What Is a Safe Drain Cleaner to Use for Your Pipes and HVAC?

Like any other drain in your home, sometimes the drain line in your HVAC system gets clogged. Dirt and other contaminants build up on the inside, making it more difficult for water to drain. When this happens, it can affect your system's efficiency. In order to combat this, the drain needs to be cleaned.

However, your HVAC drain isn't the same as the one in your sink or toilet. Therefore, you shouldn't use conventional drain cleaners on it, as they may cause damage. Instead, here are some safe drain cleaners that you can use on your HVAC system to get rid of blockages.

Safe Drain Cleaners

There are a number of different commercial drain cleaners on the market that are specifically designed for your HVAC system. Some come in liquid form, while others come in tablets. Check your local hardware store or shop online, and be sure to always get one that's formulated specifically for HVAC drains.

However, there are also some cheaper options that are safe and just as effective. The most common is vinegar. A little bit of distilled vinegar will dissolve the buildup and help your drain run smoothly again. If you don't care for the smell of vinegar, you can also use peroxide, dish soap, or even hot water to fix HVAC clogs. However, distilled vinegar is the most effective.

Unclogging Your HVAC Drain with Safe Drain Cleaner

Before attempting to unclog your drain, first turn the HVAC system off. Next, look for an access point on the drain. It's often a T-shaped pipe, and it may have a cap covering it. Remove the cap and check for a clog.

If the drain is clogged, pour your safe drain cleaner into the pipe, wait 30 minutes, and flush the drain with water to remove the blockage. Then replace the cap and turn the system back on. If your drain is still clogged, call your HVAC technician to fix it. They may also perform HVAC drain cleaning as part of your annual maintenance.

For help cleaning your HVAC drain, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow's home-comfort systems in top condition.

What You Need to Know About HVAC vs. Plumbing

On the surface, your HVAC and plumbing systems seem very different. One deals in air, the other in water. However, they also function together in your home and are connected in ways you might not realize. Here's a look at HVAC vs. plumbing in your home.

Moisture and Humidity

Both your plumbing and HVAC systems have to handle a lot of moisture, and they're designed to keep it contained. A leaking pipe in your bathroom causes not just water damage but higher humidity. Your HVAC system reduces humidity as it heats or cools the air, but if you have plumbing problems, the system might not be able to get rid of all the excess moisture. This then leads to bacteria, mold, mildew, and other problems in your home.

Meanwhile, as your plumbing is dealing with humidity issues, your HVAC system may have to deal with clogged or leaking pipes. Your AC creates a significant amount of moisture as it cools the air. That moisture must then be drained.

Most AC condensate drain lines are separate from your plumbing system, but some are connected. Without proper maintenance, the drain line can become clogged over time, causing leaks and water damage, just like a plumbing leak. For this reason, you should clean your drain line periodically.

Service and Repair

When it comes to HVAC vs. plumbing, the other major similarity is in keeping them functioning properly. They're two very different jobs, which require very different learned skills. However, in looking for a skilled plumber or HVAC technician, the criteria are similar.

They should be certified in the specific work they're performing, particularly when it comes to installing new equipment. They should also be licensed, bonded, and insured, to protect you in case of any problems or damages. Finding someone you trust to do the work you need who ticks all these boxes is a difficult job. This is why many companies have technicians who will service both.

For help with both your HVAC and plumbing needs, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient all year long.

How to Avoid and Combat Mold in HVAC Equipment

Although your HVAC equipment can be one of your best weapons for combating mold, under certain conditions, it can also become a haven for mold. Fortunately, there are some reliable methods for treating and preventing mold in your HVAC system.

How to Detect Mold in HVAC

Generally, you can tell if you have mold in your HVAC system if you smell a strong, musty odor. Here are some other signs:

• Mold around air ducts or intake vents

• Leaks or puddles inside the HVAC or on the floor

• Household occupants are subject to coughing or congestion

Why Do You Have Mold in HVAC?

Mold usually occurs in the HVAC system because of these factors:

• Warm, damp conditions in the home

• Leaky ducts allowing damp air into the system

• An overflowing condensate drain

• A dirty air filter that prevents good airflow, resulting in excess condensation on evaporative coils

To get rid of the excess moisture in your system, have your HVAC consultant fix the disconnected or damaged ducts. If the condensate drain is plugged to overflowing, it's an easy fix with bleach and flushing it with water. And, be sure to change the air filter regularly. You might also need to have the evaporative coils cleaned now and then.

Other Treatments for Mold in HVAC

If your home has high humidity in the summer, you may want to address that. Besides the already-mentioned remedies, try removing humidity with a portable dehumidifier. If this doesn't help, you might discuss installing a whole-house dehumidifier with your HVAC consultant. Also, discuss installation of UVGI (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) lights in your HVAC to get rid of mold. 

Other actions you might ask your HVAC consultant to take:

• Treat the HVAC system with an EPA-approved disinfectant, manufactured for HVAC systems.

• Apply a mold inhibitor to all the components of your HVAC.

• Find which ducts are most affected by moisture and mold, and clean, fix, and replace them as needed.

• Have air intakes near areas where organic materials might accumulate checked and cleaned if needed.

For more on mold in HVAC, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

Learn About the Best Attic Fans You Can Get for Your Home

An attic fan helps keep your attic well ventilated and prevents excess humidity. This can help regulate the temperature for the rest of your home more efficiently and lower your energy bills. There are a number of different fans on the market, though. Which one is best for you? Here are our picks for best attic fan.

• Broan Surface Mount Solar-Powered Attic Ventilator. Easy to install, the Broan Attic Ventilator delivers great performance while saving energy, putting it at the top of the list of the best attic fans. It's powered by a built-in solar panel, which is deliberately designed to be inconspicuous so as not to be an eyesore.

• iLiving Shutter Exhaust Fan. One of the cheapest models on this list, this is a great option if you're on a budget. It's great for circulating air and reducing moisture. The aluminum fan blades come in multiple sizes for different spaces, and the shutters can open and close at multiple speeds to maximize air circulation.

• QuietCool Smart Attic Fan. Designed for use with your smartphone, this fan's app gives you greater control over your attic ventilation. That includes adjusting it for different seasons and different climates. It's energy efficient and has a variable-speed feature to adjust for both mild and extreme temperatures. Some have complained that it runs too loudly, but as long as it's properly and securely mounted, this shouldn't be a problem.

• Remington Solar Attic Fan. This one is a little on the expensive side, but it's worth the price. Solar powered to save energy, it can switch to electricity automatically when necessary. It also adapts automatically to changes in temperature and humidity to deliver the circulation and ventilation you need while saving energy.

• Ventamatic Cool Attic Power Gable Mount Attic Vent. Another model for homeowners on a budget, this model is inexpensive but effective, making it one of the best attic fans. Its blades are designed to maximize ventilation while minimizing noise. It also improves cooling efficiency by pulling cool air in from outside and venting warm air out.

For more help finding the best attic fan for your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.

How Can You Make HVAC Rebates Work for You?

A new, high-efficiency HVAC system is one of the best ways to save energy and lower your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, a new system can also be expensive. That's why the federal government offers a number of tax rebates and other incentives when you purchase and install a new system. It encourages energy savings and helps fight climate change. Here are some of the HVAC rebates currently on offer.

• Advanced, main air circulating fan. This amounts to a more-efficient blower motor for your furnace. If you purchase a new furnace before the end of this year with a circulating fan that uses 2% or less of the furnace's total energy, you can claim a $50 rebate.

• Air-source heat pump. In climates like Oklahoma's, a heat pump is an incredibly efficient heating and cooling option. If you get a split-system heat pump with a SEER rating greater than 15 or a packaged system with a SEER rating greater than 14 and purchase and install it by the end of this year, you can claim a $300 tax rebate. That's one of the best HVAC rebates we've ever heard of.

• Natural gas, propane, or oil furnace. The average AFUE rating for home furnaces is 80-85. However, if you buy a high-efficiency model, with an AFUE above 95, you can get up to a $200 tax rebate. That includes $150 for the furnace itself, plus the $50 fan rebate we mentioned earlier. This is also one of the better HVAC rebates we know of.

• Gas, propane, or oil hot-water boiler. This rebate for efficient boilers is the same as for efficient furnaces. Buy one with an AFUE over 95 before Dec. 31 and get a $150 tax rebate.

• Geothermal heat pump. This underground system uses renewable energy, which makes it very appealing for reducing your carbon footprint. If you purchase and install a geothermal system before Dec. 31, 2022, you can claim a 26% tax rebate. If you wait until 2023 to buy it, the rebate goes down to 22%.

To explore more home-comfort options that qualify for HVAC rebates, contact us at Air Assurance. We make sure Broken Arrow's heating and cooling systems are efficient and high-quality.

Top Reasons For Furnace Clean & Check Service

Top Reasons for Furnace Maintenance

Top 5 Reasons to schedule your annual furnace service with Air Assurance and stay ahead of any seasonal breakdowns. Neglect is the number #1 reason why mechanical system fail.

Energy Savings - With the system clean, filter changed, gas pressures set correctly….it can mean the difference in your comfort and the performance on your utility savings during the fall and winter months.

Safe Operation - AC clean and check service is all about efficiencies. But the furnace check is all about safety. Safety from fire. Safety from Carbon Monoxide potentials and more.

Early Detection - You don’t wait until you have a flat tire on the highway to buy new tires right? When you notice the tread wearing and the tire becoming bald it affects performance. Stay ahead of any potential break downs this season.

Optimize Performance - Our technicians will use a combustion analyzer to determine how efficient you furnace is operating….and we can make adjustments to make sure you get the best performance.

Peace of Mind - We check over 25 items during our heating and furnace check to give you comfort and peace of mind.

Call Air Assurance to inquire or schedule your AC or Furnace clean and check maintenance service today!

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Furnace Maintenance

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. 

What Is the Best Window Draft Blocker as the Weather Cools Off?

Think back to last winter in your Broken Arrow home. Can you remember areas in your home that had uncomfortably cool drafts? Do any of your windows whistle, howl, or rattle on windy days? Those noisy and drafty windows are telling you something. Those windows are making your home less comfortable and increasing your energy costs.

Losing heating dollars and putting up with drafty spots in your home is probably unacceptable now that you know the source of those problems. Keep reading and you'll find out how a window draft blocker can be your solution to these comfort and efficiency problems just in time for cooler weather.

Understanding Window Draft Blockers

Window draft blockers (also called window draft stoppers) are literally many different devices, features, coverings, and treatments for windows that do exactly what their name implies. They block drafts. If you have drafty windows, discovering draft blockers is a big deal! Consider which draft blockers will work well in your home.

Window Draft Blockers for Your Home

Window draft blockers are available as draperies, solar shades and blinds, caulking, and many more materials and devices. What follows are some popular choices:

• Door sweeps and snakes. Door sweeps use some type of material, such as foam, on both sides of the door. Door snakes are used on one side of the door.

• Removable caulk. Removable caulk is a great solution to stopping air leaks around windows.

• Permanent caulk. Permanent caulk is used to seal cracks at the juncture of window frames and exterior walls. Use a water-resistant caulk that can take paint.

• Thermal drapes. Thermal drapes use multiple layers and thickness to block drafts and also to block light.

• Weatherstripping. V-strips work great for sealing long gaps in window sills and between doors and door jams. Do you have an attic hatch or door? Stop drafts and air leaks using foam tape.

Could a plan to install a window draft blocker at each drafty window and door make a difference for the better in your Broken Arrow area home? Contact the HVAC and indoor-air quality pros at Air Assurance to find out.

What is a Typical New Furnace Price?

A new furnace price is one of the factors you'll want to consider when replacing your heating system. Several factors go into furnace pricing, so we'll help you out by breaking down the different aspects.

Overall New Furnace Price

The average new furnace price ranges from $2,000 to $8,000. On average across this country, a full installation costs $6,000. This includes the price of the new unit, labor fees, and other installation upgrades or costs.

Furnace Type

An individual gas furnace unit costs $650 to $3,000 on average. The total cost, including installation, averages $3,000 to $8,000. The average price of an electric furnace unit is $700 to $1,100. It's cheaper to install an electric furnace than it is a natural gas furnace, with total costs including installation averaging $2,000 to $4,000. However, electric furnaces usually have higher operational costs, as they create a higher electricity bill.

A propane furnace unit ranges from $800 to $2,000 on average. When installation costs are included, the total costs add up to between $2,500 and $5,000. The average price of an individual oil furnace is $500 to $2,500. The total costs range from $3,000 to $5,000 on average.

Efficiency

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the metric for measuring furnace efficiency. Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings usually cost more. However, by purchasing a high-efficiency furnace, you may qualify for a tax break or a rebate.

Previous Type of Furnace

Your previous furnace type also has an impact on price. If your previous furnace was an electric furnace, it could cost $200 to $500 to have gas lines installed if you're planning to purchase a gas furnace.

Labor

Labor costs typically range from $75 to $100 an hour. The company you choose and the job complexity also affect labor costs. For example, you may need additional ducts installed, which would increase the labor costs. You could also pay furnace inspection charges of $200 to $600 and an assistant hourly fee of $50.

As you can see, multiple factors affect a new furnace price, including the company you work with. Be sure to choose a trustworthy and experienced HVAC company. If you're in the Broken Arrow area, contact the heating professionals at Air Assurance. We've been handling furnace installations for 36 years.

What is the Two Way Pipe System for High Efficiency Services?

When it comes to heating and cooling your home, there are all sorts of ways to save energy. One of the best ways is to invest in a high-efficiency HVAC system. For high-efficiency furnaces, one method worth considering is the two way pipe system. It not only heats your home using less energy, it also improves indoor air quality and saves wear and tear on the unit. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Two Way Pipe System?

Most ordinary furnaces draw air from inside your home. They heat that air and recirculate it back into your home. Exhaust is then vented out of the chimney.

A two way pipe system has a pipe connected to the outdoors, which leads directly to the furnace. That pipe draws in fresh, outdoor air, which is heated and circulated through your home. Then another pipe takes the exhaust and vents it back to the outside.

Benefits of a Two Way Pipe System

When air is drawn from inside your home, it creates extra pressure within your system. This makes it easier for cold air to get drawn into the house through cracks, gaps, and leaks. A two-pipe system creates a better pressure balance, which helps keep cold air from getting in, thus saving energy. The pressure relief also keeps your furnace from working as hard so it can last longer and not break down as often.

Finally, a two-pipe system provides better indoor air quality. In winter, the same, stale air tends to circulate through your HVAC system over and over again, becoming more polluted over time. By drawing air in from the outside, then exhausting it out of the house again, you can break the cycle and ensure you always have clean, fresh air in your home. (Remember that outdoor air tends to be much cleaner than the air in your home.) This way, you can eliminate those contaminants and breathe easier all season.

If you're considering a two way pipe system for your heating needs, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Broken Arrow area.