Indoor Air Quality in Your Tulsa Home - Ways You Can Improve It

How's the Indoor Air Quality in Your Tulsa Home? 3 Ways You Can Improve It

AIR DUCT CLEANING - Broken Arrow

At Air Assurance, we provide many indoor air quality solutions. Many homeowners have dealt with allergies, dust, or other problems in their home never realizing that the indoor air quality can be improved. If too little outdoor air enters a home, pollutants such as dust, mold, bacteria, fungi, and other contaminates can accumulate to levels that can pose health and comfort problems. Health concerns, such as allergies, asthma or the hazards of carbon monoxide can often be attributed to a poorly maintained, designed, or installed heating and air conditioning system. We provide duct cleaning service in Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso, Coweta, Tulsa and more!

AIR DUCT CLEANING REQUIRED?

Indoor Air Quality is important. Air duct cleaning helps maintain the hygiene of your household. Unclean ducts make the air unfit for breathing. Bad indoor air quality is one of the major causes of many respiratory problems like asthma and allergies. But did you know, you don't always need a duct cleaning? Often times we can help elimnate the source of the duct problem.

The system cleans your air ducts by brushing and removing debris and dirt directly out of your HVAC system and into our hepa filtration silencing box. We can then apply an anti-microbial protectant inside your duct work that kills most germs and microbes on contact for up to an entire year, greatly reducing or eliminating air-borne pathogens.

An HVAC air filter captures only about 7 percent of airborne debris in the average home. That means that roughly 93 percent of the dust in your air keeps circulating through the heat vents and HVAC system. To improve your air quality and protect your costly HVAC equipment from damage, it's wise to have the condition of your ducts checked every two years. When duct cleaning is needed, make sure you hire an experienced professional who adheres to standards established by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and uses the correct cleaning procedures to safeguard your home and HVAC system.In between checkups, watch for these telltale signs that your ducts need cleaning.

About indoor air quality

Everyone deserves to breathe healthful air, especially at home. Doing so can be a challenge in today’s modern world, however, when homes are well insulated for energy efficiency. Airtight homes have a downside: They trap contaminated air inside. Many products that we use daily at home contribute to bad indoor air quality, too. Cleaning fluids, pesticides, hobby materials, home improvement dust and even wet carpets emit harmful particles, polluting your air supply. Combustion debris and gases from cooking/home heating float through our indoor air along with pet dander, dust and bacteria. Here in the Tulsa area, we have the added challenge of a humid climate, which encourages mold growth.  

Safeguarding indoor air quality: the three ways 

• Source control: Your goal is to eliminate or minimize sources of poor indoor air quality. Limit the use of harmful chemicals in your home and ensure proper storage. When cooking or showering, use your exhaust fans (properly vented to the outdoors) to clear out cooking odors and humid, moist air. Schedule preventive maintenance to ensure your appliances and HVAC system work properly, limiting the possibility of gas leaks. For safety, install CO (carbon monoxide) monitors/detectors near sleeping areas and test regularly.

• Ventilation: Proper, balanced airflow throughout the home depends on a properly designed, sized and maintained duct system. Have your ductwork sealed to prevent energy loss and maintain air quality. Duct cleaning is advisable in some cases. Since A/C systems can’t provide adequate ventilation, whole-house mechanical ventilation is recommended.

• Air cleaning: No one air sanitizing method is perfect, but using a few specialized tools in combination can provide greatly improved IAQ. Whole-house air cleaning with UV lighting, when incorporated into your home’s air cleaning, heating and cooling system, helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Consider asking your home comfort contractor to apply broad-spectrum antimicrobial microbiocide to further inhibit harmful bacteria. For the best air quality, include a whole-home air cleaner with an advanced filtration system and highly effective air filter.

Concerned about indoor air quality? Contact the experts at Air Assurance. Visit our website to learn more or give us a call.

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). 

DIY and Professional HVAC Maintenance Tasks

An HVAC system is a big investment. One of the best ways to protect your investment is to perform periodic HVAC maintenance. While a good portion of HVAC maintenance should be done by professionals, there are certain tasks you can do yourself.

DIY HVAC Maintenance

For example, your outdoor unit requires clear air flow to function properly. By doing some simple maintenance, you can prevent air flow problems.

• Trim back plants. It's best to keep a two-foot perimeter around your outdoor unit where plants aren't allowed to grow up past the base of the unit. Keep grass trimmed down and cut back any other opportunistic plant life that tries to spring up.

• Remove debris. Grass clippings, old leaves, and other objects that block air flow should be swept or raked away whenever they build up.

• Clean condenser fins. The fins that allow air to flow into your unit tend to catch dust. With the unit off, gently vacuum the fins clean to reduce the amount of dust that gets into your system.

Another DIY task you can do is to clean or replace your air filter. The air filter protects your system from the dust, pollen, and other particles in your air. By changing the filter every one to three months, you can help your system last longer and improve the quality of your home's indoor air.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

In addition to the maintenance tasks you can do yourself, there are certain jobs that should be done by professionals. A trained HVAC technician will not only make sure your system is working properly, but he can also frequently catch problems before they get out of hand.Professional maintenance will address the following areas:

• Refrigerant levels. The technician will check for leaks and make sure you have the appropriate amount of refrigerant for your system.

• Part lubrication. The technician will inspect the moving parts of your system and provide lubrication as needed.

• Electrical connections. The technician will inspect and tighten electrical connections as needed.

Interested in learning more about HVAC maintenance? Contact Air Assurance, your Broken Arrow area HVAC experts.

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: “OpenClipartVectors/Pixabay”

Keep Your Air Conditioner From Freezing

As hot as it gets in Broken Arrow in the summertime, your air conditioner can still freeze. If it's never happened to you before, it's a good idea to know what to do, in case you can fix the problem yourself. Even if you have to call for help, you will know what to do to limit damage until a technician arrives. Knowing a bit about how a frozen air conditioner occurs can also help you prevent this happening so that you're not sweltering on a hot summer day.

Change Your Air Filter

It may just sound too simple to be true, but a dirty air filter can actually cause your air conditioner to freeze by blocking air flow. The dirt buildup on the air filter can prevent an adequate amount of air from passing over the evaporator coil, so that the condensation on the coil can freeze.If you can't remember to check and change your air filter regularly, set yourself reminders on your computer or schedule maintenance with your HVAC consultant regularly a couple of times during cooling season to make sure your A/C is running right.

Improper Refrigerant Charge

Another reason for scheduling regular maintenance is to check the refrigerant charge for proper levels. Low levels may mean you have a leak, and a low refrigerant charge can cause your A/C to freeze up.

What to Do When the A/C Freezes

If your A/C isn't cooling properly and you find ice on the evaporator coils, turn the system off. Check the filter and change it, but allow the ice to defrost before you turn it back on. (You can turn on just the fan to speed up the procedure.) As the ice melts, check the drain pan under the evaporator coil to make sure it doesn't over flow.If the system still won't cool, call a licensed HVAC company. Only licensed technicians should handle refrigerant.

To learn more about dealing with a frozen air conditioner, contact Air Assurance. We offer exceptional service and customer satisfaction in 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GSPhotography/Shutterstock”

How to Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency

A high-efficiency air conditioner keeps your home cool while at the same time using less energy and costing you less money. Over time, however, issues can develop that decrease air conditioner efficiency and drive up your cooling costs. Here are a few steps you can take to boost A/C efficiency, reduce energy usage, and trim your monthly bills.

• Have preventive maintenance performed — A preventive maintenance check-up gives your trusted HVAC professional to opportunity to inspect your cooling system from end to end. He will make adjustments and minor repairs that will increase efficiency and performance quality. Maintenance should be done at least once a year, usually in the springtime before cooling season sets in.

• Change air filters — Dirty, clogged air filters can restrict the air flow your cooling system needs to work properly and at its best level of efficiency. Check filter condition at least once a month. Put new, fresh filters in when the old ones get dirty.

• Cut down on heat gain — Heat gain is the accumulation of heat inside your home from external sources. These include sunshine coming through windows, heat from appliances, and heat radiating downward from a hot attic. To avoid sunshine, close drapes and curtains. Avoid running ovens and clothes dryers at the hottest times of day. Make sure your attic is well ventilated and insulated to keep it cool.

• Use a programmable thermostat — Programmable thermostats help you get the best efficiency from your air conditioner. Use pre-programmed set points to control when the air conditioner turns off and on. Program the thermostat to reduce cooling when you're not at home, such as during the workday, then automatically increase cooling to make your living spaces comfortable when you get back.

• Seal ductwork to stop air leaks — Make sure ductwork connections are fitted tightly together and that they are sealed with mastic or metal tape.

Air Assurance is Tulsa's leading choice for professional HVAC sales, installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us today for more information on air conditioner efficiency and how to keep your cooling system working at its best throughout the summer and beyond.

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Why Should You Invest in Preventive HVAC Maintenance?

With winter temperatures in Broken Arrow falling into the 20s and summer temperatures reaching into the 90s, having reliable heating and cooling for your home is essential. Since your HVAC system gets a significant amount of use throughout the year, it’s prone to wear and tear that can reduce its efficiency and even compromise its safety. Having preventive HVAC maintenance done helps ensure that your system stays in good condition, which provides the following benefits.

Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

The longer your HVAC system goes without maintenance, the harder it has to work to heat and cool your home, resulting in energy bills that are much higher than usual. With preventive HVAC maintenance, you can make sure your system is able to run efficiently all year, which leads to lower energy bills. This type of maintenance typically includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning exchange coils, and performing other tasks that are part of ensuring optimal HVAC efficiency.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system can end up causing excessive moisture indoors, which can lead to mold growth and make your home feel uncomfortable. Mold spores can result in health issues such as respiratory problems for you and your family. Your system can also create poor indoor air quality if filters are covered with dust and other debris. This can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health problems. HVAC maintenance lowers these risks and makes your home healthier.

Reduced Risk of Costly Repairs

Preventive HVAC maintenance involves performing several tasks, including checking for potential problems and thoroughly inspecting all parts of the system for signs of wear and tear. Finding problems early helps you avoid having to pay for major repairs that are much more expensive later on, or even having to replace your system due to extensive deterioration. HVAC technicians can also help you avoid needing repairs done by taking steps to prevent potential problems from turning into actual ones.

To schedule preventive HVAC maintenance for your home, contact Air Assurance today. We offer HVAC services to customers in Broken Arrow and Tulsa.

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Find Out Why Preventative HVAC Maintenance Is So Important

The equipment and systems that heat and cool your home are just like any other mechanical devices. If they aren't properly maintained, they won't operate with optimum efficiency, they'll malfunction more often and they won't last as long. While cooling and heating systems need annual professional maintenance, they also need TLC from the homeowner in the form of preventative HVAC maintenance. Following are some steps you can take to help your HVAC systems keep your home comfortable while using energy efficiently.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance Steps

• Check the air filter. The air filter for your furnace, heat pump or A/C plays an essential role in delivering cooled and heated air throughout your home. If the filter is clogged or dirty, the HVAC equipment will have to work harder to push air through the system. This will waste energy and stress system components. A dirty air filter also will result in dust coating sensitive parts, causing friction and wasting energy. Finally, when a filter gets clogged, eventually your blower will start pushing particulates around the filter and into your indoor air. Inspect the filter monthly and when it looks dirty, change or clean it (depending on the filter).

• Keep vents and registers clear. Rugs, furniture, toys and other objects can block heating and cooling registers. This impedes airflow and reduces HVAC performance.

• Similarly, keep yard debris such as leaves, sticks and grass cuttings away from the outside unit of a split-system A/C or heat pump. Anything that restricts airflow to the condenser coil will erode efficiency and performance.

With today's complex heating and cooling systems, most homeowners are better off letting a professional technician handle any but the simplest preventative HVAC maintenance. During an annual or semi-annual maintenance tune-up, a trained technician will run through a lengthy checklist of tasks and checks to make sure your heating or cooling systems will operate efficiently and safely till the next regularly scheduled visit.

To schedule a preventative HVAC maintenance visit, or to discuss an extended service protection plan, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC services to the greater Tulsa metro area.

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Common Air Conditioner Problems That You Should Be Aware Of

You may be aware that your air conditioner is not performing well, and, with the hot Oklahoma summer arriving soon, it is essential to get any problems sorted out. What are the most common air conditioner problems?

Before tackling any problems, it's good to know the basics of how an air conditioner works and what its components are, so make sure to do a little research.

Historical Problems

If you live in a home that was built many years ago, and if it has an air conditioner that is older than 10 years, you may find that it the HVAC system was poorly installed or that you have a refrigerant leak. You should call on the professionals to assess your system.

If your air conditioner does not work, check fuses and circuit breakers in your main electricity box, and replace or reset them if necessary. Wait about five minutes before you reset breakers to allow your air con to cool down.

Drainage Obstructions

Condensate drains may get blocked, so check them to make sure they're draining properly.

Sensor Issues

The sensor, found behind the control panel of a room air conditioner, may be out of position and cause the unit to cycle all the time. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it.

Control Failure

The fan and compressor controls wear out, particularly if the air conditioner is continually cycling, which tends to happen if the system is oversized. Corrosion can also occur and needs to be attended to.

Insufficient Maintenance

Regular preventive maintenance is imperative if you want to avoid the most common air conditioner problems that arise, and there are a few things you can do yourself like cleaning filters and coils. Of course, you may find that what you really need is a new, energy-efficient air conditioner unit and, if so, speak to your air conditioner provider about which is the best one to buy.

To find out more about common air conditioner problems or any other HVAC-related issues, contact Air Assurance today. We've been serving residents in the Broken Arrow area 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). 

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How Long Could My Gas Furnace Last?

One of the things you should understand about your gas furnace is although they should last for anywhere from 15 to 25 years, there are many things that can contribute to a longer lasting gas furnace. First, the quality of the gas furnace has a lot to do with the number of years you can expect to get out of it. A few other factors regarding the longevity of your gas furnaces life include how often you use the furnace, how it is used and whether or not the furnace has been receiving proper maintenance as needed.

There are also some very simple steps you can take that help you to get the most out of your gas furnace. Some of the things you want to do on a regular basis are:

• Change the air filters

• Make sure the air vents and returns aren’t obstructed

• Close your damper on the fireplace

• Keep the heat pumps and air conditioner free from surrounding trash and vegetation

• Check the duct system and make sure the ducts are properly sealed and the insulation is intact.

• Call out a professional, such as Air Assurance, to provide an inspection and tune up of your equipment in the summer and winter.

By providing your own routine maintenance and calling out the professionals for tune ups, you can help your furnace last longer. Not properly caring for your furnace can cause extra wear and tear which wreaks havoc on the furnace and its parts, causing it not to last as long as it could have. Extra wear and tear on your furnace can also affect the amount of fuel it uses, the amount of soot that occurs in its burners, and negatively affect its various mechanisms.

If you are in the Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area, then you want to get in contact with Air Assurance, a company who has received numerous awards and has been in business since 1985. If you have any questions about your gas furnace, or need assistance, you should contact Air Assurance now.

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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Did You Skip Your Furnace Inspection Last Fall? Schedule It Now

If you skipped your annual furnace inspection last fall, you can check two items off your to-do list by scheduling it now and having your technician perform an A/C check-up too. Regular HVAC maintenance can help you:

• Avert dangers such as gas and deadly carbon monoxide (CO) leaks, and the risk of explosions and fires.

• Find and fix small issues before they grow into expensive repairs.

• Prevent undue wear on key system components, which can help you avoid an inconvenient and costly equipment failure.

• Extend the service life of your vital HVAC equipment, and satisfy the requirements of your manufacturer's warranty.

• Improve the energy efficiency of your entire heating and cooling system, which will save you money year round.

The tasks performed during a comprehensive HVAC system tune-up can vary, but typically, a reliable professional will:

• Check that the thermostat is functioning correctly to ensure that you have a comfortable living environment, and that you're saving as much energy as possible.

• Measure the voltage and current on your system's motors, and tighten all the electrical connections.

• Lubricate all the moving parts to reduce friction and prevent excessive energy consumption.

• Inspect and clean the system's condensate drain to prevent a backup and the risk of water damage in your home.

• Test the system's built-in safety controls to ensure proper operation.

• Check the equipment's startup cycle to ensure that it starts, runs, and shuts off as it should.

• Clean the blower components, and make any necessary adjustments to increase your comfort and improve the overall system efficiency by as much as 15 percent.

• Clean the condenser coils to ensure effective and efficient cooling.

• Check the A/C refrigerant level to maximize efficiency, and prolong the equipment's service life.

• Examine the heat exchanger(s) for signs of corrosion or cracks.

• Test for correct gas pressure, and check all fuel connections.

• Check for proper combustion, and clean the furnace burner(s) if necessary.

To learn more about the benefits of scheduling an air conditioning and furnace inspection, contact us at Air Assurance. We've proudly served the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow area homeowners for over 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). 

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