Are Snow Melt Systems Right for Your Home?

When snow falls in Broken Arrow, it means you have to get out your shovel to clear off your driveway and other outdoor areas. While shoveling snow is good exercise, it’s also exhausting and even dangerous for some individuals. With snow melt systems, you don’t have to worry about clearing your driveway to make it safer for your loved ones and your car.

How Snow Melt Systems Work

These systems provide a convenient way to keep driveways, patios, and other outdoor areas free of snow and ice by serving as an outdoor heating system. Some systems use electricity to accomplish this, while others use a combination of hot water and antifreeze circulating through a series of tubes and pipes. Snow melt systems sometimes have manual controls that homeowners can turn on and off when needed. Other systems have sensors installed to detect the presence of snow on the surface. When there is enough snow, these systems turn on automatically.

Benefits of a Snow Melt System

A snow melt system offers convenience for you as a homeowner. With one of these systems installed, you won’t need to spend time shoveling snow from your driveway. This is highly beneficial if you have health conditions that make it difficult or dangerous for you to shovel snow. These systems also help keep your driveway safer to drive or walk on by clearing away snow and ice. This helps lower the risk of personal injuries from falling and damage to your car if you slide.

HVAC and Energy Bills

Your snow melt system doesn’t use the same source of heat as your HVAC system, but it can be integrated with it. Keep in mind that running a snow melt system leads to increased energy usage. You can make up for this by lowering your home’s heating bills through routine HVAC maintenance for improved energy efficiency and replacing air filters regularly.If you need more information on snow melt systems, please contact Air Assurance. Keep in mind that our company can also provide your Broken Arrow home with HVAC maintenance and other services this winter.

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 Weather Affects Your Energy Bill

Americans spend about half their annual energy budget on keeping their homes comfortable, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The weather has a big impact on each month’s energy bill. When it’s mild, bills stay low. During extremes, daily energy use climbs.

Temperature and Humidity

The two aspects of summer weather that increases cooling costs include the air temperature and the humidity level. Of the two, it’s faster and easier for your A/C to remove the heat from dry air than it is to cool off hot, humid air. Keeping the humidity out of your home in the summer does help lower its cooling costs and keeps you more comfortable. Besides being energy-intensive to remove, humidity also increases discomfort indoors when it exceeds 50 percent.

The HVAC industry deals with the extra burden that humidity puts on cooling systems by consulting a software resource that identifies cooling systems better suited for humid climates. When replacing your current system, ask the HVAC contractor to verify that the new one can handle the area’s summertime humidity.

What You Can Do

If you find that your energy consumption is higher than you’d like it to be, making improvements that help your home resist heat transfer and air infiltration will help lower your energy bill and increase your comfort. Consider:

• Adding insulation to the attic. The DOE recommends at least 10 inches in the attic for the best thermal control.

• Using the kitchen and bathroom fans. Be careful not to run the fans too long. Although they’re small, they’re capable of pulling a lot of conditioned air out of your home.

• Sealing the air leaks in your home’s exterior to prevent air infiltration that could raise the indoor humidity. Use caulk, expanding foam and weatherstripping around windows and doors, as well as entry points for pipes and wires.

• Using specialty products like chimney pillows to stop air leaks from fireplace chimneys, or self-sealing dryer vents.

If your monthly energy bill seems too high, contact Air Assurance for an HVAC inspection. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Planting Trees Can Lead to HVAC Savings

We all know that shade trees make a difference when it comes to keeping cool in the summertime. But did you know that planting trees can also boost HVAC savings on your energy bill? Read on for how the trees you plant today can earn their keep by saving on your HVAC energy bill in the future.

Keeping Cool With Trees

Shade trees keep the temperature down in your home in two ways. They block solar radiation from entering the home, sure, but they also cool the air around them through a process called transpiration. The trees pull water through the roots, which changes from a liquid to vapor as it is released through the leaves. As the vapor enters the air, a cooling effect takes place. A dense planting of shade trees can cool the air around them by as much as 6 degrees.

Where to Plant Trees

Think carefully about where you want to plant trees. Shorter shade trees work well on the eastern and western sides of the home, since that's where the sun will shine closest to the horizon. Taller trees on the south face of the home offer midday cover and can keep the walls and roof cool.Don't plant trees too close to the home -- 10 to 20 feet away from exterior walls is recommended. Planting trees too close can cause foundation problems. You may also have to do extensive trimming to keep limbs from damaging the roof during storms.

Choosing Trees

If you aren't particularly tree savvy, talk to a nursery professional before you choose trees based on looks alone. Avoid trees that are too fast growing, as these species may be subject to disease or breakage before they grow big enough to shade your home. Ask about maximum height, growth habit and the tree's ability to flourish in the microclimate that your home will provide. Don't choose trees that shed fibers or seeds that might clog your outdoor condenser unit.

We've got more tips on HVAC savings at Air Assurance of 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.

These Household Appliances Affect Your Energy Bills

Many of the causes behind higher monthly energy bills are obvious suspects. Others, however, may be "under the radar" and not often considered. Here are three household appliances that could be consuming more than their fair share of energy and pushing costs higher:

The Refrigerator

It has a big footprint in your kitchen but often doesn’t loom large as a potential cause of higher energy bills. It was 1997 before refrigerators were included in the Department of Energy’s Energy Star standards. Since then, technology to enhance efficiency has been gradually incorporated in new models. Refrigerators manufactured before that year, or early in the time span since, may be operating well below today’s norm when it comes to electrical consumption. If your refrigerator falls in that category, consider upgrading and start saving now.

The Washing Machine

Most washers last 10 years or so. However, if yours is that old or older it may be much less efficient than units manufactured recently. A new efficient clothes washer today will use about 100,000 gallons less water over the upcoming decade than a new washer sold in 2007. Since most of that water is heated by gas or electricity, the new units will cost their owners an estimated $150 less in energy costs per year. Today’s efficient washers also extract water more efficiently, which reduces time in the dryer and also cuts energy expenses.

The HVAC Blower

If your air conditioner and furnace are up-to-date but the blower motor that circulates air is old-school, you may not be getting the full benefit of more efficient HVAC equipment. When the furnace or A/C is running, an outmoded, single-speed PSC (permanent split capacitor) blower fan can account for fully 10 percent of household electrical usage. New, variable-speed ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) blowers are programmed to circulate air across a wide range of output and maintain more consistent indoor temperature. In addition, these highly efficient units use up to 75 percent less power than the old, original-equipment motors.

For more about lesser-known causes of high energy bills, in Broken Arrow ask the pros 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 appliances and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “deeptuts/Pixabay”

Saving on Energy Bills This Summer

Summer will be heating up all too soon in Broken Arrow, and that means turning on the air conditioner and watching your utility bills go up. Fortunately, modern air conditioners are more efficient than ever before. You can save by replacing your old electricity sapper with a new, high-SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) model.But along with replacing old equipment, here are some additional ideas for summer savings:

Efficient Ideas for Summer Savings

1. Install ceiling fans. If you don't already have ceiling fans, install them. Make sure blades are reversible. In the summer, run the fan blades counterclockwise to help lift warm air to the ceiling and disperse the cold air from the A/C around the room. In the winter, run the blades the opposite direction to push heat downwards. Ceiling fans won't make the temperature cooler, but the home's occupants will feel cooler as the air moves over the skin and perspiration evaporates.

2. Keep your air filter changed. Don't push the use of that air filter beyond what the manufacturer recommends. You won't be saving money, but you are probably causing your air conditioner to run inefficiently with a dirty filter that is slowing down air flow.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. To be sure, the programmable thermostat will not make your home more efficient unless you adhere to the schedule you program, but if you abide by an energy-saving schedule, you will save. Turn the thermostat down at least five degrees when the home's occupants are sleeping or away from home.

4. Keep the sunlight out. Draw shades, drapes and blinds to keep passive solar energy out of the home.

5. Keep a lid on humidity. High humidity can make you feel warmer in the summer. Reduce humidity by doing the following:

• Take shorter showers

• Put all indoor plants in one room

• Install bathroom and range hood exhaust ventilation

• Fix leaks as soon as you find them

To learn more about summer savings through efficiency, contact Air Assurance. We serve 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). For more information about saving money and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “gc1366/Pixabay”

Tight Ductwork: Why it's Important

To keep your HVAC system working at its most efficient level, you must have tight ducts. Leaks in your ducts allow energy loss as heated or cooled air leaves the system before it's delivered where it's needed. Uneven or overly high energy bills are a clear sign of leaking ducts. Here's why it's important to keep your ducts tight, and what you can do if you suspect you have an issue.

Tight Ducts Keep Your Home More Efficient and Comfortable

Tight ductwork is crucial for two reasons. First, it keeps your home more comfortable. Leaky ducts can allow heated or cooled energy to escape before it reaches areas of your home, and this can hurt the overall comfort of your home.Second, ducts that leak allow energy to leave the system, and with it the money you've worked hard for. Leaky ducts make your energy bills higher than they should be.

Signs of Ductwork Leaks

So beyond the discomfort or high energy bills, are there any signs that indicate you have a problem with your ducts? These can be signs of ductwork issues that need to be addressed:

• Rattling noises from the ducts

• Uneven heating and cooling throughout the home

• Loud "swoosh" of air flow

While these may or may not indicate a leak, if you're noticing them, you need to talk to a qualified HVAC professional to ensure you don't have a serious problem brewing.

How to Fix a Leak

Fixing a ductwork leak requires the right knowledge and understandings about how these systems work. Duct tape, unfortunately, is all-too-common of a solution, but one that does little real good. Instead, you need to seal leaks with mastic sealant or a quality metal tape designed for the purpose. However, finding the leaks is not always easy, so it's always best to consult with a qualified HVAC professional.

Of you suspect that you might have a leaky duct problem in your Broken Arrow home, contact the Air Assurance team for an evaluation and workable solution. With tighter ducts, you will enjoy a more comfortable and more efficient 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). For more information about tight ductwork and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “byrev/Pixabay”

Lower Energy Bills: A Gift to Yourself This Season

During the holiday season, and wintertime in general, residential heating bills and other energy expenses can go through the roof (sometimes literally). That's why it's crucial to be aware of the energy-saving strategies available to homeowners.Follow these suggestions to enjoy lower energy bills in your Broken Arrow-area home:

• Seal air leaks in your home's outer walls. A substantial amount of warm air can be lost through holes and cracks in the walls, forcing your heating system to work overtime to compensate. Similarly, missing or inadequate insulation can make a warmed-up home lose its heat quickly.

• Consider arranging an energy audit to ascertain where air and heat energy are escaping your home. Once you have that information, you can seal air leaks with caulking or weatherstripping, and upgrade insulation where necessary.

• Adjust ceiling fans so their blades are rotating clockwise (the opposite of summertime rotation). This pushes air upward instead of downward, and redistributes warm air that floats around near the ceiling. Forced down into the part of the room where people hang out, it raises the temperature, relieving some of the workload on the furnace.

• Make sure to program energy-saving setbacks into your programmable thermostat. Get one if you don't yet have one of these essential devices. You can program your heating system to a much lower temperature during the day when nobody's home, and a night when everybody's sleeping. This can be a real energy-saver.

• Remember to open drapes, curtains and other window coverings during sunny winter days. Even when it's cold outside, sun shining through windows will heat up a room by several degrees. Make sure you close the curtains before the sun goes down, though, since they'll add a layer of protection against the cold.

• Schedule seasonal maintenance on your heating system if you haven't already. This improves efficiency, ensures safety, and enables the technician to find small problems before they become big problems.

For more advice on how to enjoy lower energy bills this holiday season and winter, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide superior HVAC services in the Broken Arrow 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). For more information about lowering bills and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Pexels/Pixabay”

5 Simple Ways to Cut Your Energy Bills This Winter

With cold weather approaching, now's the time to complete some home projects to cut your energy bills this winter. These easy-to-complete projects are inexpensive in the short run and can each be completed within 30 minutes.

Weatherstripping

A properly fitted door or window is lined with flexible weatherstripping to keep drafts out and heat in. Over time, these strips break down from use, so locating these weak spots should be your first priority. When you locate a length of weatherstripping that needs replacing, simply pull it away from the sill and tack up a fresh piece.

Outlet Protection

Electrical outlets on a home's exterior are often the most overlooked source of heat loss in the home. You can cut your energy bills this winter by removing outlet plates and inserting inexpensive outlet gaskets designed to add insulation in areas often lacking in protection.

Plug Exterior Holes

Exterior water faucets and meter lines poking through your home's exterior are often left exposed to the cold, as well as pests using your entryway to get in. With an expanding foam product, you can fill these gaps and reduce not only heat loss, but the encroachment of pests.

Plastic Film

It's estimated that up to 25 percent of a home's heating loss occurs through windows, so by adding another layer of easy-to-install plastic film, you can retain heat and lower your bills. Kits are readily available at your local hardware store.

Programmable Thermostat

Even an inexpensive programmable thermostat can help reduce your home heating costs by 10 percent, allowing you to establish heat levels during the day and night. You have the ability to lower the heat when you're away and raise it to comfort level when you're home.For more expert techniques to cut your energy bills this winter, please contact Air Assurance. We're been serving the Greater Tulsa community since 1985 and are here to help.

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: “Merydolla/Shutterstock”

Think It's Time to Replace the A/C? Know for Sure With These Tips

If you’re not pleased with your air conditioner’s performance, you may be just about ready to throw in the towel. Is it really time to replace the A/C, or could a repair get it back up and running? Know for sure with these tips.

• Consider the age: If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if the equipment hasn’t given you trouble lately, it’s wise to start browsing replacement options so it’s a planned investment, not a rushed emergency installation.

• Assess efficiency: With age comes decreased efficiency. Take a look at your energy bills from past summers. Notice how your electricity usage has gone up? That’s because a well-worn, 10-year-old A/C rated at 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, performs closer to an 8 SEER unit. The lowest efficiency models available today are 13 SEER, and the highest efficiency ratings climb into the mid-20s.

• Evaluate repair frequency: There are only so many times you can fix an inefficient, aging air conditioner before you’ve had enough. Each individual repair is less expensive than a replacement, but if you’re having your equipment serviced more than once a year, that money could be going toward an efficient new replacement.

• Understand refrigerant requirements: An air conditioner with a refrigerant leak could signal it’s time to replace the A/C. Older air conditioners run on R-22 refrigerant which is an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. A gradual phase out has replaced R-22 with R-410A refrigerant, or Puron. Because R-22 refrigerant is now incredibly hard to come by, recharging an older system could cost far more than it used to. This could be the excuse you need to upgrade to a Puron-compatible system.

• Analyze home comfort and system performance: Is your home overly humid? Are some rooms difficult to keep cool while others get too cold? Does the A/C operate noisily? A system replacement could resolve these comfort and performance issues.

If these tips make it clear it’s time to replace the A/C, please contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow to begin the replacement process 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). 

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