What Can Send Your Summer AC Bill Sky High?

With summers getting hotter in recent years, it pays to keep close watch over your electricity bills. Sudden spikes in energy costs can signal that you're using more energy because it's hot, of course, but higher bills can also signal a problem. If you suspect that there's more to your summer AC bills than meets the eye, here are some things to check on.

Air Leaks

Unless you have a new home with tight construction, conditioned air may be leaking out, with unconditioned air finding its way inside, compromising your cooling efforts. It's not that difficult to air-seal your home once you know where the leaks are occurring. Wave a lit stick of incense around key places where the air may be leaking, such as around baseboards, windows and doors, the attic hatch, recessed lighting, and exterior walls where pipes, cables, and wiring come in. Plug the leaks with insulation, weatherstripping and caulk.

Leaking Ductwork

Your ductwork is probably out of sight and never gets checked for leaks, but it should be. Over time, the segments develop cracks and come apart, so that conditioned air leaks out and unconditioned air gets in. This can cause your HVAC system to work harder to cool or heat your home. Ductwork efficiency may be improved with fiberglass lining.

Aging, Inefficient HVAC

As your HVAC unit ages, parts start wearing out, causing the system to work less efficiently. What's more, older models were not designed to be as efficient as newer ones. Newer models can be rated as high as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) 25, which is an extraordinarily efficient rating. To achieve this level of efficiency, modern ACs may come equipped with such technology as a scrolling compressor or a dual-stage compressor, variable speed fan, and variable refrigerant flow.

Hot Spots

Your home may develop hot spots, which are places in rooms — or whole rooms themselves — that are too warm, spurring you to lower the thermostat in an attempt to cool down. A zoned system may be the answer.

For more on how to lower your summer AC bills, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding community.

How Does Your AC Adapt to Heat Waves?

Heat waves can push an air conditioner to the maximum. In the past few years, nearly all states in the U.S. have had at least one spell of unusually severe hot weather. During these times, an AC runs longer, and thus, cooling components incur more wear and tear. Heat waves are hard to predict far in advance. However, you can predict that your air conditioner will be subject to increased stress if one occurs. Here are some things to expect:

Air conditioners have limits.

A residential central air conditioner typically has a rated BTU capacity sufficient to cool a house down about 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature? If a heat wave sends temperatures above 100 degrees, you can’t expect your AC to reduce indoor temps below about 80 degrees. Pushing the thermostat setting lower won’t make the house any cooler than 20 degrees below the outside temperature. It will, however, make the unit run longer — even nonstop — cycles. This can inflict increased wear and tear on critical components like the compressor and possibly trigger a system shutdown.

Cooling takes more time.

An air conditioner removes the same amount of BTUs of heat from your home every hour whether it’s a summer heat wave or a milder day. Therefore, lowering thermostat settings excessively can’t speed up the process in a heat wave. As outdoor temperatures decline later, however, extremely low settings may cause the house to become overly cooled, wasting energy and boosting operating costs.

Leaving the AC on reduces wear.

Shutting off air conditioning while you're gone during a heat wave means the house becomes excessively overheated. Hours of almost nonstop AC operation are required to cool it back down, inflicting excess stress on system components like the compressor. A better strategy is to leave the air conditioner running all day, cycling on and off normally with the thermostat set at a moderate temperature somewhat higher than your normal comfort zone. This actually consumes less energy and reduces stress on AC components.

For more tips about efficient, effective air conditioner operation during heat waves, talk to the pros at Air Assurance.

Which Window Glass Allows Optimum Home Cooling?

Window glass may not be the first thing homeowners in the Broken Arrow area think about when it comes to energy efficiency, but it should definitely be on your radar. Having the right window glass can make a huge difference in your energy bills.

We've come a long way in window technology since the days when a window was literally just a hole in the wall. Today, window frames come in a variety of different materials, and window glass can be layered with different gases or have energy-efficient coatings to help reduce heat transfer.

Making Your Windows More Efficient

One of the more effective ways of making windows more efficient is to install double-paned windows with argon or krypton gas between the panes. These gases are invisible, odorless, and nontoxic. They work by reducing the amount of heat that's able to transfer from the exterior pane to the interior pane, thus keeping your home cooler.

Krypton prevents the most heat transfer and can be used in windows where the space between panes is as small as 1/4 inch. However, it is more expensive than argon. Argon can be used in spaces as small as 1/2 inch and comes with a lower price, although it's not quite as efficient in blocking heat as krypton is.

Buying Windows: What to Look For

The federal Energy Star program helps consumers figure out whether a product is energy efficient. If you see windows that have the Energy Star label, that means that they are certified to meet federal guidelines for efficiency.

Another thing to compare between window choices is the U-Factor and SHGC. The U-Factor shows how well a window insulates against heat transfer. SHGC stands for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, or how much solar energy transmits through the window. When comparing windows, look for lower numbers in both of these categories.

Low-emissivity coatings come on some new windows and can be applied to existing windows. These coatings block heat transfer. Some low-emissivity coatings are spectrally selective, meaning that they'll allow a full amount of light while blocking up to 70% of heat from coming through the windows.

For more information about choosing energy-efficient window glass for your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today.

Does Your AC Depend on Modern Plumbing?

Many things can affect your AC unit’s efficiency and performance. One thing that may not come to mind is how your home’s AC drainage and plumbing system work together. A modern AC system with a modern plumbing system makes for an efficient home.

Modern Plumbing and Your AC System

Many homes have their HVAC system tied to their plumbing system. HVAC systems produce moisture, which is collected and removed by the unit itself in the form of a drainage pan and a drainage line, with some differences depending on the design of the AC unit. This collected moisture is then drained through your home's plumbing system. An up-to-date plumbing system can make draining more efficient, faster and reduce the chance for overflow.

The Condensate Drain

HVAC units have a condensation drain (or line) to direct moisture away from your HVAC unit. If this becomes clogged, it can damage your home and the AC unit itself due to water collection and overflows. These blockages can also extend to your home’s internal plumbing system, and many homes have their condensation drainage lines connected to the bathroom’s drainage system. This can create situations where plumbing issues can affect your AC’s ability to drain condensation and, in turn, if your AC drainage is malfunctioning, it can cause other issues, such as the bathroom sink becoming clogged.

The Dangers of Overflows and Blockages

Without modern plumbing, your AC unit may not drain the way it should. This collected water can damage your AC unit and plumbing, cause electrical issues, and damage the structure of your home. Issues such as mold, rot, and wood damage can occur, as can leaks to the floors below if your AC unit is located upstairs.

In Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, you have many different HVAC service providers to choose from. At Air Assurance, our many years of award-winning service and highly trained staff set us apart. Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.

How to Prevent an AC Breakdown

Your air conditioner works the hardest on the hottest summer days. Unfortunately, all the stress from the constant running makes the unit likely to break down when you need it the most. And don't forget that scheduling emergency repairs in the summer is difficult because of the work crunch for AC technicians. Here are some tips to help you avoid a major AC breakdown on sizzling summer days.

Close your blinds.

Windows allow the sun's heat into your home. Consequently, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the indoor air. Use heavy curtains that effectively block sunlight.

Replace your air filters every month.

A clogged filter restricts the airflow into your air conditioner. In turn, that reduces the system's ability to cool your home.

Use fans.

Fans help you circulate stagnant air, which usually feels warmer. What's more, by circulating the air better, fans eliminate the need for your AC system to run constantly.

Vacuum registers.

Blocked registers can cause airflow restrictions that lower your air conditioner's efficiency. Vacuum them regularly to get rid of dust buildup. Move furniture and any other objects that may block the airflow through them.

Set the thermostat appropriately.

Set your programmable thermostat such that your air conditioner will sparingly come on when nobody's home and kick on just an hour before any family member returns. Such a schedule will work the system less.

Keep plants trimmed.

The outside compressor requires enough airflow to function properly. Make sure your plants are 2 to 3 feet away from the unit. If trees or any other plants are growing above your unit, trim them regularly to maintain a 5-foot clearance between them and the top of the unit.

Call a pro for routine maintenance.

When inspecting your system, an HVAC technician will spot serious problems before they become worse.

Rather than cranking up the air conditioner, use these tips to keep your home comfortable while preventing inconveniencing AC breakdowns. For the best heating and air conditioning products and services in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Which HVAC Units Are the Most Environmentally Friendly?

The cold comfort that your HVAC unit provides can feel like a lifesaver on hot summer days. But have you ever thought deeply about the environmental harm that the unit causes? Most air conditioning units run on electricity derived from the burning of fossil fuels. Many also use ozone-depleting HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons). Luckily, there are several ways to make your HVAC unit more eco-friendly and reduce the environmental risks it poses.

Size Matters

Having an air conditioner that's the right size is great for your comfort as well as the environment. An undersized unit will struggle to balance the cooled air in the condenser with the expended air drawn out from your home by the evaporator. It will waste electricity as it tries to keep the house cool.

Thermostat Scheduling

A programmable thermostat offers an easy way to make your air conditioner greener. Simply program it to turn your AC off when you're away from home and automatically turn it on when you return. That will save a significant amount of energy — and help save the planet.

Proper Maintenance

A clean and well-maintained HVAC system is more environmentally friendly. The recommended maintenance practices you should carry out include:

• Regularly replacing dirty filters with clean ones

• Having your HVAC unit tuned up by a professional at least once a year

• Sealing and adequately insulating your ductwork

Two-Stage Cooling

Typically, it's the compressor of your AC unit that uses the most electricity. It works hard to expel heated vapors to enable the refrigerant to return to its previous cooled state. A two-stage compressor automatically compresses less on the cooler days and more on the hotter days, saving energy. Therefore, when replacing your old unit, it's a great idea to look for a model that has a two-stage cooling option.

Energy Star Certification

When looking for an eco-friendly air conditioner, go for a model that has the Energy Star label. Energy Star-rated products adhere to strict energy-efficiency guidelines.

The environmentally helpful HVAC changes you make, no matter how small, will save you money and help the environment in the long run. If you need environmentally friendly HVAC products and solutions in the Broken Arrow area, please contact the experts at Air Assurance.

Where Is the Best Place to Store Your HVAC Equipment in Your Home?

When planning to build a new house or to undertake a major renovation, be sure to discuss with your architect or builder their plans for the home's HVAC system. Too many homeowners take it on trust that the builder or architect is giving prime consideration to the location of the HVAC system, but you'd be amazed how often that's not the case.

Unfortunately, some builders do not necessarily understand good HVAC design and wait until the home is under construction to slap the HVAC on as an afterthought. No wonder so many systems fail to deliver their maximum potential. Be sure to bring your trusted HVAC consultant in during the planning stage for your new home or renovation.

Here are a few basics to think about when installing HVAC equipment:

Where Does Your HVAC System Go?

The most common type of HVAC system is central air conditioning and heating. Here's where the components are usually located:

1. Ductwork. Ductwork is usually located in the attic, the basement, or in a dropped ceiling chase.

2. Condenser. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner should be close to the house — about 2 feet away — with lines for refrigerant and wiring running from it into the house. To promote good airflow, it should be at least 2 feet from shrubbery and other structures.

3. Evaporator Coils, Furnace, and Air Handler. Evaporator coils are where the air is cooled, while the furnace is where the air is heated. The air handler blows conditioned air through the ductwork for distribution. These components are usually in an interior cabinet in a hall, in the attic, or in the basement.

For a heat pump, the installation plan will be similar to central, except there will be no furnace, since heat pumps heat and cool by moving refrigerant in and out of the house.

As the name implies, no ductwork is installed with a ductless mini split. The condenser should be located a few feet from the home, where airflow will not be affected. Air handlers will be mounted on walls, the ceiling, the floor, or on shelves.

For more on installing HVAC equipment, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

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.