AC not cooling: AC Issues You'll Encounter

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You really on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable no matter what the weather or time of year. Servicing and maintenance for common HVAC issues is a must, and even the best HVAC systems require professional servicing. By being aware of common HVAC issues, you can know what to expect, what to look for, and when to contact a professional for assistance.

Three Common HVAC Issues

1. Electrical Issues. As with many complex systems, your HVAC system can develop wiring issues. These can be frayed wires, electrical shorts, and other related issues. This can cause unpredictable performance and other issues. Your thermostat is a common part of your HVAC system that can have electrical issues. A bad thermostat makes the operation of your HVAC system unpredictable and, in a worst-case scenario, can make it inoperable.

2. Clogged Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters are one of its most common service items. Over time, dust and other debris can cause your air filters to become clogged. This reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system and also increases stress on various parts, which can shorten the useful life span of your HVAC system.

3. Strange Noises. If your HVAC system is making strange sounds, it can be a sign that an underlying issue needs attention from a professional. If you hear sounds such as banging, squeaking, or rattling, issues can include lose parts or issues with your blower motor. A professional can isolate what is causing these odd sounds and make proper repairs.

When You Need HVAC Service for Common HVAC Issues

At Air Assurance, we strive to provide residents of Broken Arrow and all nearby communities with the best in HVAC service. We help with a variety of HVAC service and repair needs, including regular servicing, repairs, and system replacement and installation. If your HVAC system is not operating correctly or providing the level of performance you expect, contact us today to see how we can help.

What Are the Links Between the AC and Heat Pump?

When the time comes to replace your cooling system, you'll have the option of choosing between an air conditioner and a heat pump. Knowing more about these two systems will help you make a more informed decision. Let's explore the similarities and differences between an AC and heat pump.

How Are They Similar?

Both an AC and heat pump cool your home by removing heat from it and pumping it to a location outside your house. They use compressed refrigerant to absorb indoor heat and move it outside. It's difficult for the average homeowner to tell the difference between the outdoor unit of a heat pump and an AC system.

When running in cooling mode, there's no significant difference between an AC and heat pump with regard to the method of operation, energy costs, and efficiency.

What Are the Differences?

The primary difference between these systems is an air conditioner can't provide heating, whereas a heat pump can cool and heat your home. Heat pumps have a reversing valve in their outdoor unit that reverses their process of operation.

In the colder months, geothermal heat pumps extract heat from a water source or below the ground, whereas air-source heat pumps absorb heat from the air outside. The heat is transferred inside your home and released into your home's air.

A furnace is usually paired with an air conditioner to provide heating. Together, they make a heating and cooling system. The efficiency of air-source heat pumps is affected when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing. The units use more energy to maintain warm indoor temperatures. As a result, you may need a furnace to act as a backup heating system because it's more efficient than an air-source heat pump during extreme temperatures.

When choosing between an AC and heat pump, what's appropriate for you may not be suitable for someone else due to several important factors. For that reason, it's essential to have an HVAC expert evaluate the heating and cooling needs of your house to determine your ideal choice. If you're in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced pros at Air Assurance to handle all your heating and cooling needs.

HVAC Considerations for Hosting Fall Get-togethers

When the seasons change, the possibilities for fall parties abound. Be it a fall harvest festival or Halloween costume party, a football-watching marathon or a German-themed Oktoberfest, you'll want to decorate in style. But in addition to decorations, you'll also want to ensure your guests enjoy maximum comfort during the party. Large gatherings of people can create sometimes stuffy conditions, so be prepared to make some adjustments to your home's temperature.Here are some HVAC considerations that could impact your fall party:

Adjusting the Temperature

Even when it's a bit chilly outdoors, you may find an indoor gathering can generate quite a bit of heat, so be judicious about turning the thermostat up. In fact, you might even have to turn on the air conditioner and some fans to keep things comfy. The last thing you want is guests sweating beneath their makeup and costumes at your Halloween costume party.You've probably also been cooking away the day of the party, so be mindful about how your oven has raised the temperature.

Air Quality

Cooking large quantities of food will not only raise the temperature, but could also diminish the air quality in your home by contributing to higher humidity and odors. Higher humidity will make your home feel warmer. You may need to crack windows and run some fans to improve ventilation if you don't have a dedicated ventilation system.Be sure to change your air filter; a good quality filter will help your air conditioner do a better job of dehumidifying the home. Portable dehumidifiers can help, but a whole-home model will work even better to lower damp conditions.Consider installing a whole-house air cleaner, or even a portable model, to improve air quality. Gas-phased air filters will help diminish odors from many substances, including cigarette smoke.

Whether you use the A/C or it's cold enough to run the furnace, schedule maintenance by an HVAC tech prior to the party so the system is running right for your event.

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

HVAC Basics: What is HVAC?

For some folks, their knowledge of the HVAC system that cools and heats their home is limited to that little white box on the wall that shows temperatures. Yet, knowing some HVAC basics is a great advantage for a homeowner when it comes to handling routine maintenance, conserving energy, and troubleshooting mechanical issues when they arise.

Following is a simple explanation of the most common residential HVAC set-up, the central forced-air heating and cooling system. Typically, this involves a combination of combustion furnace for heating and split-system air conditioner for cooling, though some homes use a heat pump for both heating and cooling. "Split-system" refers to the fact that there's an indoor unit containing an evaporator coil and fan, and an outdoor unit containing a condensing coil, compressor and fan.

The process starts when a furnace blower — or A/C or heat pump air handler — draws household air into the appliance where it's heated or cooled. The fan then blows the now-conditioned air throughout the house via a network of supply ducts and registers. The air returns to the main equipment through return ductwork, where the process repeats itself. In homes with furnaces, the furnace blower typically serves as the blower for the A/C.

You can help this process by taking care of routine maintenance, such as inspecting and changing the air filter when it gets dirty. A clogged filter will impede airflow through the system, forcing the equipment to work harder and consume more energy.

You can also aid your HVAC system by weatherizing your home – sealing air leaks in its outer envelope and making sure insulation is sufficient.

Scheduling annual professional maintenance for each part of your HVAC system (heating and cooling) is also essential. A poorly maintained furnace, A/C or heat pump will struggle to heat or cool your home, waste energy, and eventually experience breakdowns. Consider signing a comprehensive maintenance agreement with your trusted local HVAC contractor.

For more help understanding HVAC basics that can help you maximize comfort and save energy in your Broken Arrow area home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

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

Learn the HVAC Heating Season Lingo

It's winter in Oklahoma, which means heating season. It's important to make sure your furnace is in proper shape and can keep you comfortable without driving up your energy bill. How do you do that? First you need to know the lingo. Here are a few important terms to help you navigate heating season.

AFUE

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The amount of fuel your furnace gives off as heat, vs. the amount given off as exhaust, by percentage. The higher the number, the more efficient your furnace.

CAE

Combined Annual Efficiency. The total efficiency of your furnace combined with that of your water heater, for those who have devices that integrate the two.

Load Calculation

A formula to determine what size furnace you need to heat your home properly — i.e. how much heat it needs to produce — based on your home's square footage, number of rooms, and a variety of other factors. If the furnace is too small, it will be overworked trying to heat your home. If it's too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently. Both situations waste energy and cause your heating system to wear out more quickly.

Heat Pump

An energy-saving alternative to a traditional furnace, it reverses the flow of heat, taking warm air from outside and circulating it through your home. Then in the summer, it acts as an air conditioner to keep your home cool. It's a good option for climates with milder winters.

Dual Fuel

A heating system that can alternate back and forth between electric power and natural gas, to improve efficiency while still maintaining comfort.

Energy Star

The federal program that identifies and labels household appliances that save energy. If you see the blue Energy Star logo on your furnace or heat pump, that means it's been proven to save both money and energy over similar models, without sacrificing performance or features. It's a great place to start when comparing heating systems.

To learn more about the terms you need to know this heating season, contact us at Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow area since 1985.

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

Winter Season Home Safety Precautions

Winter is coming to Oklahoma, and that means practicing winter home safety. Some types of heating systems represent greater hazards than others, so be sure to be up on how to operate yours safely.

Furnace Checkup

At the start of the heating season, perform a few basic tasks, such as checking the furnace filter. A clean filter will help the furnace run more efficiently, promoting good airflow. Also make sure that there are no obstructions around the vents so that heated air can flow without hindrance and warm the room properly.It's always recommended to schedule a furnace checkup by a professional as you start the heating season. Your technician should perform several critical tasks, including these:

• Check thermostat and controls, adjusting if needed.

• Clean and adjust burners and pilot assembly.

• Clean and adjust burners for most efficient operation.

• Check for gas leaks.

• Adjust tension in belts if needed.

• Lubricate moving parts, particularly in the blower.

• Inspect draft pipe and draft diverter.

• Test manifold pressure.

• Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks that might emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless, invisible byproduct of the combustion process.

Electrical Heating

With all types of electrical heating systems, make sure electrical connections are tight and frayed wires replaced. With heat pumps, make sure refrigerant levels are properly charged and that there are no obstructions on the outdoor compressor.

Fireplace

Check fireplace flues and chimneys, ensuring they are clean and clear of obstructions. Keep flammable objects well away from the fireplace. Place a screen cover in front of the flame so that no sparks fly out and start a fire in the living space.

Space Heaters

Keep space heaters a safe distance from furniture, bedding or any other objects that might catch fire. Make sure electrical connections are tight and that cords are not frayed.

Carbon Monoxide Monitors

Install carbon monoxide monitors in your home if you have any combustion-powered appliances. Install them on every floor at least 5 feet from the ground.To learn more about winter home safety, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow and Tulsa at 918-894-5760.

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 winter home safety and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “openclipart-vectors/Pixabay”