Put Your Tankless Water Heater in One of These Spots

If you're making the switch to a tankless water heater in your home, or are planning a new home that uses tankless water heating, you'll need to decide where to put the main tankless unit. If it's installed in the wrong location, it won't heat or deliver water as efficiently, and you won't save as much energy — or dollars on your utility bills.

Unlike traditional storage-tank water heaters, a tankless water heater heats your water on demand, as you need it. There's no standby energy loss as water sits unused in a big tank. Tankless systems use either gas or electricity to instantly heat the water as soon as it receives a signal that hot water is needed (someone turning on the tap, taking a shower, running the dishwasher, etc.).

Sizing a tankless water heater is an important consideration, since in bigger households, you may need a main tankless unit, along with one or more point-of-use units located near remote or special water-demand locations.

Where Should a Whole-House Tankless Unit Go?

In most homes, the best place is near the main demand source, such as a main bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. The closer to the demand, the less distance the water has to travel after it's been heated. It will be hotter and will arrive quicker. In addition, less standing cold water will need to be purged from the supply line, and less hot water will be left in the line after the demand ends. In many homes, a hallway bathroom is positioned relatively close to a master bathroom, so installing a tankless water heater in this area would make sense.

However, you'll also want to consider where hot and cold water lines are located; and if you're opting for a gas-fired tankless system, where the gas lines and vents are located. Usually, the venting will need to be modified to accommodate the tankless unit.

For more information on tankless water heating in your Oklahoma home, please 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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Accurate shot/Shutterstock”

Insulation R-Value: Important for Helping You Keep Your Cool

Summer is coming, and if you live in northeastern Oklahoma, you'll probably greet warmer temperatures and sunnier skies with open arms. However, when the weather changes, utility bills often get higher. Unrelenting sunshine and hot weather overtax your air conditioner, while new blooms produce pollen that can invade the home and aggravate allergies. One of the most effective and long-lasting ways to lower the cost of cooling and reduce the strain on your HVAC system and appliances is to improve the amount and quality of insulation that protects your home from the outside world. 

How do you know if your home is insulated properly? All modern insulation is graded according to how well the materials can resist heat. An insulation R-value is its resistance value, and it indicates thermal resistance to the flow of heat. In the wintertime, that heat flow needs to stop at the perimeter of your home, in order to avoid wasting money on heat that escapes outside. During the summer months, heat resistance is crucial because it determines how much energy it takes to beat the heat trying to get inside.

The most energy-efficient insulation may be able to reduce bills by as much as 30 percent each month. However, when it comes to insulation R-value, one size doesn't fit all. Insulation calculators and  estimates will help you determine the appropriate R-value for your home's specific altitude, proximity to bodies of water and local climate. Insulation efficiency also depends on how and where it's installed; multiple layers can increase the resistance value, while tightly compressed insulation loses some of its strength.

Regular maintenance, such as thorough, seasonal duct sealing and regular air filter replacement, is also essential to maintain good air quality and prevent energy loss. For more information and advice about keeping your home comfortable and efficient all year, contact us at Air Assurance in Broken Arrow. We have more than three decades of experience in Broken Arrow and the greater Tulsa area, and we can help maximize the quality of your air and make sure you're not wasting money or energy.

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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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

Don't Forget the Fans When It Comes to Low-Cost Comfort

Don't Forget the Fans When It Comes to Low-Cost Comfort

It's possible to cut the cost of cooling your home during our hot summers by raising the thermostat and using fans to provide cost-efficient cooling. Besides moving air, a fan can also reduce the cooling load in your home. These affordable devices use little electricity and make a measurable difference in your comfort during the cooling season. Ceiling fanIf your home's ceiling plate is eight feet or higher, you can use a ceiling fan in the rooms you use the most to move the air. If you choose one with a reversing switch, it can keep the room warmer in the winter, as well. These devices need to be carefully hung from a fan-rated box that's firmly attached to the ceiling for stability and safety. The blades should be between seven or eight feet from the floor for maximum comfort.Spot fanAlmost all homes have kitchen and bathroom fans that remove heat, humidity and odors. Their small size belies their capacity at removing air, so once the air's been cleared, it's a good idea to turn the fan off to save the conditioned air you've paid to cool.Attic fanInstalling an attic fan will keep your attic cooler because it pulls cooler outdoor air inside. This cuts your cooling load, since attic temperatures go well over 100 degrees F on a sunny day in the summer. An attic fan pulls cooler outdoor air in, which replaces the heated air in the attic. As the air cools, so does the insulation and the wood framing. Less heat in the attic translates to less warmth radiating into your home.These devices plug into an outlet, or you can use a solar attic fan. If your attic doesn't have an outlet, an electrician can wire it for you. Look for a fan with a thermostatic switch that turns on when temperatures reach a specific temperature.If you'd like to learn more about fans and increasing your comfort this summer, contact Air Assurance. We've provided outstanding HVAC services for the Broken Arrow region 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