What Are the Most Important HVAC Tips for Spring?

Spring weather is on the way, which makes this a good time to prepare your HVAC system for the hotter months. These HVAC tips for spring can help you ensure that your HVAC system is fully ready to keep your Broken Arrow home cool and comfortable as outdoor temperatures start to heat up.

Replace Your Air Filter

The air filter in your HVAC system needs to be replaced on a regular basis for a number of reasons. This filter is an important part of helping your HVAC system operate efficiently so that it won’t experience as much wear and tear. This keeps your cooling bills down while also helping your HVAC system last longer. If you have trouble remembering to replace your air filter, consider setting up reminders. You should replace it every few months or sooner depending on how clogged or dirty it gets.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris

Another of the important HVAC tips for spring is that your system’s outdoor unit needs to be free of debris (such as twigs and weeds) on all sides in order to have adequate airflow. This helps your HVAC system work better while also reducing the risk of damage. Head outdoors to clear away anything that’s blocking your outdoor unit, and make sure there is at least 2 feet of space on each side. This includes removing weeds and debris, as well as trimming branches on any shrubs, trees, or bushes that are close by.

Set Up HVAC Maintenance

Also on the list of HVAC tips for spring? If you want to make sure your HVAC system is in the best shape possible for warmer weather, schedule HVAC maintenance. This means an HVAC technician will visit your home and check your HVAC system for any issues it might be having. Your HVAC technician can tighten loose components and handle other tasks that are needed to prepare your HVAC system for spring.

If you’re looking for additional HVAC tips for spring, contact Air Assurance today. We can perform routine HVAC maintenance at your Broken Arrow home to get your system ready for spring.

How Often Do Your Condenser Coils Need to Be Cleaned?

Your central AC system uses many parts and components that need to be cleaned and serviced each spring by an HVAC technician to make sure it operates at peak efficiency. Though, there are some cleaning tasks you can do yourself to save money. Use this guide for how to clean AC condenser coils to get started.

Condenser Coil Basics

The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. It's job is to release heat energy that was collected by its indoor counterpart: the evaporator coil. This is accomplished by a large fan pulling air across the condenser coil, which instigates heat transfer. The dirtier the condenser coil is, the less efficient heat transfer becomes. This results in higher energy usage.

Step 1: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

The first step of how to clean AC condenser coils is to shut off the power to the central air system at the thermostat and at the disconnect box located on your home's wall near the outdoor unit.

Step 2: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Use a shop vacuum with the brush attachment to remove debris from the fins located on the sides of the outdoor unit. Clear away any weeds and obstructions within two feet of the outdoor unit.

Step 3: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Use a fin comb, which you can pick up at a home store or online, to straighten bent fins.

Step 4: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Unscrew the screws holding the blower assembly (i.e., the cage guard, fan, and motor) in place, which is located on top of the outdoor unit. Carefully set the blower assembly aside, being mindful of wiring.

Step 5: How to Clean AC Condenser Coils

Spray the condenser coils with a can of coil cleaner. After the coil cleaner has done its job, spray the coil and fins from the inside of the outdoor unit with a garden hose. Reattach the blower assembly and turn power back on.

For professional assistance in your Broken Arrow home, contact the AC professionals at Air Assurance today!

What to Do If You Have a Leaking Pipe Under the Bathroom Sink

When you see a pool of water on the bathroom floor by the cabinet or inside the bathroom cabinet, it means you have that dreaded circumstance you may have Googled before: "leaking pipe under bathroom sink." The first thing to do is turn off the hot and cold water valves under the sink. Next, you may be thinking you're going to have to call a plumber. Well, if you're handy with simple tools, this guide to troubleshooting bathroom-pipe leaks may save you a plumbing service call.

Diagnose the Source

The first step in repairing that "leaking pipe under bathroom sink" is locating the leak. There are six possible sources: the hot- and cold-water shut-off valves, the hot- and cold-water hose connections, the drain assembly, and the P-trap.

Shut-Off Valves Leak

Leaky hot- and cold-water shut-off valves must be replaced. You'll need to turn off the water main. Shut-off valves are either soldered on, which requires a plumber to fix, or screwed on with a compression fitting. If it's screwed on, simply purchase a new valve and replace it.

Water-Hose Leak

If the dreaded "leaking pipe under bathroom sink" is one of the hot- and cold-water hoses, it may be possible to troubleshoot the leak yourself. Use a pair of pliers to tighten the connection. If that doesn't work, unscrew the hose and see if the gasket is worn and needs to be replaced.

Drain Leak

Drain-assembly leaks are the most difficult to repair and will likely require you to call your plumber. To fix this type of "leaking pipe under bathroom sink," the P-trap is removed first and then the drain is removed. Wrap the drain threads with plumber's tape and reinstall the drain and P-trap.

P-trap Leak

The P-trap is the curved-shaped pipe beneath the drain. Two compression nuts hold the P-trap together. If the leak is coming from one of the nuts, tighten it by hand, and if that doesn't work, use pliers to tighten the nut.

If you need a professional plumber for that "leaking pipe under bathroom sink," contact Air Assurance!

The Worst Problems That Come from DIY HVAC Maintenance

DIY home improvement projects can help you feel productive, kill time, and save money. However, when it comes to your HVAC system, it's best to not take matters into your own hands. Here are some of the dangers that come with DIY HVAC projects.

Safety Issues

You can get injured while attempting DIY HVAC maintenance. HVAC systems require plenty of voltage to run. If you're not careful, this voltage can seriously harm you. Mishandling a gas furnace during maintenance can lead to gas leaks, which can cause explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Air conditioners contain refrigerants, which pose health risks. You should never recharge refrigerant on your own, because doing so is extremely dangerous. What's more, only licensed professionals can legally handle systems with refrigerants. Therefore, AC maintenance checks are best left to professionals. During annual maintenance, your HVAC contractor will check the refrigerant and recharge your system if necessary.

A Waste of Money

HVAC repairs require special tools and knowledge. When trying to fix your HVAC system yourself, you could easily cause more damage. As a result, you may have to replace more parts, leading to costlier repairs. Even worse, you could lose the entire system and require premature replacement. Also, if you get hurt while doing DIY HVAC maintenance, you may end up with a mountain of medical bills.

Conducting a DIY HVAC project in a bid to try to save a bit of money could end up with your bank account taking a severe hit. It's safer and more affordable to use professional help.

Loss of Warranty

HVAC manufacturers usually require professional repairs and maintenance to keep their warranties in effect. DIY HVAC maintenance and repairs can lead to the loss of warranty. And don't forget that every fault that a potential buyerfinds in your house will lower the price.

Opting to hire a professional HVAC technician rather than carrying out DIY HVAC maintenance is vital to both your family's and your HVAC system's well-being. If you need quality HVAC services and equipment from an award-winning company in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

For persons looking for an option to heat small spaces in their house, the question is often: How much electricity does a space heater use? Electric space heaters can be an efficient option if utilized within the limits of the unit and with appropriate attention to safety. 

Crunching the Numbers

The monthly costs of operating a space heater are also an issue, depending on how many hours the unit will be utilized per day. How much electricity does a space heater use, then? Fortunately the answer can be calculated with a simple formula, plus one bit of information typically available from your electricity bill. 

• The heater’s wattage rating. This figure represents the amount of electricity expressed in watts that the heater uses per hour. It’s usually shown on a label or is available from the unit’s owner’s manual. A typical residential space heater is rated for 1,500 watts (or 1.5 kilowatts per hour), so we’ll use that figure for our example.

• The local cost of electricity. Your monthly electric bill will show how much the utility charges per kilowatt of electricity. In this part of Oklahoma, residential electricity costs an average of about 9 cents per kilowatt per hour.

• To answer “how much electricity does a space heater use?”, we’ll also need to decide on an average amount of time the heater runs per day. Six hours is a good average during cold weather, so we’ll plug that into the calculation.

So How Much Electricity Does a Space Heater Use?

1,500 watts (space heater rating) x 6 (average daily hours) = 9,000 watts or 9 kilowatts of electricity daily.

9 kilowatts x 9 cents per kilowatt = 81 cents per day.

On a monthly basis, the cost of running a typical household space heater six hours per day is, therefore, $24.30.

For more answers to heating questions like how much electricity does a space heater use?, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

What is a Humidifier's Role in Curing a Cough?

Many people instinctively plug in humidifiers to soothe and cure coughs. That may lead you to wonder if science agrees. So what does a humidifier do for a cough? Find out below.

Reason for Using Humidifiers for Respiratory Conditions

So, what does a humidifier do for a cough? Expert opinions vary on how exactly humidifiers ease coughs and cold symptoms. It is well known that dry air isn't good for coughing. Inhaling dry air may cause or worsen coughing. By adding moisture to your home's air, a humidifier can help relieve dry coughing during sleep.

Pediatricians often recommend using a humidifier at night to help children with an upper respiratory infection, which causes difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, and coughing that tend to worsen at night. While you may find a warm-mist humidifier to be the most soothing, it is safer to choose cool-mist humidifiers for kids to prevent them from sustaining burns if they get too close to the hot steam.

Dry air makes mucus more difficult to cough up or blow out. Humidifiers help moisturize your lung, throat, and nasal passages. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests that by helping loosen mucus, a cool-mist humidifier can soothe coughs.

Humidification can help relieve coughs linked to bronchitis. However, it's not recommended for people with asthma-related coughs.

Tips for Using a Humidifier Effectively

For you to use a humidifier effectively and get the expected benefits when it comes to what does a humidifier do for a cough, you'll need to follow the manufacturer's instructions and the following tips:

• Use distilled water. Avoid essential oils and vaporubs, as they can release chemicals that can irritate the respiratory tract.

• Clean your humidifier regularly. A humidifier that's cleaned inappropriately can cause microbes to grow in the unit and be dispersed into your home's air. Clean your unit thoroughly every one to three days, and replace the filter every week.

• Monitor the humidity levels. Your home's humidity levels shouldn't exceed 50% to avoid mold and condensation problems.

Be sure to use your humidifier properly to help you breathe easier indoors. For top-quality humidifiers or other indoor air-quality products in the Broken Arrow area, and to learn more about what does a humidifier do for a cough, get in touch with the trusted professionals at Air Assurance.

What Level of Humidity Should Exist in Your Home?

Improper indoor humidity levels not only downgrade your comfort but also increase your chances of contracting diseases. Therefore, it's important to maintain the normal humidity level in a home.

What Level of Humidity Is Ideal for Your Home?

Generally, the ideal home humidity level for comfort and health should be between 30% and 50%. When your home's humidity level exceeds 50%, you'll feel uncomfortable. What's more, the increased moisture could lead to:

• Mold growth

• Condensation on toilet tanks and windows

• The decay of flooring, structural materials, and other surfaces in your home

A percentage below 30% is dry and can lead to:

• Sinus issues

• Dry skin

• Static electricity

At 5% or less, the air is excessively dry. It can cause:

• The peeling away of wallpaper

• Cracking or warping of building materials and wood furniture

The weather and seasons heavily influence the ideal amount of home humidity. Air can hold more moisture at high temperatures than at low temperatures. In the summer, a humidity range between 30% and 45% is ideal. During the winter, it's best to have your indoor humidity below 40%. Higher humidity levels in the winter can lead to condensation issues.

How Do You Maintain a Normal Humidity Level in a Home?

The best way to maintain a normal humidity level in a home throughout the year is by using a whole-home humidifierand dehumidifier. The systems work automatically with your HVAC system.

Use a humidifier in the winter when indoor humidity tends to linger around 15%. In the summer months, utilize a dehumidifier, as air naturally holds more water.

The normal humidity level in a home will have a significant effect on your health and comfort, as well as your energy bills, by decreasing your usage of your HVAC system. To learn more about the normal humidity level in a home, contact Air Assurance. Residents in the Broken Arrow area know they can count on us to help control indoor humidity and keep their heating and cooling systems running correctly.

What Is the Connection Between Plumbing and HVAC?

The connection between plumbing and your HVAC system may not seem obvious at first. Though your household pipes don’t generate heating or cooling, your HVAC components do produce water — sometimes a lot of it — that requires plumbing to drain it all away properly. 

Two parts of the cooling and/or heating system need plumbing connections to convey water out of the house:

• Central AC. Humidity reduction is an essential part of the cooling process in a central air conditioner. The indoor evaporator coil in the AC can condense many gallons of condensate water every day during operation in hot, humid summer conditions. This condensate drips down into a collection pan beneath the indoor air handler, then flows through a pipe connected to the household drain system.

• High-efficiency furnace. Unlike standard-efficiency furnaces, high-efficiency models incorporate a secondary heat exchanger that extracts extra heat by condensing water vapor that's present in the furnace exhaust airflow. This water collects in a plastic reservoir, then is taken by gravity through a sloped drain tube and is discharged outside the house.

What Can Go Wrong?

A clogged central AC drain pipe, often a result of algae or mold growth inside the condensate collection pan, will rapidly overflow every time the air conditioner cycles on. Because the location of the pan is beneath the air handler, occupants of the house may not notice the ongoing overflow before substantial water damage to the floor and adjoining area has occurred.

A high-efficiency furnace has a safety sensor that detects clogs in the water drain tube. If drainage stops, the sensor will automatically shut down the unit. Heating function cannot be restarted until the clog issue is resolved by an HVAC service technician. 

Prevention Is Preferable

Annual preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor includes addressing plumbing issues that may affect heating and cooling systems. The service includes an inspection and cleaning to support proper function of both the AC condensate pan and drain pipe, as well as the high-efficiency furnace drain system.

For professional service to prevent or repair plumbing issues associated with your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance.

Worry Free AC Replacement Estimates, No Money Down - Air Assurance

Air Assurance offer many options when it comes to replacing your heating and air conditioning system. We offer different types of technology from single stage heat and cool units to full variable speed and modulating systems. And now, which ever option you feel is best for your home….it can come Worry Free. Air Assurance’s Advantage Plan offers many benefits including:

• No down payment.

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• 24/7 emergency service

• No repair charge - Labor*

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• No diagnostic fee

• Includes routine maintenance

What happens today if your equipment breaks down?

Upkeep on your heating and air conditioning system can get expensive, especially as it ages. If your equipment breaks down today, without the Worry Free plan from Air Assurance you are in the hook for all the associated costs. Learn more about our worry free or hassle free air conditioning, heating and water heater plans here Air Assurance Worry Free Plans or contact Air Assurance today. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!