Service Your HVAC Unit When — and Before — It Needs It

Did you know that more than three-quarters of all HVAC repairs could be prevented by taking proactive steps, such as regular maintenance? By scheduling maintenance in the spring for your cooling system and in the fall for your heating system, you'll avoid unnecessary problems and enjoy enhanced comfort throughout the year. If you haven't kept up with HVAC maintenance, the signs below will help you know when it's time to have your system serviced.

Poor Airflow

When you turn on your A/C system, you may feel very little air pressure coming out of your vents. Several A/C issues can cause little or no airflow, including:

• A clogged filter

• A malfunctioning fan

• Ductwork problems

• A faulty compressor

Besides making your home feel uncomfortable, poor airflow could also cause severe damage to your system. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system and provide the right diagnosis, as well as reliable repairs, if necessary.

Unusually High Energy Bills

Have you received an abnormally high electricity bill? Most probably, your system isn't operating as efficiently as it ought to be and needs to be checked. Make sure you schedule a system tuneup to fix the issue before the next power bill arrives.

Strange Noises

It's normal for your HVAC system to make some noise when it's running. However, unusual sounds like a hissing furnace or loud banging inside your air conditioner can be signs of a significant issue. Have the unit tuned up right away, or you risk having to buy a new one if you neglect the problem for too long.

Age

HVAC systems are usually designed to last for around 10 years. With regular maintenance, they can last even longer. If your system was installed more than a decade ago, you should contact a service person to tune it up.

Timely HVAC maintenance will protect your system's life span and save you money by preventing costly repairs. If you need HVAC maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer an Extended Service Plan that gives you peace of mind knowing we'll service your system every year. The plan also entitles you to priority service and a 15% discount on repairs.

All About Backflow Prevention & Installation

Backflow prevention helps prevent contamination if the municipal water supply flows in the wrong direction. We’re all accustomed to expecting fresh water to flow in one direction only: into the home. However, certain events can actually reverse that flow. These include a system water main break, fire hydrants suddenly opened, or another occurrence that causes the municipal water pressure to plunge rapidly. This effect may reverse proper normal water flow, pulling water from various undesirable sources back into the system. Polluted or otherwise unsanitary water may therefore potentially contaminate the home water supply.

Safeguarding Your Water

A single device to prevent backflow installed at the water meter is often required by municipal codes. However, this may not adequately protect your individual home if the house includes cross-connections where tainted water can be siphoned backward into household water-supply pipes. Common home cross-connections that could potentially threaten your fresh water include: home sprinkler systems, swimming pools, boilers, fire sprinklers, outdoor fountains, or even something as simple as a handheld shower spray or a garden hose that might be immersed in tainted water.

Home backflow-prevention devices are essentially one-way valves that do not allow water to flow backward and enter the home supply lines. In typical residential applications, these devices may be installed at:

• Each outdoor hose bib or connection

• Lawn-sprinkler supply pipe

• Fire sprinkler supply pipe

• Heating system boiler

• Individual devices such as handheld shower sprayers

Getting The Job Done

An inspection by a qualified professional plumber is required to identify any parts of your plumbing system that may require backflow prevention. Devices are available in several different types, which are designed to adapt to a particular installation or requirement. Because events that trigger backflow generally occur without notice and may happen at any time, backflow devices function automatically.

For more about the benefits of home backflow prevention devices, contact the plumbing pros at Air Assurance.

Spring Storm Preparation for Your HVAC

Here in Tornado Alley, spring weather can be wild and woolly. That's why we need to have a plan in case damaging storms come our way. Included in spring storm preparation should be some consideration for your HVAC system. Following are some ways Broken Arrow's spring weather can affect your HVAC system.

Lightning

Strong thunderstorms are a fact of life in Oklahoma during the spring. One of the best things you can do prior to a storm where lightning is expected is to turn off your HVAC system. This way, you have a better chance of avoiding power surges that may damage your unit. Also, unplug electronic appliances till the storm passes.If your home gets hit by lightning, you have two major concerns: possible fires (which may break out behind walls in locations you can't see) and storm surge. Call the fire department to report the strike; also, you may need to call an electrician to assess damage to your wiring.

Flooding

If your home is built in a flood-prone area, you may need to move your air conditioner condenser (the unit located outdoors) to higher ground. This can be expensive, involving hiring a contractor to raise or move the concrete base on which the unit sits.If flooding threatens to swamp your HVAC system, make sure it's turned off. Turn off switches and breakers and shut off gas valves.Flooding may also impact your interior HVAC equipment. If it's on the ground floor, you may have to move it to the attic, which can involve expensive rerouting of the ductwork. You may want to wait to move both sides of the A/C when you're ready to replace the equipment.If your equipment gets flooded, have it inspected both by an electrician and an HVAC consultant before you turn it back on.

High Winds

Prevent wind damage to your condenser by battening down all loose items in the yard. Trim overhanging limbs back so they don't fall on the unit.

For more about spring storm preparation, contact Air Assurance of 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Do Fallen Leaves Affect Your HVAC?

The outdoor half of your home's HVAC system contains critically-important cooling components: the compressor and condenser coil. Because this unit is typically situated somewhere out of sight, it's easy for yard debris to accumulate outside and even inside the unit's housing if you're not paying attention. A buildup of broken branches, fallen leaves, seed pods and grass trimmings can cause various problems you want to avoid, like:

• Airflow restrictions through the coil that interfere with proper heat transfer.

• Added strain on the compressor that can cause a premature failure of your system's most costly component.

• A decline in the HVAC system's efficiency that results in higher energy bills.

How to Prevent Adverse Effects from Fallen Leaves

Taking the following steps can help you avoid any adverse effects on your cooling system from leaves and other kinds of yard debris:

• Invest in a custom cover. A custom cover is designed to fit just right, and it has ventilation built in to prevent rust-causing condensation while keeping out debris and dirt. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the right cover to buy for your brand and model of equipment.

• Prepare the unit for the off season. When cooling season is over, prepare the unit for winter by flipping the outdoor shut-off switch, and shutting off its breaker in your home's circuit breaker panel. Then, remove any debris and dead vegetation from outside and inside the housing, and install its fitted cover. Before you turn on the cooling system next spring, do another cleanup around the unit, remove and store the cover and switch the power supply back on.

• Give the unit a year-round extra layer of debris protection.Another way to minimize any debris accumulation inside the unit throughout the year is to install a screen filter. These washable filters that wrap around the unit's fins aren't expensive, and they're quite effective for keeping yard debris out without restricting airflow through the coil.

To learn more ways to protect your Broken Arrow home's outdoor HVAC unit from the effects of yard debris like fallen leaves, 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). For more information about fall maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Kaz/Pixabay”

Whose Responsibility are Apartment Maintenance Requests?

If something breaks, leaks or stops working in your apartment, how do you know whether to handle it yourself or submit a maintenance request? The best course of action is to email or phone your landlord to ask who's responsible for making repairs. Here's a look at some common apartment maintenance issues and who generally takes care of them:

Malfunctioning Appliances

Appliances like the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer and hot water heater get a lot of use, so they're bound to malfunction or break down occasionally. If the issue is with an appliance that came with the apartment, your landlord needs to get it fixed or replace it.

Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Detectors

A landlord should test safety devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in between tenants to make sure they're working properly. While you're living there, you're responsible for replacing the detector batteries if they die, and you'll want to put in fresh ones right away so you're fully protected.

Plumbing System Problems

Who handles plumbing repairs really depends on whether you, the tenant, caused the problem. For example, if you're not careful with the garbage disposal and it seizes up, or you flush something bulky that clogs the toilet, you'll probably have to hire a plumber. If a supply line or water pipes starts leaking, or the fill valve fails on the toilet, fixing it is your landlord's responsibility.

Defective Window and Door Locks

If the entry door lock breaks or a window lock comes apart, put in a maintenance request right away so your landlord can get it repaired or replaced so your apartment stays safe and secure.

Heating or Cooling Issues

If your apartment has an individual heating and cooling system, and it freezes up, stops producing conditioned air, or won't start at all, don't hesitate to contact your landlord. They'll likely have it looked at by the maintenance crew to determine if an experienced HVAC professional should be called in.

If you need expert advice about an apartment maintenance problem that involves the heating or cooling equipment, contact the Broken Arrow comfort pros 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 apartment maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Free-Photos/Pixabay”

Ways to Protect Your Home Until Next Winter

While it may seem a little odd to be worrying about your furnace and heating system during months when you don't typically need them, the truth is that it's necessary. To get you started, here are a few tips that will help you protect your home until next winter:

Schedule Maintenance

If you've ever scheduled maintenance on your heating system after winter had begun, you already know that those days of waiting due to backed-up service contractors can be horrible. This is why your annual maintenance should be done during the warmer months. Even if you have to wait a few days, you won't be freezing during that time.

Check and Replace Your Air Filter

It's easy to forget about your furnace's air filter once the heating season has ended. This is the best time for you to take a look at the filter and see if it's ready to be replaced. This will ensure that once winter arrives, your furnace's efficiency will already be ready to provide you with exceptional service.

Upgrade Your Furnace

If you walk into a home appliance store during the late spring or summer and tell them you're looking for a new furnace, you're probably going to get a funny look or two, but that's okay. Since you're not in any hurry to warm up your home with a new system, you can take your time and find the best deal possible. If you need help in selecting the best one for you, seek the assistance of a professional.

Maintain Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

When your furnace is up and running in the winter, you must be sure that your home is protected from possible carbon monoxide leaks. This can be done by changing out the batteries of your current detector or installing a new model, if needed.

If you'd like more expert advice on ways to protect your home, or if you have any other home comfort concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas 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). For more information about maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ArtsyBee/Pixabay”

Why it Pays to Invest in Preventive Maintenance

Everyone wants to save money, and when it comes to your HVAC systems, the more you save the better. One way in which you can save money, frustration and even wear and tear on your system is with preventive maintenance. Here are three reasons why investing in maintenance for your system is a wise choice.

Help Your Equipment Last Longer

If there's one thing you can do to ensure your air conditioner or furnace lasts as long as possible, it's preventive maintenance. Regular maintenance reduces stress and wear and tear on your unit, and helps ensure all of the parts stay in good working order. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can ensure you get the longest possible life out of your system.

Help Keep More Money in Your Pocket

Preventive maintenance saves you money in two ways. First, it lowers your energy bills by keeping your systems running at their most efficient levels. Maintenance will remove obstructions, oil moving parts and check all system components for signs of wear. By taking care of these small problems, the maintenance check can help improve the system's overall efficiency.In addition, regular maintenance helps save money by lowering your repair costs. At your annual maintenance check, your HVAC technician will catch small problems that you can address before they grow. This prevents the risk of a bigger, more costly breakdown later.

Help Protect You From System Failure

Finally, investing in maintenance will help protect you from system breakdown. Breakdowns are almost always at the least convenient time, and when you know your system's well maintained, you don't have to worry about it going out in the middle of the hottest or coldest day of the year.

Invest in Preventive Maintenance Now!

The bet time to have your maintenance done is in the spring before the cooling season and in the winter before the heating season.

If you are due for a maintenance check for your Broken Arrow home, the Air Assurance team is here to help. Contact Air Assurance to schedule a maintenance check 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 preventative maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

Ways to Pinpoint Water Heater Problems

water heater repairs - tulsa, ok

If you own your house long enough, you’ll probably face water heater problems at some point. The mean average service life of a residential water heater is about 10 years, so the odds are most homeowners will experience water heater symptoms that require either professional plumbing expertise to repair or install a new replacement unit. Look for these signs of water heater problems, then contact a qualified plumber as soon as possible.

No Hot Water

In a gas-fired heater, check to see if the pilot light is lit. If it’s not, follow manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. If it goes out again, contact a plumber. If the water heater is electric, check the unit’s power switch as well as your main electrical panel. A tripped circuit breaker usually indicates a specific cause, so contact your plumber if the heater’s circuit breaker trips repeatedly.

Water Not Hot Enough

Check the water heater thermostat setting. It should be no higher than 120 degrees. If the thermostat is correct but water temperature remains low, suspect a deteriorated dip tube that allows cold water to flow into the upper part of the tank. Your plumber may be able to replace that part alone.

Discolored Hot Water

Rusty hot water may indicate internal tank corrosion, a sign the heater is approaching the end of its service life and requires replacement. Muddy-colored water may be a sign of mineral sediment inside the tank which can be resolved by flushing the tank.

Popping or Bubbling Sounds

Another indication of sediment accumulation that causes uneven heating and produces bubbles inside the tank. Ask your plumber about the problem. If sediment hasn’t yet hardened, it may be removed from the tank by flushing.

Water Leakage

Evidence of water leakage around the heater may be the result of a leaky temperature and pressure relief valve–an easy component replacement for a qualified plumber—or a corroded tank, which means immediate replacement of the heater.

air assurance - plumbing professionals

For professional advice about water heater problems and qualified plumbing service to solve them, 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: “Samuel Acosta/Shutterstock”

The Importance of Testing Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Regularly

While installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be a requirement in any house, don't decide that's enough. Carbon monoxide detectors must be tested regularly to make sure they're still operational. 

The Danger of Carbon Monoxide

With enough exposure, this invisible, odorless gas can kill you. It can do its deadly work through gradual exposure over time or through a sudden, substantial buildup in a small, poorly ventilated room. An average of 170 Americans die each year of accidental residential CO exposure. Defective combustion heating equipment is the usual suspect, though other potential causes can occur any time of year.

Testing CO Monitors

Not all carbon monoxide detectors are the same, and different models will have different installation recommendations and testing procedures. However, most models call for monthly testing to make sure the battery is working and the device is otherwise operational. In most cases, experts suggest changing the batteries of battery-operated models every six months–perhaps when the clocks change in the early spring and late fall. Remember, too, that even models hardwired into your home's electrical system have battery backups.

The testing process for most carbon monoxide detectors is simple: Press the "test" button down two or three seconds, and when the alarm beep sounds, release the button. That's it. If you don't hear the beep, replace the batteries and test again. If you still don't hear it, take the detector back for a refund and try a different brand. The hassle isn't worth your family's health or lives.

CO Preventative Care

Carbon monoxide detectors are your safety net, but the best outcome, of course, is to avoid CO buildup in the first place. Schedule annual preventative maintenance on all combustion appliances to make sure they're burning their fuel and exhausting combustion gases such as CO efficiently and safely. Don't idle cars in the attached garage, and don't use combustion cooking devices inside the house, in a garage or next to open windows.

For more advice on carbon monoxide detectors, please contact us today at Air Assurance. We serve the greater Tulsa metro 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: “Grzegorz Petrykowski/Shutterstock”