Rating Smart Thermostat Technology

Smart thermostat technology is almost a decade old. In that time, it has advanced in leaps and bounds. Today, multiple brands with various functionality features enhance HVAC automation, efficiency, and maintenance. Rating smart thermostats, like any technology, must take into account the specific application of the unit as well as the requirements and budget of the buyer. With that caveat in mind, here are three examples of smart thermostat technology in various categories.

Ecobee 4

For all-around functionality combined with affordable pricing, Ecobee's smart thermostat technology rates high. The unit includes terminals to connect and control up to 12 HVAC-related devices, including air conditioner and furnace, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, ventilation units, and other air-quality accessories. It also integrates motion detectors as well as temperature and humidity sensors to supply data that informs accurate control of your indoor environment. All programmed temperature settings are easy to override to adapt to changing conditions.

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest introduced smart thermostat technology to the home market. The company sustains its prominence with the third-generation Nest model. Combining data from individual sensors throughout the home with algorithms that learn your occupancy patterns and household heating and cooling preferences, the unit computes and executes ideal temperature adjustments. All data is also displayed on the mobile app, and users can manually override programmed temperatures at any time. A variety of updated information such as HVAC energy-consumption history can be accessed. Nest also derives your GPS location from your smartphone to activate geofencing functions and provides emergency alerts if indoor temperature extremes are detected.

Honeywell Home T9

The T9 rates high among choices for temperature monitoring and control in multiple rooms. In addition to most standard smart thermostat technology, the T9 integrates up to 20 long-range wireless room sensors that detect occupancy and report temperatures. This data allows the T9 to make intelligent temperature adjustments to keep cooling and heating uniform throughout all rooms in the house. Alexa home voice commands are also supported, as are geofencing functions.

For more examples of today's smart thermostat technology, contact the HVAC professionals at Air Assurance.

What to Know About Replacing Your Home's Pipes

Your pipes are essentially your home's circulatory system. They circulate water to and from many essential areas, including the toilet, laundry, showers and bathtubs, bathroom faucets, and the kitchen sink, to name just a few. But if your home was built more than 20 years ago, there's a good chance your plumbing system is nearing the end of its useful life, making it necessary to start thinking about replacing pipes.

Besides age, other factors like lack of maintenance, faulty components, and significant temperature fluctuations can cause your pipes to fail. A plumbing disaster can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Therefore, it's best to identify potential problems that may require you to replace sections of your piping or the entire system before they develop into major issues. The signs below can help you determine if it's time to replace your home's plumbing.

Leakage

Leaks — even small ones — can be a sign of deteriorating pipes. This is particularly true for older homes with plumbing systems that have undergone wear and tear without ever being repaired. And considering the fact that your pipes consist of the same material and have faced the same usage patterns, it's probably a matter of time before the leaks show up in other parts of the system. Indications of leaking pipes include:

• Growth of mold and mildew on walls, floors, or ceilings.

• Musty odors.

• Bubbling or blistering paint on ceilings or walls.

• Discoloration of exposed pipes.

Water Discoloration

If the water from your faucets is brown or yellow, that's a sign of decay inside your pipes. The pipes leave rust as water flows through them. You'll need to have your plumbing inspected soon, as extensively corroded pipes can start leaking quickly.

Low Water Pressure

Is water flow weak in several parts of your home? There may be corrosion or blockages inside your pipes that are interfering with water pressure.

Green or Sunken Patches in Your Yard

Leaking sewer drains can cause sunken areas in your yard or one section to be greener than its surroundings. Invasive tree roots or degrading piping materials may be responsible for the leak.

If you spot any of these irregularities, call a plumber to do a thorough inspection of your system. For more information on replacing pipes, contact Air Assurance. We offer a wide variety of plumbing services to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

While You're Enjoying Your AC, Is it Too Early to Think About Your Furnace?

The climbing temperatures of the summer create the need to feel that cold blast of air from your cranked-up air conditioner. It might surprise you, but this is the time to also think about furnace maintenance. Keep reading to discover why it's essential to have some summer furnace thoughts, even though you won't have to keep warm for a few months.

Changing Your Air Filters

Your filter-replacement schedule runs throughout the year. You should typically replace your furnace filter every three to six months. The regularity depends on factors such as the filter's Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) and if you have indoor pets.

Did you know that the filter gets dirty even when you're not using the furnace? If the filter gets too dirty, it could cause your system to suffer long-term damage in addition to impairing its efficiency. A clean filter is necessary for maintaining energy efficiency.

The Pilot Light

If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it has a pilot light that stays lit 24/7. Considering how much the summer temperatures can take a toll on your energy bills, it makes sense to save a few dollars by switching off the pilot light. Doing this helps your air conditioner run efficiently. Don't forget to relight the pilot light when the next heating season arrives.

Your Furnace Gets Dirty

Your furnace, just like the filter, needs to be clean. After working hard to keep you comfortable during the winter, it's likely to have debris or dust on the exterior and interior components. If you don't clean the unit regularly, the debris may prevent it from running efficiently. It's always a good idea to contact a qualified contractor to carry out a safe cleaning process, especially when going from the winter to the summer.

Furnace Replacement

If you've been thinking of purchasing a new furnace, now is the perfect time. By not waiting until temperatures start dropping, you'll have ample time to do thorough research, consult professionals, and shop properly for the right replacement system.

Your summer furnace thoughts will go a long way toward preventing major problems when the cold weather returns. If you need help with furnace or AC maintenance, contact Air Assurance. Since 1985, we've been assisting Broken Arrow-area homeowners with their heating and cooling needs.

The Key Differences Between Wireless and "Smart" Thermostats

Are you a bit foggy on the difference between wireless vs. smart thermostats? Join the club. It's not uncommon that homeowners experience a little confusion when it comes to describing what makes a smart thermostat smart when compared with a mere wireless model. That's because a smart thermostat is indeed a wireless (aka Wi-Fi) thermostat, while a wireless or Wi-Fi thermostat isn't necessarily a smart one. Read on to learn which type — wireless vs. smart — might work best for you.

Wireless vs. Smart: The Difference

Why would you want to upgrade from your old analog or programmable thermostat? Mainly because of the convenience that wireless technology offers. You can change the temperature in your house from anywhere. Just access your home's HVAC system through an app on your phone, speaker, or tablet, and voila! Adjust the temperature.

Want to set a program from afar, to cut back on heating while the sun's shining? You can do so with wireless from near or far. And, they are a lot easier to program than the programmable models.

What Makes a Thermostat Smart?

What else should you know about wireless vs. smart thermostats? Smart thermostats can be set just as described above, but they also have the ability to learn your habits and adjust the temperature themselves. For instance, a learning system will note that you leave the house and arrive home at a certain time every day and adjust the temperature as needed, warming up or cooling down the home in anticipation of your arrival. 

Smart thermostats are incorporated into the home's automation system. They send a signal through the Wi-Fi system to the thermostat, and that signal is then sent to the blower and the HVAC.

Some of the smart features you can opt for:

• Geofencing, which detects when you're getting close to home and adjusts the temperature to a comfortable setting.

• Detect and diagnose HVAC problems.

• Remind the homeowner when it's time for maintenance.

• Analyze energy use.

For more on wireless vs. smart thermostats, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Fires Due to HVAC Issues?

Your HVAC system is vital to maintaining a livable home environment. However, it also poses a fire hazard, particularly if it isn't maintained properly. Let's take a look at the common causes of HVAC fires.

Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks and explosions are a common cause of HVAC fires and more than a dozen deaths every year. Can you smell rotten eggs despite not having any rotten eggs in your home? You probably have a gas leak. Call for assistance and stay away from your home until it's fixed.

Motor Issues

An overheating motor can make your air conditioner catch fire. Some of the factors that could lead to motor overheating include:

• Accumulation of dirt. Dirt can collect inside and around your system's motor. The motor may heat up due to the dirt acting as insulation.

• Insufficient lubrication. This can make the motor bearings tighten and wear out. When it's dry, the bearings start catching heat and eventually catch fire.

• Voltage problems. Voltage that's too high or too low can make the motor overheat.

Faulty Wiring

Your HVAC system has many wiring systems. Wiring problems such as fraying, disconnection, and corrosion should be repaired quickly. That's because electrical shorts can quickly cause HVAC fires.

Properly Maintaining Your System Is Key

The best way to avoid HVAC fires is to make sure your heating and cooling system is well maintained. Replace your filter regularly and have your ducts cleaned periodically.

Schedule biannual tuneups and inspections with a licensed and experienced HVAC professional. During the maintenance visit, the technician does a variety of crucial tasks, such as:

• Thoroughly check your system's critical components for wear and tear.

• Clean and lubricate your system.

• Check and tighten the electrical connections and ensure there's no corrosion on them.

HVAC fires, just like any other fire, can be highly dangerous and even deadly. Make sure your HVAC system is installed and maintained correctly to significantly reduce the chances of dangers like gas leaks and fires. If you need the most reliable HVAC installation, maintenance, or duct-cleaning services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced professionals at Air Assurance.

Is There Enough Ventilation in Your Attic?

Homeowners seldom understand the importance of attic ventilation. Attic ventilation has to do with that metal contraption on your roof and those vents underneath the soffits on the eaves. Perhaps you've never really been sure how attic ventilation works or why you should care. First, attic ventilation has a a big effect on your utility bill. Second, it can also help prevent roof damage. Let's have a look at how this happens. 

Why You Need Attic Ventilation

It may not make much sense at first glance, but air should flow freely through your attic to let out excess heat. This heat builds up in summer as warm air rises to the ceiling and migrates into the attic while you're cooling your home. By allowing fresh air to flow through the intake vents located at the lowest level of the eaves, it pushes warm air up through the exhaust vents at the peak of the roof. 

Removing warm air in the winter is also helpful in preventing ice dams. These form on the edge of the roof when the warm air in the attic melts snow and ice on the roof during the daytime and the moisture freezes overnight along the edge. Ice dams can damage the roof over time. 

Exhaust Vents

Exhaust vents are usually one of two kinds: ridge vents, which are elongated and run the length of the ridge at the peak of the roof, or static vents, which stand up from the roof line and have covers to keep out precipitation. Turbine vents are a type of static vent that operates as wind blows on an enclosed fan. A light breeze rotates the blades, which sucks out heat from the attic.

Powered exhaust vents, as opposed to the passive vents described above, also boost attic ventilation. These electric- or solar-powered fans turn on when the attic temperature reaches a certain level, and they run until the temperature drops. These effectively pull out heat, but they may also pull out air conditioning through cracks.

To learn more about attic ventilation, contact Air Assurance, serving the Broken Arrow area.

To Warranty or Not to Warranty? Learn the Differences Between HVAC Repair with or without One

If a problem occurs somewhere down the road with an air conditioner or furnace, what can you expect from your HVAC warranty? Today's cooling and heating systems are more reliable and efficient than ever. They’re also designed and engineered for a long expected service life. However, coverage for unforeseen events is still important to protect your investment, as well as the continued comfort and health of your home’s environment. Here are some basic facts to know about the terms of an HVAC warranty to help you decide what sort of coverage you need.

Standard Warranty

Every air conditioner or furnace with a major brand name automatically comes with a manufacturer’s standard HVAC warranty. The most basic coverage term is five years, covering any parts that require replacement or issues related to poor workmanship. Very often, that five-year standard coverage can be extended up to 10 years simply by registering the unit with the manufacturer at the time of purchase. It’s as easy as filling out a form. The HVAC contractor who sold the unit to you may handle the registration for you. 

Labor Warranty

It’s important to note what the manufacturer's standard HVAC warranty doesn’t cover as well. Labor charges for repairs are typically not included under standard coverage. However, many contractors offer separate labor warranties to fill the coverage gap for labor charges incurred during a repair.

Costly-Component Coverage

Manufacturers of air conditioners and furnaces may offer special extended coverage on certain expensive critical parts. Typically, this coverage applies to the air conditioner compressor and the furnace heat exchanger.

Extended Service Plans 

An Extended Service Plan (ESP) offered by HVAC contractors at an annual fee provides a long-term level of security. A typical ESP includes a percentage discount on labor charges. Moreover, the ESP includes professional maintenance twice a year. Annual maintenance is critical to ensure system reliability, efficiency, and low operating costs. 

The professionals at Air Assurance are ready to answer any questions you may have about HVAC warranty coverage.

What Local Laws Can Help You Save Money on Your AC Bill?

With hot temperatures throughout the summer in the Broken Arrow area, having air conditioning in your home is essential. One drawback to having central air is that it can cost a lot in terms of your energy bills. Local money-saving laws and a few other tips can help you lower the cost of cooling your home this summer.

R-22 or HCFC-22 Laws

If you have an older air conditioning system that still uses R-22 or HCFC-22 — also known as freon — keep in mind that these use a lot of energy. Throughout the United States, this type of refrigerant is being phased out gradually. With these phaseout laws in place, this is a good time to consider switching to a new AC system. In addition to using less energy to cool your home, you’ll also have an easier time having repairs made if needed. Although the phaseout laws don’t require you to buy a newer AC system that doesn’t use R-22 or HCFC-22, you can save considerable money on your energy bills.

Local Money-Saving Laws

In the Broken Arrow area, Power Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) offers ways to save money and energy. PSO has several instant rebates available for homeowners who have certain upgrades done, such as purchasing an eligible energy-efficient HVAC system. Homeowners can save up to $800 with this type of upgrade — or even more money when two or more qualifying upgrades are done. Air Assurance is among the service providers that can help you qualify for these HVAC upgrades.

Tips for Reducing Energy Usage

You can also save money on energy bills this summer by scheduling routine HVAC maintenance, which keeps your AC working efficiently. Using a programmable thermostat, changing your air filters, and turning your thermostat up a few (or more) degrees are other ways to lower the cost of cooling your home during the summer months.

If you’re looking for more ways to save money on cooling your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today.

Can Your House Get Too Cool in the Summer?

On a hot summer day here in northeastern Oklahoma, it’s tempting to believe that there’s no such thing as “too cool” when it comes to your home’s indoor environment. Yes, a well-maintained central air conditioning system should keep the household comfortable on even the hottest days. However, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to pushing indoor temperatures down too far. Here are some reasons why “cool” is better than “too cool” inside your home.

AC Capacity Is Fixed

Central air conditioners are generally sized to a specific house with a BTU capacity sufficient to maintain indoor temperatures 20 degrees below what are typically the highest outdoor temperatures. No thermostat adjustments can make a unit extract more BTUs of heat than its rated capacity. Pushing thermostat settings excessively low on a very hot day simply results in longer and longer AC cycles, wasting energy and incurring wear and tear on your HVAC unit without making much difference in the indoor temperature.

Hot Is Attracted to Cold

The laws of thermodynamics dictate that heat energy always moves from a hotter zone into a cooler zone. The greater the differential between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the more actively outside heat energy infiltrates the indoors by seeping through structural cracks and gaps, as well as areas where home insulation is not fully adequate to resist heat transfer. Narrowing the differential between indoor and outdoor temperatures — while still staying in the comfort zone — helps reduce heat gain.

"Too Cool" Costs More

A residential central air conditioner is engineered to run most efficiently at a thermostat setting around 78 degrees. AC efficiency declines as that setting is lowered. Pushing the thermostat down another 8 degrees to 70, for example, can boost monthly cooling costs by a full 10%. On the other hand, utilizing options to augment central air conditioning, such as high-efficiency ceiling fans that keep air moving, can allow you to increase the AC thermostat setting a few degrees above 78, saving money without decreasing the sensation of coolness.

For cool comfort without trying to be too cool this summer, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.