Quality Repair vs. Replace in Tulsa?

Quality Heating & Cooling services in Tulsa

At Air Assurance, we undestand it's one of the most difficult decisions a homeowner will have to make — whether to have a quality repair on an old HVAC system or bite the bullet and replace it. But how do you decide the quality repair vs. replace dilemma, in the Tulsa Oklahoma market? Ask the following questions to determine whether to repair that old A/C or furnace one more time, or replace it entirely.

How old is your system?

Experts tend to agree that a combustion furnace reaches the end of its service life between 15–20 years, while an A/C or heat pump is closer to 10–15.

Are other factors affecting the longevity of your HVAC system?

Where you live and its climate will have a big effect on how many years you get out of a furnace or A/C. A furnace, for instance, will last longer in a Southern climate, while an A/C will last longer in a Northern climate where it's not running 24/7). Professional maintenance is another important factor. A well-maintained HVAC system can be expected to last longer than one that has been neglected. A system with proper air filter maintenance also will last longer.

Is your older system breaking down a lot?

This is usually a good sign that an "experienced" HVAC system is nearing the end of its service life. At a certain point, you'll have to decide whether it's time to quit throwing good money after bad, and go ahead and invest in a new high-efficiency furnace, A/C, or heat pump.

Are you energy bills going up?

If your utility bills are rising and there's no obvious reason, such as a more severe winter, utility rate increases, or some other household use that's consuming power, the culprit might be an older HVAC system that no longer operates as efficiently as it used to. Investing in a new high-efficiency furnace, A/C, or heat pump system, fortunately, can start a new era of lower energy costs, eventually reimbursing you for much of the cost of that new HVAC system.

To discuss the repair vs. replace question in your Broken Arrow 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: “Geralt/Pixabay”

Furnace Replacement In Your Future? Right Sizing Is Crucial

Furnace Installation & Replacement Tulsa

A furnace replacement may be one of the more challenging decisions you make as a homeowner, since these systems are complex and involve a number of factors. The right size is critical, not just for energy efficiency, but also for your comfort and the longevity of the system.Before homes were as air tight and energy efficient as they now are, larger equipment was needed to adequately compensate for lower insulation levels and more air infiltration. If you live in an older home and have made any improvements to either the insulation and plugged the air leaks, chances are you need a smaller system than you now have.HVAC contractors use a tool called Manual J to pinpoint the size that you need. This system was developed decades ago and it factors many aspects of your home, including:

• Cubic footage you need to heat;

• Layout of your home;

• Number of windows, their efficiency and exposure to the sun;

• Insulation levels in the attic and walls;

• Air infiltration rates;

• Heat-producing appliances under roof;

• Outdoor landscaping characteristics;

• Preferred indoor temperatures; and

• Age and number of household members.

Once the HVAC contractor finishes the analysis and knows the BTUs you need, he moves onto evaluating your current ductwork, using Manual D.Knowing the precise size you need not only saves you money initially for a furnace replacement, it also saves money over the life of the equipment. When furnaces are too large, they short cycle, which means they turn on and off more frequently. Short cycling increases your energy costs because the more the furnace runs, the more fuel it uses, and a portion of it goes up the flue, which is wasted. Running frequently also increases the wear and tear on all the components inside the system. Your comfort also suffers, since rooms may not thoroughly warm enough.If you'd like more information about furnace replacement, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area 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

Is a Condensing Gas Furnace for Your Tulsa Home?

The cost of fuel for home heating is always on the radar screen, especially during bear winters like homeowners in the Tulsa area experienced this year. If it’s time to replace your old furnace, learn how a new condensing gas furnace can take the bite out of heating bills.

Condensing Gas Furnace

A condensing gas furnace can deliver more than 98 AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), which is the estimated percentage of fuel converted to usable heat for the home. New conventional furnaces get around 80 to 85 AFUE, while very old furnaces may only get 65 to 75 AFUE.

So, if you are looking to replace a very old furnace, you can count on substantial fuel savings. These are the components that drive 98 AFUE:

• A modulating gas valve adjusts heating output, just like you can adjust the flame on a gas stove -- except of course the furnace gas valve is automatic. A modulating gas valve, in conjunction with a variable-speed blower, monitors and adjusts heating output in increments as small as 1 percent. That is precise comfort.

• A variable-speed blower motor adjusts airflow to match the heating load at any given moment. This offers greater efficiency, greater comfort with smooth, even temperatures and quieter operation.

• Two heat exchangers provide exceptional heating efficiency by extracting nearly 100 percent (98 AFUE) of heat energy from hot exhaust gases inside the second heat exchanger.

• A sealed combustion chamber uses direct vent air intake, which means only outside air is used for fuel combustion. Why burn the household air you’ve already paid to heat? Sealed air intake and exhaust also safeguards against carbon monoxide back-drafting.

Return on Investment

The lifetime cost of a furnace is the purchase and installation price, plus estimated maintenance, repairs and fuel consumption for the life of the system. This is the true measure of a furnace investment -- not just the sticker price. Ask your HVAC professional to perform a cost analysis of potential installs to see which new furnace system is right for you.

For more information about a condensing gas furnace, please contact Air Assurance 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). 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock