What Is the Traditional AC Unit Motor Cost?

A broken motor is one of the most common AC problems. Your air conditioner has a fan motor and a blower motor. Let's explore the typical AC unit motor costs and the steps you can take to save money when you have to purchase one.

Blower Motor Costs

Your AC blower motor is in the air handler inside your home. It pulls your home's warm air, pushes it over the AC evaporator coil to be cooled, and blows cooled air back into the house. A blower motor replacement typically ranges from $250 to $800.

Fan Motor Costs

Located in your outdoor unit, the fan motor cools the superheated refrigerant down. Replacing it usually costs between $300 and $600.

How to Save on AC Unit Motor Costs

There are several ways to save on AC unit motor costs:

• Routine maintenance. You can avoid having to replace a broken motor by scheduling an AC tuneup every year. A certified technician will check and fine-tune all AC parts during the maintenance appointment. Routine service extends the life span of AC components and prevents expensive repairs in the future.

• Having a warranty. If you already have a motor that needs replacement, you can save on new motor costs if your current one is still under warranty. You can pay just $150 for labor with a warranty. Be sure to check the specifics of your AC warranty.

• Choosing a reputable contractor. The labor costs to install your new motor will depend on the contractor you hire. HVAC contractors charge an hourly or fixed rate for labor. Make sure you work with a reputable contractor who offers written estimates to help you know the expected costs right from the start.

Remember, regular maintenance helps you extend the life of your motors. Taking advantage of your warranty and hiring an experienced contractor with excellent reviews will help you keep AC unit motor costs down. If you need AC repair or maintenance services, contact Air Assurance, an award-winning HVAC company serving the Broken Arrow area.

If You Find Your AC Not Blowing Air, What Do You Do?

It's the middle of a hot, Oklahoma summer when suddenly your air conditioner breaks down. You find the AC not blowing air. What could the problem be and what can you do about it? Here are a few possible reasons for your AC not blowing air and a few actions you can take to fix it.

• Thermostat Settings. Check the obvious things first. Is your thermostat set to the wrong temperature? If it's too high, it won't kick in right away and your AC won't blow. Try lowering it a few degrees to see if that helps.

• Circuit Breaker. The power used by your AC may have overloaded the circuit and tripped the circuit breaker. Go to your breaker box, find the circuit that controls your HVAC system, check to see if it's off, and if so, turn it back on. However, if your AC trips the circuit breaker repeatedly, it's indicative of a larger problem, and you should call your HVAC technician.

• Power Outage. Power outages in summer aren't uncommon, with everyone running their HVAC systems at the same time. If there was recently a power outage in your area, it may have wreaked havoc on your thermostat's clock/timer, preventing it from turning on, resulting in the AC not blowing air. Check the timer and reset it if necessary.

• Filter. If it's been awhile since you changed your HVAC filter, accumulated dirt and debris may be blocking the airflow. Change your air filter and see if that helps fix the problem.

• Condenser. Over time, dirt builds up on your condenser coils. If it's not cleaned properly, it can cause airflow problems and even ice buildup. Clean the coils, then run the system with just the fan to get rid of the ice to see if that fixes the issue.

• Refrigerant. If your AC is blowing air but it's not cold, you could be having refrigerant problems. Call your HVAC technician to check your refrigerant levels and recharge it.

If you're experiencing problems with your AC not blowing air, contact us at Air Assurance. We help keep Broken Arrow homes cool in the summer and comfortable all year long.

What Is the Best Kind of Basement AC Unit?

In the summer, you may consider adding an AC unit to your basement. But is it really a good idea? And even if you decide to add a basement AC unit, what are the best options available? Get the answers to your questions about a basement AC unit here.

Why Cool Your Basement?

If you've used the basement as a playroom or to entertain your guests and found it to be too warm, air conditioning will make it as habitable and as comfortable as the living spaces above. Air conditioning is essential if you use the basement to store valuable items, since climate control helps preserve such items.

Stale air encourages mold growth. By constantly moving air, a basement AC unit ensures the air doesn't get stale or stagnate. As a result, it will be harder for mold spores to grow in the basement.

What Are the Best AC Options for Your Basement?

You can expand your HVAC system or add a separate AC unit to your basement.

Extending your current system will help you regulate the conditions in your basement much more easily. Nevertheless, the existing unit will only work effectively if it's large enough to accommodate the extra square footage. Speak with an HVAC professional to learn whether your current system can cool the extra space adequately or if you'll need a larger system.

If your air conditioner can't handle the additional load, the best option is to invest in a ductless mini-split system. The system will regulate the temperature in your basement in a cost-effective way. It offers powerful performance and is extremely energy-efficient.

For maximum comfort and energy savings, make sure you contact an HVAC specialist to size and properly install the right basement AC unit. For more information on heating and cooling your basement, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer effective HVAC solutions to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

Are Individual Room AC Units the Best Way to Go This Summer?

If you’re curious about using an individual room AC to cool all or part of your home, you’ll find that these units offer advantages and disadvantages when it comes to comfort. While a central AC or heat pump is the ideal option, sometimes it makes sense to consider smaller options for home cooling. 

When Individual Room ACs Make Sense

• Someone may need it to be much cooler in the house than other family members. A problem sleeper, for example, is more likely to rest better when the room is cooler than what others may prefer.

• You’re adding on to your home and your current HVAC system isn’t large enough to cool the new space.

• You have a room that is consistently warmer than others. It might make financial sense to use an individual room AC. Before committing to the installation, check the room for air infiltration from the outside and adequate wall and roof insulation. You may be able to seal air leaks, shade windows, and add insulation to improve the room’s comfort level.

• You don’t want to make a large financial commitment for your comfort for the short time you have left in your present home. Room air conditioners are the least-expensive cooling solution for this climate. If you’re counting your energy dollars, avoid portable air conditioners. These units are the easiest to install but have the highest operational costs of all cooling systems.

Downsides of Individual Room ACs

• These units are noisy. Most have decibel ratings in the high 50s and low 60s. If the constant drone of the fan annoys you, consider a central system.

• Airflow from a room AC won’t be as strong or as widespread as the air distribution from a central cooling system. Your room will have hot spots and, conversely, cold spots.

• They’re not allowed. Whether wedged into a wall or a window, some homeowners’ associations won’t let you have them because of their appearance from the street.

If you’re considering using an individual room AC, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide trusted HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners, and we would be happy to answer your questions about individual room ACs.

What Are the Top Refrigerant Types You Can Get?

The refrigerant in your AC system absorbs heat from the air and turns it into cooler air with help from other components, such as evaporator coils and compressors. The type of refrigerant you use can have an impact on how environmentally friendly your Broken Arrow home’s AC system is. Read on to learn more about refrigerant types that are used in central air-conditioning systems.

Freon

Freon used to be among the most common kinds of refrigerant used in AC systems. However, freon, or R-22, has been found to be harmful to the environment. In fact, R-22 is no longer allowed to be used in AC systems based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Other refrigerant types are now used in place of R-22.

R-134A

R-134A can be used in AC systems that run on R-22 or R-12, which is another harmful refrigerant that has been phased out. This refrigerant contains a single component rather than having blended components, as R-22 and R-12 do. Keep in mind that you should have HVAC technicians retrofit your AC system if you’re switching to this refrigerant. Otherwise, potentially dangerous cross-contamination can occur.

R-407C

R-407C is commonly used in ductless-split AC systems and packaged AC systems. This refrigerant can be used in place of R-22 as long as the AC system is retrofitted first. R-407C is considered an eco-friendly alternative to R-22, which makes it a safer choice for the environment.

Choosing a Refrigerant

It’s important to use the right refrigerant for your AC system for safety purposes and to lower the risk of environmental harm. Professional HVAC technicians can help you choose a refrigerant for your AC system and handle the retrofitting process as needed.

If you need more information on refrigerant types, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC experts can help you decide which refrigerant you should use in your Broken Arrow home’s AC system.

What Is the Most Reliable AC Rating?

When you need to get a new air-conditioning system, it’s important to find the right one based on the AC rating. Which AC-rating systems should you use to choose a new central air conditioner? Keep the following in mind to make sure you end up with a dependable AC unit for your home.

Online Ratings

You can find many online sites that offer online ratings of AC systems, but you should be careful about which ones you use. Look for sites that are known for providing consumers with reliable AC ratings of different systems, such as Consumer Reports. These sites can help you find the highest-rated AC systems to choose from among different brands. You can use these sites to compare AC systems in order to find one that best fits your home’s cooling needs.

Energy-Efficiency Ratings

Online ratings aren’t the only rating systems to pay attention to when you need to choose a new AC unit. You should also check the SEER ratings to make sure you get an AC system that provides better energy efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating lets you know how efficient an AC system is. When you’re going over your options, you’ll notice that AC systems have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. Keep in mind that 13 is the minimum SEER rating required for AC systems. Choosing a system with a higher SEER rating provides you with even better energy efficiency.

Professional Ratings

HVAC professionals are familiar with the top-rated AC systems. Having HVAC experts assist you with choosing a new AC system can help ensure that you get the best AC unit for your home.

If you need a new air conditioner for your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance. We can help you choose a system with the right AC rating so you’ll have reliable cooling throughout the summer months.

Tips for Minimizing AC Strain During the Hot Summer Months

Summer is here, which means you can expect to run your AC virtually nonstop. It's necessary to beat the Oklahoma heat, but it also puts a lot of pressure on your system, which can wear it out more quickly, causing frequent breakdowns and shortening its life span. How can you keep that AC strain to a minimum while still keeping your home comfortable? Read on for a few tips.

• Keep the sun out. Close the curtains and blinds during the day to keep the hot sun out. Then, at night, consider opening a window or two to let cool air in that will linger into the next day, keeping the heat at bay.

• Avoid peak hours. Any hot activities you have to do, such as cooking, baking, and taking hot showers or baths should be saved for evening, once the sun is down. This will keep your home from getting too hot during the day and, thus, reduce AC strain.

• Replace filters. As dust and other contaminants build up in your air filter over time, they restrict airflow from your system. The less cold air you have, the longer it takes your home to reach your set temperature and the harder your AC has to work, which causes AC strain. Check the filter every month and replace it every three to six months.

• Perform ductwork maintenance. Ductwork leaks also reduce airflow. Look for holes, tears, and other damage to your ducts and repair them with metal tape or mastic sealant — or call your HVAC technician to do it. Also make sure that your ducts are properly insulated. If they're not, the cold air will gain heat as it travels from the system to your home, causing it to take longer to cool your home properly.

• Get a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats can be programmed in coordination with your schedule and automatically switch to a more energy-efficient setting when you're not home. Your AC's workload is reduced, and you don't pay to cool an empty house.

For more help reducing the AC strain in your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow's HVAC systems running at peak performance and efficiency.

How to Prevent Your AC Freezing Up in Summer

An HVAC freezing up in summer is a unit that needs prompt attention. While air conditioners are supposed to produce cold air, ice formation is definitely not part of this process. No component in a properly functioning central AC should generate temperatures that drop below freezing. 

Most everything about an HVAC freezing up in summer is bad news:

• First, a frozen air conditioner will not produce cool comfort anymore. Often, the unit may shut down entirely. Because freeze-ups often happen when outdoor temperatures are excessively high, this can mean very uncomfortable living conditions until the problem is resolved.

• Ice forming inside indoor evaporator coil passages gradually obstructs system airflow. This, in turn, causes the system to run longer cycles. As airflow becomes increasingly obstructed, the system runs nearly nonstop. By that time, severe, permanent damage to the compressor — the most costly component in a typical central AC — may have occurred.

What Causes AC Freeze-Ups?

• Low system airflow. When airflow through the indoor evaporator coil drops below specifications, the temperature of refrigerant circulating through the coil may plunge below freezing. Condensation naturally forming on the coil then freezes, eventually obstructing the coil. The best insurance to support optimum HVAC airflow is replacing the system air filter every month all summer long. This is an effective, affordable measure to help avoid an HVAC freezing up in summer.

• Refrigerant leaks. When the AC refrigerant charge drops too low, coil icing is a common early symptom. Air conditioners don’t consume refrigerant, so if the amount circulating through the system is insufficient, that usually indicates a leak somewhere. A qualified HVAC technician has the equipment to track down and repair these small refrigerant leaks. Then, the system's refrigerant charge can be restored to proper specifications.

If your HVAC freezing up in summer threatens your indoor comfort, ask the cooling professionals at Air Assurance about qualified HVAC service to resolve the problem. 

AC Unit Freezing Up in Summer? Learn What to Do.

If your AC suddenly stops working, then the unit may be freezing up. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Here's what you need to know about your AC unit freezing up in summer.

Why Does My AC Freeze Up?

There are several possible reasons for an AC unit freezing up in summer. Most common is lack of airflow. If not enough cold air is flowing from your vents, it likely also means not enough warm air is flowing across your coils, causing them to freeze.

Or, rather than the airflow, it may be the coils themselves that are blocked. If a lot of dust accumulates on them, it acts as insulation. Warm air blows across the coils, but it's absorbed by the dust, so the coils themselves stay cold.

You also may be low on refrigerant. This interferes with the compressor's conversion of the liquid refrigerant into a gas. As a result, too much cold is generated, causing ice to build up on the coils.

How to Fix It

In all these situations, the results are cumulative. If left unchecked, ice continues to build up over time, damaging your system. If you see your AC unit freezing up in summer, check for ice crystals on the evaporator coil of the outdoor unit. Ice may accumulate in other places too. Shut the system off completely and let it thaw. This may take several hours. If it continues freezing repeatedly, you may need to take additional steps to get to the root of the problem.

How to Stop It

First, see if something is blocking your HVAC airflow. It could be a clogged filter or damaged ductwork, or the fan or blower motor might be broken or running too slowly. If it's the latter, call your HVAC technician.

To prevent dust building up on your coils, clean them regularly with a brush and a hose. Finally, call your HVAC technician to check your refrigerant level and recharge it if necessary.

For help stopping your AC unit freezing up in summer, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable year-round.