Carbon-Monoxide Detectors: How They Work And Why You Need Them

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a dangerous gas, so in order to avoid serious health problems, it's critical to be prepared for situations that require a fast response. CO is a gas produced by combustion appliances, such as gas ovens, fireplaces and cars. It's not possible for a homeowner to track CO levels without a carbon-monoxide detector, because it's scentless and not visible to the naked eye. That’s why carbon-monoxide detectors are so important.Carbon-monoxide exposure is dangerous at both high levels of quick exposure and low levels of prolonged exposure. At low levels (200 parts per million, or PPM), headaches and nausea occur within two hours. At 400 PPM, exposure becomes life-threatening within a mere three hours. At 800 PPM, death can occur within two hours. A carbon-monoxide detector can mean the difference between life and death, particularly if the carbon monoxide is released while people are asleep.Carbon-monoxide detectors use technology to gauge the carbon-monoxide levels in a home’s air. There are various types of sensors; look for models approved by the Underwriters Laboratory, marked with a "UL" symbol to indicate that the product meets their safety guidelines. For under $100, you can generally get a good carbon-monoxide detector with several features. Consider those models that feature a carbon-monoxide measure: Because even low levels of prolonged exposure can cause serious problems, you might want a detector with a carbon-monoxide level read-out.  These typically cost more, but give you much better peace of mind and lower level alarming.The type of power source is another issue to consider, because both battery-powered and hard-wired models have their advantages:

• Battery-operated units can be installed almost anywhere, but they require more maintenance because you have to change the batteries regularly.

• Hard-wired models are maintenance-free and last up to ten years. However, to install them you’ll need to locate electrical access.

It’s crucial to install carbon-monoxide detectors where they’ll work to your advantage. Install one near the bedrooms, so you can hear the alarm go off even if you're sleeping. If you have a multi-level home, install a detector on each floor. Additionally, to avoid false alarms, don’t install them near combustible appliances (such as the stove) or humid areas (a bathroom).Stay safe with carbon-monoxide detectors. And remember, it's not just the winter time that CO can be a threat!!  It’s a small cost for a big payback: your life. The professionals at Air Assurance are available to help with your carbon-monoxide detector needs. Call us anytime with your questions.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.

Key Components Of An Annual Service Check

An annual service check is near the top of the U.S. Department of Energy's  HVAC to-do list for homeowners. It's #2, right after monthly filter changes. And it's money well spent: You're protecting major investments, namely your heating and air conditioning system, and you're ensuring the comfort and safety of your family.Annual service checks catch problems before they happen and keep your system running efficiently year-round. A professional service technician will perform the following services to your oil, gas or electric HVAC system:

• Inspect and clean burners and heat exchangers
• Check vent flow and clean obstructions from the venting
• Test the thermostat and electrical connections to be sure they're working properly and at correct voltage, so the system starts and stops as it should
• Inspect oil fans and and other moving parts
• Clean A/C condenser coils
• Check/adjust the refrigerant level as needed
• Make sure the drain is clear for A/C and dehumidifier (if applicable)

These are just a few of the major things a check/tune-up will provide.  Air Assurance provides over 30+ checks while doing their maintenance.Everything runs smoother and more efficiently when cleaned and lubricated.  Your HVAC system is no exception. Burners and coils are the heart of your system. Furnace burners, like those on a stove, need cleaning to prevent the dirt and dust accumulation that leads to corrosion, rust and breakdowns. Without regular cleaning, burners become clogged, burn inefficiently and can cause damage to the heat exchanger. Cracks in the heat exchanger can allow combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) to escape into the air in your home.Coils need regular cleaning to remove the cottonwood, dust, grass clippings, etc away from the unit so that it can breathe, otherwise, putting too much strain on the compressor causes  it to prematurely give out.Don't let this happen to you. Call us today for more information. Ask about our preventive maintenance plan that keeps your system clean with annual service checks. It also offers priority service; no extra charges for emergency service; a 15 percent savings on any repairs (service and labor) and more. It also is a big part in the exclusive Limited Lifetime Repair Warranty only offered by Air Assurance! Visit us at the Air Assurance website, and don't hesitate to contact us for more information. We're always happy to help.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Use These Tips To Find An HVAC Contractor

When hiring an HVAC contractor, there are a number of choices in the Tulsa, Broken Arrow region. There are a few things you should know and look for before making your decision.Know Your NeedsBefore you contact an HVAC contractor, have some idea of your needs.  Take note of the model you are currently using for your heating and cooling system and its maintenance history.  If it is not properly cooling certain rooms, be sure to mention these specific problems when you call the contractors.Check CredentialsBe sure any contractor you may hire is licensed and insured in Oklahoma.  Go ahead and investigate how much they are insured as well.  Requirements in Oklahoma for insurance are low, and may not secure you in case of a problem.Home EvaluationsThis is an essential part of an HVAC contractor’s job and they should spend a significant amount of time inspecting your current system and your home to make sure all of your needs are being met.  And they are not there to just check your system.  They should be looking at your insulation and windows to make sure your heating and cooling system is running as efficiently as possible without any air leaks that could cause your energy bill to spike.  Anyone can replace a "box", but if they are looking at the whole home's comfort system, you know they have your best interest in mind.ReferralsMany of your neighbors and friends have used HVAC contractors before, so it would be smart to get some recommendations from them.  They will also be sure to tell you who to stay away from if they have had some negative experiences in the past.  Ask for testimonials.You should also get a written price and description of services signed by both parties before work begins.  This will make sure you are protected by specifying various costs.  Understand the warranties of not only the equipment or repaired parts, but also about the company warranties as well including labor.If you have any other questions, contact Air Assurance, and we will be glad to share our expert advice.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.

Furnace On Its Last Legs? High-Efficiency Furnaces Are More Than Just A New Model

Choosing the right furnace can seem overwhelming.  There are many different types of units and options to choose from.  However, there is one choice that can be easy.  If your furnace has seen better days, replacing it with one of the newer high efficiency furnaces can make a big difference for your energy bills and comfort.High efficiency furnaces help homeowners see significant heating cost savings throughout the life of the furnace.  They are also the best choice for people wishing to be environmentally conscious.  All furnaces now come with an “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency” rating or AFUE.  This rating tells the consumer how much of the fuel the furnace turns into heat.Beginning in 1992, new furnaces were required to have an AFUE of at least 78 percent.  This means that all new furnaces must turn 78 percent of the fuel they use into heat.  While most manufacturers list their models as “high efficiency,” the U.S. Department of Energy defines high efficiency furnaces as units that utilize at least 90 percent of energy they consume into heat.  AFUE ratings between 78 percent and 90 percent are classified as “mid-efficiency.”  If you have a furnace that is older than that, furnace AFUE ratings could be as low as 55 percent.The simple math to figure out possible energy savings can come by looking at the difference in your gas bills from summer months (when the furnace is not working) and the winter months (when the furnace is).  If you know the AFUE rating of your furnace and the AFUE of the potential new furnace you are choosing between, you can take the percentage difference from those heating bills.  For example, you currently have a 65% AFUE furnace because it was installed around 20 years ago.  A new furnace with a rating of 95% could save you 30% off your winter heating bills.  This is a conservative way to analyze your potential savings.Replacing an outdated unit with a high efficiency furnace can cost between $2,000 and $3,500, but many homeowners recoup those costs in just a few years.  (A high efficiency furnace costs approximately $500 to $1,500 more than a new mid-efficiency furnace.)  The savings a homeowner will see depends on several factors including the price of the system, energy costs in your area, climate, and the difference in efficiency between your old heater and the new heater.There are also options on heating units that include variable speed blowers.  This allows air to move more freely, and "ramp" up and down based upon need.  This can also allow you to leave the fan on during milder temperatures in order to circulate air (without the noise) for better air filtration, as well as evening out temperatures throughout the home to eliminate hot and cold spots.Other options include 2 stage or modulating heating.  This allows the furnaces to use only the BTU heating that is needed to keep you comfortable.  In other words, if you only need a little heat, it only uses a little bit of gas.  But when temperatures drop, the furnace will automatically go into the higher stage of heat.  These functions create a more even temperature, and better comfort levels throughout the home.In addition to the money savings, more efficient units reduce the negative impact of energy consumption on the environment.  By turning more energy into actual heat, theses furnaces use less total energy.  This means that less pollution is released into the atmosphere.  If you are considering replacing your furnace Air Assurance is happy to offer expert advice or answer any questions you might have.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.

How Much Outdoor Space Would I Need For A Geothermal System?

Geothermal air conditioning is becoming more popular in Tulsa and the Broken Arrow region, despite the initial high installation costs. Geothermal air conditioning systems are popular primarily for the significant energy savings they offer over time. The US Department of Energy reports that they can reach efficiency levels of up to 600 percent. Their long life spans and quiet operation levels are other great aspects, as is their small size. You don’t need a very big yard to install a geothermal system any longer.The temperature underground remains reasonably regular regardless of the season, and a geothermal air conditioning system takes advantage of this by taking energy from the earth and using it to heat or cool your home. It can also take energy from your home and transfer it back into the earth.Half of the system goes inside your home, and the other half is an underground pipe loop that gathers the energy from the ground. The pipe loop is put in a horizontal “trench” in homes with a lot of yard space, but for those with smaller yards, workers dig a vertical “borehole," which does not require a large surface area. This borehole can be 75 to 500 feet deep. The piping doesn’t need a lot of attention after installation, having a life span that can reach 50 years.The indoor half of a geothermal air conditioning system also doesn’t take up much space and runs very quietly. This half, and the element connecting it to the outside piping, requires very little maintenance.Geothermal systems are just as practical for small yards as for larger ones, and because they run on 25 percent to 50 percent less energy compared with standard systems, they offer savings of up to 72 percent. In the past, the upfront installation costs of this system could sometimes make it a very tough decision financially, however, recent federal tax credits of 30 PERCENT off the entire installation with no cap, have made this option a very powerful tool in payback.  Some systems can pay themselves back in as little as 5-7 seasons.  And sometimes, after the tax credit, it can even cost less than some of the standard high efficiency comfort systems.If you’re considering purchasing a geothermal air conditioning system and would like to learn more about how they offer savings and comfort, call Air Assurance! We’ll help you decide if it’s a good investment for your home.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.

Your Computer Depends On A Surge Protector, Why Not Your Heating And Cooling Systems?

Power surges are among the top three causes of HVAC system breakdown, along with neglect and old equipment. They are unpredictable, and only last milliseconds, but they have the potential to be very destructive. Through no fault of your own, you could be left out in the cold (or heat!) without an HVAC system, and a very high repair bill. You may even have to replace your entire system. That’s why HVAC surge protectors are solid investments.Power surges are strong, sudden electrical fluctuations, generally caused by lightning, events at the utility company, or internal occurrences. Contrary to popular belief, most causes are actually internal, created by such things as motors on household appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators, pumps for a well or a pool, and other mechanical systems. Think of when you plug in a vacuum or hairdryer and the lights go slightly dim for a moment. Power surges are more common than many people realize. The average U.S. home experiences over 300 a year, each with the ability to cause damage.Many people recognize the importance of surge protectors for their computers and take appropriate measures to protect them. If there is a sudden spike of power, the surge protector shuts down their computer, protecting their investment and valuable files. An HVAC surge protector works the same way, by shutting down your system in the event of a dangerous power fluctuation. Often the same people who protect their computers and other home electronics overlook their HVAC systems.Your HVAC system is among the top three most expensive household investments to replace, along with your home and your car. You have insurance policies on the second two items. Don’t neglect the first! Surge protectors are a kind of insurance policy for HVAC systems. In fact, surge protectors increase the life spans of all your major household appliances, including the aforementioned culprits like the dishwasher and refrigerator.Call Air Assurance to learn more about how surge protectors safeguard your equipment and your home!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.

Tax Credits Still On For Geothermal Heat Pumps

The federal tax credit for installing a geothermal heat pump in your home is still on.  You will save 30 percent of the total cost for your new system, including the installation, with no limit to your savings.How does the system work?  Geothermal heat pumps operate much like any heat pump, except that they extract heat or cold from the ground beneath your home.  Below the surface the ground temperature stays very constant year round.  It is cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter.  By looping coils through the ground you can both warm and cool your home at a lower cost.  This is a much more environmentally safe way to heat your home.  There is no burning of gas or other energy sources which put noxious fumes into the air.  And while there is a small use of electricity, it is nowhere near as great as the electricity required to run an electrically heated or cooled home.  Electricity that is frequently produced by coal fired generating plants.  It is, in fact, a very green answer for those of us that are worried about the planet.Geothermal heat pumps are an efficient and cost effective way to control the heating and cooling of your home, even here in the Tulsa area.How does the tax credit work and why is it better than a tax deduction?  The federal government has recently extended the tax credit for installing one of our geothermal heat pumps.  A tax credit allows you to deduct the entire amount of the credit directly from your tax bill.  No matter what your tax rate, you still get the entire credit applied to your tax bill.A tax deduction, on the other hand, only allows you to reduce your taxable income. If your top tax rate is 25 percent, you then reduce your tax bill by only 25 percent of the deduction.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.

How To Save On Heating Costs This Year

As we all know, our winters can be damp and miserable.  But, here in Broken Arrow, you can save money on heating while still keeping your home warm and comfortable. You can reduce your heating bill without compromising your family's comfort by taking a few simple steps to use your heating system more efficiently. You can do many things that will cost you little or no money, then you can consider some larger investments that will give you a great return on your money.1. The first thing you can do to save money on heating is to manage your thermostat wisely. If you and your family are out working during the day, set your thermostat down five to eight degrees below where you prefer to keep it when people are home. You can turn up the heat as soon as you get home and your house will heat right back up in short order, but you will have cut your heating bill significantly by letting it cool down during the day.You can cut your heating bill even more by turning your thermostat down at night when everyone is sleeping. Put extra blankets on your beds and you will never notice the difference. Many people prefer sleeping in a slightly cooler room.2. Another good way to save money on heating is to not let the warm air escape from your house. Be sure the weatherstripping is in good shape around all of your windows and doors. Use caulking around window and door trim.  Check for gaps where ducts and piping go from heated areas to unheated spaces and plug them with insulation. If you don't use your fireplace every day, be sure the damper is closed and seals tightly to keep cold air from falling down your chimney.3. Inspect your home's insulation levels.  By simply looking in your attic, if you can see the rafters, you are in need of more insulation, and could be losing as much as 30% of the heat you're paying for.  The Department of Energy recommends at least R-30 to R39 (or up to 19") for the state of Oklahoma.4.  While you're in the attic, inspect your ductwork for damaged areas.  Look for cracks or leaks around where the ductwork connects to your furnace.  There's no sense in heating your attic right?Once you have done all of the free and inexpensive things you can to save money on heating, consider investing in a more efficient furnace or installing a solar or even a geothermal heating system.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 the Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.