What Summer HVAC Tips Are Least Known and Most Helpful?

It's probably not news to you that it's important to change your filter regularly and have your air conditioner tuned up in the summer. But what about sealing and insulating your home and checking your AC vents and your drainage hole? Here are some lesser-known but useful summer HVAC tips.

Add Insulation to Your House

Believe it or not, insulation is just as important to your home in the summer as it is in the winter, making this one of the most important summer HVAC tips. Insulation helps stop heat from flowing into your home, which improves your AC unit's efficiency. Make sure your home is adequately insulated. Replace any rotted or damaged insulation around the outside AC lines. You can also prevent heat gain in the summer by maintaining the seals around skylights, doors, and windows.

Clear Your AC Drainage Hole

Most AC systems have a drainage hole for clearing out the buildup of fluid resulting from condensation. A clogged drainage hole can cause water buildup and damage your AC unit. You can clean the hole out with a piece of wire or a paper clip.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can help you stay cool and save money. You can adjust it remotely and program it to keep your home comfortable when you're around and warmer when you're away, saving energy. Some models can even communicate more ways that you can use to lower your energy use and save more money.

Keep Vents Clean

Dust and debris can accumulate in your vents and impede airflow. One of the best summer HVAC tips is to clean your vents to avoid blockages and allergies. An excellent way to ensure your vents stay clean is by scheduling routine maintenance. Make sure your vents are not blocked by furniture, draperies, or carpeting.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Dust, mold, and mildew can accumulate in your ducts over time. Clogged ducts make your cooling system work harder to push air throughout your home. Have an HVAC professional clean out your ductwork every few years to make your indoor air healthier and your air conditioner work more efficiently.

Following these lesser-known summer HVAC tips together with the more common pointers will be greatly beneficial to your health, comfort, and finances. If you need any heating, cooling, or air-duct cleaning services in the Broken Arrowarea, contact us at Air Assurance.

What Is the Best Kind of Basement AC Unit?

In the summer, you may consider adding an AC unit to your basement. But is it really a good idea? And even if you decide to add a basement AC unit, what are the best options available? Get the answers to your questions about a basement AC unit here.

Why Cool Your Basement?

If you've used the basement as a playroom or to entertain your guests and found it to be too warm, air conditioning will make it as habitable and as comfortable as the living spaces above. Air conditioning is essential if you use the basement to store valuable items, since climate control helps preserve such items.

Stale air encourages mold growth. By constantly moving air, a basement AC unit ensures the air doesn't get stale or stagnate. As a result, it will be harder for mold spores to grow in the basement.

What Are the Best AC Options for Your Basement?

You can expand your HVAC system or add a separate AC unit to your basement.

Extending your current system will help you regulate the conditions in your basement much more easily. Nevertheless, the existing unit will only work effectively if it's large enough to accommodate the extra square footage. Speak with an HVAC professional to learn whether your current system can cool the extra space adequately or if you'll need a larger system.

If your air conditioner can't handle the additional load, the best option is to invest in a ductless mini-split system. The system will regulate the temperature in your basement in a cost-effective way. It offers powerful performance and is extremely energy-efficient.

For maximum comfort and energy savings, make sure you contact an HVAC specialist to size and properly install the right basement AC unit. For more information on heating and cooling your basement, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer effective HVAC solutions to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

Are Individual Room AC Units the Best Way to Go This Summer?

If you’re curious about using an individual room AC to cool all or part of your home, you’ll find that these units offer advantages and disadvantages when it comes to comfort. While a central AC or heat pump is the ideal option, sometimes it makes sense to consider smaller options for home cooling. 

When Individual Room ACs Make Sense

• Someone may need it to be much cooler in the house than other family members. A problem sleeper, for example, is more likely to rest better when the room is cooler than what others may prefer.

• You’re adding on to your home and your current HVAC system isn’t large enough to cool the new space.

• You have a room that is consistently warmer than others. It might make financial sense to use an individual room AC. Before committing to the installation, check the room for air infiltration from the outside and adequate wall and roof insulation. You may be able to seal air leaks, shade windows, and add insulation to improve the room’s comfort level.

• You don’t want to make a large financial commitment for your comfort for the short time you have left in your present home. Room air conditioners are the least-expensive cooling solution for this climate. If you’re counting your energy dollars, avoid portable air conditioners. These units are the easiest to install but have the highest operational costs of all cooling systems.

Downsides of Individual Room ACs

• These units are noisy. Most have decibel ratings in the high 50s and low 60s. If the constant drone of the fan annoys you, consider a central system.

• Airflow from a room AC won’t be as strong or as widespread as the air distribution from a central cooling system. Your room will have hot spots and, conversely, cold spots.

• They’re not allowed. Whether wedged into a wall or a window, some homeowners’ associations won’t let you have them because of their appearance from the street.

If you’re considering using an individual room AC, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide trusted HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners, and we would be happy to answer your questions about individual room ACs.

What Are the Top Refrigerant Types You Can Get?

The refrigerant in your AC system absorbs heat from the air and turns it into cooler air with help from other components, such as evaporator coils and compressors. The type of refrigerant you use can have an impact on how environmentally friendly your Broken Arrow home’s AC system is. Read on to learn more about refrigerant types that are used in central air-conditioning systems.

Freon

Freon used to be among the most common kinds of refrigerant used in AC systems. However, freon, or R-22, has been found to be harmful to the environment. In fact, R-22 is no longer allowed to be used in AC systems based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Other refrigerant types are now used in place of R-22.

R-134A

R-134A can be used in AC systems that run on R-22 or R-12, which is another harmful refrigerant that has been phased out. This refrigerant contains a single component rather than having blended components, as R-22 and R-12 do. Keep in mind that you should have HVAC technicians retrofit your AC system if you’re switching to this refrigerant. Otherwise, potentially dangerous cross-contamination can occur.

R-407C

R-407C is commonly used in ductless-split AC systems and packaged AC systems. This refrigerant can be used in place of R-22 as long as the AC system is retrofitted first. R-407C is considered an eco-friendly alternative to R-22, which makes it a safer choice for the environment.

Choosing a Refrigerant

It’s important to use the right refrigerant for your AC system for safety purposes and to lower the risk of environmental harm. Professional HVAC technicians can help you choose a refrigerant for your AC system and handle the retrofitting process as needed.

If you need more information on refrigerant types, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC experts can help you decide which refrigerant you should use in your Broken Arrow home’s AC system.

What Kind of AC Filter Material Is Best for Your Unit?

When looking for the best air filter for your home, you'll need to choose between different AC filter materials. The best AC filter material will depend on your needs and priorities. Read on to learn more about the materials available.

Fiberglass Filters

These consist of fibers or strands of fiberglass spread out over a cardboard or metal frame. The fiberglass forms the barrier for capturing harmful particles. These filters are made for single use. With regard to MERV ratings, these filters are on the lower end. Nevertheless, they are popular because of their low cost.

Pleated Air Filters

Pleated filters are similar to fiberglass air filters. However, they typically use polyester cloth to do the filtration. They're also more capable of preventing dust from flowing into a room. This AC filter material is in a shape that resembles an accordion, giving pleated filters a larger surface area for filtration than flat filters. The surface area also offers less resistance to airflow and makes the filters last longer.

Reusable Cloth-Based Filters

You can use washable cloth-based filters for some time, wash them, and then reuse them. They're relatively cheap and are best suited for low-intensity use. Because their MERV rating is usually low, you should avoid using them in a high-pollutant environment.

It's recommended that you wash these filters every two weeks. Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before reusing them to prevent mold growth.

HEPA Filters

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters have glass fibers twisted and turned to form a microscopic fibrous maze. Due to their unique design, the fibers capture particles in a variety of ways, including via:

• Direct impaction

• Interception

• Sieving

• Diffusion

HEPA filters have a high MERV rating. Because of their high costs and installation requirements, they're usually only suitable for homes with people who have specific needs, which may be due to allergies, asthma, and other illnesses.

Cleanliness is crucial to the proper functioning of air filters, so ensure that you clean or replace yours regularly. For more information on AC filter material, contact Air Assurance. We've served the home-comfort needs of Broken Arrowhomeowners since 1985.

How Do You Know If You Have an Energy Efficient AC Unit?

Increased comfort, lower utility bills, and a reduced need for repairs are some of the perks of owning an energy efficient AC unit. But how exactly will you know that an air conditioner is efficient? Here's what you should consider to help determine if your home has an energy efficient AC unit.

High Efficiency Ratings

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) are a measure of a unit's efficiency measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). You can find them on both central and room air conditioners. Generally, a bigger rating means higher energy efficiency.

Energy Star Certification

Another way to know if you have an energy efficient AC unit is to look for the Energy Star label. The label means that the unit has been certified by the federal Energy Star program. An Energy Star-certified unit meets or exceeds higher energy-efficiency standards than other comparable models will.

Proper Maintenance

A system that's maintained properly runs more efficiently and cools your house better. A properly maintained air conditioner is serviced by a professional at least once a year. During annual service, an HVAC professional cleans the critical condenser coils and checks the rest of your cooling system for any more maintenance needs. Lack of regular maintenance reduces the system's efficiency.

Know the Signs of Inefficiency

You can know whether your air conditioner is operating efficiently by watching out for indicators of inefficiency. Your system is unlikely to be working as efficiently as it ought to be if you have:

• Out-of-control humidity

• Unusually higher energy bills

• Frequent AC breakdowns

If you feel your air conditioner isn't operating at peak efficiency, you can call in a professional to inspect it thoroughly. For more information on maintaining an energy efficient AC unit, contact us at Air Assurance. We've been helping Broken Arrow-area homeowners with their heating and air conditioning problems since 1985.

What Are the First Steps in Getting Emergency AC Service?

At some point in time, you're likely to experience an air-conditioning issue during the summer. But how will you know if the problem at hand requires routine repair service or emergency AC service? Here's a quick guide to identifying and handling emergency AC service.

The Warning Signs

Your air conditioner will exhibit certain indicators before it breaks down and requires emergency repair. If you catch the following signs and fix them, you'll avoid having to schedule an emergency repair:

• The system operates for a short while, then won't turn on for several hours. This could be due to setting your thermostat too low, having low refrigerant levels, or a clogged drain. If raising the thermostat by five degrees doesn't solve the issue, schedule an AC service call.

• Weak airflow from the vents. This could be due to a dirty air filter. If replacing the filter doesn't solve the issue, you probably have an obstruction inside the vents. You'll need an HVAC company to check them.

• The system is running but isn't blowing cool air. A coolant leak or dirty intake vents on the outdoor unit's side may be to blame. It's best to have the problem fixed as soon as possible to prevent an unexpected system breakdown.

• The thermostat is on but the air conditioner remains off. You may need to reset the breaker for your outdoor unit to fix this issue. If that doesn't work, you may have an electrical problem. You'll need to call in a professional for emergency AC service.

Handling Emergency AC Service

Suppose you didn't notice these warning signs early enough and your air conditioner stops running unexpectedly. In that case, you should schedule an emergency repair service if you have pets, children, or elderly parents in your house. It can be very difficult for animals, the elderly, and children to cope with being stuck in a sweltering home.

As you wait for the HVAC professionals, you can do the following to stay cool:

• Keep your windows covered

• Run your ceiling fans

• Don't cook indoors, and keep your electronics off to avoid generating additional heat

• Go to the mall, library, a 24-hour diner, or a neighbor's home that has air conditioning

Avoid ignoring A/C problems, as they could lead to costly repairs or even premature system replacement. If you need routine or emergency AC service in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance.

What Are the Most Important Summer HVAC Tips?

Summer is an extremely enjoyable time of year, but the heat can quickly make your home unbearable if you don't take care of your air conditioner. If you want to maintain a comfortable atmosphere, we suggest that you begin with these simple summer HVAC tips:

Clean/Replace the Air Filter

When your air filter gets dirty, it impedes airflow and lowers your air conditioner's efficiency. To keep the system running smoothly, be sure to inspect the filter once per month to see if it’s clogged with debris. Keep in mind that some filters can be cleaned while others must be replaced. 

Check Your Thermostat Settings

The optimal setting for a thermostat during the summer is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep most people comfortable and is best for controlling energy usage. If you leave the house for a short period of time, dial up the thermostat to match the temperature outside. This will prevent energy waste, and you won’t return to an extremely hot home, making it one of the most important summer HVAC tips.

Have the Air Ducts Inspected

Dust and other debris in your air ducts will harm your indoor air quality, while areas that have been damaged will decrease your HVAC system's efficiency. Look for damage, repair holes, or rips in the ducts, and then thoroughly wipe them down to remove any dust or debris.

Refill the AC’s Refrigerant

When your air conditioner’s refrigerant level runs low, the system won’t effectively keep you cool. Low refrigerant levels can also cause leakage. One of the most important summer HVAC tips is to be sure to take a look at the refrigerant level periodically and top it off whenever it’s starting to run low.

Open and Clean Your Vents

Your vents are essential in delivering conditioned air throughout your home. You may have closed them during previous seasons, so give each of them a quick look to make sure they’re all open. Dust and debris may have collected on them, as well, so wipe each one down with a microfiber cloth.

By following the summer HVAC tips that we've listed above, you'll be able to enjoy the season indoors too. If you have other home-comfort questions, contact the professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

What Is the Most Reliable AC Rating?

When you need to get a new air-conditioning system, it’s important to find the right one based on the AC rating. Which AC-rating systems should you use to choose a new central air conditioner? Keep the following in mind to make sure you end up with a dependable AC unit for your home.

Online Ratings

You can find many online sites that offer online ratings of AC systems, but you should be careful about which ones you use. Look for sites that are known for providing consumers with reliable AC ratings of different systems, such as Consumer Reports. These sites can help you find the highest-rated AC systems to choose from among different brands. You can use these sites to compare AC systems in order to find one that best fits your home’s cooling needs.

Energy-Efficiency Ratings

Online ratings aren’t the only rating systems to pay attention to when you need to choose a new AC unit. You should also check the SEER ratings to make sure you get an AC system that provides better energy efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating lets you know how efficient an AC system is. When you’re going over your options, you’ll notice that AC systems have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. Keep in mind that 13 is the minimum SEER rating required for AC systems. Choosing a system with a higher SEER rating provides you with even better energy efficiency.

Professional Ratings

HVAC professionals are familiar with the top-rated AC systems. Having HVAC experts assist you with choosing a new AC system can help ensure that you get the best AC unit for your home.

If you need a new air conditioner for your Broken Arrow home, please contact Air Assurance. We can help you choose a system with the right AC rating so you’ll have reliable cooling throughout the summer months.