The Worst Problems That Come from DIY HVAC Maintenance

DIY home improvement projects can help you feel productive, kill time, and save money. However, when it comes to your HVAC system, it's best to not take matters into your own hands. Here are some of the dangers that come with DIY HVAC projects.

Safety Issues

You can get injured while attempting DIY HVAC maintenance. HVAC systems require plenty of voltage to run. If you're not careful, this voltage can seriously harm you. Mishandling a gas furnace during maintenance can lead to gas leaks, which can cause explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Air conditioners contain refrigerants, which pose health risks. You should never recharge refrigerant on your own, because doing so is extremely dangerous. What's more, only licensed professionals can legally handle systems with refrigerants. Therefore, AC maintenance checks are best left to professionals. During annual maintenance, your HVAC contractor will check the refrigerant and recharge your system if necessary.

A Waste of Money

HVAC repairs require special tools and knowledge. When trying to fix your HVAC system yourself, you could easily cause more damage. As a result, you may have to replace more parts, leading to costlier repairs. Even worse, you could lose the entire system and require premature replacement. Also, if you get hurt while doing DIY HVAC maintenance, you may end up with a mountain of medical bills.

Conducting a DIY HVAC project in a bid to try to save a bit of money could end up with your bank account taking a severe hit. It's safer and more affordable to use professional help.

Loss of Warranty

HVAC manufacturers usually require professional repairs and maintenance to keep their warranties in effect. DIY HVAC maintenance and repairs can lead to the loss of warranty. And don't forget that every fault that a potential buyerfinds in your house will lower the price.

Opting to hire a professional HVAC technician rather than carrying out DIY HVAC maintenance is vital to both your family's and your HVAC system's well-being. If you need quality HVAC services and equipment from an award-winning company in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

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”

5 Facts About Air Conditioning All Homeowners Need to Know

If you're like a lot of folks, you take for granted the hard work your central air conditioner does in your home. The fact is, the more you know about its workings, the better equipped you'll be to properly maintain your A/C and troubleshoot problems that may arise. Here are five facts about air conditioning that should pay long-term dividends in comfort and energy savings.

How It Works

In a split-system central A/C, the condenser/compressor component located outside your home works in tandem with the indoor evaporator/air handler unit to cool and dehumidify the home. A chemical solution called refrigerant boils at a very low temperature and allows heat exchange to occur inside and out. As refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil, it's allowed to expand and boil, a physical process that extracts heat and moisture from the indoor air. That results in cool air, which is circulated in the home via a powerful fan, ductwork and registers. Outside, the hot refrigerant is compressed into a liquid, which releases heat energy into the outside air. Then the process starts over.

The Importance of the Air Filter

An air filter located in the return ductwork removes dust and other particulates from the air before it's drawn into the A/C. This protects sensitive components, enhances the efficiency of the cooling process and improves indoor air quality.

Maintenance Is Essential

Schedule annual professional maintenance on your central cooling system for optimum efficiency and comfort. Basic homeowner maintenance is also important, such as regular air filter replacement.

Help Your Air Conditioner Out

If you lower your home's cooling load, you'll give your air conditioner an easier workload. This will improve its performance and extend its service life. Seal air leaks in your home's outer perimeter and make sure insulation meets standards. Seal duct leaks, too.

Don't Forget Ventilation

You should have an effective exchange of inside and outside air several times a day, using both passive and mechanical ventilation.

For more information on the central air conditioning that's cooling your Broken Arrow area home, please contact the HVAC experts 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: “GrandeDuc/Shutterstock”

Alphabet Soup: Deciphering HVAC Terms

Unless you're a seasoned professional, you probably need help figuring out all the HVAC terms and acronyms. HVAC itself stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, by the way. Here are the meanings behind some common and important HVAC terms:

• ACCA: Air Conditioning Contractors of America. A nonprofit industry group promoting professionalism, efficiency and healthy indoor air.

• AHRI: Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. A nonprofit organization that publishes testing and rating standards for air conditioners and heat pumps.

• BTU: British thermal unit. The standard unit of measurement for heating and A/C capacity.

• CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon. An ecologically-harmful refrigerant known to harm the ozone.

• COP: Coefficient of performance. An efficiency ratio measuring heat delivered versus heat used. Higher numbers are better.

• ERV: Energy recovery ventilator. Saves heat energy from your exhaust air to pre-heat incoming air, and adds water vapor from the exhaust to the incoming air to help maintain consistent humidity indoors.

• HCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Another refrigerant used in heat pumps and air conditioners. Considered a less harmful alternative to CFCs.

• HRV: Heat recovery ventilator. Saves energy from your outgoing air; similar to an ERV but without regulating air moisture.

• HFC: Hydrofluorocarbon. A refrigerant with no or almost no harmful effects on the ozone.

• HSPF: Heating seasonal performance factor. Measures efficiency relative to the season; higher scores are better.

• IAQ: Indoor air quality. Refers to condition of indoor air, levels of pollution, etc.

• NATE: North American Technician Excellence. A testing and certification nonprofit for HVAC technicians.

• R-22: Refrigerant banned from new machines since 2010 by the EPA for links to global warming and ozone depletion.Will soon be phased out entirely.

• R-410A: Replacement refrigerant for R-22. Not ecologically hazardous and contains no chlorine.

• SEER: Seasonal energy efficiency ratio. An efficiency measurement that shows the amount of energy required to cool the air. Higher numbers are better.

It's good to know exactly what you're talking about when it comes to purchasing or repairing HVAC equipment, and learning these HVAC terms will help. For professional assistance with home heating and air conditioning around Broken Arrow, get in touch with Air Assurance. We've been servicing the Tulsa metropolitan 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).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Get The Efficiency Of HVAC Systems To Increase With Ceiling Fans

Are you interested in improving the efficiency of your HVAC system? Have you tried running your ceiling fans? While ceiling fans don’t actually cool your home, their wind chill effect does enhance the comfort of household occupants. In fact, running a ceiling fan often allows Oklahoma homeowners to set their thermostats an average of four degrees higher without any noticeable difference in comfort.How does this improve HVAC efficiency? By running ceiling fans when you’re in the room and turning them off when you’re not, you can raise thermostat settings, conserving energy without sacrificing comfort. On cooler days, you may not have to run the air conditioner at all. For every degree you raise the temperature during the cooling season, you experience a significant reduction in cooling costs.If your home doesn’t currently have ceiling fans but you wish to enjoy the added comfort and energy savings they provide, you must first determine whether you have the amount of space necessary for proper installation. Ceiling fans should be installed in rooms with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet, hanging a minimum of:

• Seven feet above the floor

• Eight inches below the ceiling

• 18 inches away from surrounding walls

Other factors to consider when purchasing a new ceiling fan include:

• Noise – Some fans are louder than others. To ensure that the fan you choose will provide the comfort you desire without becoming an auditory distraction, ask to listen to the fan during operation before making a purchase.

• Size – While larger fans are often necessary for larger rooms, they can be an eyesore in smaller areas. If you feel you need additional comfort at lesser velocities, instead try installing a fan with larger blades.

While ceiling fans can certainly complement the efficiency of your cooling system, nothing ensures system efficiency like annual system maintenance. If you've been neglecting your system, a routine professional maintenance checkup can often provide the comfort and efficiency boost that your household needs. For an expert consultation regarding all of your heating and cooling needs, speak to one of our trained technicians. ContactAir 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!      

Keep On Top Of Your Preventive Maintenance, And Your Heating And Cooling System Won't Let You Down

There’s no better way to compromise the efficiency of your heating and cooling system than to neglect routine professional maintenance. Without preventive maintenance, you run the risk of small adjustments and repairs turning into costly emergency repairs and replacements.Even if you manage to avoid a system shutdown, an inefficient system means increased energy costs over the long term. That’s why we recommend scheduling preventive maintenance annually for both your heating and cooling systems.Different aspects of your system will be addressed during cooling- and heating-specific preventive maintenance calls. For example, during a cooling-specific maintenance check, our technicians address:

• Condenser Coils – Dirty coils can compromise efficiency and system lifespan. Our technicians will remove any dirt and debris.

• Refrigerant – If your system has a leak or was improperly charged upon installation, our technicians will ensure that refrigerant levels are charged to manufacturer specifications.

• Air blower – Adjustments will be made to ensure maximum airflow throughout your home.

During heating-specific service, our technicians address:

• Combustion chamber – Carbon buildup will be removed and your chamber will be evaluated for potential damage or corrosion.

• Flue pipe – Adjustments will be made to ensure the efficiency of your barometric damper and your flue pipe will be inspected for damage.

• Burner – Burners will be examined to ensure efficient operation.

Many aspects of your system are addressed during both preventive maintenance calls, including:

• Air filters – Dirty and clogged filters can affect airflow and air quality. These will be replaced.

• Condensate drains – Blockages will be removed to prevent water leakage that can affect humidity and damage the structure of your home.

• Electrical components – These will be tightened and evaluated for safe operation.

• Motor lubrication – Without lubrication, unnecessary friction can occur in the motor, compromising system efficiency and increasing energy costs.

• System controls – Controls are evaluated to ensure safe operation and efficient system cycling.

• Thermostat – Settings will be tested for accuracy.

These are just a few of the important issues our NATE-certified technicians address during an in-depth preventive maintenance check. If you've been neglecting your system, don't wait until it shuts down completely. Contact Air Assurance for an expert consultation. Call us today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Get Air Conditioning Maintenance Now Before The Heat Hits

As temperatures begin to rise in the Tulsa Metropolian region, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning system can take the heat. The benefits of professional maintenance never shine as brightly as during the dog days of summer. When the heat turns up, the last thing you should worry about is your air conditioner. Regular maintenance can ensure your air conditioning system runs at peak performance all season, keeping you cool and comfortable and saving a bundle in the process.Professional maintenance not only keeps you comfortable, but assures you peace of mind. A trained technician can keep your A/C unit functioning efficiently, and inform you of any issues before they evolve into expensive repairs. Preventive air conditioning care can:

• Tune up your electric connections, measuring for the proper levels of voltage and electric current on the motor. A malfunctioning connection can compromise the integrity and performance of your system.

• Ensure refrigerant is at appropriate levels. Too little refrigerant and the evaporator coils could ice up, or in severe cases, prevent the cooling coil from cooling. High refrigerant levels could harm the compressor. Adding or removing air conditioner refrigerant can be dangerous due in part to the high pressure involved, and is best done by trained professionals.

• Clean your unit’s evaporator and condenser coils, ensuring it runs efficiently for the appropriate amount of time.

• Clean or replace your filters. Air filters should be checked frequently to ensure they’re not clogged, which impedes airflow. Restricted airflow can imbalance your system, affecting its performance and lifespan.

Enrolling in a planned maintenance program takes care of all this and more, ensuring your system functions smoothly and efficiently all year round. Automatic renewal systems mean you won’t have to worry about lapses in coverage, which could affect the warranties and possible repair costs on your equipment.If you have questions about how a regular maintenance plan could preserve your air conditioning system, your comfort and your wallet, call Air Assurance. We’re proud to keep homeowners in the Tulsa Metropolitan region comfortable year-round!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Download The Air Assurance Free Home Comfort Solutions Guide

We hope you’ve been following our blog each week, and getting your HVAC questions answered right here.  Whether it’s how to change a filter, improve your indoor air quality or size your replacement HVAC equipment, we want to make sure that you get the facts you need to make informed decisions about your home comfort.Another handy resource for homeowners is our Home Comfort Solutions Guide. This free download is available right here on our blog page, so be sure to check it out.  Inside, you’ll find a wealth of information about how to get the most from your heating and cooling equipment.Here’s a sneak peek at some of the topics covered in our Guide:

• Your house as a system- Your HVAC equipment works in conjunction with many other factors in your home to ensure your comfort. Each piece of the puzzle is critical.

• HVAC controls- Programmable thermostats and zoned systems are two ways to gain control over your home comfort and your energy bills.

• Replacement options- Is it time for a replacement? Which system is right for you?

• Hiring an HVAC contractor- What to look for, questions to ask and signs that you’ve found the best contractor for you.

• Equipment installation- The best HVAC equipment available won’t function properly if it’s installed incorrectly. Find out how to tell if your contractor is doing the job right.

• Maintaining your equipment- Regular professional maintenance can prevent equipment failure and early system breakdown. Learn about how your contractor keeps your system running smoothly.

Our Home Comfort Solutions Guide also provides some important resources for homeowners, where you can get more information about maximizing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system to save money on your energy bills.So take advantage of this free download today!  And be sure to ask us how we can help you get more from your heating and cooling system, with products and services designed to give you ideal home comfort, clean, healthy indoor air and greater energy savings.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.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.