Decide If It’s Time to Replace Your Ductwork

Ductwork is the key component of your HVAC system that delivers conditioned air to all the rooms in your home. Since it's hidden away behind your ceilings and walls, you may not realize the duct system is in poor condition and having a negative impact on your energy bills, comfort and indoor air quality. Here are some subtle warning signs of deteriorating ducts that are easy to identify:

• Temperature variations in different areas, and hot or cold spots.

• Excessive dust on the registers, household surfaces and furniture.

• Worsening allergies, asthma and other breathing problems.

• Evidence of mold growth inside the HVAC system.

• Rising heating and cooling costs due to a loss of energy efficiency.

Factors to Weigh When Deciding on Duct Replacement

If you're experiencing the symptoms of ductwork problems, you can weigh the following factors to help you decide if it's due for replacement:

• Workmanship and age. If the duct system wasn't designed well, made from quality materials and installed correctly, it may only have a 10- to 15-year service life.

• Condition of the accessible ducting. Take a close look at the exposed ducting in your crawl space, attic or garage for issues such as disconnected spans, leaky joints, dust streaks near the seams, or rust and corrosion.

• Airflow inconsistencies and temperature variations. Reduced air volume at some registers and temperature differences between rooms can be symptoms of hidden duct problems such as collapsed or disconnected sections, decaying sealant or missing insulation.

• Air leakage. If you want to know the extent of air leakage in the ducts, get a blower test performed. During the test, the ducts are pressurized and the amount of airflow needed to maintain that pressure is measured to calculate air loss.

If you need help deciding if replacement is your best option, have the duct system inspected by an experienced HVAC professional. A knowledgeable contractor will make sure new ducts are properly designed and installed, then sealed, insulated, and tested for leaks.

For expert advice about whether it's time to replace the ductwork in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today 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: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Electricity Usage Myths and Your HVAC System: Here's What They Mean

Myths often seem logical and have an element of truth, especially when proponents of electricity usage myths speak with passionate conviction. Here are three such myths.

Leave the Air Conditioner Running

Do not switch the air conditioner off when you go out as it will cost more to cool your home down again.The idea behind this myth is that you waste the energy used to cool your home down unless you keep it cool. This is not true, as while the air conditioner is running, heat is continually leaking into your home, and the greater the temperature difference between inside and outside, the greater the heat flow and the harder the air conditioner has to work. Rather save energy by reducing unnecessary energy loss.

Efficient Air Conditioners Use Less Electricity

An efficient air conditioner will reduce my electricity bill. This is partly true, and a replacement unit will use less electricity than an older, less efficient unit with the same BTU capacity. However, the overall saving will be small if the ducting is leaking or is partially blocked. First, repair your ducting and make sure that your home is properly sealed before buying an efficient unit. Keep in mind that if you buy a bigger unit it will use more power.

Heat Home up Quickly

Quickly warm up your home by setting thermostat to maximum. One of the electricity usage myths assumes that a heat pump or furnace will not run at full capacity unless set to maximum, based on the concept that the thermostat position has the same effect as the pressure your foot has on the accelerator pedal in your car.

In fact, thermostatically controlled devices run at full power until reaching their set temperature, so setting the thermostat to 80 degrees will not make the home heat faster, but it will get warmer than intended and you will waste energy.

To Learn More

If you want to know more about saving electricity in Broken Arrow/Tulsa, Oklahoma, contact Air Assurance by filling in a service request or phoning on 1 (918) 615-4696 and they will schedule a visit.

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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An Efficient Furnace Should Have an Efficient House

Having an efficient furnace goes a long way toward cutting your heating costs, but if your home lacks adequate insulation, has heat losses through the windows, or substantial air leaks, you may not notice as much savings. One of the best ways to learn if you could achieve lower energy bills is with an energy audit that you or a professional can perform.

A professional audit will show you where you have air leaks throughout your home's exterior and detect any leaks in the ductwork that cause high energy consumption. The auditing team will also evaluate your attic insulation to see if and where you need more. The centerpiece of the audit is a blower door test that pulls the air from your home and pulls it inside anywhere you have leaks and gaps. The professionals pinpoint the locations using thermographic equipment that shows the temperature difference between the incoming air.

You can perform your own audit by closing up your home and turning on the kitchen and bathroom fans. As you walk through your home with a candle or incense stick, note where the smoke wavers, indicating a leak. Once finished, you can seal smaller air leaks with suitable caulk. Expanding foam will seal larger leaks around the foundation or in the attic. Weatherstripping around exterior door frames will tighten the seal.

The recommended level of insulation in attics in this region stands R-38 or 16 inches. Increasing it will quickly help your efficient furnace run less. Thermal losses from either the roof or the windows increase the need for heat substantially.

Windows are a bit more challenging to weatherize, but doing so will cut your heating costs. Options include replacement with Energy Star or thermal windows, but if those aren't in the budget, consider plastic window kits that stop some of the heat transfer. Heavy drapes will also stop the losses, especially when they lie close to the window.

To learn more about increasing your energy savings with an efficient furnace, contact Air Assurance. We've provided top-notch 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Suspect a Ductwork Issue? Some Common Reasons to Call for Help

Suspect a Ductwork Issue? Some Common Reasons to Call for Help

Airflow obstructions can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which take place where you can't see them: in the ductwork. In addition to compromising your comfort, airflow issues can lead to energy waste, which will create noticeable increases in utility expenses.If you suspect a ductwork issue, there are a few things you can check on your own. Otherwise, there are some common duct issues that will require a call to an HVAC professional.Here are some common airflow issues you can check on your own:

• Dirty or clogged filters

• Obstructed vents

• Obstructed air intakes

If these don't seem to be the cause, it could be one of the following:Leaky ducts. If your ducts haven't been well maintained, and have developed leaks over the years, your conditioned air is able to escape into unconditioned spaces before it reaches your living space. In addition to obstructing airflow, duct leaks are a major source of energy waste. Once your technician has sealed the leaks, you will notice an immediate difference in interior comfort and lower utility bills.Obstructed ducts. There are a variety of reasons ducts can become obstructed. Sometimes it is the result of pest infestations. Obstructions can be the result of construction debris, dust and other debris that accumulates over time. Interior duct insulation can eventually collapse, which can also cause obstructions. Your HVAC contractor will remove any obstructions and may need to make some repairs depending on what he finds.Disconnected ducts. Sections of ducts are joined together via a series of connectors and joints. If the connections are just beginning to separate, it can cause the air to seep out. However, a major disconnection will completely shut down your air supply.Flex duct issues. Flex ducts are a popular choice for new duct designs because they are more flexible and eliminate the need for cumbersome and inefficient joints and connections. If the flex material collapses, or becomes compromised, it will obstruct air flow.Do you suspect your ductwork may have airflow problems? Call Air Assurance for help. We have provided superior ductwork design and maintenance for our Tulsa area clientele 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).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Scheduling A/C Maintenance: A Spring Checklist for You and Your Technician

Scheduling A/C Maintenance: A Spring Checklist for You and Your Technician

Temperatures will be soaring in the Tulsa area in a few months, and you'll be using your air conditioner daily. Now is the ideal time to tend to your A/C maintenance, as it will ensure that you have your cooling system in tip-top shape when you need it. Actually, A/C maintenance is a two-person job. There are things that you can do yourself. Other tasks are best left to your qualified HVAC-system technician. Here are some of the tasks that you can do yourself.

• Replace your A/C filter (or clean it, if that's what your system calls for). Then check it regularly during the cooling season and change it as needed. A dirty filter can spike your energy consumption, because your furnace must work harder than it should. This raises your energy bills and can ultimately lead to breakdowns and repair costs.

• Check the outside condenser unit. Hose it off and clear away all vegetation and anything else that's in it way, such as children's toys. The space around the condensing unit, including the space above, should be entirely clear.

• Make sure the pad underneath the condenser is level.

• Inside your home, check all registers, and make sure they're free of obstructions.

Here's what your A/C technician will do when he tunes up your unit:

• Check the refrigerant and make sure it's sufficient. He'll also check for any leaks. If necessary, he'll replace the refrigerant.

• Clean and tighten all electrical connections.

• Make sure the control sequences are in working order and correct any problems.

• Check all belts for tightness.

• Oil the motor.

• Check and calibrate the thermostat.

• Measure the airflow.

• Check ductwork for leakage.

• Make recommendations to make your system more efficient, or suggest options that would provide a safer more healthy indoor environment.

Taking care of your A/C maintenance now will help to prevent any problems this summer. And making a habit of tending to your unit will lengthen the life of your system. Have questions about A/C maintenance? Contact the experts at Air Assurance. We keep homeowners in greater Tulsa warm in the winter and cool in the summer.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

3 Benefits Duct Sealing Affords

If you have forced-air heating and cooling in your Oklahoma home, then you rely on a network of ducts to supply conditioned air to each room. Unfortunately, leaky ducts are incredibly prevalent today, a situation that can lead to 20 percent energy loss between the furnace or air conditioner and the supply vent.

The solution to this problem is duct sealing, a process completed by a professional with a product called duct mastic. Never attempt duct sealing by yourself with improper materials, such as inaptly named duct tape, because it will not hold up. There are three benefits of duct sealing that make it worth seeking out a qualified professional to complete the process for you.

• Energy savings: This is perhaps the most prominent reason to seek duct sealing services. Energy savings directly result in lower energy bills, meaning a quality job could pay for itself in energy savings over the coming months and years. The ability to conserve energy is also beneficial to the environment. The less energy you consume to maintain a comfortable a home, the lesser the impact on the environment.

• Comfort: Sometimes, you know your home could benefit from duct sealing because of comfort problems. A common problem is when a select room or two is particularly difficult to keep comfortable. The reason is likely that leaky ducts are delivering lukewarm air to these rooms. Sealing ducts is a way to keep heated and cooled air where you want it so it can be delivered to occupied rooms rather than leaking into the attic, crawlspace or other unoccupied space.

• Indoor air quality: While leaky ducts waste energy by letting air out, ductwork gaps and cracks can also allow foreign air to enter the system. This introduces dust, insulation particles and even harmful chemicals into the air you breathe. Protect your family and maintain high indoor air quality with duct sealing.

If you suspect you need duct sealing in your home, you can’t ignore these benefits. Learn more by contacting Air Assurance in Broken Arrow today. Our experience dates back to 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock