Right Furnace Sizing: It's Fundamental for Comfort, Savings

Right Furnace Sizing: It's Fundamental for Comfort, Savings

When you're choosing a new heating system, the most important step is the furnace sizing process. It involves a thorough analysis of your home to find the right Btus (British thermal units) so that you avoid installing a system that's too big or too small.Heating equipment that's too large will short cycle, which means it runs in short spurts and shuts off quickly, leaving you chilled between cycles. This drives up your energy bills, increases the wear and tear on the equipment and can cause rust in the heat exchanger, which may prompt an early furnace replacement.One that's too small will leave you cold when the weather is exceptionally cold, and it will run continually, increasing energy bills and wear of all the components.Your contractor should use software tools called Manuals J, D and S to select the best size for your home before you select the energy efficiency of the system. The inputs include your home's energy efficiency, its cubic footage, floorplan layout and your lifestyle.The result of this furnace sizing exercise will yield the Btus you need, and from there, you can move onto selecting the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). The minimum you can purchase is 80, and the ratings go as high as 98. The AFUE indicates how much of the fuel the system actually uses for heat. In the case of an 80 AFUE system, it uses 80 percent and wastes the other 20 percent.If your home needs 80,000 Btus of capacity and you select a furnace with an 80 AFUE, it means that you'll need a furnace that has a capacity of 96,000 Btus. By selecting a system with a 90 AFUE, you'll only need a system with 88,000 Btus. Selecting a more efficient system will cut your energy bills each time it turns on.The experts at Air Assurance can help you with furnace sizing and selecting the best AFUE for the short and long term. Please contact us to learn more. We've provided outstanding HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for nearly 30 years.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

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). 

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Furnace Replacement On Your List? High-Efficiency Is The Way To Go

When facing a furnace replacement, homeowners are wise to consider high-efficiency systems. They not only offer higher energy savings, but they also generate a higher return on investment in terms of lower lifetime costs, fewer repairs and a longer life span. Here’s what you need to know about high-efficiency furnaces, along with a rundown of their key benefits.

How is furnace efficiency rated?

The Department of Energy outlines minimum efficiency standards for heating and cooling systems, which begin at 78 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE shows a system’s capacity to generate heat based on the fuel it consumes. High-efficiency systems generally begin at 90 percent AFUE, so this particular rating would offer 90 percent heat production for the fuel consumed, while 10 percent is lost.

What are the benefits of choosing a high-efficiency furnace replacement?

Manufacturers generally employ high-tech features to allow furnaces to reach higher efficiencies. Some features also promote improved comfort.

• Multi-stage gas valves regulate the flow of fuel into the furnace, allowing it to consume less fuel when the home’s heating load is lower. It also promotes consistent temperatures in the home.

• Variable-speed air handlers adjust the speed at which heated air is delivered, also responding to the home’s heating load on a minute-by-minute basis. In general, this component is designed to run continuously over the course of the day to boost comfort and save energy.

• Dual heat exchangers in condensing units capture a majority of the heat in combustion gases as they condense, greatly boosting the efficiency of the furnace. In standard systems, energy in combustion gases is simply lost up the flue.

When choosing a high-efficiency system as your furnace replacement, you stand to gain in terms of:

• Higher energy savings

• Improved home comfort

• Fewer repairs and a longer life span, as the components of the furnace are subject to less wear and tear. Furnace wear increases greatly from the demand placed on the unit as it starts and stops.

• Local Utilities often offer rebates for higher efficiency furnaces. Currently, Oklahoma Natural Gas has up to $550 for a 96% AFUE furnace upgrade.

Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing has served homeowners in greater Broken Arrow for more than 30 years, and we're happy to help with your furnace replacement.

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

Condensing Furnaces Raise The Bar For Efficiency

If you're in the market for a new furnace for your Broken Arrow home, consider a high-efficiency condensing furnace. Furnace efficiency is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE. Furnaces older than ten years have an AFUE of up to 65 percent, which means that 65 percent of the fuel burned by the furnace is transferred to heat for your home. The remaining 35 percent is vented outside as exhaust. Condensing furnaces have an AFUE of at least 98 percent, making these units highly efficient, saving you money on energy costs.Condensing furnaces have several features that contribute to their high efficiency. Among them are:

• Dual heat exchangers. Unlike a conventional furnace, a condensing furnace has a secondary heat exchanger that recovers the exhaust from the first and uses it to heat more air for your home. The result is that more fuel is transferred to heat and less is sent up the chimney.

• Modulating gas valve. The gas valve in a condensing furnace modulates the flow of fuel to the unit from 40 to 100 percent to meet the real-time heating needs of the home. This means that during warmer periods, less fuel is burned by the unit.

• Variable-speed fan blower. A conventional furnace has two speeds: on and off. The multiple-speed fan in a condensing furnace enables it to slow the blower during warmer periods, using less electricity and keeping your home more comfortable.

• Electronically-commutated motor (ECM). A standard furnace utilizes a split-capacitor motor to run the fan. These motors can use as much electricity as a refrigerator to operate. ECMs, which are sometimes offered on condensing furnaces, are not only quieter, but also use 75 percent less electricity.

Condensing furnaces are more expensive than conventional furnaces, but their efficiency results in considerably lower utility bills. A condensing furnace will more than pay for itself over its lifetime.For more expert information about condensing furnaces, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the Tulsa metropolitan area since 1985. Our goal is to provide the best possible service to our customers.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

Heat Exchanger Cracking? Check For Fumes

It sometimes happens when a technician is called for an HVAC visit that he finds a crack in the heat exchanger. Generally, this is viewed as a problem, and can lead to the furnace being red-tagged, or shut down. What is a heat exchanger, and why is a crack considered so serious? What is a heat exchanger?Home heating units use a heat exchanger to transfer combustion. A gas furnace mixes gas with air to create the heat that circulates through your house. A crack in the exchanger interferes with the normal mixture of gas and air causing improper combustion. The result can cause furnace malfunction or a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) in the system or in your home. Since CO is an odorless gas that's potentially lethal and undetectable without testing, a buildup could occur without your knowledge. If you suspect a crack in the exchanger, shut off the furnace and do not run it. Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your furnace.What causes cracks?As the furnace heats up and cools down, the metal contracts and expands, which can cause cracking over time. This is normal and occurs with all furnaces over time; however cracks can occur due to:

• Incorrect airflow – Blocked vents, ducts, flue or chimney; dirty air filters

• Incorrect combustion – Burners are not firing correctly

• Condensation – Condensation builds up in the heat exchanger causing corrosion

Are cracks significant?Small holes or cracks can exist in the exchanger unit  for years before they're noticed. They may not do damage or cause your furnace to malfunction, but they should be checked. Small cracks can get larger over time and cause furnace problems, especially in older models. Cracks can cause the blower to force the burner flames out the front of the furnace causing a fire. Holes can keep the burners from igniting or blow out the pilot light causing the possibility of an explosion.Regular maintenance and service can prevent problems with your furnace, especially those that may be hidden. Each of our technicians carry specific analyzing technology that to make sure your furnace is safe.  Most companies may only have one of these machines for the entire company use.  Therefore you can feel secure you're getting the very best inspection each and every time. For more expert advice about heat exchanger cracks or home comfort needs, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance, serving the greater 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

That Burning Furnace Smell Could Mean Trouble

When you first start your furnace for the season, you may be aware of a burning smell. Of course, if that furnace smell continues it could mean trouble. It's important to know how a furnace works and what different smells could mean. This will ensure that everyone is safe throughout the winter months and even provide energy savings because the furnace is working properly. Dust the furnace off and clean the filter before starting it and the initial burning smell should be reduced. The smell should dissipate within an hour. If it doesn't, something else may be going on. Here are a few reasons for a burning furnace smell and how to address the issues:

• Dirty or clogged filter: Change or clean the filter. This is a simple fix that's easy to rule out as the culprit.

• Dusty or dirty ducts: Not many people think about duct cleaning, but a persistent burning smell could indicate ducts that need to be cleaned. Call a professional and schedule a cleaning.

• Dirty burners: The burners in the furnace need to be cleaned periodically. If dust and debris build up, a burning or smoky smell can occur. These are easy enough to clean, but professionals also provide the service for those who can't or don't want to do it themselves.

• Motor overheating: Some motors need to be lubricated regularly. In other cases, the motor just might be old. Either way, a bad motor could be a reason for a burning furnace smell and needs to be addressed by a professional HVAC contractor.

These are just a few of the causes of burning smells in a furnace. If the filter and furnace are clean and otherwise working but the burning smell lingers, it's always best to call an HVAC contractor and have them resolve the issue to keep everyone safe and keep the furnace in good working order.To learn more about furnace operation and care or to schedule your own furnace maintenance and repair, contact Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning & Geothermal. They have been serving the Tulsa area for 27 years with HVAC service, installation and repair.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

Buying A New Furnace: Understand AFUE Ratings Before You Choose

If your heating equipment was on the fritz at the end of last heating season, the time is now to upgrade your furnace. Amongst other things, it is imperative that you know how to read and understand the annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE ratings that are displayed on all new furnace models. Here's why:What AFUE isAFUE ratings are a measurement of how well a furnace is able to change the energy within its fuel into usable heat throughout the course of a year. To be more specific, AFUE serves as the ratio of the furnace's annual output of heat versus the total amount of energy that is consumed by the boiler. All new heating equipment including both furnaces and boilers is required to display AFUE ratings so that consumers are able to easily make comparisons between the efficiency of various models.What the numbers meanWhen it comes to AFUE, the larger the number you see, the more efficient the furnace is. As an example, if a furnace has been assigned an AFUE rating of 85 percent, you will know that 85 percent of the energy from its fuel will be efficiently converted into heat from your home. The remaining 15 percent will be lost through your flue pipe, pilot light, or other means of losing efficiency.Other considerations when looking at AFUE ratingsFirst, it is important to keep in mind that AFUE does not take the losses of heat within your duct system or piping into consideration. If your home's ducts are located in your attic, you can expect that as much as 35 percent of your furnace's energy output could be lost. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the best heating systems for a home with such a duct system. In addition, you should know that bigger is not always better with AFUE. Electric furnaces tend to have AFUE ratings between 95 - 100 percent, for example, but the higher costs of electricity over gas make these an uneconomical decision.For more advice on understanding furnace efficiency ratings, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We proudly serve residents of the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas.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

Forced-Air Furnaces: Understand How They Work Before You Buy

Forced-air furnaces are one of the most common and popular choices for heating your home, and with good reason. Forced-air furnaces are the most energy-efficient and comprehensive choice for keeping your home toasty in winter. Learning how these furnaces work can help you choose the right model for your home.

A forced-air furnace works by burning gas in the heat exchanger. A fan blows air across this exchanger, heating the air and then sending it through the air ducts into your home. When the gas is completely combusted, the flue gases move through the heat exchanger and are vented outside the home.

Efficiency levels

Forced-air furnaces come in two main types, an 80 percent efficiency model and a 90-plus efficiency model. The difference between the two lies in the way that they process and vent combustion air. An 80 percent furnace has one heat exchanger, and connects to your existing flue pipe or chimney to vent 20 percent of the air outside the house, keeping 80 percent of the heated air indoors. A 90-plus furnace has two heat exchangers, using outside air for combustion and venting less than 10 percent outside the home.

Burner settings

Of these two  efficiency models, there are single-stage, two-stage, and modulating furnaces available. "Single-stage" means that the burner uses only one level of heat, "on" or "off." "Two-stage" furnaces have a microprocessor that controls a burner using two levels of heat, high and low. A modulating gas furnace does not come in 80 percent or 90-plus models, but operates at 95 percent or above. These furnaces use a microprocessor to regulate the burner at variable levels, adjusting accordingly to use the least energy possible for the optimum output of heat.

Blower speeds

Furnaces also have two blower speeds. A standard blower blows at a fixed speed and regularity, while a variable-speed will save you money on your electricity bill by adjusting to the heating needs of the house, often improving air circulation and maintaining steadier indoor temperatures.

For more information on furnaces and other home comfort needs, contact Air Assurance, serving the Tulsa 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

Changing Your Furnace Filter: A Guide To The Whys And Whens

Changing your furnace filter is one the most important maintenance tasks you can perform. Clogged filters can affect proper furnace operation, drag down system efficiency, cost you added energy dollars and even damage your heating equipment. Luckily, changing your furnace filter is as easy as it is important. With that in mind, here are several tips for changing and maintaining your furnace filter:

• Determine the type of filter that is best for your home. Some homes can get by with the cheap one-inch filters, but think about it this way: Your furnace is an expensive, important piece of equipment and it should be treated as such. Your indoor air quality may suffer if you install a filter that is too thin, but efficiency may drop if you choose one that is too thick. Make note of the age, capacity and condition of your furnace, then call an HVAC expert and ask them to recommend a filter.

• Check your filter every month. It's critical that you change your filter before the heating season is here, but you must also continue to check it every month. When the filter starts to look dirty, it's time to change it. That is usually about once every three months but it may be much sooner.

• Install the filter correctly. There should be an arrow in one corner of the filter. Make sure to point the arrow at the blower motor if you want it to perform as well as it should.

• Pay attention to your energy bills. If your bills are going up without an obvious reason, your filter may be dirty, or you may not have the right filter. If you notice issues, contact an HVAC professional to check your system.

If you would like professional assistance with changing your furnace filter, contact Air Assurance. We've been helping homeowners in and around Broken Arrow save money, stay comfortable and rest easy for over 25 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

Gas Furnace Safety: Tips For Protecting Your Loved Ones

Broken Arrow will soon be exposed to the cold weather of winter. This means that you will be depending more and more on your furnace to keep you and your family warm and comfortable. However, because you will be using your furnace much more this winter, you should be sure to keep in mind these gas furnace safety tips.

• Carbon monoxide (CO) detector – All gas furnaces produce a small amount of CO that is relatively harmless. However, if the furnace is not properly functioning, or your home is not being ventilated properly, CO could build up to a dangerous level. A CO detector is necessary due to the fact that CO is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas.

• Gas meter and shutoff valve – Your gas meter and the incoming shutoff valve should both be easily accessible. It should be easy for you to turn off the gas in case something goes wrong, as this could prevent a real emergency. Make sure it is not covered so that it is easily accessible by gas utility technicians.

• Check for gas leaks – Gas leaks are usually easy to find. You can usually smell it if there is a gas leak, not to mention the fact that you’ll be able to see the gas build up on the floor around the furnace.

• Keep the furnace clean – Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear. Do not place anything flammable nearby. Also, make sure to change the filter on a regular basis. A dirty filter will make the airflow much less efficient and result in the furnace working much harder than it should.

• Professional inspection – Have a professional technician inspect your furnace. He or she will be able to do a thorough job cleaning all the components as well as checking for any damages that need to be repaired.

Keeping warm during the winter is important, but so is keeping in mind these gas furnace safety tips. For more information about your furnace, contact Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide Broken Arrow with the best HVAC service available.

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