Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

How To Choose A Good Heating Contractor

You rely on your home's heating system to keep your home cozy and warm throughout the winter months, so it's vital to hire a skilled and trustworthy heating contractor when it needs maintenance, repairs or a replacement. Here are some essential qualities to look for in the contractor you hire, so you know you're making a wise choice:

License and Insurance

Reputable HVAC professionals in the Tulsa area will hold a valid mechanical contractor's license with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. When you know that a contractor is licensed, you'll have peace of mind that they have relevant industry experience, have passed the state's qualifying exam and posted a bond. Licensed contractors must also have workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage that helps protect you in the event that damage or injuries occur.

Longevity and Good Reputation

A heating contractor who does quality work and provides superior customer service will have a long history in the area, as well as positive reviews and recognition awards from both the HVAC industry and the local community. The best contractors are also members of leading HVAC associations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), which allows them to stay current on the latest industry advancements and best practices.

Technician Certifications

A contractor you can trust with your home's comfort equipment insists that their technicians have attained certification from NATE, the independent organization that's the recognized leader in technician skill and knowledge testing and certification. This gives you the assurance that your technician has the training and know-how to properly maintain, repair or replace your heating equipment.

Workmanship Guarantees

Contractors who provide top-notch installation and repair services and are fully confident in their workmanship quality are willing to stand behind it with a written guarantee. When it comes to the reliability of your heating system, choosing such a contractor can let you rest easy knowing that you're in the best of hands.

When you looking for a heating contractor in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance to learn more about our dedication to providing outstanding service and customer care.

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 contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-258-2665.

What to Look for When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

It pays to spend a little time researching the credentials and reputation of an HVAC contractor before you schedule service or repairs. In most homes, the HVAC system is the sole means of maintaining comfort day and night. Hiring a capable and reputable company might make a good deal of difference.

Licensing.

In Oklahoma, all HVAC contractors and technicians have to have a license issued by the state to practice. They must also have bonding and insurance coverage. Using someone who isn’t licensed could void your warranty and leave you vulnerable for financial or physical damages that occur at your home during a service call or installation.

Memberships.

The key to finding a solid contractor you can trust is to look for one who has NATE (North American Technician Excellence). NATE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the capabilities and competence of HVAC technicians and contractors. They require passing a battery of rigorous tests for membership. Additionally, members have to continue their educations and retest every two years.

Reputation.

Most HVAC contractors are local, which means you can ask the contractors you’re interviewing for a list of past and current customers. You can also access the Better Business Bureau’s database online that will give you their ratings with this trusted authority on companies large and small. Air Assurance has an A+ rating in the Broken Arrow region.

Authorizations.

In order for an HVAC contractor to be an authorized dealer, the company has to exhibit high performance and competency standards. The contractor will have advanced knowledge of the equipment, since they can access all the technical information available. At their simplest, HVAC systems are complicated and when the technician has all the information at his fingertips, installing and servicing the equipment will be exact.Whenever you need to hire an HVAC contractor, look for these qualifications.

For more information, contact Air Assurance, a local HVAC company serving Broken Arrow homeowners. We have NATE certification, a top rating with the BBB, and are a premier dealer for Lennox.

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.

What Affects Your Home's HVAC Costs?

If you're thinking about upgrading the HVAC equipment in your Broken Arrow home, you're probably wondering what might affect the price you'll pay for a replacement. Here's some helpful insight into the main factors that typically affect HVAC costs:

Equipment Capacity

Generally, the capacity or size of new HVAC equipment directly affects its cost, so it's vital to determine the size needed to properly heat or cool your home. To avoid purchasing oversized, more costly equipment unnecessarily, you should have an experienced HVAC contractor perform a detailed load calculation to learn the correct capacity required.

Efficiency Ratings

The equipment's energy efficiency rating is another key factor in the cost of a new HVAC system. Higher-rated equipment costs more up front, but it uses less energy so it can save you money on heating or cooling. To help you make an informed choice, ask your HVAC pro about potential energy savings versus upfront cost for all the models within your budget.

Equipment Options and System Add-Ons

Specific equipment features and system add-ons can also affect the HVAC costs you pay. Advanced options like a variable-speed air handler, two-stage compressor or ECM motor will raise the system's price tag, but they'll also reduce your operating costs. System extras like UV lamps, or an air cleaner, dehumidifier or smart thermostat will increase the overall cost as well, but the benefits they offer can outweigh the added expense.

Duct System Changes

If the current ducting design won't work well with new, more efficient equipment or the ductwork has deteriorated, there'll be an additional expense to alter or replace it. How much this adds to the total price depends on the extent of the alterations, or how much it costs to fabricate/install new ductwork.

Installation Labor Charges

Labor charges for an HVAC installation can differ dramatically, but don't base your decision on who to hire on price alone. It's wiser to consider reputation, years of experience and workmanship quality and make price a secondary consideration.

Contact us today at Air Assurance to learn more about what can affect HVAC costs in your Broken Arrow 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 HVAC costs and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “3dman_eu/Pixabay”

Tips for Selecting the Best HVAC Contractor for Your Home

When the time comes to hire an HVAC contractor, you want one with a high degree of professionalism. Entrusting someone who's not qualified with repairing or replacing your sophisticated, expensive HVAC system is risky at best. So how do you find an HVAC contractor with the right skills and expertise? Here are some tips to guide you through your search.

What to Look For

Talk to your friends, family and business associates and ask who they use. Go online and have a look at these contractors' websites. A professional website won't necessarily guarantee a good job, but it does suggest that a contractor is operating at a professional level. Look for the following:

• Length of time in business. This alone won't guarantee professionalism, but it can show stability and level of experience.

• Testimonials. Online testimonials can be manufactured, so be wary. Ask for referrals and follow up on them.

• Types of services and brands. You probably want a contractor who has experience installing and repairing your particular brand of HVAC system.

• Licensing and insurance. These can differ widely even from county to county, so be sure to discuss licensing and insurance issues before you sign a contract.

• Types of affiliations and certifications. An HVAC contractor may belong to a number of professional organizations, from the Better Business Bureau to the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), but one of the key organizations that should be on the list is NATE (North American Technician Excellence). NATE affiliation proves that the contractor's technicians are certified and capable of working at the highest level of professionalism in the industry.

• Home evaluation. Don't accept any estimates over the phone. You want a contractor who will come to your home to carefully evaluate conditions and to size your HVAC system. Expect a detailed estimate.

• Written contract. Your contract should spell out the scope of the job, time line, model numbers and projected costs. The job should not begin until the contract is signed.

If you're looking for a quality HVAC contractor to do your repair or replacement, contact Air Assurance in 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jacek-Dudzinski/Shutterstock”

How to Remedy Heat Loss in Your Home

Heat loss in your home can put unnecessary strain on your heating system and cause your heating bills to skyrocket. Therefore, as you look for ways to make your home comfortable during the cooler months, don't forget these simple ways to prevent your home from losing heat.

Insulate Your Attic

Your home can lose a significant amount of heat through the attic because hot air tends to rise. Insulating the attic helps trap your home's heated air. Inspect your attic and evaluate the quality, amount and condition of its insulation. Replace the insulation if it is moldy or mildewed. Ensure the attic floor has the recommended amount of insulation. An HVAC contractor can help you evaluate the quality and quantity of your current attic insulation.

Seal Attic Air Leaks

You should also survey the attic for air leaks. Typically, air leaks occur around attic hatches, stairs, stairwells, fans, ceiling junction boxes and holes that accommodate ductwork, pipes and vents. Seal these leaks with caulk, weatherstripping or foam spray.

Caulk Ceiling Trouble Spots

Your home can lose heat through ceiling fixtures and wall-ceiling junctures. Make sure you caulk any gaps and cracks in these trouble spots.

Get Energy-Efficient Windows

Windows are major sources of heat loss. If you have single-pane windows, consider adding storm panels to reduce the amount of heat lost through them. Alternatively, replace them with energy-efficient double-pane windows.

Seal Up Window and Door Frames

Interior heat can escape your home through gaps found on your window and door frames. Check for gaps between exterior frames and your home's siding. Check the condition of the weatherstripping around all your windows and doors. Seal any cracks or gaps with caulk. Replace any damaged weatherstripping.

Seal Electrical Outlets

Heat loss can also occur through electrical outlets. Install pre-sized foam gaskets behind them to prevent that.

By preventing your house from losing heat, you'll maximize the efficiency of your heating system and save money. For more information on heat loss, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “tassel78/Shutterstock”

Simple Steps to Protect Your A/C Unit From Theft

The relatively small amount of copper contained in your air conditioner's outdoor unit is an attractive target for thieves. To steal the copper in the coil, wiring and coolant lines, they won't hesitate to dismantle this costly component and leave you with spilled refrigerant, exposed electrical wires and an expensive A/C replacement. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to protect your A/C unit from theft to help avoid this costly and stressful experience:

• Put the unit inside a cage - Enclosing the unit in a locked, well-built steel cage that's securely bolted in place will make your A/C less appealing to would-be thieves who are looking for a quick and easy copper heist.

• Have an alarm installed - Have your HVAC contractor install an alarm that sets off a loud siren if tampering, voltage interruption or refrigerant leaks occur in your outdoor unit. Most alarms are designed to alert you by phone as well.

• Install lights and a camera - Add a security camera to monitor the air conditioner. Place it in a difficult-to-reach spot and place warning stickers on the unit so thieves know they're on camera. To illuminate the A/C at night, have one or more motion-activated outdoor lights installed too.

• Hide the unit from sight - Add shrubs, a hedge or a high fence around the outdoor unit to make it less conspicuous to thieves. If there's usually a lot of traffic on your street, leaving the unit out in plain sight can be an equally effective deterrent to thieves who don't want to be identified.

• Paint the coil with microdots - Brush-on microdot products carry hundreds of individual dots that are visible under magnification. Each dot contains a uniquely assigned code that's registered with a national database. When a thief sees the microdot warning sticker on your unit, they'll be inclined to move on rather than risk trying to sell traceable stolen copper.

To learn more ways to protect your A/C unit from theft, contact the HVAC experts at Air Assurance today. We've been serving Broken Arrow homeowners 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GSPhotography/Shutterstock”

4 Steps to Expect During a Professional A/C Installation

When you invest in a new air conditioner, it's important to understand the crucial role a quality installation plays in equipment performance, energy efficiency and longevity. To protect your investment and ensure your comfort, make sure the contractor you hire follows these four steps during your A/C installation.

Equipment Sizing

An experienced HVAC contractor will do a detailed load calculation based on Manual J to accurately size the A/C. If this isn't done and the equipment doesn't have enough capacity, it simply can't cool your home sufficiently. If too large an A/C is installed, it will cycle on and off without adequately cooling and dehumidifying the space. Not only does this affect your comfort, it can also lead to excess moisture problems and mold growth.

Ducting Condition

Before your new equipment is installed, a knowledgeable professional performs a duct system inspection. He'll check the air balance to uncover sizing issues, repair any damaged or disconnected sections, then seal the ducts with mastic and wrap them with R-6 insulation. This is vital, because ductwork deficiencies can not only rob you of up to 30 percent of your new A/C's cooling output, they can also compromise your health and safety by allowing combustion fumes and other contaminants into your air supply.

Airflow Rate

Every manufacturer sets an acceptable range of airflow rates for their equipment. Once your A/C is in place, the installer will check whether the rate of flow across the cooling coil is within that range and make any necessary adjustments. If this isn't done, the equipment can't operate at maximum efficiency or cool your home properly.

Refrigerant Charge

A critical step in a professional A/C installation is charging the system with the amount of refrigerant recommended by the manufacturer. If your system is allowed to operate with too high or too low a refrigerant charge, you'll lose out on key benefits, like energy savings, enhanced comfort and many long years of reliable service life.

To learn more about what to expect during a professional A/C installation, contact the Broken Arrow comfort experts at Air Assurance 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Christian Delbert/Shutterstock”

Customer Service: What Should You Expect From Your HVAC Contractor?

When it comes to servicing your furnace, air conditioning, or other HVAC needs, it's important to know what to expect in terms of customer service when dealing with any HVAC contractor.

Professionalism

When you call an HVAC technician, you should expect a certain level of professionalism. You should be assured that the technician is a non-smoker, background checked, and is drug tested for both your safety and peace-of-mind. The technician should be N.A.T.E. (North American Technician Excellence) certified to prove a certain level of expertise.When he or she arrives, the technician should be prompt. The contractor should be uniformed, clean and should have a proper badge and identification. You should feel secure about letting him or her into your home.

Honesty and Reliability

Your HVAC technician should be honest and trustworthy. He or she should also use the best parts when it comes to installing or repairing your HVAC system. It doesn't help you if your technician uses substandard parts which will cause a breakdown in the future.

Diagnostic Service Calls

If your HVAC system is having problems, it's important that the technician diagnose the problem thoroughly. That means that he or she has the tools needed for the job and enough spare parts on the truck so the problem can be fixed once you give the go ahead. The technician should spend as long as required to figure out the problem, no matter how long it takes. Once the problem has been diagnosed, your technician should explain the problem thoroughly to you without gibberish so that you understand what needs to be fixed. He or she should quote you a firm price for fixing the problem. By going the extra mile, your technician is performing great customer service.

For all your HVAC needs, contact Air Assurance, your experts in heating and cooling in the Tulsa 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).

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Interviewing Your HVAC Contractor: What You Should Ask

A skilled HVAC contractor is somebody you need on your side, whether you’re installing a completely new unit, getting your current one fixed, or simply getting a regular checkup to make sure everything is running smoothly. However, knowing whom you should hire isn’t always as easy as just asking your neighbor or friend who does their work – though referrals can help. When considering hiring an HVAC contractor, make sure you ask these pertinent questions before you have any work done.

• Ask about staff size and service calls. Before you hire somebody to do HVAC work for you, you need to make sure that they have an adequate staff so they can respond to your needs quickly, especially during peak times like the coldest part of the winter and the hottest part of the summer.

• Find out about licensing information. The contractor you hire to do your HVAC work needs to be licensed in your state and area. Find out if your prospective contractor is licensed by state and national contractor’s boards like the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Don’t be afraid to check up on licensing information before hiring somebody.

• Make sure any contractor who wants to do HVAC work for you takes the time to inspect your home and your existing system. They should also take time to explain repair and upgrade options to you before doing any work. No contractor should be unable to explain the benefits of upgrades or why repairs are necessary to keep your HVAC system running smoothly or more efficiently.

• Discuss insurance-related issues. You need to be sure that anybody doing HVAC work for you has adequate insurance in case anything goes wrong with your HVAC system or on your property. You also need to make sure you won’t be liable for any sort of injury that could occur on your property – even if the injuries are to workers.

Contact Air Assurance for more information about finding the right HVAC contractor. We can also help you with all of your residential and commercial HVAC and plumbing needs.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: “Neil Lockhart/Shutterstock”