Ways to Hide Your Outdoor HVAC Unit Without Compromising Efficiency

The outdoor side of your HVAC system is essential to your comfort, but let's face it: it's not the most attractive feature of your landscaping scheme. Chances are, you find it ungainly, intrusive and downright ugly, and wish there were a way to hide it. Maybe it's even noisy, and spoils your efforts at outdoor entertaining with its annoying roar.

What can you do to lower the profile of your outdoor HVAC unit? We've got a few suggestions that can help.

Move it.

This can be rather an expensive solution but in some cases, you may want to consider relocating your HVAC unit to a less intrusive location. It's probably best to consider this step when you're ready to replace HVAC equipment. Your options will be limited -- you can only move it so far away from the home, but a different location may help you make it more obscure and satisfy your landscaping and entertainment needs.

Landscape around it.

Attractive landscaping around an HVAC unit is often the key to making it less prominent. Choose plants carefully. Don't plant bushes such as holly with stiff, poking leaves, nor plants that are likely to shed fiber, seeds or leaves that will clog up the unit's parts. Plant plants 2-3 feet away from the unit, and keep them trimmed back for easy access.

Hide it.

Decorative garden elements can hide the unit. For instance, erecting a trellis and growing vines such as clematis, Virginia creeper or morning glory will help. You might also plant climbing roses, but make sure the thorns are far enough away where they won't trouble the technician. A wall in front of the unit or a wall around it might be another solution. If you're not handy enough to build these structures, you may find a pre-fabricated model at a garden landscaping supply or online. If noise is an issue, make sure you purchase a structure that muffles the sound, but doesn't restrict air flow.

We've got other solutions for hiding your outdoor HVAC unit at Air Assurance. 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

What is a "Properly Matched" System?

You may have heard of the term “properly matched” if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system. Having a properly matched system is important if you want to get the most out of your heating and cooling equipment. Read on to learn more about properly matched systems and the problems that could come with using mismatched equipment.

A Matched Set Ensures Proper Performance

Most split HVAC systems are comprised of two parts: an indoor air handler that contains the evaporator coil and blower fan and an outdoor cabinet containing the compressor and condenser coil. Both halves are connected by copper or aluminum lines that circulate refrigerant between the two halves.

The two halves of a typical split HVAC system are designed to work as a team, highlighting the importance of a properly matched system. Matching one halve with another that’s not specifically designed to work with the other can result in poor performance, among other issues.

Perils of Mismatching

If you need to replace your HVAC system, you might be tempted to replace only half of the system in order to save money. However, this pennywise step can quickly turn into a pound-foolish mistake for a variety of reasons:

• Improperly matched HVAC equipment can fail prematurely due to added stress on mismatched components.

• Mismatched units that use non-ozone depleting refrigerants will fail when mated to equipment using older, incompatible refrigerants such as R-22.

• Improperly matched HVAC systems are not only unreliable, but they’re also extremely inefficient.

• Using improperly matched equipment can also void your HVAC warranty.

Undoing the damage caused by improperly matched HVAC equipment can also be expensive. In many cases, the damage can be so severe that only a complete replacement can correct the issue.

Only a properly matched system offers the performance, longevity and efficiency you expect from your heating and cooling equipment. If you need a new HVAC system for your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today.

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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Spring Cleaning and Your HVAC System

When you make out a spring cleaning list, you likely include cleaning out the closets, giving the refrigerator a good once over while throwing away any out-of-date food in the freezer, cleaning windows and performing a host of other chores that you might get to only once a year. One task you should add to that list is looking after your HVAC system.Many homeowners think that all you need to do come spring is turn off the furnace and turn on the air conditioner. But giving your A/C a little attention before you turn it on for the cooling season could be quite beneficial. Not only will it run more efficiently so that you save money on utilities, but you'll also help ensure that it stays in good working order throughout the season.

HVAC Cleanup -- Inside and Outside

Your A/C likely is a split system model with two parts: an outdoor condenser, and the indoor air handler and evaporator coils. Let's start with the condenser. After winter's done, check around the condenser for leaves, dirt and other debris that may have collected on your unit's coils and fins. If you're able to easily access them, you can clean them with a sprayer hose; if they're really dirty, use coil cleaner and a soft brush. Be careful not to bend the fins as you clean.Trim any limbs away from the unit so you have at least a 2-foot clearing. Have a look at the hoses that conduct the refrigerant. If anything looks worn, let your HVAC tech know when you schedule your annual spring maintenance visitIndoors, change the air filter. Always buy the right size; never tforce the wrong size filter into the unit.You can also have a look at the evaporator coils, inspecting them for dirt or mold. If you know where the condensate pan is, inspect it for holes, and for sludge that might stop up the condensate drain.Adding your HVAC system to your spring cleaning list will help ensure the parts last longer. Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow for more information.

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.

How to Eliminate Odors in Your HVAC System

The air that flows from your HVAC registers should make your home more comfortable. When certain conditions exist, though, that airflow can also spread bad odors throughout the house. Eliminating odors wafting from your HVAC system air vents is not only crucial for your comfort, but it can help you avoid possible health and safety risks as well.

Why Do Unpleasant HVAC Odors Occur?

Your conditioned air can carry various kinds of disagreeable scents for a number of reasons. Here are some common types of HVAC odors and where they typically originate, as well as advice on the best way to eliminate them.

• Chemical fumes. Off-gassing VOCs and hazardous vapors from common household chemical can stay trapped in your indoor air supply if your home is tightly constructed and well-sealed for efficiency. To achieve a fresher, healthier indoor air quality, talk to your HVAC pro about effective solutions like installing a ventilator or adding a whole-house air cleaner to your HVAC system.

• “Burnt” electrical odors. A burnt-wiring smell is usually a telltale warning that an electrical component like a fan motor or circuit board is overheating. To avert the danger of a fire, shut off the HVAC system via its breaker in the main electrical panel, then contact your HVAC professional for help.

• Acetone-like vapors. If your conditioned air carries an odor that reminds you of nail polish remover, there's likely a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system. Your HVAC technician will need to locate and fix the leak, then top off the system's refrigerant level to prevent damage to key components like the compressor.

• “Dirty-sock” or musty smells. These kinds of pungent odors are especially unpleasant, and they're the result of algae, bacteria, mold or mildew growth within your HVAC system. The underlying cause may be debris/dampness in the ducts, a clogged cooling coil or air filter, or a blockage in the condensate drain lines. A trained technician can pinpoint the source and clean the component to eliminate the odor.

For more advice or help eliminating odors in your Broken Arrow home's HVAC system, contact us at Air Assurance.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Your HVAC System When Selling Your Home

If you're getting your home ready to sell, you're likely planning various repairs and upgrades to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. If your HVAC equipment is functional, but older, you may be on the fence about whether to update it before your home goes on the market.Before you decide, you'll want to consider the potential pros and cons of replacing your HVAC when selling.

Drawbacks of Replacing Your HVAC

HVAC equipment isn't cheap, so the cash outlay to replace an aging heat pump, furnace or air conditioner is without a doubt the biggest drawback of installing new components before you sell your home. Plus, the amount that's recouped from an HVAC equipment purchase when a home sells usually ranges from 35 to 50 percent of the upgrade's cost, which isn't a particularly high return on your investment.

Advantages of HVAC Replacement

The expense and expected ROI may have you leaning toward leaving your older HVAC equipment in place, but you also need to consider how an HVAC upgrade can boost your home's perceived value and help it sell faster, because it can offer buyers:

• Peace of mind about reliability. Home buyers don't want the worry that they'll face costly repairs or an equipment failure soon after they close on a property, so they appreciate a home with reliable new HVAC components that come with a manufacturer's warranty.

• Energy savings. Buyers today are more likely to use HVAC efficiency ratings as a gauge for comparing expected energy costs for homes they're seriously considering. If your home has highly-rated or Energy Star-certified equipment, it can help tip the balance in your favor.

• Desirable features. In this tech-savvy world, increasing numbers of home buyers are looking for smart HVAC controls and advanced features like variable-speed air handlers, two-stage compressors, modulating gas valves and intelligent zoning systems.

• No history concerns. When your home has brand new HVAC equipment, buyers can rest easy knowing there are no concerns about its maintenance and repair history.

For personalized advice about replacing your HVAC when selling your Broken Arrow home, 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Looking Back: HVAC History to Note

One of the many luxuries of modern society is the convenience of tapping or programming your HVAC thermostat to make your home comfortable to your liking. Not long ago, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment wasn't so simple. Keep reading to take a look back at notable inventions in HVAC history and how they influence our modern world.

Mechanical Room Fan

The first known invention of the mechanical room fan was during the Han Dynasty in China's Golden Age. A network of large room fans could be controlled by one person operating large wheels to spin the fans. The wheels could be 10-foot in diameter, which surely created quite the wind-chill effect!

Radiant Heating

Modern radiant heating systems use a solution that is heated and circulated through pipes installed inside or beneath floors (and walls). Heat from the hot solution rises and radiates into the room and furnishings. Several ancient societies had their own style of radiant heating. The Greeks and Romans used pipes and channels installed beneath marble floors that transmitted heat from fires and furnaces into the rooms above.

Electric-Resistance Heating

Electric-resistance heating is widely used in many applications. Air-source heat pumps, electric radiant heating panels, electric water heaters, electric stoves, and more use the technology. William Siemens invented electric-resistance heating coils when he proved that metal coils produced heat by applying an electrical current.

Modern-Day Air Conditioner

The most important invention in HVAC history has to be the modern-day air conditioner. Willis Carrier, an American engineer, was actually trying to invent a dehumidifier that could remove moisture from large factory rooms. He did, and much more. Our modern economic, scientific, and technological world wouldn't be possible without cooled, climate-controlled environments.

Ductless Mini Split

Developed by Mitsubishi Electric during the 1970s, ductless mini splits provide exceptional cooling and heating solutions where space is limited or impractical for conventional air ducts. Ductless systems are ideal for conditioning guest rooms, bonus rooms, additions, and more.

We hope you enjoyed this look back through HVAC history. For modern HVAC services in your Broken Arrow home, contact the professionals at Air Assurance today.

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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How HVAC Industry Changes Affect Homeowners in 2018

The HVAC industry changes for 2018 will have the most impact on homeowners who have older heat pumps and air conditioners, and the amount of fresh air ventilation new homes require. The phasing out of R-22 is nearly complete as the 2020 deadline approaches and the building codes for ventilation have been relaxed.

Refrigerant Phase-Out

If your central HVAC system uses R-22 and needs refrigerant, you’ll have to pay higher prices to fill it. Since 2010, no new systems can use R-22 because it’s an environmental hazard and the amount produced each year has been diminishing. By 2020, production will cease altogether.The new rules governing R-22 apply to HVAC technicians who need to handle it. They must pass a certification exam, and keep the certificate for three years after it expires. The technicians must also record how much they remove from a system that uses R-22, and how they disposed of it. They must also record where they disposed of the HVAC equipment.

Ventilation Codes

The International Residential Code (IRC) makes periodic changes to their building codes. They’ve rolled back their fresh air ventilation requirements to the levels established in 2010. Ventilation helps keep air healthier indoors either by exhausting stale air and replenishing it with fresh.Newer homes have been built to higher energy efficiency standards and require more mechanical ventilation since they have few air leaks caused by cracks or gaps in the exterior envelope.Some builders include balanced ventilation systems, like heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) that pull out as much interior air as they pull in from the outdoors. If not included as a standard feature, your HVAC contractor can add an HRV, which is the most energy efficient way to supply fresh air year-round.

If the HVAC industry changes for refrigerant will affect you in 2018, feel free to contact Air Assurance for more information. We provide trusted HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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 the HVAC industry and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Gellinger/Pixabay”

HVAC Coil Corrosion: Should You Be Concerned?

HVAC systems are built to withstand years of use but they’re not invulnerable. Coil corrosion is one of the few problems that will undermine its useful life. Under normal conditions, the two copper coils HVAC systems use don’t react with their environments and stay intact. Under certain circumstances, however, they will oxidize and pit, eventually weakening.

Where the Coils Are

The air handler houses the evaporator coil that absorbs the heat in your home’s air and sends it out to the condensing coil, which sits in the outdoor condenser. The coils hold the refrigerant and are essential to the operation of air conditioners and heat pumps.

How Corrosion Happens

More often than not, the corrosion occurs as a chemical reaction with the coil from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contain fluoride, chloride, or acetic or formic acids. Product like plywood, cleaning solvents, detergents, adhesives, and some carpeting and fabrics contain these acids. Should they condense on the coil, tiny leaks can form.Excessive amounts of dust can also cause the coils to leak, especially outdoors, although it can happen in the evaporator coil. Clean air filters and annual professional maintenance prevent most coil leaks.

What Coil Leaks Do

The refrigerant in HVAC systems undergoes phase changes from a gas to a liquid and back again. Since the gas is under pressure, it will flow easily through the leaks.

Signs of a Coil Leak

An air conditioner or heat pump that isn’t working properly may have inadequate refrigerant brought on by coil corrosion. When the HVAC technician tests the system, he will check the refrigerant pressure. If it’s low, he will look for leaks.

Repair or Replace

The technician may be able to seal the leak temporarily, but eventually you’ll have to replace the coil or the entire HVAC system. If a coil isn’t available or the system out of warranty, it may be more cost effective to replace the entire system.

The best way to avoid coil corrosion is to keep your system clean and professionally maintained. For more information, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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 systems and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Winter HVAC Concerns and How to Avoid Them

While summer HVAC issues typically involve the air conditioner, here in northeastern Oklahoma winter HVAC concerns usually center on the heating system.A gas-fired furnace imposes different issues with very different symptoms and solutions. With the exception of certain simple airflow problems, troubleshooting and repair of the furnace should be left to a qualified heating service technician for safety reasons. However, becoming familiar with these common winter HVAC concerns can help you recognize the problem early on and call in professional help quickly.

Chilly Rooms

If certain rooms seem to defy warming up to a comfortable temperature, the suspect is usually airflow. First, the no-brainer: Make sure the HVAC supply and return vents in all rooms are open and unobstructed. Then, check out the system air filter. If it’s dirty or dusty replace it now and continue to replace it every other month. If inconsistent temperatures persist, you’ll need professional HVAC service to check blower output and inspect ductwork for excessive leakage or disconnected segments.

Short Cycles

If a furnace turns on and back off again rapidly, it won’t generate heat long enough to maintain proper room temperatures. “Short cycling” can be caused by furnace internal overheating that trips a safety switch which shuts down the unit. A defective flame sensor can also turn the furnace off prematurely. A furnace with BTU capacity that wasn’t properly sized to the heating load of the home is another suspect: over-sized furnaces typically cycle on and off too rapidly, causing erratic temperature swings. All these and other possibilities require professional diagnosis and repair by a qualified technician.

Carbon Monoxide

About 300 people die from it yearly and thousands require hospitalization. Carbon monoxide gas (CO) is a byproduct of gas furnace combustion. The furnace heat exchanger is the critical component that prevents CO gas from entering your home. Inspection of the heat exchanger as part of annual preventive maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor is an essential safety precaution that should be performed every winter.

For professional service to address all winter HVAC concerns, in Tulsa and Broken Arrow contact 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 winter HVAC concerns and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.