Know These Top Heater Brands as Cooler Weather Approaches

Trying to choose from the top heater brands can lead you down the rabbit hole of "we agree to disagree" kind of discussions. On one hand, you have homeowners with brand loyalty and even loyalty for fuel type. On the other hand, many homeowners that use a furnace for home heating don't know what AFUE means, let alone have a desire to skim through page after page of furnace makes and models.

And that's entirely okay. What matters the most when weighing top heater brands is complete satisfaction regarding home comfort, energy efficiency, and a manageable initial and lifetime cost.

Lennox Heaters

Founded by Dave Lennox in 1895 with an idea for a coal-fired furnace, the name Lennox for HVAC manufacturing has become synonymous with products of the highest quality, performance, and energy efficiency when it comes to heater brands. With those criteria in mind, Lennox tops the list of the best brands for residential HVAC furnaces.

Lennox SLP99V Gas Furnace

This is the Rolls Royce of gas furnaces. The Lennox SLP99V has bragging rights as the quietest and most energy-efficient residential gas furnace money can buy (as of testing in March 2020). It boasts an astounding 99% fuel efficiency (AFUE).

Lennox SLP98V Gas Furnace

Tied for first place with the Lennox SLP99V, with nearly identical specs for efficiency and quiet operation, is the SLP98V variable-capacity gas furnace. This furnace delivers practically the same performance as the SLP99V for lower initial costs.

Lennox High-Efficiency Furnace at Mid-Efficiency Price

The Lennox EL296V gas furnace easily joins the list of top heater models with features like a variable-speed blower and two-stage heating. Offered at a substantially lower price than the SLP99V, it boasts 96 AFUE, has a lifetime heat-exchanger warranty, and averages 4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,000 customer reviews.

Lennox Elite Series ELO183 Oil Furnace

This top heater model is a shout-out to the loyal oil-furnace customers who are out there. The ELO183 is a mid-efficiency oil furnace delivering 83 AFUE, a modest initial cost, and quiet and efficient home heating.

To help decide the best heater brands for your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance today!

What Is a Furnace Burner and How Does It Work in Your HVAC System?

The furnace burner is the heart of your central heating system. It’s the component that mixes air with natural gas and produces a clean-burning, high-temperature flame that generates heat for the whole house. A clean, intact furnace burner also ensures maximum fuel efficiency and low operating costs while minimizing the amount of combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide. Here are some details about the process:

The Burner Cycle

In a typical gas-fired furnace, heating and burner operation are divided into several stages:

• Signaling for Heat. When the household temperature drops below the thermostat setting, the furnace receives a signal to initiate heating from the system thermostat.

• Fuel Delivery. The furnace fuel valve opens to start the flow of natural gas to the burner. At the same time, air from the furnace air intake blends with gas flow to provide the right mixture for clean, safe ignition and combustion.

• Ignition. The mixture of natural gas and air is ignited at the burner. Ignition may be provided by a pilot light — a small flame that runs continuously — or, more commonly in newer furnaces, by an electric igniter that produces a spark.

• Heat Transfer. Heat produced by the burner enclosed within the combustion chamber is added to the HVAC system's airflow by the heat exchanger. This vital component incorporates air passages to transfer heat efficiently to the airflow while sealing out dangerous gases.

• Heated Air Circulation. Heated air is pulled into the ductwork by the system blower and distributed throughout the house and into each individual room through supply air vents.

• Burner Shutdown. When household temperatures reach the desired setting, the thermostat sends a signal to shut off gas flow until temperatures drop again and the heating cycle repeats.

Furnace Burner Maintenance

Checking the burner is a critical part of annual furnace maintenance by a qualified HVAC contractor. The technician can verify proper burner operation by sampling and analyzing combustion gases. The burner in a gas furnace may require professional cleaning at intervals to support efficient and safe operation. 

For more about furnace burner operation and annual professional furnace maintenance, contact Air Assurance. 

How Do You Know If Your Air Ventilation System Is Working Properly?

With energy conservation and better indoor air quality (IAQ) on the minds of consumers and HVAC manufacturers, air ventilation systems are earning the attention they deserve for their contribution to better home efficiency and IAQ. An air ventilation system delivers fresh outdoor air to homes, many being tightly sealed, that prevents indoor air from becoming polluted and stagnant.

However, there are key differences between various types of air ventilators that need exploring. What follows is information that could help you determine if your air ventilation system is on point.

Balanced Ventilation Vs. Unbalanced Ventilation: Which Is Best?

There are two types of ventilation systems. There are balanced air ventilators, such as a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), and an energy recovery ventilator (ERV). This category of air ventilators maintains equal air pressure between air in the living spaces, in unconditioned spaces, and in outdoor air.

Then, there are unbalanced air ventilators. Unbalanced ventilators create air-pressure differences between the indoor air of the living spaces and the air in unconditioned spaces of the home, as well as outdoor air. Balanced ventilators deliver two benefits over unbalanced systems.

The air-pressure differences created by unbalanced ventilators force contaminants from outside and the unconditioned spaces in the home into the living spaces. Secondly, balanced air ventilators with heat- and energy-recovery capabilities help reduce the costs of heating and cooling fresh intake air. That's better IAQ and better energy efficiency. Here are some different types:

• Supply and exhaust ventilators. These ventilator types use one or more fans to force outdoor air into the living spaces or force indoor air outdoors. Fans may be installed in walls, in ceilings, in floors, and/or in ductwork.

• HRV. HRVs use exhaust and supply fans that force fresh intake air and indoor stale air through a heat-exchanger core. Inside the core, heat is transferred between the two opposing airflows without mixing air. This saves heating and cooling costs.

• ERV. ERVs work identically to HRVs with one difference: ERVs also exchange moisture between air streams to promote better indoor humidity.

For professional assistance revamping your air ventilation system, contact Air Assurance for the right HVAC solution at the right price.

What Are the Best Digital HVAC Gauges You Can Have at Home?

Digital HVAC gauges diagnose air-conditioning systems and display results in digital form, eliminating the need to perform complex calculations. They check the pressure of the systems and inspect them for leaks. Regular diagnosis can help prevent future AC problems. Here are the best digital HVAC gauges on the market today.

Fieldpiece SM480V

The Fieldpiece SM480V features an easy-to-read 4-inch screen and intuitive controls that make the unit easy to use. It's equipped with an advanced micron gauge, a smartwatch, and rate indicators. The unit remembers the type of refrigerantand readouts from the last 10 times you used it.

Testo 550 Manifold Kit

This kit comprises a convenient carrying case and pipe-clamp temperature probes. You can connect the gauge effortlessly to your tablet or smartphone using Bluetooth. You don't have to use this Testo gauge with hoses, meaning little to no coolant is lost during measurements.

MASTERCOOL 99872-A R134a Gauge

Thanks to its rugged design with ABS materials, this gauge is durable and long-lasting and, indeed, one of the best digital HVAC gauges. The battery also has a long life span and auto-off function that's activated within 15 minutes. The wide LCD screen makes for easy reading. This unit, one of the best digital HVAC gauges, can store as much as 24 hours of data.

CPS VG200 Gauge

The CPS VG200 is measured by the strict NIST standards. Its advanced sensor heats itself to help regulate temperatures. It can withstand up to 400 Psi of pressure. With this gauge, you can choose between different measurement units. Its versatile design makes it suitable for various uses.

These options, the best digital HVAC gauges out there, have a nice balance of performance, user experience, price, and value. For more information on the best digital HVAC gauges or any other HVAC equipment, don't hesitate to contact the heating and air-conditioning professionals at Air Assurance. Broken Arrow-area homeowners have relied on us for reliable HVAC products and services for more than 35 years.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a High Voltage Smart Thermostat?

High voltage smart thermostats can regulate high voltage heating systems and connect to Wi-Fi networks and compatible mobile apps. High voltage thermostats, also known as line thermostats, are typically used with baseboard heaters, forced fan heaters and convectors, and radiant ceiling heaters. Here's more on what these devices have to offer.

How High Voltage Thermostats Work

High voltage thermostats convert your home's incoming current (240v or 120v) into usable heat. Under the hood, they're normally bigger in size than thermostats with low voltage. That's because they have a heat sink due to the active current that passes through them. The current keeps the electronics powered without needing a battery.

On the other hand, thermostats with low voltage run via power stealing. This process allows the thermostats to operate on small batteries and sap little amounts of power from your main line to recharge.

The drawback of high voltage systems is that you'll need at least one high voltage smart thermostat for every room or every heater.

How to Know If Your System Uses a Low Voltage or High Voltage Thermostat

You can know if your heating system uses a high or low voltage thermostat by looking at the wires. With a low voltage thermostat, you'll see a setup with many small and thin multicolored wires leading up to a board. For high voltage thermostats, you'll see between two to four thick wires separated into black and white or black and red groups. For help with identifying these setups, you can talk to an HVAC specialist.

If you use a high voltage heating system, a high voltage smart thermostat will give you many benefits besides being compatible with your system. Its features offer convenience and energy savings. For more information on high voltage smart thermostats, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Air Assurance. Since 1985, we've proudly served the home-comfort needs of residents in the Broken Arrow area.

What Are the Links Between the AC and Heat Pump?

When the time comes to replace your cooling system, you'll have the option of choosing between an air conditioner and a heat pump. Knowing more about these two systems will help you make a more informed decision. Let's explore the similarities and differences between an AC and heat pump.

How Are They Similar?

Both an AC and heat pump cool your home by removing heat from it and pumping it to a location outside your house. They use compressed refrigerant to absorb indoor heat and move it outside. It's difficult for the average homeowner to tell the difference between the outdoor unit of a heat pump and an AC system.

When running in cooling mode, there's no significant difference between an AC and heat pump with regard to the method of operation, energy costs, and efficiency.

What Are the Differences?

The primary difference between these systems is an air conditioner can't provide heating, whereas a heat pump can cool and heat your home. Heat pumps have a reversing valve in their outdoor unit that reverses their process of operation.

In the colder months, geothermal heat pumps extract heat from a water source or below the ground, whereas air-source heat pumps absorb heat from the air outside. The heat is transferred inside your home and released into your home's air.

A furnace is usually paired with an air conditioner to provide heating. Together, they make a heating and cooling system. The efficiency of air-source heat pumps is affected when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing. The units use more energy to maintain warm indoor temperatures. As a result, you may need a furnace to act as a backup heating system because it's more efficient than an air-source heat pump during extreme temperatures.

When choosing between an AC and heat pump, what's appropriate for you may not be suitable for someone else due to several important factors. For that reason, it's essential to have an HVAC expert evaluate the heating and cooling needs of your house to determine your ideal choice. If you're in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced pros at Air Assurance to handle all your heating and cooling needs.

What Common Plumbing Issues Might You Encounter This Summer?

Have you ever noticed that certain things always seem to go wrong with your plumbing in the summer? It's not your imagination. Summertime is when a number of common plumbing issues are most likely to occur. Here are a few common plumbing issues you might encounter and how you can prevent them.

Clogs

Since your kids are home from school during the day, your toilets will likely get flushed more often. More flushes means more chances for clogs. Most of these can be fixed with a plunger, but avoiding using too much toilet paper or flushing foreign objects to begin with will help reduce the risk of clogs in general.

Your disposal may become clogged, too, due to food prep for picnics, barbecues, pool parties, and other events. Things like watermelons, corn, cherries, and peaches are all great summer foods, but the rinds, cobs, and pits are bad for the disposal and will damage it. Instead of pouring these hard food scraps down the sink, try starting a compost pile.

You may notice your shower draining slowly, particularly after a day at the beach. After coming home covered in sand and dirt, the debris gets rinsed off and goes down the drain. If this happens, don't pour chemical drain cleaner down the shower drain. Instead, get a snake or call a plumber. To prevent this in the first place, be sure to rinse off thoroughly before coming home.

Other Common Plumbing Issues

Your laundry loads are also likely to be bigger in the summer months. Too much stress on your washing machine can make the hose spring a leak. To keep from overworking your machine, avoid putting too many clothes in a single load. Also, pull the washing machine a few inches from the wall to prevent kinks in the hose.

Finally, pay attention to your sprinklers, as they see more use in hotter weather. Call your plumber to inspect the sprinkler heads, give them a cleaning, and make sure they're leak-free and in good condition.

For help dealing with common plumbing issues this summer and throughout the year, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow.

What Is the Traditional AC Unit Motor Cost?

A broken motor is one of the most common AC problems. Your air conditioner has a fan motor and a blower motor. Let's explore the typical AC unit motor costs and the steps you can take to save money when you have to purchase one.

Blower Motor Costs

Your AC blower motor is in the air handler inside your home. It pulls your home's warm air, pushes it over the AC evaporator coil to be cooled, and blows cooled air back into the house. A blower motor replacement typically ranges from $250 to $800.

Fan Motor Costs

Located in your outdoor unit, the fan motor cools the superheated refrigerant down. Replacing it usually costs between $300 and $600.

How to Save on AC Unit Motor Costs

There are several ways to save on AC unit motor costs:

• Routine maintenance. You can avoid having to replace a broken motor by scheduling an AC tuneup every year. A certified technician will check and fine-tune all AC parts during the maintenance appointment. Routine service extends the life span of AC components and prevents expensive repairs in the future.

• Having a warranty. If you already have a motor that needs replacement, you can save on new motor costs if your current one is still under warranty. You can pay just $150 for labor with a warranty. Be sure to check the specifics of your AC warranty.

• Choosing a reputable contractor. The labor costs to install your new motor will depend on the contractor you hire. HVAC contractors charge an hourly or fixed rate for labor. Make sure you work with a reputable contractor who offers written estimates to help you know the expected costs right from the start.

Remember, regular maintenance helps you extend the life of your motors. Taking advantage of your warranty and hiring an experienced contractor with excellent reviews will help you keep AC unit motor costs down. If you need AC repair or maintenance services, contact Air Assurance, an award-winning HVAC company serving the Broken Arrow area.

If You Find Your AC Not Blowing Air, What Do You Do?

It's the middle of a hot, Oklahoma summer when suddenly your air conditioner breaks down. You find the AC not blowing air. What could the problem be and what can you do about it? Here are a few possible reasons for your AC not blowing air and a few actions you can take to fix it.

• Thermostat Settings. Check the obvious things first. Is your thermostat set to the wrong temperature? If it's too high, it won't kick in right away and your AC won't blow. Try lowering it a few degrees to see if that helps.

• Circuit Breaker. The power used by your AC may have overloaded the circuit and tripped the circuit breaker. Go to your breaker box, find the circuit that controls your HVAC system, check to see if it's off, and if so, turn it back on. However, if your AC trips the circuit breaker repeatedly, it's indicative of a larger problem, and you should call your HVAC technician.

• Power Outage. Power outages in summer aren't uncommon, with everyone running their HVAC systems at the same time. If there was recently a power outage in your area, it may have wreaked havoc on your thermostat's clock/timer, preventing it from turning on, resulting in the AC not blowing air. Check the timer and reset it if necessary.

• Filter. If it's been awhile since you changed your HVAC filter, accumulated dirt and debris may be blocking the airflow. Change your air filter and see if that helps fix the problem.

• Condenser. Over time, dirt builds up on your condenser coils. If it's not cleaned properly, it can cause airflow problems and even ice buildup. Clean the coils, then run the system with just the fan to get rid of the ice to see if that fixes the issue.

• Refrigerant. If your AC is blowing air but it's not cold, you could be having refrigerant problems. Call your HVAC technician to check your refrigerant levels and recharge it.

If you're experiencing problems with your AC not blowing air, contact us at Air Assurance. We help keep Broken Arrow homes cool in the summer and comfortable all year long.