How to Be the Manager of Your Office Thermostat

Figuring out the right temperature setting for an office can be difficult. Too much heat or too much cold can affect productivity and cause other problems. If you’re in charge of the office thermostat, keep the following tips in mind to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone.

Recommended Thermostat Settings

How hot or cold should your office be? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends setting thermostats somewhere between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The setting yours should be set at depends in part on what time of year it is and other factors, such as the overall personal comfort levels of your co-workers. For example, employees might want the thermostat to be turned up a bit higher in winter, when it’s freezing outside. When it’s hot out, they might welcome a cooler indoor setting. Keep in mind that workers can always wear an extra layer to stay warm if you decide to set your thermostat lower.

Different Areas of Your Building

Certain areas of your office building might need different thermostat settings. Areas where technological equipment is stored or kept, for example, should be kept cooler. Other areas might not get much heat from the sun, resulting in a greater need to keep the temperature higher.

HVAC Solutions

There are ways to keep your office environment comfortable while avoiding arguments over the thermostat setting. HVAC professionals can provide you with solutions to ensure that your building is heated or cooled as needed. Zoning is one such solution, since it makes it possible to prevent hot and cold spots. You’ll also save money on energy costs for your commercial building. Having HVAC maintenance and inspections done can also help ensure that you’re able to heat and cool your office comfortably and efficiently throughout the year.

If you need help with your commercial HVAC system or if you need a new office thermostat, please contactAir Assurance. Our team offers high-quality heating and cooling services for commercial and residential customers in Broken Arrow.

How You Can Maintain Good Airflow in Your Home

Taking a few steps to maintain airflow in your HVAC system supports improved heating and cooling performance, higher energy efficiency and lower costs. Conditioned air circulates through your HVAC system via two separate duct networks: supply ducts and return ducts. As the names imply, supply ducts deliver heated or cooled air to individual rooms while return ducts convey air back to the furnace or air conditioner.

Airflow may be thought of as the lifeblood of your HVAC system. Keeping all system components in good repair, including taking proper steps to maintain airflow, ensures consistent indoor comfort and affordable operation, and it reduces wear and tear on critical parts. Here are some suggestions to regularly maintain airflow and reap the benefits:

Replace the air filter.

Nothing disrupts proper HVAC airflow like a dirty, clogged air filter. During winter heating season, inspect the filter monthly and don’t go longer than two months without replacing it. In summer air-conditioning season, change the filter every month to maintain airflow.

Open all vents.

Don’t close or obstruct HVAC vents in individual rooms. The system generates the same conditioned air volume whether vents in rooms are open or not. Therefore, any savings will be insignificant. Meanwhile, wear and tear on system components as well as monthly operating costs will rise. Also, closing vents unbalances airflow volume to rooms throughout the entire house, resulting in cold spots and overly warm areas.

Schedule a duct inspection.

All the airflow to rooms in your home passes through the system supply and return ductwork. Leakage from ductwork joints and deteriorating duct segments allow conditioned air to escape into unconditioned zones like the crawl space and attic. Maintain airflow by scheduling a duct-leakage test plus a full inspection to accurately determine the rate of leakage and identify needed sealing repairs.

For qualified service to maintain airflow and keep your HVAC system functioning at optimum performance, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

What Are the Expected HVAC Trends in 2021?

Each year, advancements in technology and the demand for certain features play a role in HVAC trends. What are some of the 2021 HVAC trends you can expect to see in the new year? These are just a few of the trends that you might want to look into for your Broken Arrow home.

Green Heating and Cooling

Trends in the HVAC industry generally include improved ways to make homes more efficient and eco-friendly. The trends that are expected for the upcoming year include heating and cooling systems that use cleaner sources of power, such as geothermal energy, rather than gas and other fossil fuels. As more and more homeowners explore these kinds of options for their HVAC needs, the demand for green heating and cooling systems and equipment should increase. This typically leads to improvements in eco-friendly HVAC systems that help cut down on energy usage and heating and cooling bills.

Smart HVAC Features

More homeowners are making the switch to using smart technology for a convenient and quick way to adjust temperature settings in their home. Smart thermostats and similar kinds of HVAC technology — such as adjusting settings when you're not home — make it possible for homeowners to cool and heat their home more efficiently.

Improved Air Quality

The pandemic has led to a greater focus on boosting indoor air quality (IAQ) in homes for health purposes. Homeowners have been showing an increased interest in being able to measure the IAQ in their home and find effective ways to improve it. Apps for IAQ measurement are among the 2021 HVAC trends that should be showing up in the new year. These apps offer a convenient way for homeowners to determine if they need to make changes to boost their IAQ and lower the risk of illness, such as having an air-purification system or a whole-house humidifier installed.

If you need more information on 2021 HVAC trends, contact Air Assurance. We can help you update the HVAC system in your Broken Arrow home as needed for efficient heating and cooling.

What Brands of Pipes Are Best for Your Home?

The plumbing pipes in your home supply water to different areas and rooms. Since these pipes serve an important purpose, you should make sure you have the right type and the best brand of pipes. Otherwise, you might end up with plumbing problems that can cause serious damage to your home, such as major leaks. Keep the following information about pipes in mind, including pipe brands.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes come in different kinds of materials. Certain materials work better for pipes in specific areas, such as PVC pipes for cold- or warm-water applications. Different kinds of pipes include PVC, chlorinated PVC, copper, PEX, galvanized, and brass.

• PVC pipes are among the most common and can be used for several applications, such as sink drains, toilet drains, bathtub drains, and vent stacks. However, they cannot be used for hot-water applications.

• Chlorinated PVC pipes can be used for hot-water applications and drinking water.

• Copper pipes can be used for cold and hot drinking water and HVAC refrigerant lines.

• PEX pipes can be used for remodeling purposes in older homes.

• Galvanized pipes can be used for water supplies.

• Brass pipes can be used for water supplies, water-removal drains, and other applications, such as gas lines in some locations.

Plumbing Pipe Brands

You’ll find several pipe brands available to choose from. Some of the top brands include American Standard, Elkay, Kohler, Newport Brass, Pfister, and Symmons. Keep in mind that different brands offer different kinds of pipes and pipe materials, and costs can vary widely from brand to brand. The plumbing brand you should get for your home depends on the specific applications you need piping for and other factors, such as the age of your home. Professional plumbers can help you weigh the pros and cons of different brands in order to choose the one that fits your needs best.

If you need more information on choosing the best pipe brands for your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance.

The Effects of a Weighty Snowfall on Your HVAC System

While the Broken Arrow area might get away with just a few inches of snow some winters, a weighty snowfall of several feet isn't unheard of. Learning how snow like this can affect your HVAC system will help you protect the system better when that blanket of white piles up.

Snow Damage

The weight of snow alone is unlikely to damage the outdoor unit of a standard heat pump or AC, but a particularly weighty snowfall can get heavy enough to bring down a window unit or even the wall-mounted outdoor condenser of a ductless mini split. Icicles and snow that build up on roof eaves or branches above your outdoor unit are a more likely cause of damage. These can fall with enough force to crush evaporator fins or any internal component they happen to land on. Moisture from heavy snow is another issue. If the unit freezes over, the expanding ice can deform the fins.

To prevent damage, regularly brush snow off your outdoor unit and shovel it away, but avoid using sharp tools to remove ice. Never cover your heat pump. If it ices over, the defrost cycle should remove the ice. It's fine to cover your AC with a sheet of plywood weighed down by bricks, but never use a cover that holds in moisture.

Blockages

A fuel-burning furnace exhausts carbon monoxide out of the house through an exhaust pipe usually located on the roof or near the foundation. A weighty snowfall can clog this pipe and cause deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas to flow back into your home. Most furnaces have a safety switch that shuts the system down when there's a blockage, but a partial blockage can interfere with your system's performance without triggering the safety. Stay safe by regularly inspecting your furnace's exhaust and use your hands to gently remove any snow buildup you find.

For more tips on keeping your system safe from a weighty snowfall, talk with us at Air Assurance.

Is It Wise to Purchase a Full HVAC System Online?

These days, you can buy anything, from your next meal to your next car, with the touch of a button. What about an HVAC system, though? Is an online HVAC purchase worthwhile? Can you get the same value as you would if you purchased from a contractor? Here's what you need to know about making an online HVAC purchase.

Pros of an Online HVAC Purchase

The advantage of buying your home-comfort system online is price. Buying an AC or furnace from an HVAC contractor costs more than purchasing one online. Some even say HVAC contractors inflate their prices because people would rather pay a markup than get the system themselves. The reality, though, is a bit more complicated.

Cons of an Online HVAC Purchase

The real reason why online purchases are cheaper is because you get what you pay for, which is much less than what you actually need. The unit itself is just the beginning. You need someone to install it. HVAC installation isn't a DIY job. It's an intricate process that requires certification. Many HVAC contractors will only install systems bought through them, as they don't want to be held responsible for the problems that arise when it turns out you've bought the wrong equipment online.

Buying the wrong equipment is likely. That's because you need to make sure the system is the correct size for your home. HVAC contractors use a guide called Manual J to calculate the right-size HVAC system to meet your home's heating and cooling needs. It's possible to calculate it yourself, but it's much better to leave it to someone who has the experience.

Finally, an online HVAC purchase won't come with a legitimate warranty. Manufacturers don't guarantee systems bought from websites. If the unit does have a warranty, it's most likely a scam. It's better for everyone if you go through a legitimate HVAC contractor to guarantee the right size, the best installation, and a full warranty for your system.

Instead of an online HVAC purchase, contact us at Air Assurance for purchase, sizing, and installation. We proudly serve the Broken Arrow area's home-comfort needs.

How to Achieve HVAC Savings This Winter

We're fortunate that over the past few winters, the price of energy has been lower than in previous years, and predictions are that this winter, it will be lower still. Furthermore, winters of late have not been as cold as in former times, so homeowners have gotten a break on HVAC savings. Nevertheless, when it comes to our energy bills, we're always looking for ways to extend those HVAC savings.

In fact, if you've noticed that your heating bill has gone up, it's time to look for the reason and do something about it. Sometimes the remedy is quite simple, such as air sealing your home. Otherwise, you may have to make a more serious investment, such as newer, more efficient equipment to replace an old heating unit that's seen better days.

Here are some tips on how you can realize HVAC savings:

HVAC Savings This Winter

1. Air seal your home. Once a year, you should go around your home sealing air leaks that allow heated air out and cold air inside. Using caulk, insulation, and weatherstripping, seal around these spots: window and door frames; baseboards; electric switch plates (install a foam gasket inside the cover); at the bottom of the door; the attic hatch; and around the openings in exterior walls for pipes, cables, and wiring. Also check the fireplace chimney, furnaces, and gas-powered water heater vents, fixing leaks with fire-resistant materials such as Sheetrock, sheet metal, and furnace cement caulk.

2. Schedule maintenance for your furnace. Your HVAC technician can help boost your HVAC savings by servicing your furnace. The tech will ensure that burners are clean and igniting properly, and they can test the blower motor for amp draw. The tech will also inspect the vent system for blockages and make sure the blower is clean and functioning properly.

3. Turn the thermostat down a few degrees. You can save as much as 15% on your energy bill by turning the thermostat down a few degrees at night when the household is sleeping and when the premises is unoccupied.

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

Does Winter Require Specific HVAC Checks That You Don't Need in Warm Weather?

As temperatures drop in Broken Arrow, you'll want to turn the heat higher and higher. But how sure are you that your furnace will be ready to face the significant challenges that winter poses? Be sure to carry out these winter HVAC checks to keep your heating system in tiptop condition all through the winter.

Check the Thermostat

Your thermostat and HVAC system work as a team. One can't operate effectively if the other is slacking. Your thermostat should have fresh batteries and be set appropriately to meet your comfort needs. Save energy by setting it to a lower temperature when you're at work or asleep.

Ensure There's Adequate Insulation

Without enough insulation, your home will suffer heat loss. As a result, your furnace will run overtime to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, wasting energy and money. Check for adequate insulation in your attic and around your ducts. If you're unsure of your home's insulation needs, contact an HVAC technician for assistance with winter HVAC checks.

Replace Your Air Filter

If you haven't changed a dirty filter in a while, your furnace will be forced to run harder than necessary. This will increase your energy bills. Clean or change your filter at least once a month to prevent it from being clogged with dust and debris.

Schedule a Heating-System Tuneup

Your furnace won't be able to handle whatever winter brings if it's not working correctly. For that reason, you should schedule an inspection of your heating system as part of your winter HVAC checks. During the tuneup, your technician will inspect your system and uncover any potential issues that need to be addressed. He or she will also clean and optimize your system.

Performing these winter HVAC checks will get your system ready for the colder months and help cut your heating costs. If you need to schedule furnace repair or maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We've served the heating and cooling needs of our satisfied residential and commercial clients since 1985.

How the Type of Vents You Have Affect Airflow

Good airflow is essential to an efficient HVAC system. Airflow is affected by a number of things, from possible leaks in your ductwork to how often you replace your filter and other factors. One possibility that tends to get overlooked is vent types. The kind of vents you have impact how air flows through your home. Here's what you need to know about vent types and airflow.

Vent Designs

Most vents look similar. They're square or rectangular, with horizontal slats. However, there are also decorative vents, with patterns and designs. The problem with these vent types is that they're designed for aesthetics, not functionality.

Your home's airflow depends on your vents being relatively unobstructed. As a rule, an effective vent should be at least 75% open space. The slats are there to direct the air. Decorative patterns are not.

Patterns mainly get in the way of the air as it flows into your home. If your system was designed specifically for decorative air vents, they'll likely be OK. However, if you're replacing your existing vents with decorative ones, be careful and keep functionality in mind.

Vent Materials

Some vents are made of alternate materials, such as wood or plastic, to fit with your home decor. Be careful of these vent types, since wood and plastic aren't as sturdy as metal. To make them strong enough to replace metal vents, they need to be significantly thicker — especially for floor vents that get walked on. That thickness often means less open space on your vent, which restricts your airflow. Stick to metal vents.

They also make magnetic vent types, so you can close the vents in little-used rooms and create a seal, so air can't leak out. This is a bad idea. Even if you don't use a room often, keep the vents open. Closing a vent increases air pressure throughout the rest of your home. The added stress wastes energy and leads to air leaks.

To learn more about vent types and other factors that affect your home's airflow, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC solutions to Broken Arrow homeowners.