HVAC Cost-Savings to Help During Tax Season

Very few people look forward to tax season, and it's very easy to understand why. We thought it'd be a good idea to help you lighten the burden a little by teaching you some HVAC cost-savings techniques that you can begin implementing right now.

Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat

Moving your thermostat up and down on a regular basis can increase your monthly energy costs. A programmable thermostat allows you to put your equipment on a schedule so that you'll have better and more consistent control over your energy usage.

Look for Air Leaks and Seal Them

Every home has air leaks, but if you have too many, then you're very likely wasting energy by forcing your HVAC equipment to run longer than it should. Seal any leaks you find with weatherstripping, spray foam, or caulk. Common areas to find leaks are around the edges of your doors and windows.

Lower the Water Heater’s Temperature

Many homeowners don't realize that their water heater's temperature is cranked up higher than it really needs to be, which will obviously lead to a waste of energy. The standard default setting from the manufacturer is very often 140° F, but most people are comfortable moving it down to 120° F.

Install a Zoned System

Traditional cooling systems aren't exactly efficient, because they're forced to treat the entire home even when only one or two rooms are occupied. A zoned system, which includes multiple thermostats and the ability to concentrate your cooling efforts on specified areas of your home, will help lower your energy costs.

Switch to Fluorescent Bulbs

In recent years, there's been a huge push to switch from traditional light bulbs to fluorescent models. It isn't difficult to see why: Not only do incandescent bulbs use more energy, but they also give off more heat, which will increase your cooling needs.

We hope these HVAC cost-savings strategies will help you get started toward lowering your energy bills. If you're in need of service, the team at Air Assurance can help. We've been fielding HVAC needs for Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

What Will the Future of HVAC Look Like

The HVAC industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and statistics point to the trend carrying on into the foreseeable future. That means even your current efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment could be rendered ineffective by emerging technologies. So what developments should you expect to see in the coming years? Here's a quick look at the future of HVAC.

Use of Smarter Technologies

Many HVAC companies are automating their service processes and sales to cut costs and keep prices competitive. As a result, you can expect smart technology solutions to continue revolutionizing the industry.

Local contractors will increasingly utilize software and online tools like search engine optimization (SEO) and widgets to connect with customers. Customers are expected to switch to mobile technologies to access HVAC services; for example: setting up preventive maintenance and subscribing to service programs.

Increased Energy Efficiency

With the new government regulations being geared toward energy efficiency and environmentally friendly products, there'll be an increase in the manufacture and sales of new energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Better building-measurement technology, such as new and advanced analytics tools, will also facilitate the installation of more energy-efficient HVAC systems.

Going Ductless

Ductless HVAC systems make it possible for you to enjoy affordable heating and cooling without expensive, bulky ductwork. While ductless systems are not a new concept, they're continually being upgraded to work together with modern technology. It's no wonder that they're expected to grow in popularity and account for up to 15% of industry revenues by the end of next year.

Mechanical Ventilation with Improved Filtration

Improved ventilation systems like variable air volume (VAV) systems incorporate new technologies that deliver better energy efficiency. However, experts anticipate future system advancements that will enhance not only energy efficiency but also indoor air quality. These include the incorporation of filters with higher MERV values for use in heavily polluted areas and sensor-driven electronically commutated motors (ECM), which will take air quality and the ventilation demands of a building into account.

The future of HVAC is exciting. Keep up with the latest industry trends to take advantage of the expected improvements in efficiency and indoor air quality, as well as to comply with the evolving regulations. If you need any HVAC services or advice, contact Air Assurance, the largest full-service HVAC company in Broken Arrow.

Different HVAC Care for Winter vs. Summer

All homeowners have a common goal of wanting to keep their homes comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the year. To achieve that, you'll need to know how to optimize HVAC system operation in both the summer and the winter. Below are some useful tips on seasonal HVAC care.

Open High Returns in the Summer

Hot air rises and cool air sinks. Therefore, opening the right return vents in the summer and winter significantly improves the distribution of air by your forced-air system. You'll also enjoy more even heating and cooling throughout your home.

In the summer, open your high returns and close the low ones. That will allow the warm air that has risen to be sucked out of your room and taken to the air conditioning coils for cooling. What's more, the space created will allow the cold air that's coming into the room to flow up more easily.

So what would happen if you opened the low returns instead? In that case, it's the cold air that your HVAC system is delivering to the room that would be pulled out again. The hot air that has risen would remain up top.

Open Low Returns in the Winter

In the winter, open your low returns. That allows your HVAC system to pull out the cold air that has collected at your floor.

What About the Supply Vents?

If you live in a two-story house, you'll want to optimize the supply air as well. Because hot air rises, you won't have to make many heating adjustments to optimize the delivery of warm air to your upper floor in the winter.

However, in the summer, the rising warm air will pose a problem to the second floor. What's more, your hot attic will add more heat to the area. For those reasons, you'll need greater airflow to the second floor to keep it comfortable.

Open all the higher-floor dampers and partially close the dampers to the rooms on your lower floors. Your air conditioner will now force cold air to the rooms on your upper floor more efficiently.

Remember, even if you follow these steps, airflow will be restricted if your air filters are dirty. If you'd like to know more about effective seasonal HVAC care, contact us at Air Assurance. For more than 30 years, Broken Arrow residents have entrusted their HVAC needs to us.

How to Protect Your Outside Units from Animals

Protection of your HVAC unit extends beyond the walls of your home. Because your system includes two vital components that have outdoor exposure, it may be liable to damage by outdoor critters. Because the weather isn’t always conducive to close inspections, or the components themselves aren’t easily accessed, damage from animals can take place without being noticed by occupants of the home.

Here are two outdoor examples where proper HVAC-unit protection is helpful to effectively exclude the animal kingdom.

Central A/C Condenser Unit

Typically located immediately behind the house or to one side, this outdoor unit incorporates the condenser coil and vital system components, including the compressor.

Rats and squirrels are often attracted to this enclosure. Once inside, these rodents chew insulation on electrical wiring, as well as wires that transmit signals from the thermostat. They may also make nests of leaves and twigs that interfere with proper air circulation.

To keep your outdoor condenser unit free of animals:

• Verify that the removable side panels are securely attached and not loose or hanging open. Also, make sure the fan grille on top of the unit is secure.

• The condenser unit should always be securely bolted to a base—not placed directly on the ground. The base should be a concrete pad or a commercially available plastic base.

Furnace Vent Pipe

The pipe that exhausts toxic furnace-combustion fumes from the house often terminates on the roof. Roof vent pipes may be particularly vulnerable to bird’s nests, as well as intrusion by squirrels.

• The entire length of the furnace vent should be checked during annual preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician to make sure that no nests or other debris are present. Any obstructions that impair proper ventilation could present a safety hazard if fumes flow backward into the house.

• The inspection should also include checking the vent cap and screen at the top of the vent, which keep birds and other animals out of the pipe.

Ask the experts at Air Assurance about more ways to ensure protection of your HVAC unit from animals outdoors.

How to Prevent Irritants From Getting Into Your Home

Everyone wants clean, breathable air in their home, but so many homeowners seem to struggle with this. We don't want you to suffer any longer, so we've put together a quick list of ways that you can prevent irritants from entering your air.

Upgrade Your Air Filter

If you want an air filter that's even more effective in reducing the number of contaminants in your air, then you should upgrade to a HEPA-style filter with a MERV rating of 10 or better. This will help provide optimal filtration for your entire household.

Replace Your Air Filter Every One to Three Months

Your HVAC system's air filter does a great job keeping harmful pollutants from being recirculated into the air. Unfortunately, while it's doing its job, it doesn't take long before the filter gets clogged up. Checking the filter each month and replacing it every one to three months will ensure that it continues to work properly.

Use UV Lights to Kill Contaminants

Ultraviolet lights can be used to kill several different types of pollutants that can cause irritation and respiratory issues. These lights are installed within your HVAC equipment and will treat the air as it passes through on its way to get recirculated into your home.

Get Your Ducts Cleaned

Over time, your home's air ducts gather dust and other allergens as air moves through them. These allergens can be picked up at any time and delivered back into your air. Getting your ducts cleaned by a professional is a great way to keep your air clear of irritants.

Use a Humidifier or Dehumidifier

To maintain healthy air in your home — air with fewer irritants — it is recommended that the relative humidity level be around 40%. Depending on your current humidity level, this can be achieved with either a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Once you learn how to prevent irritants from circulating in your home, the members of your household will breathe a lot easier. For more expert advice on this or any other home-comfort subject, contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been handling the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How Can Your Pipes Affect the Temperature of the Water In Your Home?

You may want to draw cold water from your tap but end up with warm or hot water in your glass. Or maybe you could run out of warm water in the middle of your morning shower, forcing you to finish with cold water. These are some of the annoying consequences that you can suffer by ignoring your home's plumbing system. Let's learn more about how your pipes cause inconsistent water-temperature effects.

Leaks

Pipes exposed to extreme temperatures can rupture and leak, leading to inconsistencies in water temperature. For example, in the height of summer, the sweltering heat can make pipes expand and burst. If hot or lukewarm water comes out of your cold-water faucets for several minutes, your water pipes may have started to leak or gain massive pressure.

Faulty Dip Tube

Your conventional water heater has two pipes that extend into it. One short dip tube draws hot water from the tank, while the longer one pushes cold water downward to the bottom of the tank. When the cold-water tube detaches, cracks, develops holes, or becomes corroded, it causes cold water to mix with hot water. This leads to inconsistent temperatures.

Obstructed Pipes

If you have a tankless water heater, mineral deposits like rust, carbonates, and oxides inside your pipes can hamper its ability to deliver hot water. Vermin, nests, and other debris can also block your vent pipes and prevent the heater from operating correctly.

Just like the other systems in your home, your plumbing system requires regular attention. You can avoid the issues above by making sure your plumbing system is inspected regularly and insulated adequately and that your underground pipes are laid deep enough to protect them from extreme temperatures.

For more information on solving these water-temperature effects, contact Air Assurance. With more than 50 years of experience, our master plumbers help homeowners in the Broken Arrow area solve all their plumbing problems. We also offer our customers a Plumbing Service Plan that helps them deal with potential problems early and prevent expensive and inconvenient repairs.

HVAC Questions to Ask During a House Hunt

When conducting a house hunt, remember to ask a few important HVAC questions before making an offer. In addition to knowing the condition of vital structural elements like the roof and the foundation, it’s important to also learn a few things about the heating and air-conditioning units. The condition of these units directly impacts monthly cooling and heating costs and may indicate whether expensive repairs will be needed soon.

Here are a few HVAC questions to ask while you’re looking for a good buy on the housing market:

• How old are the units? Central air conditioners typically have an expected service life averaging 12 to 15 years. Gas-fired furnaces may last 20 years or more. As a prospective buyer thinking ahead, it’s important to consider that replacement of the entire A/C or furnace is usually the most financially viable option if the unit needs major repairs and has exceeded approximately 2/3 of its expected service life.

• What recent repairs or component replacements have been required? A history of excessive repairs may indicate a poor-quality — and one which will likely need replacement soon — or one that has not been properly maintained or has been operated incorrectly.

• What are typical monthly heating and cooling bills? This figure will vary according to the number of occupants and temperature preferences. However, if the present owners have been paying unusually high costs to warm or cool the house, it could be a red flag that the HVAC system is not operating up to the manufacturer’s efficiency specs.

• Has the system received regular annual maintenance by a qualified HVAC professional? Regular annual maintenance supports optimum heating/cooling performance as well as maximum efficiency and low operating costs. It’s associated with longer service life and fewer breakdowns and repairs. A written record of regular annual maintenance is also required by most HVAC manufacturers in order to transfer the warranty on the units.

For more about important HVAC questions to ask when house hunting, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How Do You Know When Replacement — and Not Repair — Is Your Best Option?

If your heating or cooling components aren’t functioning up to standards, it might be time to make a choice between HVAC replacement and repair. Time passes, and furnaces and central air conditioners don’t last forever. The reliability and average service life of HVAC systems is constantly improving. However, mechanical issues or the simple passage of years takes their tolls eventually and causes you to consider your options. Here are some factors to think about when you’re faced with making a decision about HVAC replacement or repair:

• Consider the age of the unit. A typical gas-fired furnace averages about 20 years before it's time to replace it. A central air conditioner lasts about 12 to 15 years. Another aspect to consider, however, is the unit’s efficiency life span. If you’re continuing to operate an aging furnace or A/C that is out of date as far as energy efficiency, you’re probably paying more for monthly electricity and/or gas bills than is necessary. By replacing a marginal, outdated unit now, rather than repairing it, you’ll start saving money every month.

• What will it cost to fix it? Major HVAC repairs may not be the best option financially. It depends on the age of the unit and how much effective, efficient service life still remains. Certain repairs, such as a failing compressor in a central A/C or a cracked heat exchanger in a furnace, are so costly that they usually aren’t justifiable in a unit that has exceeded two-thirds of its life expectancy. At that point, replacement of the unit is a more viable option to get higher efficiency, increased reliability, and a new warranty.

• Are you missing out on new technology? Current HVAC units incorporate advanced options not available in that older model still installed in your home. Wi-Fi connectivity, remote monitoring and control and smart systems that learn your household habits and temperature preferences are among the many benefits available by upgrading to new HVAC components now.

For professional advice when facing a decision about HVAC replacement or repair, contact Air Assurance.