The Best Ways to Improve Your Home's Value Through HVAC Upgrades

Although it’s not a showy or obvious improvement, making HVAC upgrades to your home could pay off should you want to sell your house down the road. Even though your system still functions, replacing it might be a sound investment, especially if it’s more than 10 years old or has required excessive repairs.

Homebuyers look at HVAC systems as an essential, must-have component of homes. If yours is compromised in any way, a prospective buyer may not even consider your home as a possibility. Being able to list HVAC upgrades on the features’ list can give potential buyers the incentive to prioritize your home over others they’re seeing. 

The National Association of Realtors surveys home buyers annually and has found that new HVAC upgrades have one of the highest rates of return compared to other home renovations. They report that the rate of return is 71%, which ranks above many that cost much more than a new HVAC system.

Best HVAC Upgrades

Our region requires both heating and cooling to maintain comfort. Since buyers put a high value on energy efficiency, it makes sense to make HVAC upgrades that deliver savings. The best system for your home depends on its floor plan and its heating and cooling load, which an HVAC pro can help you discover.

Besides the size of the system, you’ll also have different types of HVAC upgrades from which to choose, such as:

• Zoning systems for sprawling, ranch-style or two-story homes.

• Ductless mini-splits for homes with additions.

• High-efficiency systems that meet the Department of Energy’s Energy Star or most-efficient requirements.

Each of these types of systems might help your home qualify as energy efficient, a designation that helps homebuyers receive more favorable financing. In fact, the DOE and the U.S. Green Building Council have found that people are willing to pay more for a home with high-efficiency HVAC upgrades. As a homeowner, you may also qualify for incentives to install high-efficiency equipment. 

The pros at Air Assurance can evaluate your current home and system to see which HVAC upgrades could add value to your Broken Arrow home. Please contact us today to learn more. 

Different HVAC Types and Their Benefits

Driven to boost the efficiency levels in American homes and businesses, the HVAC industry over the last decade has revolutionized HVAC equipment so that it runs cleaner, more efficiently and delivers greater comfort than ever. If you're poised to replace your HVAC system and are planning to shop around among the various HVAC types, read this brief summary on the latest trends.

1. Forced Air/Central Air

The most common type of heating and cooling system, forced air/central air has come a long way. Air is heated or cooled and then delivered through a system of ducts, and distributed through various vents and registers. New technology has vastly improved this type of system, and includes condensing furnaces, modulating air handler fans, scrolling compressors, as well as smart thermostats so you can adjust the temperature when you're away.

2. Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are taking more market share in the cooling and heating industry, as their ability to heat in colder climates is improved. Heat pumps move warm air from the outdoors into the home to heat it, then move warm air from the home outside to cool it. Heat pumps are efficient and clean to run. They generally employ ductwork to distribute conditioned air. Some efficient features available for heat pumps are two- or variable-speed motors for air handlers; two-speed or scrolling compressors to regulate output and backup burners to boost the heat pump's ability to heat during cooler weather.

3. Ductless Mini Splits

As the name implies, ductless mini splits don't require ducts, bur distribute air through air handlers placed around the house. They are a kind of heat pump, so are efficient and clean to run. These are a good choice for a home that has never had ductwork installed.

4. Geothermal systems

Geothermal systems are heat pumps that move heat from the ground or water source into the home for heating and out of the home for cooling. The configuration of your property will be a factor in determining if you can accommodate a geothermal system.

For more on the various HVAC types, contact Air Assurance.

Ductless Systems are Perfect for Home Additions

When adding a new addition to your home, one of the most important considerations is how to most efficiently heat and cool this new space. In this situation, a ductless system can play a superior role. Here is how.

What is a Ductless System?

Ductless heating and cooling systems, sometimes called mini-split systems, consist of an outdoor condenser and an indoor unit containing the evaporator and air handler. A refrigerant line and cables connect the two units through a hole in an exterior wall.Ductless systems operate similarly to central air. The biggest difference is that there is no need for ductwork. Refrigerant travels from the compressor to the indoor unit, which is usually mounted on an exterior wall. In the cooling mode, as air circulates through the indoor unit it moves over the evaporator coils and loses heat. The cooled air is then blown directly into the room.

Why it's Perfect for Additions

When you add a new space to your home, the heating and cooling load automatically changes. This means that the current HVAC system will lose efficiency if you simply extend ductwork to the new space. Buying a brand new, larger HVAC system just because you have added new area to your home can be very costly. A mini-split system is a more efficient and a less expensive option, especially if you account for the extra ductwork you would otherwise need, the heating and cooling load calculations that would need to be performed and the price of installing a new whole-home system.A mini-split system is also easy to install and easily customized to meet the requirements of new additions. Each comes with its own thermostat so you can adjust the heating or cooling according to the particular needs of the new space. In addition, each outdoor unit of a mini-split can support several indoor air handlers. If you add more rooms later on, you don’t have to purchase full mini-split systems each time.

For more about getting a ductless system for your Broken Arrow 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “DoublePHOTO studio/Shutterstock”

Consider Installing Ductless Mini Splits in Your Home

A central HVAC system is the most common way to keep a home comfortable year-round, but it’s not always feasible, especially in older homes without pre-existing ductwork. A ductless mini split system could be a solution to this problem, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

How Ductless Systems Keep Your Home Warm

A ductless mini split system uses the same technology that makes it possible for central HVAC systems to provide reliable warmth to your living spaces. Ductless heat pumps pull latent heat from outdoor air and transfer that heat into your home.Ductless heat pumps can also be paired with radiant panels, hydronic and other supplemental heating systems for those periods when temperatures drop below freezing.

Reasons to Consider Installing One

Ductless systems are ideal in cases where installing a duct system for a central HVAC system would either be cost prohibitive or simply impossible. Older homes and small apartments can definitely benefit from having a ductless system installed, since there’s no ductwork needed.

Ductless systems also offer better security than window-mounted air conditioner units. Instead of having an A/C unit occupy an entire window, a ductless air handler only needs a small hole for its plumbing to pass through. This removes a rather common entry point for burglars.Last but not least, most ductless heating and cooling systems are easier and less expensive to install than a traditional central HVAC system. Ductless systems also use less energy, translating into big savings for homeowners.

To learn more about installing a ductless system in your home, contact Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow area for 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Gladskikh Tatiana/Shutterstock”

The Ductless Mini Split: All The Advantages Of A Heat Pump, And Then Some

When space for HVAC system installation is at a premium, but you still want all the benefits of a heat pump, consider installing a ductless mini split. These more compact heat pumps are just as powerful as a full-size system, but offer unique benefits all their own.

• Easier installation: Mini splits are easier to install because they don't need a large duct network for air distribution. While the outdoor unit of a ductless mini split is about the same size as that of a regular heat pump, the indoor components are much smaller in size and are not restricted by being connected to a duct system. Up to four indoor air handling units are connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit than runs through the wall. The conduit houses the power cables, refrigerant lines and the drain for the condenser.

• Freedom of placement: The indoor air handlers of the mini split can be placed almost anywhere in your home, limited only by the length of the connections to the outdoor unit. They can be arranged so that they don't interfere with room design or incorporated into a comfortable home environment.

• Flexibility for zoned heating and cooling: Each indoor unit operates independently of the other, providing a separate thermostat for individualized temperature control. This allows mini splits to be used where they are needed and wanted to provide zoned heating and cooling. Combine one or more in a particular area or spread them out as needed.

• Excellent efficiency: The lack of ductwork in a mini split means there is no chance of efficiency loss because of the air and energy leaks that can occur in ducted arrangements. This improves system efficiency and effectiveness, giving homeowners outstanding levels of home comfort at a lower cost--up to 30 percent less than traditional furnaces and air conditioners.

For more than 30 years, Air Assurance has brought expert HVAC sales, installation and service to customers in and around Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Contact us for more information on ductless mini split heat pump systems and how one can work for your northeastern Oklahoma home.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

Ductless Mini Splits -- Simple Installation And Maintenance

Ductless mini splits are an ideal solution for homeowners who need a low-cost way to add heating and cooling to their home, without the added expense that extending or retrofitting ductwork requires. In addition, homeowners benefit from a simple installation process and low-maintenance system.How it worksA ductless mini split is generally comprised of one outdoor unit, which houses the condenser, and at least one indoor air handler, but you can choose to install up to four air handlers. The outdoor and indoor units are connected by a central conduit, which includes the power supply, refrigerant tube and condensate drain.InstallationInstalling the system is relatively easy. To connect the indoor air handler to the outdoor unit, your HVAC contractor will only need to drill a small hole in the room where the air handler is installed. Additionally, the air handler can be mounted in a variety of locations, including on a wall or ceiling, or you can choose a standing floor model. While installation is a simple process, it’s also flexible, because the indoor and outdoor units can be installed as far as 50 feet away from each other.MaintenanceSince ductless mini splits are simply individual heat pumps, their maintenance schedule is similar to what an expert HVAC contractor would do for standard heat pumps. Keeping your system well maintained through annual service checks will help it to operate efficiently and provide optimal comfort.An HVAC technician will perform the following tasks during maintenance:

• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the system for proper operation

• Check the refrigerant charge

• Clear out the condensate drain

• Test the electrical controls

• Inspect the air handler for proper airflow

• Clean the entire system, including the indoor and outdoor coils

In addition to these tasks, your contractor will give special consideration to the conduit line that runs between the outdoor and indoor units to maintain the integrity of the refrigerant, power and drains.Want to take advantage of the benefits that ductless mini splits offer? Talk to the experts at Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality to find out if this unique heating and cooling solution will work for you. We serve residents of the greater Broken Arrow area.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 websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today!     

Get Central Air In Tough-To-Reach Spots Through A Ductless Mini-Split

When adding air conditioning to a new space, such as an addition to your home or a building that was not designed with central air conditioning in mind, you may find it difficult to reach some rooms with traditional air ducts. A central air conditioning system does have its limitations, especially when you are dealing with limited space available for the bulky air handler and ducts. In those cases, ductless mini-splits may provide a solution. From the outside, ductless mini-splits look like any other air conditioning system, as they utilize a single outdoor heat pump or compressor unit. And, on the inside, they also use air-handler units to cool and blow the air, just like in a central air system. The big difference is that instead of one large, central air handler, a ductless mini-split system uses multiple "mini" ones. Instead of being centrally located and distributing the air through ducts, each mini air handler is physically located at the room or rooms it is designed to cool. Since each unit can blow cooled air directly into the room, they are "ductless".The main benefit to this is that ductless mini-splits are easier to install, especially in those tough-to-reach spots. Instead of bulky ducts, mini-splits require only a thin conduit be installed to carry the refrigerant to and from the outdoor unit. The conduits can be as long as 50 feet, allowing you to reach the more distant parts of your house.Ductless mini-splits also provide better comfort, and more control. Since each room or zone has its own independently-controlled cooling unit, with its own thermostat, you can ensure there are no rooms that are too hot or too cold. This also saves energy, as you can adjust the thermostat for rooms that are not currently in use. The lack of ducts also aids in efficiency.In fact, many of these units are 30-50% more efficient than standard central units.These are great for bonus rooms, garages, patio rooms, etc.To learn more about ductless mini-splits, and whether they may be right for your home, contact the Tulsa/Broken Arrow mini-split experts at Air Assurance. We would be happy to answer whatever questions you may have.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.