How to Install a Window AC Without Damaging the Window

Purchasing a window AC system is a great way to reduce central air costs or to cool a small home that doesn't have it. The problem is that if you don't install the unit properly, you could end up hurting your window. We've put together some quick tips to help prevent this.

Carefully Check the Measurements

You'll need two measurements before you install a window unit. First, you'll need to know the height and width of the window where you'll be installing it. Second, figure out the square footage of the room to ensure that you purchase a unit that's large enough to cool off the space.

Make Sure the Window is Secure

We can't tell you how many stories we've heard about a homeowner starting to install a window AC only to find out that the window is damaged. Since a window unit is quite heavy, the weight could easily damage the window even more. If you find any damage to the window, you'll need to get it fixed before installation.

Ask Someone to Assist You

Even if you think you could lift the window unit yourself, you don't want to take the chance of hurting yourself or damaging the window. Ask someone in your household to give you a hand. There's no need to hire an HVAC technician for this kind of installation, but you should definitely get someone to help you.

Set the Window AC in Very Carefully 

It should go without saying that you need to set the unit in place very carefully, but we're going to say it anyway. Don't try to rush the process. Take your time in lowering the unit to ensure that you don't scrape the sides of the windows and damage it. You won't need to hire an HVAC tech for the job, but there's no shame in getting a third household member to help you slowly put it in place.

If you have any questions on how to install a window AC unit or you'd like to schedule an appointment, the experts at Air Assurance are here to help. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How Do You Develop a Musty AC and How Do You Fix It?

Homeowners with quality air conditioners can be thankful. It's great to close the door and settle in to the cool interior of your home while the outdoors sizzles and your air conditioner cools. But sometimes, things can go wrong, and one common problem is signaled by a musty smell coming from your AC. It's not something that should be ignored. In fact, it may mean there's mold or mildew colonizing your air conditioner. Read on to learn what to do about a musty AC. 

Smells Coming from a Musty AC

The environment inside your HVAC system is very damp. The AC draws the home's air across the indoor evaporator coils, where the moisture in the air condenses. From there, the moisture is directed into the drain line and the drain pan. If this drain line gets clogged — and it can — or if the drain pan gets plugged up and the pan spills over, your AC may become overwhelmed with moisture it can't get rid of. From that point, your HVAC could become a haven for mold or mildew, turning it into a musty AC for sure.

Then, as your AC blows cool air through the vents, you're likely to get a telltale whiff of mold or mildew. It's also possible mold or mildew could colonize your air ducts.

A plug or obstruction in the drain line or pan may occur through a buildup of bacteria. Over time, this bacteria and other impurities such as dust and dirt that flow along with the condensation build up into sludge and form a plug that may obstruct the flow of condensation through the condensate drain.

Scheduling regular maintenance every spring can help prevent these obstructions. Generally, a service tech will pour bleach or some other cleaner into the drain line and pan to flush it out and prevent obstructions. The tech should also check the state of your pan and the drain line to make sure they are in good shape and that they're without rust or holes so that they can function properly when it comes to removing condensation.

More questions about a musty AC? Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Do You Know All of the AC Parts in Your Home Unit?

If you want your summer to go smoothly, then you need to make sure that your air conditioner is running properly. To help you get started, let's take a look at some of the AC parts that keep the system going.

Thermostat

Your air conditioner wouldn't even be able to turn on if you didn't have a thermostat, which makes it one of the most important of all AC parts. Smart thermostats are the best choice because they give you better control over your energy usage and will allow you to make changes remotely through a Wi-Fi connection.

Air Filter

Once your air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, your AC system won't run as well. This makes the filter an essential component. The filter will usually need to be either changed or replaced every one to three months depending on what type you use. This will help keep your system running properly while maintaining good indoor air quality.

Refrigerant

You might know refrigerant by its more popular brand name, Freon, though newer systems now use Pruon because it's more energy-efficient. This is the special liquid that's needed to cool your home. Without refrigerant, even the best air conditioners wouldn't be able to work properly. Refrigerant will run low from time to time, so make sure to periodically check the levels.

Expansion Valve

Your HVAC system's expansion valve controls how much refrigerant is released into the evaporator coil. This is basically what maintains the efficiency of the AC unit. If the coil receives too little or too much refrigerant, this can cause problems. The expansion valve prevents that from happening.

Blower

Your air conditioning system's blower might be a simple component, but it's also one of the most integral AC parts in your system. Without the blower and the blower motor, the treated air in your system wouldn't have anywhere to go. Once the air has been treated, the blower pushes it out into your home through the ductwork. 

If you have any questions about the AC parts we've listed here or are in need of service, contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance today. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How to Mix Natural and AC Cooling in Your Home This Summer

Your HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home. During cooling season, your energy bills skyrocket. Fortunately, it's possible to supplement it using natural cooling methods that cost much less. Here are a few ways to combine natural and AC cooling to improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

• Ceiling fans. Good air circulation is key to natural cooling, and fans help with that. In fact, ceiling fans can supplement your AC. When you run your ceiling fan, the windchill factor makes the air against your skin feel cooler than it is, allowing you to turn your thermostat up 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.

• Windows. Limiting the sunlight that enters your home makes it easier for your AC to cool, making it a good way to utilize natural and AC cooling at the appropriate times. In the mornings, open the windows to let cool air into your home. Then in the afternoon, close the windows and draw the shades, blinds, or curtains to keep the sun out. You can also invest in solar shades, which filter out UV rays without blacking your windows out completely.

• Trees. A more long-term strategy for filtering out sunlight is to plant deciduous trees with broad, flat leaves, such as maple or oak, near any south-facing windows. When full grown, the trees provide shade in summer, keeping the heat out. Then, in the fall, they shed their leaves, letting the sunlight through and providing warmth in winter.

• Insulation. In winter, your insulation keeps the warm furnace air in your home longer. In summer, insulation keeps the hot outdoor air from entering your home so your AC doesn't have to work as hard to keep things cool. Check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary to further take advantage of natural and AC cooling at once.

• Geothermal heat pump. While costly, this can save you a bundle in the long run. Geothermal systems use the energy beneath the Earth's surface to cool your home's air naturally, reducing the amount of electricity it takes to do the job.

For help mixing natural and AC cooling in your home to maximize efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

Is It Possible to Use Too Much AC Power During the Summer?

Your air conditioner is a fairly energy-intensive appliance. Several factors affect its power usage. If not appropriately addressed, these factors cause you to use too much AC power and spend more than necessary on your electricity bill. Here's a closer look at why your air-conditioning system may be using too much electricity and what you can do about it.

Dirty Filters

Air filters heavily clogged with debris cause airflow problems and make your air conditioner work harder than necessary. An AC unit working overly hard uses more electricity. HVAC professionals recommend cleaning or replacing air filters at least once monthly during the cooling season.

Temperature Settings

Setting your air conditioner too low or constantly altering the temperature during the day leads to higher power usage. Maintain consistent temperature settings to improve AC efficiency. You can also enjoy bigger savings on utility bills by adjusting to higher settings. Each degree you raise your thermostat can save up to 3% off AC costs.

Cooling an Empty Home

Letting your air conditioner run as usual when your home is empty wastes energy and money. You can set the AC temperature based on your family's regular schedule with a programmable thermostat. Program the thermostat to raise the temperature while nobody's home to save energy and money.

Open Windows

Leaving windows open while your air conditioner is running allows cool indoor air to escape. As a result, your air conditioner is forced to work harder to compensate for the lost air, using too much AC power and wasting energy. Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is running. If you plan to leave your windows and doors open, turn your air conditioner off.

Neglecting Routine Maintenance

Failing to perform regular maintenance on your AC unit can lead to several problems that decrease its efficiency and lead to it using too much AC power. Proper AC maintenance maximizes the unit's operating efficiency and prolongs its life span. It's best to have your unit professionally serviced at least once or twice a year.

By taking the necessary steps to avoid using too much AC power, you can stay comfortable without crushing your electricity budget. Contact us at Air Assurance if you need routine maintenance, repair, or any other AC services in the Broken Arrow area.

Know the Three Most Common AC Problems You'll Encounter

Now that summer is upon us, it's time to start thinking about what you'll do if your air-conditioning equipment suddenly stops working the way it should. To help you get ahead of any potential issues, read on to learn about three of the most common AC problems homeowners might face this cooling season.

Running Constantly

You might think it's not a big deal that your AC system is running constantly. After all, it's the summer season and your air conditioner is probably going to be running quite a bit. But if it never stops, this will hike up your bill and severely reduce the equipment's operational life span. Likely culprits include your thermostat, compressor, air filter, and various electrical parts.

While it's true that the AC will run for long periods of time during the summer, it should switch off periodically unless you have the temperature turned down really low. If fiddling with the thermostat doesn't fix the problem, it's time to call a technician for a professional analysis.

No Air or Uncool Air

If your AC unit is working but no air is coming out or the air isn't cool, the problem is typically no more serious than a circuit breaker. However, it may also be either a worn blower belt or low refrigerant levels. All of these things can easily be repaired, but the best strategy is to schedule an annual tuneup of your system to avoid AC problems in the first place.

Blowing Hot Air

One of the most annoying AC problems is when your system starts blowing hot air instead of cold air. There are a few common causes, including a dirty air filter, obstruction in the ducts, or debris causing your compressor to overheat. In some cases, you may be experiencing low refrigerant levels.

If you're dealing with any of the AC problems that we've listed here or you are in need of an HVAC technician, contact Air Assurance today. We've been serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How to Make Your AC Work as Efficiently as Possible

The summer heat and humidity in Broken Arrow can take a toll on your air conditioning. This can put you at risk of having skyrocketing energy bills and an HVAC system that might need repairs. How can you make sure you have the most efficient AC in your Broken Arrow home?

Boost Your Thermostat Setting

A higher thermostat setting stops your AC from having to work so much. Consider raising the setting a few degrees or more, which helps lower your energy bills. You can wait until you’re about to leave for work to raise the thermostat so you won’t be home when it’s warmer inside.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Programmable and smart thermostats give homeowners an easy way to adjust temperature settings for improved efficiency. You can program your thermostat to raise or lower the temperature at certain times. A smart thermostat can figure out when to do this based on when you tend to be home.

Replace Filters

Dirty AC filters result in an HVAC system that has to work harder, especially in the heat. Putting in new filters helps increase your AC’s efficiency and improves indoor air quality. You should change these filters every other month — more often if you have any pets.

Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system needs to have clear space all around it in order to work efficiently. Get rid of any weeds, twigs, and other debris that are close to your outdoor unit. This allows air to move freely through your system for a more efficient AC.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Having regular AC maintenance done is an effective way to virtually ensure an efficient AC. Technicians can correct any problems they find and ensure that your HVAC system is in excellent condition. This helps lower the risk of repairs while also keeping your energy bills lower throughout the summer.

If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance for more efficient AC, contact Air Assurance. Our company provides reliable HVAC services for homeowners in Broken Arrow.

How to Live With Higher AC Temperatures in Your Home

In the summer heat, your energy bills skyrocket. The simplest way to bring them down is to raise your thermostat. Higher AC temperatures mean less energy usage. They also mean less cooling. Can you survive the increased heat? You don't have to. With a few simple tricks, you can stay just as comfortable, even when the thermostat is set higher.

• Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for air circulation. They can also make your home feel cooler than it is. The windchill factor makes the air feel cooler as it blows against your skin. This means you can set higher AC temperatures — raise your thermostat about 4 degrees — with no reduction in comfort.

• Sealing leaks. Saving energy means eliminating waste. That includes sealing leaks in your ductwork so that all the air makes it from your AC to your home, as well as sealing cracks and other leaks in your house to prevent that air from escaping once it's in there. Reducing air waste means your home will stay cool longer without your system having to work as hard.

• Smart thermostat. The best time for higher AC temperatures is when you're not home. A smart thermostat gives you better control over your home's temperature, allowing you to set higher AC temperatures more easily. You can have it in cooling mode while you're in the house, but program it for energy-saving mode (a few degrees higher) when you leave for work. Then have it switch back to cooling mode half an hour or so before you get home so your house is comfortable upon your return without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

• Window treatments. The more heat you can block from entering your home, the less cooling you'll need to stay comfortable. Heavy drapes on your south-facing windows will keep the heat out, but they'll also keep the sun out. If you still want to let light in, consider solar shades. They let in some natural light while filtering out a good deal of the heat that goes with it.

For help lowering your energy bills while keeping your house comfortable, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.

What AC Wattage Should Your Home's System Be Using?

Summer is almost here, and with it comes high electric bills as you try to keep your house comfortable. How much electricity does your AC use to cool your home? How do you ensure it's using that power as efficiently as possible? Here's what you need to know about AC wattage.

AC Capacity

On average, a central AC system uses 1,000 watts per hour for every ton of cooling it produces. One ton of cooling covers about 600 square feet. Therefore, for a 2,000-square-foot house, you'd need between 3 and 3.5 tons of cooling, which would use 3,000 to 3,500 watts per hour.

A window unit uses less — between 500 and 1,400 watts per hour, depending on its size. However, they also cover much less square footage than a central AC. In order to cool your entire home, you might need up to three or four large units, which would add up to more energy usage in the long run.

Sizing and AC Wattage

A number of factors besides square footage affect what size AC your home needs — and what AC wattage it needs. For instance, if you have large, south-facing windows, they'll get a lot of sun exposure, producing more heat. If you have good insulation, though, it can help keep the heat at bay. Even the materials your home is made from can affect how much cooling you need.

When you buy a new AC, your HVAC contractor will take all of these factors into consideration to determine the cooling capacity your home requires. If your unit is too small, it won't cool your home adequately. It will run longer and use more energy trying to get your home to your desired temperature.

However, if your unit is too big, it also wastes energy. It cycles on and off rapidly, which wears out the system prematurely. It also causes disparate temperatures between rooms and even across the same room, making your home feel clammy and uncomfortable in the process.

For help getting the most out of your AC wattage, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.