Ways to Hide Your Outdoor HVAC Unit Without Compromising Efficiency

The outdoor side of your HVAC system is essential to your comfort, but let's face it: it's not the most attractive feature of your landscaping scheme. Chances are, you find it ungainly, intrusive and downright ugly, and wish there were a way to hide it. Maybe it's even noisy, and spoils your efforts at outdoor entertaining with its annoying roar.

What can you do to lower the profile of your outdoor HVAC unit? We've got a few suggestions that can help.

Move it.

This can be rather an expensive solution but in some cases, you may want to consider relocating your HVAC unit to a less intrusive location. It's probably best to consider this step when you're ready to replace HVAC equipment. Your options will be limited -- you can only move it so far away from the home, but a different location may help you make it more obscure and satisfy your landscaping and entertainment needs.

Landscape around it.

Attractive landscaping around an HVAC unit is often the key to making it less prominent. Choose plants carefully. Don't plant bushes such as holly with stiff, poking leaves, nor plants that are likely to shed fiber, seeds or leaves that will clog up the unit's parts. Plant plants 2-3 feet away from the unit, and keep them trimmed back for easy access.

Hide it.

Decorative garden elements can hide the unit. For instance, erecting a trellis and growing vines such as clematis, Virginia creeper or morning glory will help. You might also plant climbing roses, but make sure the thorns are far enough away where they won't trouble the technician. A wall in front of the unit or a wall around it might be another solution. If you're not handy enough to build these structures, you may find a pre-fabricated model at a garden landscaping supply or online. If noise is an issue, make sure you purchase a structure that muffles the sound, but doesn't restrict air flow.

We've got other solutions for hiding your outdoor HVAC unit at 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

What is a "Properly Matched" System?

You may have heard of the term “properly matched” if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system. Having a properly matched system is important if you want to get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment. Read on to learn more about properly matched systems and the problems that could come with using mismatched equipment.

A Matched Set Ensures Proper Performance

Most split HVAC systems are comprised of two parts: an indoor air handler that contains the evaporator coil and blower fan and an outdoor cabinet containing the compressor and condenser coil. Both halves are connected by copper or aluminum lines that circulate refrigerant between the two halves.

The two halves of a typical split HVAC system are designed to work as a team, highlighting the importance of a properly matched system. Matching one halve with another that’s not specifically designed to work with the other can result in poor performance, among other issues.

Perils of Mismatching

If you need to replace your HVAC system, you might be tempted to replace only half of the system in order to save money. However, this pennywise step can quickly turn into a pound-foolish mistake for a variety of reasons:

• Improperly matched HVAC equipment can fail prematurely due to added stress on mismatched components.

• Mismatched units that use non-ozone depleting refrigerants will fail when mated to equipment using older, incompatible refrigerants such as R-22.

• Improperly matched HVAC systems are not only unreliable, but they’re also extremely inefficient.

• Using improperly matched equipment can also void your HVAC warranty.

Undoing the damage caused by improperly matched HVAC equipment can also be expensive. In many cases, the damage can be so severe that only a complete replacement can correct the issue.

Only a properly matched system offers the performance, longevity and efficiency you expect from your heating and cooling equipment. If you need a new HVAC system for your Broken Arrow home, contact 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Using Voice-Enabled HVAC Products for Efficiency

"Siri! Play songs from my newest playlist!" "Alexa! Order more ink for my printer!" Smart devices simplify our lives in many ways. You can control virtually everything in your home by voice command -- including your HVAC system. Here's how you can use voice-enabled HVAC products in your home.

Voice-Controlled Thermostat

The first thing you need is a smart, WiFi-connected thermostat. This lets you control your HVAC system from your mobile device. You can program it to go into energy-saving mode while you're out of the house, or tell it to turn the system back on just a few minutes before you get home, so your house is comfortable when you arrive. It can also keep track of weather forecasts for your area and adjust accordingly.Furthermore, you can use an app to connect your WiFi thermostat with Alexa or a similar device, to control the temperature with your voice. Commands like, "Alexa, turn the temperature down to 68 degrees," can be issued from, say, your bedroom, and the adjustment will be made immediately, without your having to walk to the thermostat or even get out of bed!

Other Voice-Enabled HVAC Products

Your thermostat is just the beginning. There are all sorts of smart HVAC products that can make things easier and save energy. For instance, a smart fan senses when people are in the room and won't waste energy circulating air in an unoccupied space. And by connecting it to your voice-enabled device, you can tell it to speed up or slow down, as well as reverse the direction of the blades.You can also install smart vents. Air is distributed only to the rooms that have people in them, so you aren't heating or cooling empty bedrooms while everyone is in the living room. And with Alexa or another smart device, it's easy to say, "Turn off the vents upstairs," while you're downstairs in the kitchen making dinner. With smart HVAC devices, the possibilities are endless.To learn more about voice-enabled HVAC products, contact us at Air Assurance today. We're Broken Arrow's trusted source for heating and cooling solutions.

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 HVAC Industry Changes Affect Homeowners in 2018

The HVAC industry changes for 2018 will have the most impact on homeowners who have older heat pumps and air conditioners, and the amount of fresh air ventilation new homes require. The phasing out of R-22 is nearly complete as the 2020 deadline approaches and the building codes for ventilation have been relaxed.

Refrigerant Phase-Out

If your central HVAC system uses R-22 and needs refrigerant, you’ll have to pay higher prices to fill it. Since 2010, no new systems can use R-22 because it’s an environmental hazard and the amount produced each year has been diminishing. By 2020, production will cease altogether.The new rules governing R-22 apply to HVAC technicians who need to handle it. They must pass a certification exam, and keep the certificate for three years after it expires. The technicians must also record how much they remove from a system that uses R-22, and how they disposed of it. They must also record where they disposed of the HVAC equipment.

Ventilation Codes

The International Residential Code (IRC) makes periodic changes to their building codes. They’ve rolled back their fresh air ventilation requirements to the levels established in 2010. Ventilation helps keep air healthier indoors either by exhausting stale air and replenishing it with fresh.Newer homes have been built to higher energy efficiency standards and require more mechanical ventilation since they have few air leaks caused by cracks or gaps in the exterior envelope.Some builders include balanced ventilation systems, like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) that pull out as much interior air as they pull in from the outdoors. If not included as a standard feature, your HVAC contractor can add an HRV, which is the most energy efficient way to supply fresh air year-round.

If the HVAC industry changes for refrigerant will affect you in 2018, feel free to contact Air Assurance for more information. We provide trusted HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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 the HVAC industry and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Gellinger/Pixabay”

When Should You Upgrade Your HVAC System?

An HVAC upgrade is a major expense, so it's an investment you want to make only when it's really necessary. With regular preventive maintenance, you can expect your equipment to last for 10-15 years, so advancing age is often the first indicator that it needs replacement. Other signs that it's time to upgrade your HVAC include:

• Frequent repair bills. Mechanical equipment tends to break down more often as it ages, so if your HVAC system is getting older, you're likely to see more repair bills. In this situation, you should get the input of a trusted HVAC pro to decide when upgrading is more cost-effective than making repairs.

• Inefficient operation. If your HVAC system runs for extended periods, but it never seems to get your home comfortably warm or cool, it may not be properly sized for your home. The capacity for older systems were often sized using a rule of thumb instead of a detailed load calculation, and the result is inefficient operation, a lack of comfort, and higher-than-necessary energy bills.

• Rising energy bills. If your usage habits haven't changed, but your energy bills are rising, it may be due to a decline in your HVAC equipment's efficiency. If you have older equipment, upgrading might bring you significant energy savings since today's systems are much more efficient.

Do You Need to Replace Your Entire System?

It's always best to upgrade both halves of a split-system air conditioner or heat pump because mismatched equipment can cause a host of problems. However, you may not need to upgrade your furnace at the same time if it's in good working condition, or replace all the ductwork if it's properly sized and well-maintained.Before you decide to upgrade, it's also wise to schedule a home energy audit. You might discover that by making efficiency improvements like air sealing the exterior or adding more insulation, you can postpone an HVAC upgrade or that a smaller, less expensive system can keep your home comfortable.

For expert advice about whether it's time to upgrade the HVAC in your Broken Arrow home, 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 upgrading your HVAC system and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “geralt/Pixabay”

Common Mistakes People Make When Buying HVAC Equipment

Of all the home improvements you make, selecting new HVAC equipment may be the most challenging. These systems are complicated and expensive, and if you’re like most homeowners, something you don’t deal with often. Before you start the process, it’s helpful to avoid the most crucial, albeit common, mistakes made when replacing an old system.

Not Checking Contractor Credentials

In Oklahoma, all HVAC contractors must be licensed, bonded and insured. If you use an unlicensed contractor, you may not have any financial protections, and the HVAC system’s manufacturer may not honor the warranty.As you search for a contractor, look for NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. NATE is a non-profit organization that only certifies the most knowledgeable and capable technicians in the industry. When you work with a NATE-certified company, you’re much more likely to have a high level of satisfaction from start to finish.

The Wrong Size

Going by the size of your existing HVAC system when replacing it could be a mistake that haunts you for a long time. Before you purchase a new system, make sure your contractor conducts a load calculation using Manual J software.Any reputable HVAC contractor will use this software to find the best size for your home based on a variety of factors that include home size, its overall energy efficiency, your cooling and heating preferences, and the home’s orientation to the sun. Selecting a system that’s too large or small compromises your comfort, the system’s energy efficiency and its durability.

Basing Decisions on Price Only

It’s short sighted to base your decision about HVAC equipment based on its price alone. Your contractor should show you the lifetime costs of the system you select based on the money you’ll save with a more energy efficient system. It will cost you more initially, but it will pay for itself in lower operating costs from the start.

Choosing new HVAC equipment isn’t a do-it-yourself project but a reputable contractor can help you through the choices you’ll need to make. To learn more, contact Air Assurance, providing NATE-certified HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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 buying HVAC equipment and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Air Balancing: Everything you Need to Know

While repairing or replacing your air conditioner and furnace can help lower your utility bills, these systems won't deliver the highest comfort and efficiency levels if airflow is poor or unbalanced. Air balancing can help you get the best performance from your HVAC system. Let's find out what it is and how it can improve your system and home.

What Is Air Balancing?

The air that passes through your HVAC equipment carries the heat or cold inside. The equipment's effectiveness depends on the volume of airflow.Air balancing involves carrying out tests and adjustments to your heating and cooling system to ensure the correct amount of air is delivered to the rooms in your home. An HVAC technician uses manometers to measure the current system pressures, hoods to get the airflow levels at each grille, and hygrometers to measure humidity and temperature.The technician compiles the test results into a report to establish your system's performance. He or she may then make changes to your vents and ducts to balance the return and supply channels.

Why Do You Need To Balance Airflow?

Improper balance in your air distribution system can make your HVAC system work harder to achieve the ideal temperatures. This may put unnecessary strain on the system and damage its parts. It may also cause premature failure of the system.Balancing the airflow in your system involves adjustment of the quantity of air flowing into each room. When this is done, your rooms will have similar temperature levels, improved humidity control, and cleaner air. You'll enjoy maximum comfort in each room, and your system's efficiency will be optimized.

Although balancing your system's airflow isn't a simple task, the energy savings and reduced system wear and tear you'll get will partially or entirely cover the costs. To learn more about air balancing, please contact Air Assurance. We've been proudly serving the Broken Arrow area 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 TOPIC and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “attem/Shutterstock”

Guide to Understanding Manuals J, D, and S

During an HVAC system installation, there are several important technical elements that must be taken into account to ensure the system is correct for your home and that it will work at its best. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) publishes three technical references that provide all the guidance, procedures, and best practices that your HVAC professional will need for a successful installation. Here is a brief introduction to Manuals J, D, and S, and what they cover.

Manual J — Residential Load Calculation

Manual J provides all the technical guidance necessary for a residential load calculation. Each building has a heating or cooling load, which is the amount of heating or cooling needed to keep the inside spaces at the temperature the residents prefer. A load calculation takes into consideration multiple thermal and physical characteristics of the building to determine its load. Once your HVAC professional knows the building's load, he can easily guide you to the type of HVAC equipment that has the functional capacity to satisfy that load.

Manual D — Residential Duct Systems

Manual D covers the ductwork in residential settings. The HVAC system ductwork is the network of pipes that directs heated or cooled air from your HVAC equipment to the inside of your home. Ductwork must be properly designed, installed, sealed, and insulated to ensure it carries conditioned air without loss of energy and without wasteful air leaks.

Manual S — Residential Heating and Cooling Equipment Selection

Manual S includes detailed technical specifications and performance information on multiple brands of air conditioners and heat pumps. This type of data helps your HVAC pro choose the best equipment for your particular needs. Manual S also provides additional information on equipment sizing, ventilation, and air distribution.

With more than three decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Air Assurance brings top-quality sales, installation, maintenance, and repair to customers in Tulsa and the neighboring communities. Contact us today for more information on Manuals J, D, and S and how these important technical references are used to ensure the best possible HVAC performance in your 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Tang Yan Song/Shutterstock”

Regional Efficiency Standards: A Settlement Has Been Reached

Recently, regional efficiency standards for HVAC equipment have been changed by the industry and the Department of Energy. Let's go over what this means for your household.

In 2006, the standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and heat pumps was raised from 10 to 13. In 2010, equipment manufacturers partnered with efficiency specialists to develop new regional efficiency standards, accounting for different climate conditions throughout the US. In the South and Southwest, SEER requirements were raised to 14, while they remained at 13 in the North.

Equivalent regional efficiency standards and adjustments have also been set for other equipment, such as gas furnaces.

However, the proposed January 2015 adjustments posed a few issues for manufacturers and distributors, so a new agreement has been reached with the DOE. It affects different equipment and regions in different ways.

Before we jump into the new rules, let’s go over a few terms. SEER we’ve already discussed. HSPF is related to heat pump efficiency, and stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. AFUE is for furnaces, and stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.

These new regional efficiency standards apply to all equipment manufactured after January 2015.

• Split system air conditioners: SEER 14 (This number applies specifically to the South, including Oklahoma.)

• Single package air conditioners: SEER 14

• Split system heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.2

• Single package heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.0

• Small-duct, high-velocity systems: SEER 13, HSPF 7.7

• Space-constrained air conditioners and heat pumps: SEER 12 (Heat pumps must meet an HSPF of 7.4.)

• Gas-fired furnaces: AFUE 80%

While these numbers will become regional efficiency standards as of January 2015, there’s an 18-month grace period for distributors to sell through equipment manufactured before then.

These developments don't mean you’ll be forced to upgrade your equipment. They do mean that if you purchase new equipment made in 2015 or later, it will comply with these standards, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.

Let us know if you have questions. Air Assurance has been serving the Greater Tulsa metro area since 1985, and we’ll be happy 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). 

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