacation. You can turn your heating system down (but not off) to prevent your pipes from freezing while you're away. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to help protect pipes.

Check and change your thermostat batteries if necessary before leaving. It's also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check your home regularly to see if the air is sufficiently warm to prevent frozen pipes.

Don't forget to add these preventive measures to your home-maintenance checklist for winter to protect pipes from freezing and causing property damage. If you need any plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the professionals with more than 50 years of experience at Air Assurance.

Water Heater Shopping? Consider What It'll Cost You First

LOOKING FOR SUPERIOR PLUMBING SERVICES - TULSA

When shopping for a new water heater, first you need to know which factors impact the total amount you will spend from the purchase price to installation. The costs can have wide variations depending on the type you choose and the condition of current plumbing connections.Each installation is different and can incur different costs.

• Consider whether your replacement will be a storage tank unit or a tankless unit. Will you need more than one tankless unit to meet your family's water demands?

• Will you be using natural gas or electricity?

• Are current connections up to code?

• What will it take to make sure your new unit operates safely and effectively?

Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement

Think of this: you've just gotten in the shower, and your water pressure is low. In addition, it's taking a longer amount of time for your water to heat up. The hot shower you've been longing for turns into an icy race to rinse off.

The culprit? A water heater is on its way out. Other things that can happen are unexpected leaks from your water heater. You may visit your utility room only to find a small flood around your water heater, signaling trouble.

Other signs of a water heater in need of replacement are poor water quality, a temperature that frequently fluctuates, and the overall age of your appliance.

On average, a maintained water heater should last you anywhere from 8 to 12 years. After that, you should be looking into a new water heater system.

Many times, looking at the cost you see at the Big Box stores do not cover the entire cost once installation is performed.  Items such as local permits/inspections, along with new updated connections, safety/code requirements, and warranties are not considered until after you have purchased the unit.  It has been our experience that once all these are factored, the actual end resulting cost are very similar. Hiring a qualified, licensed plumbing professional to install your new water heater might save you money down the road, and headaches now. The professional knows the local plumbing requirements and is educated in making sure your new unit is working properly. Installation can be a safety risk. If not installed properly, your family could be in danger. If you want more expert advice before shopping for a water heater, or other home comfort needs for your Greater Tulsa Metropolitan Area home or business, contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing 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).

The Advantages of Having a Wi-Fi Thermostat in Your Home

Just like other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the Wi-Fi thermostat has revolutionized temperature customization and convenience. You can control this programmable thermostat using your computer or smartphone via the internet. Keep reading to learn more about the top benefits of installing a Wi-Fi thermostat in your Broken Arrow home.

Control the Thermostat Remotely

A smart thermostat lets you control your home's temperature remotely. You can adjust your home's heating and cooling schedule to make your HVAC system run less strongly when you're at work or on vacation or when nobody's home. This remote control also allows you to return your home to your preferred temperature just before you come back.

Monitor HVAC Energy Usage and Maintenance

Wi-Fi thermostats collect data that helps users learn about their energy usage. From this data, you can determine the measures you should take to reduce heating and cooling costs further. A Wi-Fi thermostat can also analyze your operating data to establish when to send service reminders, such as when to inspect and replace your air filters.

Receive Alerts

A Wi-Fi thermostat sends alerts when your house is too cold, too hot, or when the HVAC system is malfunctioning. These alerts can come in handy if you own multiple homes, as they allow you to monitor the homes from a distance.

Learns Your Schedule

Many smart thermostats come with movement sensors that can tell when you're at home and active — they can even determine the rooms where you spend the most time. These thermostats can learn your schedule and habits over time and then create a heating and cooling schedule based on that information. As a result, you won't even need to program these devices yourself.

Significant Savings

According to reports from the EPA's federal Energy Star program and several HVAC manufacturers, smart thermostats can save you as much as 15% on heating and AC costs.

A Wi-Fi thermostat can simplify your life, improve energy efficiency, extend your HVAC system's life span, and save money. However, it's important to have the thermostat installed by an HVAC professional to make sure it is connected properly and that it functions as expected. For more information on these thermostats, contact Air Assurance. We've provided system installations and repairs to Broken Arrow-area homeowners for over 35 years.

The Effects of Not Changing Your AC Filters Regularly

Changing your AC filters is an important part of keeping your HVAC equipment in good shape, but it’s easy to forget to do it. What happens if you don’t replace your AC filters regularly? Learn more about how filters that are dirty or worn can affect your Broken Arrow home.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Air filters remove pollen, dust, and other harmful particles from your home’s indoor air. However, they need to be clean in order to do this effectively. When you have dirty filters, they won’t be able to trap these particles and stop them from getting into various parts of your home through your vents. This results in lower indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Higher Energy Bills

Clean filters help ensure that your HVAC system has good airflow and runs as efficiently as possible. When these filters become dirty, this forces your AC to run more often and work harder to cool your home. Since it’s using more energy, this can cause your electric bills to increase significantly.

HVAC Damage

Airflow problems can lead to serious damage to your HVAC system. Keep in mind that clogged or dirty filters can result in damage to many parts of your HVAC equipment, resulting in costly repairs. Clean filters help prevent damage and excessive wear and tear.

Shorter HVAC Life Span

Damage from dirty air filters can shorten the life span of your equipment. This means you’ll need to replace the whole system sooner than expected. Changing filters regularly helps ensure that your HVAC system reaches its normal life span.

When to Change Your AC Filters

How often should you change filters to prevent problems in your home? You should check them once a month to see if they’re clogged or dirty. Replace them with new filters if needed. At a minimum, you should plan to replace your filters every few months. However, you might need to do this more often if you have pets or if anyone in your home smokes.

If you need HVAC maintenance or recommendations for AC filters, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team in Broken Arrow can help ensure that your equipment runs efficiently.

Buying a New Furnace? Here’s What You Should Know.

Having a reliable and efficient furnace can help ensure that your Broken Arrow home stays cool and your energy bills stay low. When you plan on buying a new furnace, how do you know what to get? Consider the following factors when choosing a furnace for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Look for a furnace that offers high efficiency, which will help keep your energy usage and bills low. Furnaces that use gas, oil, or propane have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings that tell you how efficient they are. You can also check the EnergyGuide label on furnaces to learn more about their energy efficiency.

Furnace Size

This refers to heating capacity rather than the actual physical size of the furnace. An HVAC expert can determine the right-size furnace for your home to make sure you get enough heat based on your home's size and other factors.

Furnace Type

You can choose from electric, gas, oil, or propane furnaces. Although it’s easier to stick with the same type as your current furnace, you can have a different type installed if you desire. For example, you can switch from a gas furnace to an electric furnace.

Blower Type

Single-speed, multispeed, and variable-speed blower types are available. Variable-speed furnaces offer the highest amount of efficiency. Single-speed blowers are on or off, while multispeed blowers run on low, medium, or high.

Burner Type

Single-stage, two-stage, and modulating burners are your options when purchasing a new furnace. Modulating burners offer the most efficiency. This type can adjust levels from off to high. Single-stage burners are either on or off, while dual-stage burners can run on low or high.

Budget

When choosing a new furnace, consider your budget. In general, electric furnaces have lower installation costs and tend to cost less upfront than natural gas furnaces. However, gas furnaces tend to generate less-expensive heating bills than electric furnaces do.

If you’re ready to choose a new furnace and schedule installation, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC experts can help you select the right furnace for your home.

How You Can Know Exactly What HVAC Size Your Home Needs

When you’re purchasing a new HVAC system, getting a correctly sized unit is important. Having the ideal HVAC size for your home helps ensure optimal efficiency, which keeps your energy bills down. Keep reading to learn more about choosing the best size for an HVAC system in your Broken Arrow home.

The Importance of Size

The size of your HVAC system determines how efficiently it cools your home. One that’s too small will run all the time without making your home comfortable. A system that’s too big will turn on and off frequently, which leads to excessive wear and tear. You’ll also have higher energy bills if you have an HVAC system that can’t work as efficiently as it should.

Determine the Right Size

How big should your HVAC system be? You might think it only depends on how big your home is. However, figuring out the right HVAC size involves several factors in addition to your home’s square footage. You’ll also need to consider how much direct sunlight your home gets, how good your insulation is, and what condition your ductwork is in. Other factors to consider include how many people live in your home, how much heat your appliances generate, and what condition your windows and exterior doors are in. Finding the right HVAC size also depends on what materials your home is made of and what the local climate is like. Keep in mind that certain features, such as a fireplace, can affect your home's indoor temperature.

Get Professional HVAC Help

With so many factors to take into consideration, determining what size HVAC system you should get can be confusing. The experts at Air Assurance can help you determine the ideal HVAC size to keep your home comfortable without running up your energy bills. Our experts can help ensure that you don’t get an HVAC system that’s too big or too small for your home.

If you need help finding the right HVAC size, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team can help you choose a new HVAC system and install it in your Broken Arrow home.