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

HVAC Quotes: Tips For Reviewing Them To Hire Expert HVAC Service

When you’re in need of HVAC service or repair, you may feel pressured to choose a contractor quickly in order to minimize the discomfort suffered by your family. Unfortunately, rushing such a decision can prove costly over the long term, especially if you don’t take the time to compare quotes from competing HVAC contractors. In what seems like a time of desperation, HVAC service quotes can offer some means of control.In order to make a fair comparison of parts and services, you need to have a basic understanding of your heating and cooling components and the terminology used to refer to their parts, functions and efficiency. For example, it pays to know that the SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, on older air conditioners is relatively low compared to today's high-efficiency models, and that replacing a 10-year-old system will likely prove more cost effective than attempting to repair it.Of course, the first and perhaps most obvious item Broken Arrow homeowners notice when reviewing HVAC service quotes is pricing. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma residents mistakenly use pricing as their sole point of comparison. This can be misleading for several reasons. For instance, pricing doesn’t always give a clear indication of:

• The quality level of different brands

• Energy-efficiency ratings such as SEER or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

• Convenience- and energy-enhancing features such as filter check reminders, thermal expansion valves or R-410A refrigerant

• The long-term implications of manufacturer and contractor warranties

• Eligibility for energy-based credits, incentives and rebates from the manufacturer or at the local, state and federal levels

• What kind of other values does the contractor offer. Anyone can replace boxes, but who takes care of other issues that impact the efficiency and return on investment when installation occurs including duct sizing and sealing

• Most importantly, how is the contractor standing behind your comfort and reliability in the future?

If not clearly indicated, you should also ask for details regarding costs of service versus costs of equipment. Knowing exactly what you are paying for is the best way to make an educated decision. In comparing HVAC service quotes, you have a chance to weed out less-than-reputable companies who might otherwise take advantage of their position as so-called experts.If you’ve spotted discrepancies in your HVAC service quotes, our NATE-certified technicians are here to answer your questions. For more information regarding the service and repair of your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!