What Are the Top 5 Misconceptions About Spring HVAC Performance?

There's a lot of misinformation out there. People latch onto mistaken ideas and spread them as facts, causing harm in the process. Here are five HVAC misconceptions that can cost money and hurt your heating and cooling system this spring.

1. MYTH: Turning your thermostat down will cool your home faster. Your AC produces the same amount of air regardless of what the thermostat says. A lower setting won't cool your home faster. It just forces it to run longer, wasting energy. If you want more air on hot days, consider a variable-speed air handler instead, to regulate your home's temperature more efficiently.

2. MYTH: You can control airflow by closing registers. Blocking certain rooms from receiving airflow creates an imbalance. Your system is calibrated for a certain square footage. Reducing that area can lead to disparate temperatures throughout a room, making the air feel clammy and uncomfortable. Invest in a zoning system instead.

3. MYTH: Heat pumps are only for the winter. In cold weather, heat pumps can warm your home using less energy than a furnace. They can be just as useful in the spring, functioning just like a regular AC to keep your home cool and comfortable.

4. MYTH: You should set your fan to "auto." The energy used by your HVAC system's fan is very little. It also helps facilitate airflow throughout the house, which regulates temperature more effectively and saves energy. Therefore, it's more efficient to have the fan running all the time than it is to set it to "auto."

5. MYTH: You can fix your AC unit on your own. This is one of the most harmful HVAC misconceptions. Your system may look simple, but understanding how it works requires special training in a number of different areas. If your AC breaks, trying to fix it yourself can end up causing more problems, which will be even more expensive to fix in the long run. Save yourself time and money by calling a professional HVAC technician when problems first arise.

To learn about other HVAC misconceptions, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Should You Link Your Plumbing and HVAC Systems to Save Money?

Though your plumbing and HVAC systems serve different functions, there are certain places where links between the two units may connect inside your house. Both your central air conditioner, as well as a high-efficiency, two-stage furnace, produce condensation which must be effectively drained from each unit.

Here are two scenarios where plumbing and HVAC links are vital, as well as what might go wrong with each.

Central Air Conditioner

On a humid summer day, the indoor evaporator coil for a central AC can produce more than 20 gallons of condensation. All that water flows from the coil into a condensate drip pan situated beneath the indoor air handler, then into a PVC drain pipe connected to the home-plumbing drain system.

What Might Go Wrong

Algae or mold growth may occur in the drip pan and clog the condensate drain pipe, causing the pan to overflow. In that case, serious water damage to the house may occur.

Annual cooling system preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC service technician includes an inspection of the condensate drip pan. If algae or mold growth is noted, the pan can be cleaned and the drain line blown out to ensure proper drain function. Algicide tablets may also be placed in the pan to prevent a recurrence.

High-Efficiency Furnace

A high-efficiency furnace also produces condensation. This water may flow through a drain pipe to be discharged outside the house or into a connection with the home drainage system.

What Might Go Wrong

In cold weather, the drain pipe may freeze where it terminates outside, blocking flow. In this case, a safety sensor will automatically shut down the furnace to prevent internal damage.

An HVAC contractor can verify that the condensate drain line is properly slanted so water drainage flows rapidly and does not freeze Alternatively, the drain line may be connected to the household drain system. However, because furnace condensate is caustic, it must be routed through a condensate neutralizer installed at the furnace connection to prevent corrosion of home drain pipes.

For professional service to prevent or resolve issues with plumbing and HVAC links, contact the experts at Air Assurance.

HVAC Safety Hazards to Watch Out For

Any mechanical or electrical appliance carries a risk of certain hazards involved with their use or maintenance, and your HVAC system is no exception. So what HVAC safety hazards should you be alert for when you use or maintain your air conditioning and heating system?

Four Hazards Associated with Your HVAC System

1. Electrical. Most electrical hazards involving your HVAC system have to do with wiring. While you're unlikely to be accessing electrical wires within your HVAC system, you might have a look at the thermostat wires to see if they are frayed or loose. Throw the breaker to the thermostat to cut the power if you plan to tighten the wires or replace them.

2. Refrigerant. Chances are, you're not charging your own air conditioner's refrigerant. That's good, because only licensed professionals are authorized to handle refrigerant. However, if you have a leak of R-22 in your older system and you have some on hand, you may be tempted to charge it yourself. Spilling this substance on you will result not in a chemical burn but rather a painful frostbite. Always call a licensed HVAC professional to fill refrigerant; if there is a leak, the technician needs to find it and fix it.

3. Carbon monoxide leaks. The furnace's heat exchanger can crack and leak carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly gas. That's why it's important to have your HVAC tech check the furnace every year. Fumes can also leak from the flue pipes or the chimney. CO buildup can also occur due to a dirty air filter, which can cause airflow to back up to the furnace. Install a CO detector and test it regularly.

4. Mold. Mold isn't a common problem in HVAC systems, but it can happen. For sensitive individuals, breathing mold spores can be sickening. Mold usually occurs due to excess moisture. Common reasons for moisture buildup include a dirty air filter, a clogged condensate drain, leaking ductwork, and dirty evaporator coils. You may suspect mold is present if you smell a musty, damp odor from the HVAC air.

For more on HVAC safety hazards, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow, providing quality HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance.

What Warranty Terms Should You Look for When Buying HVAC Equipment?

HVAC warranty terms vary, so you shouldn't take them for granted when making HVAC purchase decisions. You'll only get the peace of mind that a warranty should provide if the applicable terms and coverage details are a good value for you. Here's a quick primer on the warranty terms you should look for when replacing your heating and cooling equipment.

Equipment Warranty

Generally, HVAC warranties can be classified into equipment and labor warranties. Equipment warranties are provided by the manufacturers and cover failures or malfunctions related to faulty parts.

HVAC equipment manufacturers offer standard and base equipment warranties. You'll get a standard warranty if you register your new equipment within the required time (typically within 60 to 90 days of installation). The base warranty comes into effect if you fail to register your system. It's much shorter than the standard coverage.

When buying an HVAC system, make sure you'll get at least a 10-year warranty once you register the system with the manufacturer.

Labor Warranty

A labor warranty is provided by the HVAC contractor that installs your new equipment. It's greatly important because HVAC performance depends heavily on whether the equipment was installed correctly. Generally, contractors offer labor warranties and extend them if you sign up for their service agreement.

Labor-warranty terms vary widely from one contractor to another. Competent companies that offer high-quality installations offer better labor warranties than those that aren't confident in their services. An honest company with certified technicians shouldn't have a problem providing you a labor warranty that lasts up to 10 years, especially if you enroll in a maintenance agreement.

While labor HVAC warranty terms are usually the greatest source of headaches, equipment warranties can also be nerve-racking, as they can be voided if a system isn't installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Therefore, work with a local contractor who has a proven track record of HVAC installations and offers an excellent labor warranty. If you need HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance from the top-rated company in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance. We offer Planned Maintenance that comes with a lifetime warranty on most repairs and extended labor warranties.

What Building Materials Are Best for Efficient HVAC Performance in Your Home?

What is your home made out of? The materials used to build a house are an important factor in its energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to your HVAC system. What are the best HVAC building materials to use? Here are a few.

Basic Materials

There are several options that have been used in building houses for millennia. Among them are stone, brick, and concrete. This is largely because they're strong, sturdy, and long-lasting. However, they have other benefits as well, in terms of temperature regulation.

All these materials are very effective at heat absorption, acting as natural insulation. In winter, the sun heats them up, providing warmth to the house's interior. In summer, they absorb the hot air inside the house, allowing it to cool more quickly. In both cases, it then becomes easier for your home to reach its ideal temperature, reducing the load on your HVAC system.

Cutting-Edge Materials

Stone and brick can be incredibly effective in temperature regulation. However, scientists are currently developing brand new HVAC building materials that can reduce HVAC energy use even more. Smart building materials are still in their infancy, but someday they may eliminate the need for AC and furnaces almost entirely.

These smart materials are modeled after the human body and that of other warm-blooded organisms. Whether there's a heat wave or a blizzard, your internal body temperature remains the same — around 98 degrees. Imagine if the temperature of an entire building could be regulated the same way and kept constant, regardless of outside conditions.

As it currently stands, the material is a gel-like substance, which would make it difficult to build with. However, it could line other building materials or be used as a window treatment to help with temperature regulation. It will likely be at least a few years before these materials become widely available. When they do, though, it could change the face of HVAC forever.

To learn about other HVAC building materials to improve your home's energy efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow.

How Often Should You Open Your Windows for Natural Ventilation?

Maintaining good airflow throughout your home is important. Your HVAC system circulates and filters your air, but it also uses a lot of energy. Opening your windows, on the other hand, provides great natural ventilation that can reduce your energy bills while keeping your air clean.

Benefits of Natural Ventilation

The air in your home is filled with contaminants. Fresh, outdoor air is much cleaner. By opening windows to let that fresh air in, you can improve your indoor air quality. Opening two windows on opposite sides of a room provides a cross breeze, letting the bad air out and the good air in. This can also help your system's air filter last longer by filling your house with clean air.

Additionally, letting cool air in on a summer day reduces the burden on your AC. Fresh air provides natural cooling so your HVAC doesn't have to run as long. This not only saves energy but it may help extend the life of your system.

Drawbacks of Natural Ventilation

As great as fresh air is, you can't just leave your windows open all the time. The air may be cleaner, but there are still pollutants to worry about. Pollen and dust can get in, as well as exhaust from passing cars and other sources.

Moreover, while cool air may help you save energy, once the weather gets hotter, it has the opposite effect. If the air outside is warmer than your thermostat setting, you're raising your indoor temperature, making your AC work harder to cool your home.

So how often should you open your windows? It's recommended that you do so once a day, for at least five minutes. Fifteen to 20 minutes is preferable. However, when you open them is also important. Keep them open at night or in the early morning, when the weather is cooler. Then, before things start to heat up, close the windows and draw the blinds to keep that cool, fresh air inside as long as possible.

For more help with natural ventilation, contact us at Air Assurance. Broken Arrow's home comfort is our top priority.

What Regular Checks Should You Make to Your AC in the Spring?

Factors such as spikes in negative temperatures and prolonged cold periods can affect your air conditioner's startup. Spring AC checks help you detect potential issues and have a comfortable, problem-free cooling season. Let's break down the steps you should take to physically and visually inspect your air conditioner to ensure it'll work correctly when you need it the most.

1. Inspect the outdoor AC panels. If there's a panel that's out of place or missing, call in an HVAC professional. These panels enclose the unit's electrical connections, so any missing or misaligned panel can pose a risk to you as well as to the unit's operation.

2. Clean the outdoor unit. The outdoor AC coil gets plugged up by foreign debris. Remove any debris that may have been blown into the coil and its surroundings to get optimum performance.

3. Check the suction-pipe insulation. The large insulated copper line on the outdoor AC unit can reduce indoor cooling performance if its insulation is damaged. Winter animals, trapped freezing water, and sun rot can damage the insulation. Have damaged insulation repaired or replaced before you start using the unit.

4. Change the filter. A clogged air filter causes your heating and air conditioning system to run less efficiently. When changing the filter, orient it according to the printed instructions that are on it.

5. Check the vents and grills. Make sure no items are blocking your supply and return grills and vents. Vacuum them to remove any pet hair, dirt, and debris that may have collected on them during the winter.

6. Inspect the condensate line. Make sure the drain line is properly placed. Dust, algae, rust, and other debris can clog up the line. A clogged drain line can make water flood your AC unit or even spill into the basement. You can flush a bleach solution down the pipe to keep it clear.

7. Turn the system on. After you've gone through the checklist, turn on your air conditioner on a hot day. Let it run for 15 or more minutes to feel if it's cooling your home properly.

Once you've performed the spring AC checks above, it's a good idea to bring in an expert. Some issues can only be detected and handled by a certified professional. Contact us at Air Assurance to have routine spring maintenance carried out on your air conditioner in the Broken Arrow area.

The Specific Demands Put on HVAC Units in the Spring

Spring cleaning is on the mind of Broken Arrow-area homeowners as the weather warms up. If you’re hoping to stay cool this summer, it’s important to be aware of how spring HVAC problems can affect your summer comfort.

Spring Ahead of HVAC Problems

The outdoor condenser unit on your HVAC system requires airflow to work properly. Anything that restricts airflow, such as new spring plants growing around the unit, will cause your system to work harder. Over time, this can damage your equipment. In the short term, it can also increase your energy consumption and cost you money.

Clearing away any plants that have started to grow up around your condenser is an easy solution to this problem. While you’re doing that, don't forget to check for any leaves or other debris that might have been blown against your condenser over the winter.

Another common spring HVAC problem is soil erosion around your condenser. Winter weather can wear away at the dirt under the concrete pad your condenser sits on.

For an easy fix, use a board to lift the sagging edge of the pad. Pack sand underneath, then repeat on the opposite side. A level condenser unit allows for a better flow of oil through the unit and puts less strain on your coolant lines.

Schedule Routine Maintenance Before Summer Heats Things Up

Other spring HVAC problems can arise due to your AC being off over the winter. It’s always a good idea to schedule a spring checkup so a service technician can make sure your HVAC system is in good working order.

During a maintenance visit, technicians look for leaks or signs of wear that indicate a problem. They measure the refrigerant charge and the temperature of the air your AC is putting out. Electrical wires and connectors are inspected and tightened if necessary. The thermostat is checked to see if it’s running correctly. Any potentially bigger issues are noted so that you can get a jump on fixing them before it gets too hot outside.

If you have questions about any spring HVAC problems or getting your AC ready for summer in the Broken Arrow area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Air Assurance.

How Rain Affects Your HVAC System

Is rain affecting your HVAC system? For most homeowners, the answer is probably no. However, there are situations where rain can be a problem because of the way it's making your HVAC system perform. Excessive rainfall can also have a serious impact on the equipment itself. Read on to learn how.

Rain, High Humidity, and Your HVAC

Your HVAC system is key to controlling the relative humidity in your home. Moisture is drawn into the system in the return air, evaporating on the coils and then being channeled out of the home through the condensate drain. This method of dehumidifying the home usually works well unless the evaporator coils are dirty, the condensate drain becomes plugged, or the air filter is so dirty that airflow is slowed down and the AC stops running properly.

In times of excessive rainfall, relative humidity in your home may rise uncomfortably. You feel warmer and turn the air conditioner way up to compensate, thus wasting energy and money on utility bills.

Perhaps you have a roof leak or a plumbing leak, or perhaps the ground around your home is so saturated that it's affecting interior conditions. At these times, your AC may not be able to dehumidify effectively. It might be that you should also install a dehumidifier to help your AC keep up with the excess moisture.

Flooding and Your HVAC

If you live in an area prone to flooding and your HVAC system is in a low place, you've probably already figured out that you need to move it.

Otherwise, you may worry at times that heavy rainfall seems to cause deep ponding in your yard. If it seems like the water is rising at an alarming rate and might affect your HVAC, be advised that if it's just a few inches of water, it should be alright. Nevertheless, it's best to turn the power off, and if any flooding does occur, after your unit dries out, have an HVAC technician inspect it for damage.

For more on rain affecting your HVAC system adversely, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.