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.

Drain Safety: Make Sure These Things Never Go Down a Drain

The drains in your home are an essential part of providing quality home comfort for you and your loved ones. If you want your plumbing problems to remain at a minimum, then drain safety is an absolute must. A big part of that is ensuring that none of these things ever go down one of them:

Paper Towels and Similar Products

Many people seem to think that paper towels are no different from tissue paper and other flushable products. This is absolutely not true. If you want to clog up your toilet, flushing paper towels, cotton balls, baby wipes, and similar items is definitely the way to do it.

Feminine Products

This is similar to the list above, but it is so common for these things to be flushed, it deserves its own point. Please do not flush feminine products down the toilet. These should be placed in the trash every single time.

Kitty Litter

Despite popular belief, kitty litter does not belong in the drain. What happens is that a bit of this sand-like product often stays behind and settles in the drain. It won't take long before it's fully clogged, which means you'll be making a call to your local plumber before you know it.

Drain Cleaners

It's almost second nature these days to reach for a drain cleaner at the store for a quick DIY job. The problem is that these cleaners are corrosive and cause damage to your pipes. A HVAC professional can clear your pipes without hurting them.

Grease and Oil

Sorry, bacon lovers! Pouring grease down the drain is a great way to plug it up. Instead, collect the grease in a container, and once it's full, throw it away in the garbage.

Pasta

You know how pasta expands in size when you cook it in water? The same thing happens when you shove it down your drain, which can cause a clog quite quickly.

For more expert advice on drain safety or other home comfort issues, please contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow since 1985.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about drain safety and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Brett_Hondow/Pixabay”

Shopping for a New Toilet? Use Our Tips

Head down to your local home improvement store and you'll find loads of different toilets to choose from. The question is: Which is best for you and your family? It can be a tough choice, so allow us to give you a few quick tips to help you decide:

Save Water with Dual-Flush

We all know that not every use of a toilet is the same. That's why dual-flush models are perfect for those who want to save water by providing separate handles — a full flush for solids and a half-flush for liquids.

Save Money with Low-Flow

Although some homeowners have avoided low-flow in the past because of the need for multiple flushes from time to time, newer models aren't plagued by this problem. Pick up a low-flow model and your water usage bills will drop.

Consider a Taller Model

Toilets may not be constructed to the most comfortable seats in the world, but taller models provide an extra amount of comfort to their users. This is especially true for tall men and women, in addition to the elderly, who may have trouble getting up and down from a traditional model.

Check the Reviews

Selecting the right toilet for your home shouldn't be taken lightly. To ensure that you make the best purchase possible, it's important to check out reviews. This isn't a choice you'll make through a site like Yelp. Instead, head over to Consumer Reports for the low-down on the low-flow (and others, of course).

Defy Gravity

Were you aware that certain toilets can be attached to your wall instead of sitting on the floor? These models are extremely sturdy and are amazingly simple to clean, because they lack all the nooks and crannies found in many traditional models. Just be aware that, as you might expect, a wall-hung toilet will be more expensive.

If you're looking for a new toilet, these tips will serve as a great starting point. For even more information, feel free to reach out to the professionals at Air Assurance. We currently service the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about toilets and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Name/Shutterstock”