How Do You Know If You Have an Energy Efficient AC Unit?

Increased comfort, lower utility bills, and a reduced need for repairs are some of the perks of owning an energy efficient AC unit. But how exactly will you know that an air conditioner is efficient? Here's what you should consider to help determine if your home has an energy efficient AC unit.

High Efficiency Ratings

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) are a measure of a unit's efficiency measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You can find them on both central and room air conditioners. Generally, a bigger rating means higher energy efficiency.

Energy Star Certification

Another way to know if you have an energy efficient AC unit is to look for the Energy Star label. The label means that the unit has been certified by the federal Energy Star program. An Energy Star-certified unit meets or exceeds higher energy-efficiency standards than other comparable models will.

Proper Maintenance

A system that's maintained properly runs more efficiently and cools your house better. A properly maintained air conditioner is serviced by a professional at least once a year. During annual service, an HVAC professional cleans the critical condenser coils and checks the rest of your cooling system for any more maintenance needs. Lack of regular maintenance reduces the system's efficiency.

Know the Signs of Inefficiency

You can know whether your air conditioner is operating efficiently by watching out for indicators of inefficiency. Your system is unlikely to be working as efficiently as it ought to be if you have:

• Out-of-control humidity

• Unusually higher energy bills

• Frequent AC breakdowns

If you feel your air conditioner isn't operating at peak efficiency, you can call in a professional to inspect it thoroughly. For more information on maintaining an energy efficient AC unit, contact us at Air Assurance. We've been helping Broken Arrow-area homeowners with their heating and air conditioning problems since 1985.

Tips For Choosing A Programmable Thermostat

Choosing appropriate programmable thermostats is essential to homes' energy efficiency and comfort. The most common choice and the best choice to meet both ends is to choose digital, programmable thermostats. It is important that homeowners understand what type of heating and cooling system is installed in their homes before purchasing a thermostat. Depending on what kind of comfort options your system provides, there may be specific features your thermostat must have to operate those functions appropriately.  Another tip, is to make sure you have a battery backup thermostat.  This way, if your power were to go out, your thermostat can use the batteries to hold the programs you have set.  This way, there is no need to reprogram the thermostat after the power comes back on. There are also several other tips for choosing the right thermostat for your home.We recommend evaluating your schedule to determine whether you need a 7-day thermostat, a 5+2-day thermostat or a 5+1+1 day model. A seven day model affords a homeowner the most flexibility. If your daily schedule changes, then this is the best model for you. Our preferred 7 day, programmable thermostat is the Pro8000.Not only is the Honeywell Vision Pro 8000 a 7-day thermostat, but it comes with innovations that only the pros can provide. The display is easy to use, in fact, it's probably the easiest user friendly thermostat we have ever come across. The back-light on the display makes it very simple to read. This is one of the most energy efficient Programmable Thermostats on the market. It even comes with an Energy Star rating. A programmable thermostat like this can add up to 33% savings on your utilities!Other features that set this thermostat apart from the competition are that it has a programmable fan mode (not just on and off) which can provide better air filtration schedules, precision temperature control, and that it has time-keeping capabilities that take daylight savings into account. Some models have the capability to also control humidity levels without the need of a seperate humidistat. Other variations can give you the outdoor temperature on the inside thermostat display! This is a very low maintenance system and comes with a 5 year standard warranty from Air Assurance.  For more information or to purchase  the Honeywell Vision Pro 8000 for your home, please contact us. We also have information to help you with all your air quality needs.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about programmable thermostats and other HVAC topics. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.