Reasons for Bi-Annual HVAC Tuneups

Most homeowners, if they schedule an HVAC tuneup at all, tend to go for just one appointment a year. Is that enough? Not really, because the equipment that you use in the fall and spring differs considerably.

In the fall, you will use the heating equipment, which will be mostly enclosed in an indoor cabinet with the air handler. In the springtime, you will be using the outdoor condenser and compressor, along with the indoor air handler, evaporator coils, and condensate drain. So depending on the season, your technician needs to inspect one or the other side of the HVAC.

During the year, since you last had your equipment checked, parts may have become worn and could be on the verge of failing. Without a biannual HVAC tuneup, you may not be aware if this has happened. Failing parts can lead to expensive breakdowns, such as a cracked heat exchanger or a damaged air conditioner compressor. If you had been on top of maintenance, the part might have been replaced at minimal expense, whereas it could lead to a more expensive repair if it's been neglected and allowed to fail.

Fall and Spring Tuneups

Here are some of the things an HVAC tech will look at in the spring when he checks the air conditioner:

• Refrigerant level.

• Condenser coils.

• Evaporator coils.

• Condensate drain.

• Outdoor fan motor and blades.

• Indoor blower assembly.

• Compressor and refrigerant tubing.

During the fall HVAC inspection, the tech will look at these furnace checkpoints:

• Inspect and clean burners.

• Check and adjust fan switch, pilot, and pilot assembly.

• Inspect heat exchanger for cracks.

• Measure and record carbon monoxide levels.

• Look for leaks in the gas line and flue.

Whether it's fall or spring, the tech should do the following:

• Measure the amperage and voltage of blower.

• Test and calibrate the thermostat.

• Inspect wiring and electrical components.

• Check ductwork for leaks.

Whether you have a biannual HVAC tuneup or not, don't forget to change the air filter regularly. Ask your technician to show you how.

For more on scheduling a biannual HVAC tuneup, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New HVAC System?

HVAC equipment is built to last for many years, but like all things, it can't last forever. The trick is knowing when buying a new HVAC system is the right thing to do. To help you out, here are signs to look for that you may need a new system in your home:

Warm or Hot Air Is Coming Out

When an air conditioner begins to blow warm or hot air, most people would consider this to be the biggest indication that replacement is necessary. Your best bet is to schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to see whether repair or replacement is in order.

The Equipment Has Passed the 10-Year Mark

Most HVAC equipment will last at least a full decade or longer, especially if you get it checked by an HVAC professional each year. If the system is more than 10 years old and is giving you problems, then pay attention to how it's operating, because it might be time to retire it.

Repairs Have Become Frequent

Getting your air conditioner repaired is something that every homeowner is likely to do at some point, but this shouldn't become an annual ritual. If your repairs have become frequent, it's definitely in your best interest to ditch your current system and install a new one.

Indoor Air Quality Has Diminished

Your home's indoor air quality is an important component to keeping your family and friends healthy. If anyone has been experiencing respiratory issues and a technician tells you that your equipment is likely to blame, then replacement may be the most reasonable course of action.

You Hear Odd Noises or Sounds

Minor noises and sounds typically aren't a big deal, but if the problem is severe, this is definitely something that you should be concerned about. Small problems may indicate an issue with one of the system's components, but larger issues most likely mean that replacement is imminent.

Buying a new HVAC system can be very beneficial for your home. If you need more expert advice on this or any other comfort-related subject, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years.

Did You Know That Plumbing Problems Can Affect Your HVAC Unit?

When you think of plumbing problems, a clogged kitchen sink or a dripping faucet are usually the sort of things that come to mind. However, did you know that plumbing issues can also be a factor in the operation of HVAC systems? Here are some examples of how plumbing is utilized in common residential cooling and heating components, as well as what might go wrong with these systems.

Central Air Conditioner

On a hot, humid summer day here in Oklahoma, the indoor evaporator coil in your central AC may extract more than 20 gallons of condensation from the air as an essential part of the cooling process. If everything’s functioning properly, all this water collects in a drip pan beneath the indoor air handler, then flows down a condensate drain line.

If a clog develops in the system — often a result of algae growth in the drip pan or some foreign object — the pan will overflow. Expensive water damage to the house can occur before you’re even aware of the problem.

High-Efficiency Furnace

High-efficiency furnaces — units with AFUE ratings of 90% or more — utilize a second stage to extract additional heat from exhaust gases. This process also condenses water vapor into a liquid that must be removed through a drain line that may discharge outdoors or into the house's drain system. Signs of plumbing problems include sudden unexplained pooling of water around the furnace.

What Can Be Done?

• To cure an overflowing AC, an HVAC technician will clear the clog in the condensate drain line as well as clean the drip pan beneath the air handler. Tablets that kill algae may also be placed in the drip pan to prevent the recurrence of clogs for the rest of the cooling season.

• If the furnace is leaking, the cause may be a clogged condensate drain line that triggers an overflow inside the unit or a leaky condensate drain pump. An experienced service tech can pinpoint the origin of the leakage and take steps to resolve the issue quickly.

For professional service to resolve plumbing problems that affect your cooling or heating system, contact Air Assurance.

Do Cold-Weather Climates Cause More Trouble for ACs Than Warmer Areas?

Every now and then during an unseasonably warm winter day, homeowners may be tempted to turn on the air conditioner. It may not be that warm, but perhaps you got busy in the house and started sweating, so it's tempting to turn on the AC. But should you?

Probably not. The fact is, the air conditioner compressor has summer-weight oil in it, which is a heavy-grade oil that works best under summer conditions. In colder weather, the oil may be too thick for the AC to work properly, and damage may result. Also, running the air conditioner in colder weather could cause freezing coils.

This is more or less the scenario in cold-weather climates, but what about our climate in Broken Arrow, which isn't all that cold — but may be occasionally frigid?

In general, HVAC technicians don't like to run central air conditioning unless daytime temperatures are well above 60 degrees for two to three days prior to turning the AC on. That can make it difficult to run a test in colder weather (for a home appraisal, for instance) or in colder climates.

Another issue is that some modern air conditioners now have low-ambient temperature sensors that actually keep the compressor from turning on when it's cool. These sensors are for the protection of the unit.

Heat Pumps

All of the information we've detailed up to this point pertains to central air conditioning. However, heat pumps operate a bit differently. Heat pumps, which can heat or cool a home, run with a lighter grade of oil and can be turned on during cooler weather.

Cooling Off in Winter

In general, it's better to just open a window to cool off the home a bit or else turn on a ceiling fan. If the fan blades have been reversed to push down warm air to the level of the home's occupants, you may need to change the switch so the blades are running counterclockwise. This will help lift up warm air and push down cooler air.

For more on operating the AC in cold-weather climates, contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow.

Is It Better to Combine or Separate Your Heating and Cooling Systems?

Your AC and furnace are both essential to your home comfort. However, both units require a significant amount of care and maintenance. Replacement costs can be high as well. Would it just be easier to combine heating and cooling systems into a single unit that does both? Here are some of the advantages.

Advantages of Combining HVAC Systems

The biggest advantage to consolidating your heating and cooling into a single system is that it saves space. Rather than having two different units in different areas of the house, you only have one. If you have a smaller home or want to free up some storage space, combining systems might be a good option.

It also saves money. Rather than having to buy both a furnace and an AC, you can just pay for a single system. It may be a bit more expensive than either of them are individually, but it's still cheaper than the combined cost of both.

Additionally, since you'll have just one system, you can get it serviced just once a year, rather than scheduling an AC tuneup in the spring and a furnace inspection in the fall. Finally, a combined system can save you energy. How, you ask?

Saving Energy with Heat Pumps

The best way to combine heating and cooling systems is with a heat pump. They're perfect for milder winter climates like Oklahoma's, and they can save you energy. Whereas gas furnaces burn fuel to heat the air, heat pumps are electric and operate on the same principle as air conditioners.

In the summer, it operates just like a regular AC. A heat exchanger absorbs heat, leaving you with cool air to circulate through your house, while the heat is vented outside. In winter, it's reversed: The heat that's absorbed is pumped into your home, while the cool air is vented outside. This not only saves energy, but it provides you with home comfort year round, from a single system.

If you want to combine heating and cooling systems in your home, contact us at Air Assurance today. We proudly serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Improve IAQ

Not only will spring-cleaning make your house look beautiful again, it will also improve its indoor air quality, which can benefit the health of those in your household. To get you started, we've compiled a few of our favorite tips that will make improving IAQ in spring quick and easy.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Spring-cleaning should always begin by ensuring that your HVAC equipment is running properly. If you haven't had it checked out in the past year, it's time to call a professional and get it done. This will help maintain its efficiency — and even prolong its operational life span.

Change the Filter Every One to Three Months

Your HVAC equipment's air filter is essential to maintaining healthy air quality, but unfortunately, it gets clogged up pretty quickly. On average, the filter must be changed every one to three months to work properly. Check each month and then either clean or replace it, depending on what type you have installed.

Don’t Forget Fan Blades

Whenever you dust around the house, it's very important that you don't forget about the fan blades. In fact, we're guessing that when you do clean the blades, you might be surprised at the amount of dust that has collected up there. If you don't clean this area on a regular basis, then the accumulated dust will be spread out each time you turn on the fan.

Get Your Ducts Professionally Cleaned

Your air ducts might be acting as a haven for harmful particles without you even knowing it. Left unchecked, this can greatly hurt your indoor air quality every time your HVAC equipment is in operation. To keep this from happening, hire a professional to clean the ducts at least once every five years.

If you follow these simple housecleaning tips, then improving IAQ during the spring will be a cinch. If you need more advice or have any other home-comfort concerns that you would like to discuss, the HVAC experts at Air Assurance can assist you. We've been servicing the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities for more than 30 years.

How to Switch from Heating to Cooling in Spring

The annual ritual of transitioning to cooling after a long winter of heating your house involves more than flipping one switch “Off” and another “On.” There are good reasons for following a recommended sequence of shutting down the furnace and starting up the central air conditioner. You’ll be leaving the furnace in good shape for the heating season next fall while also preparing the A/C to provide optimum cooling performance at the lowest costs during the long, hot summer ahead.

For shutting down the furnace and transitioning to cooling this spring, here’s a brief checklist:

• Schedule annual preventative maintenance with your HVAC contractor. This includes a full checkup, plus a list of manufacturer-recommended maintenance procedures performed by a qualified HVAC service technician. In addition to ensuring maximum cooling and reliability all summer long, professional preseason maintenance supports reduced energy consumption and lower monthly bills.

• Shut off the furnace. Change the thermostat setting from “Heat” to “Off.” At the furnace, turn the main gas valve to the “Off” position to stop the flow of gas.

• Replace the air filter. The system filter in your indoor air handler needs changing after winter heating operation. Replace it with a pleated cotton or polyester filter that has a MERV efficiency rating of at least 8. All summer, continue to replace the filter monthly.

• Check air vents in all rooms. Make sure HVAC supply and return vents in each room are open and unobstructed. Closed vents can disrupt air balance in rooms throughout the house and cause your A/C to run longer cycles.

• Inspect the outdoor unit. Make sure the outdoor A/C condenser unit isn’t covered and that no objects are placed on top. Weeds or vegetation around the unit should be cut back to clear 2 feet of space on all sides.

• At the thermostat, set the function switch to "Cool" and also review programmed temperatures.

When it's time for transitioning to cooling, contact the Air Assurance pros for professional service and advice.

HVAC Tips to Prevent Spring Allergies

Spring allergies wreak havoc on millions of people across the country every year. The good news is that you can keep the discomfort at a minimum by following a few simple tips.

Schedule Annual System Maintenance

To keep your HVAC system running efficiently, which will help reduce allergens in your air, be sure to schedule annual maintenance with a qualified technician. By doing so every year, you'll also help prolong the operational life span of the equipment.

Check and Replace Filters

Filters quickly clog up during normal operation as they remove contaminants from your air. To enable the filter to help with spring allergies, check the filter once per month and either clean or replace it whenever it gets dirty.

Remove Dust and Debris from Ducts

Over time, a great deal of dust and debris will collect inside your home's air ducts. These irritants are then distributed into your air every time you turn on your HVAC system. The best way to keep this debris from re-entering the air is to schedule regular cleanings once or twice per year.

Don’t Leave Windows Open

Spring allergies often occur because people have a tendency to leave their windows open during the season because they want to let the fresh air inside. This may feel good, but by doing so, you're also letting more allergens into your air.

Clean Up the Outdoor Unit

Dirt and debris that has built up on your outdoor unit can quickly find their way into your home whenever your HVAC system is in operation. You can help prevent this by removing large debris from the outdoor unit and then washing off what's left with a hose.

By following these tips on improving indoor air quality, you'll be able to reduce the severity and frequency of spring allergies. If you're interested in learning more about how to reduce allergens or need to schedule any type of HVAC service, the professionals at Air Assurance are ready to assist you. With more than 30 years of servicing the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas, we've earned the trust of our community.

How Long Should You Set Your Heating and Cooling Cycles to Last?

Setting HVAC cycles accurately helps ensure that your A/C or furnace provides maximum efficiency, lowest costs and optimum cooling or heating performance. "Cycling" simply refers to how many times the unit turns on and off every hour. The duration of on and off cycles is an important metric to evaluate how efficiently an HVAC system is operating. Here are some reasons why:

• Consequences of cycles that are either too short or overly long include excessive wear and tear on critical components such as the air compressor or furnace heat exchanger.

• Poor performance is another common result: The indoor environment and overall comfort may be impacted by a variety of symptoms, including erratic temperature swings, excess indoor humidity, and overly hot or cold rooms.

• Noisy system operation as the unit cycles on and off frequently — or, conversely, runs almost constantly — is also annoying.

• Excess energy consumption and higher operating costs are another factor.

Generally speaking, a central A/C or furnace should cycle on for about 15 to 20 minutes before cycling off again. In other words, about three to four cycles per hour. Both short-cycling and overly long cycles can be indications that something is amiss. Here are some examples of potential issues related to setting HVAC cycles:

• Short-cycling may indicate that the BTU capacity of the air conditioner or furnace is too large for the size of your home. The unit produces too much cooling or heating when it cycles on. Therefore, it shuts off too rapidly. This can degrade indoor comfort and also put excessive wear and tear on critical system components, leading to premature failure.

• Long cycles can result from problems such as insufficient airflow—most commonly caused by a clogged air filter or ductwork issues such as excessive leakage. Also, if the unit is undersized, i.e., the BTU capacity of the furnace or air conditioner is too small for the size of the house, it may run almost nonstop to achieve the thermostat setting. Another common cause of long-cycling specific to air conditioners is a refrigerant leak.

For qualified professional service to diagnose issues relating to setting HVAC cycles, contact Air Assurance.