Furnace Safety 101

Furnace safety is a timely topic as another cold winter comes on strong. Since Oklahoma’s among the top natural gas-producing states in the U.S., it’s no surprise that gas heating is the preferred choice for residential use. Like any home heating device, gas furnaces require periodic attention for proper maintenance and safe operation. Here are some furnace safety tips to ensure peace of mind and consistent heating comfort in the the coming winter.

Schedule professional maintenance.

All gas furnaces should receive an annual inspection and preventive maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional. The service includes verifying the integrity of critical components such as the heat exchanger as well as sensors that detect overheating and safety switches that shut down the system automatically. Tests to detect hazardous carbon monoxide gas in the system airflow are also included. Professional maintenance also supports furnace performance and efficiency for optimum heating comfort and lowest operating costs.

Keep the furnace area clear.

Don’t utilize the furnace closet or immediate vicinity to store flammable items such as boxes or clothes. Also, keep combustible liquids in a separate part of the house or garage.

Change the Filter

Change the furnace air filter at least every other month. A clogged filter impedes airflow that may overheat the furnace.

Inspect the Vent Pipe

Visually inspect the furnace vent pipe for deterioration, loosening joints or possible obstructions such as bird’s nests at the roof where the vent terminates.

Verify that the removable front cover of the furnace is securely installed.

New furnaces incorporate a safety interlock to prevent operation without a panel, which could pose a fire hazard. However, some older units do not have this protection.

Check the supply and return vents in each room.

To prevent overheating of the furnace, no more than 20% of the vents in the home should be closed at the same time.

Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors.

If you don’t already have them, install carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home and outside every sleeping area. Replace the battery twice a year.

For more furnace safety advice, as well as annual furnace inspection and maintenance, contact the pros 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.

Insulation Costs - Winter Attic Safety and Savings

Tulsa Insulation Costs

Getting your attic sealed and insulated can boost your family's comfort and help you save energy both winter and summer. In our climate, temperatures in an unfinished attic can climb too high for safety many months of the year, so winter is the ideal time to have more insulating R-value added. Attic safety should still be a primary concern even when there's less risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, so be sure to take these steps before you or a hired pro begin insulating:

Always Wear Protective Gear

Your attic can contain all sorts of injury hazards, so anyone going up there to work needs to wear proper protective gear. This means durable clothing that fully covers the arms and legs, and head protection such as a sturdy hat or helmet. Gloves and safety goggles to protect hands and eyes are needed too, and a respirator to prevent inhalation of insulation fibers.

Set Up Walking Paths

Creating walkways in your attic can make it safer and easier to access areas that need sealing and insulating. First, move any obstacles so you have clear paths to different areas, then lay down 1x4 boards to form a one-foot wide walkway. To keep the boards from slipping and wobbling, screw or nail the ends of each one to the attic floor joists.

Prevent Accidental Shocks

Do a detailed check of your attic to find any obvious or hidden electrical hazards that may cause shocks or electrocution. Check for loose wiring at floor level, gnawed or damaged wires, and open junction boxes. If you find any problems, have them fixed by an electrician before you insulate.

Light Up the Space

Good visibility is paramount for safely working in an attic. If yours only has one or two single-bulb lights, one option is to have your electrician install more. Alternately, you can put a couple of appropriately-rated extension cords and movable work-lights up there so there's plenty of illumination to safely air seal and insulate the entire attic.

For more advice about attic safety in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today 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.

Celebrate High-Tech Month with These HVAC Products

Why not add some HVAC products embedded with high-technology to honor the month of January. They’ll bring a new level of function to your home that will be as useful as it is interesting.

Wi-Fi and Smart Thermostats

By their nature, thermostats that you can control from anywhere have to be among the smartest products to use in your home to control its energy use. These thermostats let you monitor your home from anywhere you can get a Wi-Fi signal.Some thermostats track room occupancy to adjust the temperatures. Others have features that tell you when the unit needs servicing or when a part is malfunctioning. Overall, smart and Wi-Fi thermostats save considerable amounts of energy for people who aren’t home 24/7 or travel a lot. They’re also useful to control temperatures remotely.

Air Purifiers

Considering the high volume of air that you breathe daily, installing a central air purifier will clean the air and reduce the symptoms of allergies or asthma. You can choose from UV (ultraviolet) air purifiers and the advanced systems that eradicate the pollutants in the air without using filtration.

Air Quality Monitors

If you’re not sure you need an air purifier, start smaller with an air quality monitor. If your garage is attached and someone in your home has a hobby that uses chemicals, an air purifier will alert you when the air isn’t necessarily safe to breathe. Harmful but all too common airborne chemicals include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause a variety of complaints and serious illnesses will show up on the monitor, as well as. Other dangerous gases include carbon monoxide and dioxide and radon.

Advanced Heat Pumps

If you need a new heating and cooling system, consider an advanced heat pump with variable-speed operation. These kinds save tremendous energy and ensure your comfort using high-tech sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures and adjust their running speeds accordingly.

If you’d like more information about any of these HVAC products and others, talk to a pro at 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

January HVAC Maintenance To-Dos

Now that the new year is upon us, it's time to start thinking about January HVAC maintenance that will help improve your household. To help you out, we've compiled some quick tasks that you can add to your to-do list:

Replace the Air Filter

Now that the holidays are over and your guests have returned home, there's a good chance that your air filter has become a bit clogged and needs to be replaced. Some models can be cleaned instead, but the main point is to get an operational filter in your system so that it runs more smoothly. This will save you both energy and money on your monthly utility bill.

Contact an HVAC Technician

January is a great month to hire a qualified technician for the annual HVAC maintenance of your system. He or she will perform a tune-up of the system and pinpoint any problems that currently exist or could be an issue later on down the road. This maintenance will keep the unit running smoothly and efficiently. Plus, it will prolong the system's operational longevity.

Seal Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks throughout your home force your HVAC system to work harder in order to maintain a good comfort level. Find these air leaks and get them sealed with either weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam depending on the location and size. Around the edges of your doors and windows are a great place to start, and checking for tears in your home's ductwork is a good idea, too.

Check Your Registers

If you had a bunch of activity in your home over the holidays, there's a good chance that your registers have become blocked by furniture or simply gotten clogged up with dirt or debris. Make sure that the registers are clean and unobstructed to ensure proper airflow throughout your home.

For more expert advice on January HVAC maintenance or any other issues related to home comfort, reach out to the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area for over 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Decoration Storage Do's and Don't's

Most homeowners have a collection of treasured decorations that help make the holiday season more festive. You may not realize it, but there's a direct correlation between protecting your decorations while they're in storage and keeping your home and family safe from harm. Here are some decoration storage do's and don't's that can help you accomplish both:

Don't Assume That Decorations Aren't Dangerous

You might mistakenly think you only have to worry about hazards like frayed electric holiday lights or placing a tree too close to your fireplace when your decorations are in use. However, some stored decorations can add fuel to a fire or produce noxious fumes when they melt, such as:

• Boxes and egg cartons used for ornament storage

• Fabric holiday stockings and tree skirts

• Components of wreaths, garlands and artificial trees

• Holiday candles

• Plastic totes and storage containers

Don't Use the Furnace Room for Decoration Storage

If you have some extra space around your furnace, you might be tempted to use it to store your holiday decorations. The truth is, having any of the above items close to a combustion device like your furnace (or water heater) is a serious safety hazard. Other flammable and combustible items that shouldn't be stored near your furnace are fuels like gasoline, paint and paint thinners, aerosol sprays, cleaning and laundry products, wood products, paper goods, cat litter and fabric/textile materials.

Do Choose a Safe Spot for Storing Decorations

After you've carefully packed up your holiday decorations to keep them safe while in storage, here are some potential storage location where they're unlikely to cause any danger:

• The attic. A well-lit attic can be a good spot to store seasonal holiday decor, just don't include items like paraffin candles that may melt.

• Your garage. A dedicated shelving unit in the garage can make a great location for storing decorations during the off-season.

• A bedroom closet. An empty closet in a seldom-used bedroom can give you easy access to stored boxes of holiday decorations.

To learn more safe decoration storage ideas for your Broken Arrow home, contact us today 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, us at 918-217-8273.

Post-Holidays HVAC Checklist

Despite all the fun that the holidays deliver, you're probably looking forward to getting your household back to normal. We'd like to help you get started, which is why we've compiled a few of our favorite post-holiday tips. Adding these to your HVAC checklist is a great way to get your household ready for the new year.

Scheduled Maintenance with an HVAC Technician

To keep your HVAC system running efficiently and prolong its operational lifespan, you should schedule inspection of the equipment once per year. If you were too busy over the holidays to get this done, then now is the perfect time to contact a qualified technician and make an appointment.

Adjust the Temperature of Your Thermostat

With all the hustle and bustle that happens over the holidays, it's quite likely that the temperature on your thermostat has been changed. Take the time to check it out and adjusted back to a comfortable setting for your household.

Check the Registers for Any Obstructions

Registers can easily be blocked by obstructions, especially over the busy holiday. Now that the festivities is over, check the registers and make sure you move anything like furniture or boxes to allow air to flow properly.

Clean or Replace Your HVAC System's Air Filter

If you run your home's heating system a lot over the holidays, then your air filter will fill up very quickly. Now's the time to check to see if it's clogged, and if it is, either clean or replace it depending on what type of filter the system uses.

Use Microfiber Cloths to Remove Dust

Items like feather dusters and even many vacuum cleaners have a tendency to spread dust around. A better alternative is to use microfiber cloths, which attract and capture the dust. Use these to clean up once your holiday festivities have ended and your home will be dust-free in no time.

For more post-holiday tips to add to your HVAC checklist or any other home comfort concerns, please reach out to the experts at Air Assurance. We've been serving 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

10 Ways to Save Energy This Winter

The arrival of winter can put a real dent in your budget. Heating costs can send your utility bill through the roof. Fortunately, there are numerous tips you can use to enjoy energy savings this winter. They include:

1. Open the shades and curtains during the day to take advantage of the warming sunlight. Close them at night to protect your home from cold drafts.

2. If you have a fireplace with an external air intake, install an airtight door on it to prevent indoor air from escaping through the chimney. If you have a traditional fireplace that uses indoor air for combustion, install operable vents on it. Close the vents when the fireplace isn't in use.

3. Use a portable space heater to warm the room you're in and turn down the thermostat by 5 degrees or more. Every degree you turn down your thermostat by contributes to a lower energy bill.

4. Install storm windows over single pane windows to reduce heat loss.

5. Seal gaps and cracks in your doors and windows. These allow warm indoor air to escape and cold air to leak into your home.

6. Add loose-fill insulation to your attic. Heat rises, so ensuring the attic is well-insulated helps keep heat inside your home.

7. Install a programmable thermostat to avoid wasting heat. You can set it low when you're at work and increase the heat just before you return.

8. Decorate for the holiday with LED lights. They're more energy efficient than traditional incandescent lighting. What's more, LED holiday lights last much longer.

9. Lower the water heater if you're going on vacation to reduce water heating costs. If you're planning to be away for more than two days, set it to its lowest setting.

10. Switch off and unplug the electronics that you're not using. They continue to consume electricity even when they're turned off.

Use these tips to take your winter energy savings to the next level without sacrificing comfort. For more useful energy-saving and HVAC tips, contact Air Assurance. Broken Arrow residents have trusted us to handle all their HVAC and plumbing needs 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 other HVAC topics, us at 918-217-8273.

Early Winter Issues Your HVAC Might Encounter

If you want your home to stay warm during the colder months of the year, it's imperative that you pay attention to your heating system. To help you out, here are a few early winter problems that you'll want to nip in the bud.

Malfunctioning Furnace

If there's one thing you certainly don't want to deal with during the colder months of the year, it's a broken furnace. The good news is that a reputable HVAC technician can take care of any problems that arise and get your heating system working effectively again.

Frozen Pipes

Falling victim to a frozen pipe during the winter is one of the most horrendous events that a homeowner can experience. If your pipes are in danger of being frozen because they are exposed or otherwise unprotected, be sure to insulate them from the elements.

Clogged Air Filter

Once an air filter has become clogged up with dirt and debris, your heating system won't function as efficiently and more contaminants will make it into the air you breathe. Before winter is in full swing, take a look at the filter and see if it needs to be replaced or cleaned, and then continue doing this every month.

Bad Indoor Air Quality

Winter season typically coincides with an increase in illnesses. This is why it's so important to ensure that you have good quality air in your home. There are several steps that you can take, such as purchasing an air cleaner, using microfiber cloths for dusting, and, as mentioned above, keeping your air filter clean.

Restricted Airflow

A lack of airflow throughout your home can occur all year round, but it can be especially problematic when you're trying to stay warm. Making sure your registers aren't obstructed by anything and checking your ductwork for any damage will go a long way to fixing this problem.

If you need assistance dealing with your early winter problems or have other home comfort concerns, please contact the 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Should You Replace Indoor and Outdoor Air Conditioning Units at the Same Time?

If one of your HVAC units breaks down and can't be repaired, you'll probably think about replacing just that single component. When it comes to replacing air conditioning units, an experienced HVAC professional will advise you to install new indoor and outdoor units at the same time. Here are some of the reasons why it's the wisest choice:

Energy Efficiency

Central split systems have efficiency ratings that factor in their matched components. If you put in one new unit with a higher rating, it can only operate at the efficiency level of your older unit. This means your new component won't reach its full energy-saving potential.

Long-Term Reliability

If you add a brand new unit to an existing system, it's bound to put added strain on the older component. This makes it more likely that this unit will break down or fail during the hottest summer weather. When you have matching new components, you can rest easy that your cooling system will work reliably when you need it the most.

Cost Savings

Upfront savings are the main reason why Broken Arrow homeowners might consider replacing only one air conditioner unit. Upgrading the entire system instead offers more potential for long-term energy savings, and cost savings on necessary repairs. Plus, if you keep one older unit in place, it will likely need replacement in the near future, so you'll still have to pay for a second new unit.

System Enhancements

Installing two units with matching SEER ratings ensures better energy efficiency, but it also gives you the opportunity to integrate system enhancements for more comfort and convenience. Options worth considering include variable-speed technology, ductless HVAC, system zoning, whole-home air purification and smart thermostats.

Warranty Coverage

To meet equipment manufacturer's warranty requirements, split system components have to be installed to certain specifications. This is impossible to do when a new unit is added to your existing system. If you want warranty protection against factory defects, indoor and outdoor units must be installed at the same time.

For more reasons why we recommend replacing air conditioning units together, 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.