What Is the History of HVAC?

Have you ever wondered about the history of modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)? It's actually quite interesting. The history of HVAC spans 180 years. It travels from its roots in Florida to the first inkling of a modern system in New York. Then, it heads west to its first well-designed system located in a Los Angeles theater. Relax, grab a snack, and read about the history of HVAC.

History of HVAC: A Physician's Vision

Dr. John Gorrie was a Florida physician and inventor. He envisioned a machine capable of cooling entire cities. This cooling machine would keep hospital patients comfortable and keep malaria at bay. So, he wanted a cooling machine to improve the health of people.

Dr. Gorrie invented a machine that created ice using a compressor powered by water, sails, a horse, or steam. He was granted a patent. However, his financial backer passed away — and so did Dr. Gorrie's dream.

History of HVAC: Willis Carrier

In 1902, an engineer named Willis Carrier invented a machine that could control indoor humidity using cooling coils. This "Apparatus for Treating Air" could humidify or dehumidify a room. As he continued working, testing, and refining his invention, he designed and patented an automatic control system, which could regulate temperature. It was the first modern air conditioner.

The first time this new concept of comfort cooling was introduced to the public was in 1904. The mechanical refrigeration technology was used to cool the Missouri state building. However, it wouldn't be until the 1920s when the first well-designed HVAC system was made and used in the Metropolitan Theater in Los Angeles.

History of HVAC: HVAC Comes Home

It took another 20 years, during the 1940s, before HVAC systems were designed small enough and affordably enough to be installed in thousands of homes. By the close of the 1960s, new-home construction mostly included central HVAC systems. Today, more than 87% of all U.S. households use HVAC.

While the history of HVAC is interesting, you may be more concerned about HVAC service, so when you need help with your HVAC system, please contactAir Assurance.

How to Make Sure You Get Energy Efficient AC Motors

With warmer weather just around the corner, you may be wondering if your utility bills are going to be as high as last year's. It's true that your energy bills have a lot to do with the HVAC system. So, maintaining energy efficient AC motors will certainly help keep energy usage lower and while also keeping your home cool and comfortable. Here's what to know about getting your AC motor ready for summer.

Energy Efficient AC Motors: AC Maintenance List

When speaking of an "AC motor," we're referring to the blower motor that drives the indoor blower fan. One of the things that helps the blower motor run more efficiently is to be free from dirt and grime buildup. That means staying on target with air filter changes. You don't want your air filter to become totally clogged up with dirt. It will slow down air movement and cause the blower motor to work harder and use more electricity.

Another task on your DIY AC maintenance list is clearing away debris and vegetation that may be hindering airflow at the outdoor unit. Keep at least 2 feet of free and clear space between the outdoor unit and any other vegetation or barriers. Spray the unit off with a garden hose to clean the fins.

Last on your list is keeping the supply air vents and return air grilles free of dirt buildup. This too can hinder airflow through the AC system, which uses up more energy and can degrade indoor air quality. 

Energy Efficient AC Motors: Upgrading Your AC Unit

AC systems typically last about eight to 12 years. It depends on how well energy efficient AC motors are maintained, both pro and homeowner maintenance, and how often the system is used. If your AC is getting up there in years, you may be better served with energy efficient AC motors via upgrading to a new AC unit with a variable-speed motor. Variable-speed motors save energy and boost home comfort!

If you would like to schedule AC maintenance to promote energy efficient AC motors in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance today.

When Residential Plumbing Repair Might Be Necessary

Indoor plumbing could rank as one of the best inventions ever — until there's a problem with your plumbing. Whether it's no hot water, the toilet is clogged again, the garbage disposal stinks, or a drain is backed up, plumbing problems are no fun at all. What follows are some residential plumbing repair and troubleshooting tips for common plumbing problems you may encounter.

Residential Plumbing Repair: Intermittent Hot Water

It's happening again: You're taking a shower and the hot water goes off and on — or there's no hot water at all. Before you start to worry about a water heater repair bill, check the circuit breaker to see if a breaker has tripped.

Next, if you have a gas-burning water heater, make sure the gas is turned on to the water heater. For electric water heaters, you may have a broken dip tube or heating element. You'll need to call your plumber for those issues.

Residential Plumbing Repair: Clogged Shower Drain 

Shower drain clogs are a common plumbing issue. Many items and factors can contribute to shower drains getting clogged, such as soap scum, hair, mineral deposits, and small items (that missing shampoo cap!). Shower clogs are generally more difficult to remedy than a clogged toilet or kitchen sink. If you can't get rid of the clog with an plumbing auger or plunger, you may need to call a plumber.

Residential Plumbing Repair: Leaky Toilet

A leaky toilet is another common residential plumbing repair. If water is leaking from under the toilet, you have a worn out O-ring, which may be accompanied by sewage odors. Another common leak is at the gasket connection of the toilet tank and toilet. The bolts and gaskets holding the tank to the toilet could be leaking water.

If you are experiencing any of these plumbing problems, locate the water shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it off. Then, call your trusted plumber, because all of these issues should be handled by a pro.

If you need a professional plumber for residential plumbing repair in your Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Keeping Your AC Constantly Running?

Walking in to your nice cool home sure is a sweet retreat on a hot summer day. You may have wondered, however, whether it's wise to keep your AC constantly running. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, there are pros and cons to consider for your situation. Here's what to know:

Pros of Having Your AC Constantly Running

The biggest logical advantage for your AC constantly running is that your home will always be comfortable day or night. In some cases, this might be necessary. Perhaps there is always someone at home, which would be a good reason to keep your AC constantly running. Maybe you have pets that you want to keep comfortable as well.

Some newer, high-efficiency AC models are designed to run almost constantly by maintaining temperatures very close to your thermostat setting. Therefore, they don't cycle off and on nearly as much as a conventional air conditioner.

Another advantage of running your AC all the time is better indoor air quality. By constantly running your AC, indoor air is filtered much more frequently.

Cons of Having Your AC Constantly Running

One of the obvious disadvantages of having your AC constantly running is higher energy bills. Cooling and heating systems account for nearly half of the typical household's energy budget, which is likely why the AC is turned off at times.

One way to combat high energy bills and to keep your home comfortable when you need it is with a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can program temperature-event changes to coincide with your lifestyle, so you can save energy and stay comfortable.

Another disadvantage of constant AC is the extra wear and tear that you can place on it. If your AC is on all the time, parts are going to wear out sooner, meaning a higher cost for repairs and, eventually, early system replacement. Regular HVAC maintenance will help minimize repairs and replacement, but the fact remains that keeping your AC constantly running will take its toll sooner rather than later.

To learn more about keeping your AC constantly running (or not) in your Broken Arrow home, contactAir Assurance for the answers.

How to Clean AC Ducts in Your Home

The AC ducts are the circulation system of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. So, it's important for them to work efficiently for maximum AC cooling. Efficient duct operation also means keeping the ducts clean. Keep reading to explore more reasons why and methods of how to clean AC ducts in your Broken Arrow home.

Why Clean AC Ducts?

AC ducts are going to get dirty just like any other surface in your home. Learning how to clean AC ducts will enable more efficient airflow, better energy efficiency, and better indoor air quality. That's because dirty ducts with layers of dirt and crud built up inside hinder airflow and can reintroduce contaminants to the living spaces.

How to Clean AC Ducts, Step 1

The first step for how to clean AC ducts is gathering all the tools and safety gear you'll need. You'll need a screwdriver, cleaning rags, a flashlight, and a shop vac. For safety wear, you'll need goggles, a respirator, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

How to Clean AC Ducts, Step 2

The next step for how to clean AC ducts is turning off the power at the thermostat to the HVAC system. You don't want it powering on while you're cleaning.

Next, remove the covers to the air-supply registers and return grilles. However, it is not suggested that you climb any ladders or chairs to reach vents and grilles. Only clean vents and grilles you can reach from the floor.

Once the covers are removed, use a shop vac to clean inside AC ducts and the back of vents and grilles. You may need a flashlight to see into dark air ducts. Be careful not to get cut by any sharp edges of metal ductwork.

How to Clean AC Ducts, Step 3

The last step is to reattach the vents and grilles. Turn the AC on. Some loosened debris will probably come out of the vents, so you may need to dust and vacuum.

If you have questions about how to clean AC ducts, contact Air Assurance today.

What Different Types of Air Conditioners Should You Consider?

Knowing the different types of air conditioners on the market helps you make an informed decision about your home's next cooling system. Each type has its pros and cons. Let's explore the different options.

Central Air Conditioning System

A central AC system has two main units: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. It pulls heat from your home through a return system and exhausts it outside. Cool air is delivered to your room through ducts. The system can lose efficiency and effectiveness if there's a problem with the ductwork. It's costly to set up.

Central AC systems, one of many different types of air conditioners, are ideal for large homes and businesses because they cool multiple rooms concurrently.

Ductless Mini-Split

A ductless mini-split AC system consists of an outside unit comprising a compressor and a condenser, along with one or more air-handling units (often called indoor units). These outdoor and indoor units are connected by tubing, which allows for refrigerant circulation. Ductless mini-splits can be set up anywhere and can control the temperature of every room independently.

A single indoor unit cannot cool a large home. Therefore, using ductless systems can be costly if you intend to use them to cool an entire house.

Geothermal Air Conditioning

A geothermal cooling system removes the heat in your home and transfers it to the ground through an underground loop. Geothermal systems typically use water rather than refrigerant. While geothermal air conditioning is expensive to set up, it's highly energy-efficient and lasts longer than other AC options.

Window Unit

A window AC unit is installed in a window or in a hole in a wall. It blows cool air using the indoor side and removes heat through the outdoor side. It's less costly and easy to install and maintain. However, it will obscure the view from the window where you install it.

Portable Unit

A portable air conditioner is freestanding on the floor and self-contained. You can, therefore, take it to any room. It cools small spaces quickly but struggles in larger rooms.

Now that you know the different types of air conditioners out there, it's time to choose one that's best suited for your home. For more information on the different types of air conditioners, contact Air Assurance, the largest full-service heating and air conditioning company in Broken Arrow.

Where Should You Place Your Thermostat in Your Home?

Thermostat placement can make a world of difference to your comfort and HVAC efficiency. Placing it in a bad location will make your HVAC system run unnecessarily or inadequately at times, decreasing your comfort and driving up your energy bills. Let's help you out by telling you about the best options for thermostat placement.

Interior Wall

The best location for a thermostat is on an interior wall. The problem with exterior walls is that their radiant temperature will be lower in the winter and higher in the summer than your home's air temperature. As a result, your HVAC system may run unnecessarily and increase your bills.

The interior wall that you place your thermostat on shouldn't have pipes or ductwork running through it. The water or air running through the plumbing pipes and supply ducts can cool or heat the wall around them. If the thermostat is on such a wall, it won't read the temperature of the air in the room accurately.

Central Location

You should place your thermostat in one of the central-most rooms in your home. This should be a part of the home that's used frequently. That allows the thermostat to read centrally circulating air and give the best average home temperatures.

Don't tuck the thermostat away in a hallway or other less-used areas. Also, avoid thermostat placement in areas that are naturally warmer, like bathrooms, kitchens, and spots that get direct sunlight.

Height of 52 to 60 Inches

Heat rises, so you may be getting a temperature reading that's too low if you place the thermostat lower than 52 inches above the floor. Similarly, the reading could be too high if you put the device higher than 60 inches above the floor. Ideally, you should position your thermostat at a height off the floor that's between 52 and 60 inches.

By following these guidelines for thermostat placement, you'll make your HVAC system perform more efficiently, and your family will stay more comfortable throughout the year. For all your home-comfort and energy-efficiency needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact the heating and cooling experts at Air Assurance.

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!