How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Issues Caused by Your HVAC Unit

Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it has no smell, taste, or color. Therefore, it can kill without warning. As a matter of fact, carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of unintentional poisoning deaths.

Carbon monoxide leaks are often caused by faulty heating systems and ventilation problems. The HVAC safety tips below will help you prevent these deadly leaks from occurring.

Check Your Vents

Blocked vents prevent the heat from your furnace from blowing out effectively. Moving furniture around could block your vents. Or, maybe you intentionally close the vents in unused rooms to try to save money. Unfortunately, closed vents can do your home — and your family — more harm than you realize. They can result in:

• Duct leakage

• Low airflow, which could lead to comfort problems

• A cracked heat exchanger, which can let carbon monoxide infiltrate your home

Check the heating vents around your home to ensure nothing is blocking them.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

At least once a year, ideally before winter sets in, you should have your furnace, fireplace, vents, and chimneys inspected by a professional. The fumes from a furnace that isn't working properly could leak into your home. Dust and debris can collect in your vents over time and clog them. Clogged vents and chimney flues can result in carbon monoxide leaking into your home.

During maintenance, the professional will check for proper operation and safety and clean your heating system. He or she will spot potential problems before they become bigger and cause carbon monoxide problems.

Have the Heat Exchanger Inspected

The heat exchanger vents out the poisonous gases produced by heat combustion. Carbon monoxide can make its way through your home's ventilation system if the heat exchanger develops holes, cracks, or corrosion.

Verify that your HVAC technician has inspected the heat exchanger during a routine maintenance visit. That's because many visits usually don't include a heat exchanger inspection.

Taking the precautions above will save you money on energy costs in addition to protecting your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. Contact us at Air Assurance if you need expert heating services for your Broken Arrow home.

How to Keep Up with Your HVAC Coils

HVAC coils are the air conditioning components that capture heat and move it out of your home. After they’ve done their job, what’s left behind inside the house is cool comfort, even on the hottest day. Here’s how the AC refrigerant cycle utilizes HVAC coils to keep your home cool:

• Refrigerant circulating through the evaporator coil in the indoor air handler extracts household heat from the system airflow.

• Refrigerant flows through insulated tubing to the outdoor AC unit, where heat molecules are compressed by the compressor.

• As refrigerant enters the outdoor condenser coil, absorbed indoor heat is dispersed into outdoor air.

• The flow of refrigerant returns to the indoor evaporator coil and continues extracting heat from the home.

Things That Go Wrong with Coils

Because HVAC coils are exposed to indoor system airflow and outdoor weather, they may accumulate dirt and dust that reduces heat-transfer efficiency and increases AC operating costs. Also, coil corrosion and deterioration may trigger refrigerant leaks, potentially damaging critical system components like the expensive compressor.

How to Keep HVAC Coils Fully Functional

Most coil maintenance is not a DIY project. The indoor evaporator coil is sealed inside the indoor air handler and inaccessible to the average homeowner. Servicing the outdoor condenser coil requires removal of the housing to access the coil and the fan.

The most important step to maintain HVAC coils is to schedule annual preventative maintenance for your air conditioner that's provided by a qualified HVAC technician. This service includes inspecting both coils as well as cleaning away dust and dirt accumulation on coil surfaces. Annual professional maintenance also includes checking AC refrigerant charge and, if necessary, tracking down leaks in the system, including HVAC coils. 

There's one do-it-yourself task that helps sustain coil function: Cut back weeds, bushes, and other obstructions that may block air circulation into the outdoor unit that houses the condenser coil. Keep at least two feet of open space on all sides of the unit to ensure proper airflow.

For professional service to keep your HVAC coils fully functional and your house comfortably cool, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Tell If Your HVAC Insulation Is Working Properly

Attic insulation isn't the only kind of insulation you need. In order to maintain home efficiency, you need HVAC insulation as well. Specifically, insulation for your ductwork. Without proper insulation, hot air will gradually cool down and cold air will heat up as they make the journey through your ducts, losing a significant amount of energy by the time they reach your rooms. How can you tell if your HVAC insulation is working properly? Here are a few things to look for.

The Importance of HVAC Insulation

A significant portion of your ductwork goes through your attic. Your attic retains a lot of heat in summer and gets very cold in the winter. Your ducts need to be insulated against those temperature fluctuations. Without proper insulation, cold air from your AC will absorb the heat as it flows through the ducts in your attic. Likewise in winter, warm furnace air will grow colder.

This is the first major sign that your HVAC insulation isn't working the way it should: If the air flowing into your home isn't as hot or as cold as it should be, this means you're losing energy, and in turn, your system needs to run longer in order to heat or cool your home properly, which drives up your bill.

HVAC Insulation Damage

Another way to tell if your ductwork insulation is adequate is to check it for damage, such as tears in the duct wrapping. In some cases, damaged insulation can also cause blockage in your ductwork, which restricts the airflow. In other cases, damage might include moisture around the ducts or even mold growth.

If the damage is minor, the insulation can probably be fixed using metal or foil tape. If it's more extensive, you may need to have your ducts rewrapped with new insulation. If you have mold, you'll need a ductwork cleaning in addition to any repairs. Whatever the damage, talk to your HVAC technician to see what needs to be done.

For more help maintaining proper HVAC insulation in your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We strive for excellence in meeting Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

What Kind of HVAC Pad Should Your Outside Unit Sit On?

Over time, the rapid vibrating motion of AC units can make them sink into the ground. AC condenser pads are designed to offer a flat, unmovable surface for the units. They protect the AC components from the damage that can occur when the units sink. When purchasing an HVAC pad, you should get one that meets your unit's specific needs. Here, we discuss the factors you should consider.

Size

HVAC pads come in various sizes and shapes. It's advisable to get a pad with slightly larger dimensions than your unit's footprint dimensions. Such a pad offers better stability and support over the unit's useful life. It's also important to check the local zoning codes, as they may dictate the size of pad you can use depending on the part of the city where you live.

Durability

Your pad will be exposed to different weather conditions. Therefore, you should get a pad that's waterproof and UV-resistant. During the warm season, the sun's UV light can cause cracks in a pad that lacks UV protection. As time goes by, a pad that isn't waterproofed can become waterlogged. As a result, it may break down and cause your AC to sink.

Material

AC condenser pads are made of different materials. Concrete AC pads work well for large-capacity units. However, most modern units are lighter and smaller. What's more, concrete pads tend to sink over time. Rubber pads are usually resilient and waterproof. However, they don't handle UV rays well.

Recycled plastic offers benefits that are comparable to those provided by rubber pads. The pads made from recycled plastic are environmentally friendly, UV resistant, and they usually don't crack when exposed to too much rain. AC pads made from composite material are also a good option, as they typically consist of an assortment of materials that efficiently resist UV light and water.

No matter how excellent the HVAC pad you purchase may be, it will be ineffective if installed improperly. A local HVAC professional can install the pad correctly and ensure it's up to code because of his or her familiarity with the local zoning laws. If you need any HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How the Condensate Drain Tube Functions

A condensate drain tube may play an important role in proper function of both your air-conditioning and heating systems. As a vital part of the cooling process, the evaporator coil in the central AC condenses water vapor into many gallons of condensate every day. Also, if your home utilizes a high-efficiency gas furnace, the secondary heat exchanger in this unit extracts extra heat from water vapor present in the furnace exhaust, producing condensate water that must be drained away.

Potential Condensate Drain Tube Issues

Air Conditioner

Condensate water generated by the AC evaporator coil drips down into a pan situated beneath the indoor air handler. Collected water then flows through a condensate drain tube into a connection with the household plumbing system.

Clogs originating in the drip pan — a common location for algae or mold growth — may block free flow through the condensate drain tube. A clogged drip pan rapidly overflows and continues to do so every time the system cycles on. Because the pan is located beneath the air handler, leakage is often not initially obvious to occupants. Significant water damage may occur before the problem is noticed.

High-Efficiency Furnace

As the secondary heat exchanger produces water, the liquid accumulates in a collection box, then flows by gravity through a sloped condensate drain tube and is discharged outside the house. A drain trap integrated into this system permits free condensate flow while preventing hazardous combustion fumes from leaking out of the furnace. 

A sensor detects blockage in the furnace condensate drain tube and automatically shuts down the furnace as a safety precaution. Locating and clearing the clog, including checking and cleaning the drain trap, are required in order to restart the furnace and restore normal heating.

Prevention

Annual preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC service technician includes inspection and cleaning of the AC condensate drain tube as well as the furnace condensate drain system. This helps prevent condensate drain clogs before they interrupt normal cooling or heating operation.

For qualified service to prevent condensate drain tube issues — or promptly repair any that may occur — contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Make Sure Your HVAC Warranty Works for You

An HVAC warranty will protect you from expensive repair bills during an HVAC crisis — but only if you know what you're getting in the warranty and how to keep it working for you. Keep reading to learn more about HVAC warranties.

Types of HVAC Warranties

Generally, there are three types of HVAC warranties:

• Manufacturer warranty. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of your HVAC equipment. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing parts that malfunction during the coverage period. You should choose a manufacturer that offers a warranty that lasts throughout the majority of the system's expected life span.

• Installation warranty. It covers failure resulting from improper installation. The company that installed your HVAC system or unit provides this warranty. Reputable companies offer an installation warranty of at least 12 months.

• Extended warranty. This warranty comes into effect after your standard warranty period expires. It usually adds five to 10 years to labor or parts coverage.

How to Keep Your HVAC Warranty

It's crucial for you to know how to keep your HVAC warranty intact. Some simple, innocent errors could void your entire warranty and leave you with major out-of-pocket expenses down the road.

• Registration. You should register your warranty with your HVAC system's manufacturer within the required time. If you fail to do so, you'll get the base coverage, which lasts a significantly shorter time than the full coverage.

• Installation. Hire a licensed, certified HVAC professional to install or repair your unit. Your manufacturer may not honor your warranty if you don't hire a professional company.

• Off-label repairs. Using off-label components during repairs will void your warranty. Insist that the repairs done contain the parts specified by your manufacturer.

• Maintenance. Failing to schedule professional maintenance and provide proof of the services may result in the loss of your warranty. An excellent way to prove regular maintenance is by relying on the routine maintenance services of a reputable HVAC company.

Always check the fine details of your HVAC warranty, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. If you live in theBroken Arrowarea, schedule the next repair or maintenance visit with us atAir Assurance. We offer our customers an Extended Service Plan that guarantees they get a written record of the services performed on their system and extended warranties on the systems we install.

The Best Ways to Improve Your Home's Value Through HVAC Upgrades

Although it’s not a showy or obvious improvement, making HVAC upgrades to your home could pay off should you want to sell your house down the road. Even though your system still functions, replacing it might be a sound investment, especially if it’s more than 10 years old or has required excessive repairs.

Homebuyers look at HVAC systems as an essential, must-have component of homes. If yours is compromised in any way, a prospective buyer may not even consider your home as a possibility. Being able to list HVAC upgrades on the features’ list can give potential buyers the incentive to prioritize your home over others they’re seeing. 

The National Association of Realtors surveys home buyers annually and has found that new HVAC upgrades have one of the highest rates of return compared to other home renovations. They report that the rate of return is 71%, which ranks above many that cost much more than a new HVAC system.

Best HVAC Upgrades

Our region requires both heating and cooling to maintain comfort. Since buyers put a high value on energy efficiency, it makes sense to make HVAC upgrades that deliver savings. The best system for your home depends on its floor plan and its heating and cooling load, which an HVAC pro can help you discover.

Besides the size of the system, you’ll also have different types of HVAC upgrades from which to choose, such as:

• Zoning systems for sprawling, ranch-style or two-story homes.

• Ductless mini-splits for homes with additions.

• High-efficiency systems that meet the Department of Energy’s Energy Star or most-efficient requirements.

Each of these types of systems might help your home qualify as energy efficient, a designation that helps homebuyers receive more favorable financing. In fact, the DOE and the U.S. Green Building Council have found that people are willing to pay more for a home with high-efficiency HVAC upgrades. As a homeowner, you may also qualify for incentives to install high-efficiency equipment. 

The pros at Air Assurance can evaluate your current home and system to see which HVAC upgrades could add value to your Broken Arrow home. Please contact us today to learn more. 

How Can You Eco Upgrade Your Home?

If you're like most homeowners, you make upgrades around your house from time to time. If you're concerned about your environmental impact, you'll need to make upgrades that save energy, conserve water, and improve your home's efficiency. Here are some simple eco upgrade ideas that will make your home greener.

Get an Energy Audit

An energy audit helps you identify the home upgrades that will increase your energy efficiency the most. The auditor will carry out a blower door test and thermographic scanning to determine how airtight your home is and where you're losing energy. Making the improvements that the auditor suggests can yield significant energy savings.

Upgrade Your Window Treatments

Did you know that heat and cold air could creep into your home even when your windows are closed? Upgrade your blinds and curtains to better maintain your indoor temperature, prevent your HVAC system from working harder, and make your house more eco-friendly.

Install Attic Insulation

Proper insulation is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency. The attic is the best place to start because a lot of heat loss and gain occur through that part of your house. Loose-fill and batt insulation are good options. Add more insulation if your existing attic insulation is less than R-30 (8 inches of cellulose or 11 inches of rockwool or fiberglass).

Get a Rainwater Barrel

Mother Nature gives you lots of water every year. Put it into good use by harvesting rainwater and then watering your lawn and garden with it. Buy a rainwater barrel and leave it outside when rain has been forecast.

Invest in a Low-Flow Showerhead

The flow rate of showerheads made in 1992 or earlier could be 5.5 gallons per minute. You can reduce your water usage by investing in newer, low-flow models, which can cut down the flow rate to 2.5 gallons or less per minute.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Make your house more environmentally friendly by using a programmable thermostat to control your heating and cooling system. It helps lower your utility bills.

These eco upgrades help you save money and the planet at the same time. If you want to make HVAC or plumbing upgrades in the Broken Arrow area, contact the award-winning experts at Air Assurance.

How to Keep the Temperature in Your Home From Fluctuating Too Wildly

While it's expected that outdoor temperatures will fluctuate depending on the weather, fluctuating temperatures inside your home can make it terribly uncomfortable. However, there is something you can do about those temperature swings from room to room. We've put together a list of the top reasons temperatures inside Broken Arrow homes fluctuate so wildly and what to do about it.

Thermostat Issues

If you are like many homeowners, you adjust the thermostat going to and from work and at bedtime to save energy. However, this can result in very uncomfortable temperature fluctuations, especially when you arrive home or wake up to a cool home.

A programmable, Wi-Fi, or smart thermostat is a great solution to fluctuating temperatures, striking a balance between comfort and energy savings. Simply program your comfort and energy-saving settings on your new thermostat and — voila! — problem solved.

Air Leaks and Fluctuating Temperatures

Another common culprit for fluctuating temperatures inside homes is air leaks around windows and doors. You've felt it before: You walk into a room and feel a draft. The reason could be leaky windows and doors.

This cause of fluctuating temperatures is easily remedied by installing caulking of various materials around the leaky windows and doors in your home. For example, rope caulk can be used to seal leaky window frames, and it's easily removed in the spring when you want to let in fresh air.

Ductwork and Fluctuating Temperatures

Evenly distributed airflow is needed in your home to maintain stable temperatures from room to room. However, ductwork issues such as blocked air vents, dirty ducts, and duct leaks often hinder your furnace from heating your home comfortably and evenly.

Make sure air vents are free from obstructions, such as furniture blocking airflow or dust and dirt buildup. If your ductwork hasn't been inspected in quite some time, call your HVAC technician for a preventive maintenance inspection to ensure your furnace and air ducts are operating efficiently. Sometimes, your HVAC system just needs a little TLC to make your home as comfortable as possible.

If you need assistance with fluctuating temperatures, please contact Air Assurance today.