Tips for Proper HVAC Cleaning

As you prepare your list of summer home maintenance tasks to embark on, don't forget to include cleaning the HVAC unit. The good news is you can do most of the cleaning chores yourself and save the extra money you would have spent to have an HVAC professional do them. Follow the HVAC cleaning procedure below:

Turn off power

Start by shutting off the electrical power to the exterior unit at the shut-off box near it. Also, turn off the power indoors at the breaker box.

Vacuum away all the debris

Remove the exterior unit's fan cage using a wrench or screwdriver and vacuum debris such as grass clippings and leaves from the interior.

Clean and straighten fins

Spray through them from the inside out using a garden hose with moderate water pressure. Carefully realign any crushed or bent fins with a butter knife.

Clear the area around the outside unit

Replace the unit's fan cage then remove any debris around your unit. Cut back any vegetation nearby. Leave at least two feet of clear space in all directions to promote airflow around your unit.

Clean the evaporator coil

You may have to remove a few bolts or screws and some duct tape before finding the coil. Dust it off with a soft brush then spray it with a no-rinse coil cleaner.

Clean the drain pan

Use hot water, some bleach, and soap to clean the pan. Next, pour a cup of 50-50 mix of bleach and water down the drain. If the solution doesn't drain easily, attach the hose of your vacuum to the end of the drain line. Switch on the vacuum for about three minutes to clear any biological matter.

Replace the filter

Open the door to your indoor unit's filter enclosure, remove the filter and install a new one. Close the door and restore power to your system.

Cleaning your HVAC system helps you extend its life and save money. For more HVAC cleaning tips, contact us at Air Assurance. We've been serving the Broken Arrow 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). For more information about HVAC cleaning and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

HVAC Basics: What is HVAC?

For some folks, their knowledge of the HVAC system that cools and heats their home is limited to that little white box on the wall that shows temperatures. Yet, knowing some HVAC basics is a great advantage for a homeowner when it comes to handling routine maintenance, conserving energy, and troubleshooting mechanical issues when they arise.

Following is a simple explanation of the most common residential HVAC set-up, the central forced-air heating and cooling system. Typically, this involves a combination of combustion furnace for heating and split-system air conditioner for cooling, though some homes use a heat pump for both heating and cooling. "Split-system" refers to the fact that there's an indoor unit containing an evaporator coil and fan, and an outdoor unit containing a condensing coil, compressor and fan.

The process starts when a furnace blower — or A/C or heat pump air handler — draws household air into the appliance where it's heated or cooled. The fan then blows the now-conditioned air throughout the house via a network of supply ducts and registers. The air returns to the main equipment through return ductwork, where the process repeats itself. In homes with furnaces, the furnace blower typically serves as the blower for the A/C.

You can help this process by taking care of routine maintenance, such as inspecting and changing the air filter when it gets dirty. A clogged filter will impede airflow through the system, forcing the equipment to work harder and consume more energy.

You can also aid your HVAC system by weatherizing your home – sealing air leaks in its outer envelope and making sure insulation is sufficient.

Scheduling annual professional maintenance for each part of your HVAC system (heating and cooling) is also essential. A poorly maintained furnace, A/C or heat pump will struggle to heat or cool your home, waste energy, and eventually experience breakdowns. Consider signing a comprehensive maintenance agreement with your trusted local HVAC contractor.

For more help understanding HVAC basics that can help you maximize comfort and save energy in your Broken Arrow area 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). For more information about HVAC basics and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Are Your Recessed Lights Affecting Your HVAC Efficiency?

Recessed lights offer a modern and unobtrusive style, while providing light practically anywhere in your home. However, there are drawbacks to recessed lighting fixtures — air leaks and heat gain/loss between your attic and living spaces. Energy losses make your HVAC system work harder and use more energy. Following are some tips to give your HVAC system more recess time and less work.

Types of Recessed Lighting

When you install recessed lighting fixtures, you are basically cutting a hole in your home's ceiling that compromises the insulation barrier. Energy losses can be minimized or exacerbated, depending on the rating of your recessed lights, air tightness and insulation factors.

• Insulation Contact (IC): You need to know if your recessed lighting fixtures are rated "IC" for Insulation Contact. Fixtures with the IC designation may come into contact with attic insulation without the risk of fire.

• Non-IC rated: If you have non-IC fixtures installed, attic insulation should be no less than 3 inches away from the top and sides of the recessed lighting fixtures.

• Airtight fixtures: Airtight recessed lighting fixtures use gaskets to create a seal between the fixture and ceiling. Fixtures designated as airtight will be marked with "ASTM E283" on the canister.

Sealing and Insulating Recessed Lights

Take a look at all of your recessed lighting fixtures to see if you spot the IC and ASTM E283 ratings. If you do, then you don't have to worry about sealing air leaks. Even more, you can pile insulation up to and on top of the light canisters: HVAC energy losses solved.If your fixtures aren't rated airtight and insulation safe, perform efficiency upgrades to keep conditioned air out of your attic and attic air out of your living spaces. One of the most practical solutions is installing air-tight insulation boxes over the top of your recessed lights. Browse your home store or talk to your HVAC professional about your best options.

If you adore your recessed lights but abhor wasting energy in your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance to audit your home efficiency and find the best solutions to promote energy savings.

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). For more information about recessed lights and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

HVAC Questions to Ask When Buying a House

The HVAC system is generally the most expensive piece of equipment in any home. Likewise, it's the most essential when it comes to the comfort of a home's occupants. So when you're looking at buying a house, you need to find out all you can about the heating and cooling systems. Here are some key questions to ask when you're shopping.

1. How old is the HVAC system?

The age of the HVAC system should be considered as you negotiate a price. Older systems may have a lot of life left, but you'll have to think about more frequent repairs as a system reaches the 10-year mark. Another important issue is what kind of refrigerant the air conditioner uses: R-22 refrigerant is being phased out, so be aware it will cost more, or else be more difficult to acquire in years to come, to keep an older A/C going.

2. What types of heating and cooling systems are installed in the home?

Most likely, you'll be looking at a home with a basic forced air furnace and central air conditioner. But if the system is equipped with some of the latest HVAC innovations designed to improve comfort and efficiency — such as a Wi-Fi thermostat, condensing furnace, electronically commutated motor (ECM) or scrolling compressor — you may expect the seller to pass along some of the costs for all that technology. If the home comes with a heat pump or ductless mini split, radiant floor or wall heating, you'll need to brush up on the ins and outs of that technology, and how efficient it's likely to be in our climate.

3. Has the system been maintained?

Ask to see the documents for maintenance, so you'll know if the system has been well maintained, and what sort of issues it may have had.

4. Is the warranty transferable?

Sometimes warranties are only good for the original purchaser. Find out before you buy.

At Air Assurance, we know the right questions to ask about the HVAC system whenever you're buying a house. Call us at 918-894-5760. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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). For more information about important HVAC questions and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “adjieargoputra/Pixabay”

Potential Gas Leak Signs and How What to Fix Them

Each year, incidents involving natural gas leaks cause 68 injuries, 17 deaths and an average of $133 million in property damage. Given its potential suffocation and explosion risk, a natural gas leak can be dangerous for everyone in your home. This is why it’s important to understand the following gas leak signs and what to do if you encounter a gas leak.

• Rotten egg smell - The sudden odor of rotten eggs is one of several gas leak signs to look out for. If you smell this odor, there may be a gas leak somewhere within or near your home.

• Hissing sound - If you hear a hissing sound coming from one of your gas lines, you may have a large-scale gas leak on your hands. Keep in mind that a leaking A/C line can also produce this sound.

• White fog - The appearance of white fog, clouds or mist around your home could signal the presence of a ruptured gas line.

• Dead vegetation - You may see a large patch of dead grass surrounded by green foliage, signaling an underground gas leak.

• Sudden increase in gas bill - If your gas bill increases for little to no reason, it may be due to an undetected gas leak.

If you’ve detected any of the above natural gas leak signs, here’s what you’ll want to do next:

• Get some fresh air - Open all of the windows and doors in your home and leave them open to disperse the gas.

• Get outside - Get yourself and all other occupants out of the house and outdoors.

• Call your gas company - Contact your local natural gas provider immediately.

The best way to deal with any above ground or underground gas leak is to have a certified professional take care of the problem. For all your other heating and cooling needs, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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). For more information about gas leaks and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “paulracko/Pixabay”

Leaving on a Spring Vacation? Make Sure Your Home Is Prepared

Taking a spring vacation sure can be exciting, but if you want everything to run smoothly while you're gone, there's certain things you need to do. To help you out, here are some quick tips that will help you prepare your home for when you're gone:

Adjust the Thermostat

You definitely don't want your heating system to run while no one is in the house, so either adjust the thermostat or shut it down altogether. This will help you save energy while you're having fun on your vacation.

Turn Off Water Valves

Although it's not likely to happen, coming back to a flooded home due to a busted pipe is definitely not something anyone wants. You can avoid this very easily by turning off all the water valves in your home.

Leave a Light On

You don't want it to be obvious that you're not home, and leaving a light on inside is a great way to fool would-be burglars. For a longer vacation, put a light or two on a timer to help keep your energy bills under control.

Ask a Neighbor to Use Your Driveway

Those pesky would-be criminals are always on the lookout for empty homes. The lack of any vehicles in the driveway can lead them to take a closer view. Avoid this by asking a neighbor to park his or her automobile in your driveway.

Stop Your Mail

Upon request, the United States Postal Service will hold your mail while you're gone, and you can easily pick it up once you return. This will keep people from knowing you're gone.

Unplug Small Electronics

You never know when a power surge might occur. Since you won't be home to take care of any potential dangers, it's a great idea to unplug small appliances and electronics that might be in danger.

If you would like to more expert advice on how to make sure your home is prepared before leaving on a spring vacation, please contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How to Find Reputable HVAC Contractors

When you're in the market for an HVAC contractor, the process can become quite vexing. After all, you need to find a company that you can fully trust with essential systems that ensure a high level of home comfort. Our goal here is to make the process easier for you by providing a few simple tips.

Ask Around for Recommendations

If you can get a recommendation from someone you know -- family member, friend, or co-worker -- your search may be over only a few moments after it's begun. This is definitely the first step you should take.

Check Out Referrals

The first time you contact a new contractor, ask for a list of referrals of past clients. You can receive a fair sampling by choosing one or two letters from the alphabet, and then asking for referrals with last names that correspond to your choices.

Ensure NATE Certification

NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification provides testing on technicians to ensure vast knowledge of various HVAC systems and topics. If a potential company doesn't utilize certified technicians, go somewhere else for service.

Make Sure They're Attentive

While it's true that HVAC contractors typically have a lot of customers to deal with at any given time, that's certainly no excuse for providing bad service. You should always expect to be treated respectfully and responded to in a timely manner.

Check on Industry Knowledge

We're not talking about basic industry knowledge -- every HVAC company will obviously employ technicians who know their jobs. What you should look for, though, is a contractor that keeps up with evolving technology and techniques.

Take a Look at the BBB Website

The Better Business Bureau website is a great way to get a feel for the quality of an HVAC contractor. You can use the site to check out a company's ratings and see how they handled any complaints against them.

For more expert advice on how to find a reputable HVAC contractor, or any other home comfort concerns, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

Air Balancing: Everything you Need to Know

While repairing or replacing your air conditioner and furnace can help lower your utility bills, these systems won't deliver the highest comfort and efficiency levels if airflow is poor or unbalanced. Air balancing can help you get the best performance from your HVAC system. Let's find out what it is and how it can improve your system and home.

What Is Air Balancing?

The air that passes through your HVAC equipment carries the heat or cold inside. The equipment's effectiveness depends on the volume of airflow.Air balancing involves carrying out tests and adjustments to your heating and cooling system to ensure the correct amount of air is delivered to the rooms in your home. An HVAC technician uses manometers to measure the current system pressures, hoods to get the airflow levels at each grille, and hygrometers to measure humidity and temperature.The technician compiles the test results into a report to establish your system's performance. He or she may then make changes to your vents and ducts to balance the return and supply channels.

Why Do You Need To Balance Airflow?

Improper balance in your air distribution system can make your HVAC system work harder to achieve the ideal temperatures. This may put unnecessary strain on the system and damage its parts. It may also cause premature failure of the system.Balancing the airflow in your system involves adjustment of the quantity of air flowing into each room. When this is done, your rooms will have similar temperature levels, improved humidity control, and cleaner air. You'll enjoy maximum comfort in each room, and your system's efficiency will be optimized.

Although balancing your system's airflow isn't a simple task, the energy savings and reduced system wear and tear you'll get will partially or entirely cover the costs. To learn more about air balancing, please contact Air Assurance. We've been proudly serving 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). For more information about TOPIC and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “attem/Shutterstock”

Learn the HVAC Heating Season Lingo

It's winter in Oklahoma, which means heating season. It's important to make sure your furnace is in proper shape and can keep you comfortable without driving up your energy bill. How do you do that? First you need to know the lingo. Here are a few important terms to help you navigate heating season.

AFUE

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The amount of fuel your furnace gives off as heat, vs. the amount given off as exhaust, by percentage. The higher the number, the more efficient your furnace.

CAE

Combined Annual Efficiency. The total efficiency of your furnace combined with that of your water heater, for those who have devices that integrate the two.

Load Calculation

A formula to determine what size furnace you need to heat your home properly — i.e. how much heat it needs to produce — based on your home's square footage, number of rooms, and a variety of other factors. If the furnace is too small, it will be overworked trying to heat your home. If it's too big, it will cycle on and off too frequently. Both situations waste energy and cause your heating system to wear out more quickly.

Heat Pump

An energy-saving alternative to a traditional furnace, it reverses the flow of heat, taking warm air from outside and circulating it through your home. Then in the summer, it acts as an air conditioner to keep your home cool. It's a good option for climates with milder winters.

Dual Fuel

A heating system that can alternate back and forth between electric power and natural gas, to improve efficiency while still maintaining comfort.

Energy Star

The federal program that identifies and labels household appliances that save energy. If you see the blue Energy Star logo on your furnace or heat pump, that means it's been proven to save both money and energy over similar models, without sacrificing performance or features. It's a great place to start when comparing heating systems.

To learn more about the terms you need to know this heating season, contact us at Air Assurance. We've served the Broken Arrow 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). For more information about HVAC terms and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “stockcreations/Shutterstock”