The Top HVAC Replacement Signs

Even the best HVAC equipment will need to be replaced over time. So how do you know it's time for a new HVAC system? Watch out for the following top HVAC replacement signs.

Age

Generally, HVAC systems last 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement. As they get older, they tend to become more prone to breakdowns. If your unit is older than 10 to 12 years old, chances are good that you'll need to replace it soon.

HVAC Problems Are Occurring More Frequently or Are Costly to Fix

If your system has needed HVAC repair service three or more times in the past few months, it's probably time to think about replacing it. The repairs you've paid for are prolonging the unit's life for only short periods. Rather than getting caught in the vicious cycle of repair — one of the key HVAC replacement signs — it's likely to be more economical to purchase a new system.

It's also advisable to invest in a new system if your older system needs an expensive repair, such as a new compressor.

Rising Energy Bills

Your HVAC system may need replacement if your energy bills suddenly shoot up inexplicably. The system may have worn-out and inefficient parts that need more energy to do their work. An HVAC technician can check the system to determine whether there's an issue with your thermostat or ductwork, or your unit could be nearing the end of its life span, which is one of the major HVAC replacement signs.

Your System Uses Freon

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) phased out R-22 refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon. That helped ensure that new HVAC systems utilized more eco-friendly refrigerants. Freon is becoming more and more challenging to find, which has led to a spike in costs. Therefore, even routine maintenance of an air conditioner that runs on Freon can be a significant expense. If your system uses Freon, it's highly recommended that you consider replacing it.

When you notice these HVAC replacement signs, you can contact a trusted HVAC professional to assess the overall state of your system. For more helpful advice on replacing your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance. We provide HVAC repair, replacement, and maintenance services to Broken Arrow homeowners.

Is It Possible for a Furnace to Get Too Hot in Winter?

While a furnace that warms your home efficiently and safely is a real benefit during cold Oklahoma winters, an overly hot furnace might be malfunctioning and can present a hazard. Today’s gas-fired furnaces have an excellent safety record if the unit is professionally installed and receives annual preventive maintenance. Still, certain issues may arise over time, including overheating. If you ever suspect that you have a hot furnace at an unsafe level, always contact a qualified HVAC contractor immediately. 

Signs of an Overheated, Hot Furnace

• The smell of something burning coming out of HVAC vents inside the house. While a few minutes of acrid odor is to be expected when the furnace is first started up at the beginning of the heating season, this should dissipate rapidly. Any suspect odor that occurs later is a sign to shut off the furnace and call for professional help.

• The furnace shuts down quickly. If your furnace automatically turns itself off soon after cycling on—known as “short cycling”— it may be the safety sensor detecting excess heat somewhere in the unit. Alternatively, the sensor itself may be defective. If an automatic safety shutdown occurs, don’t keep restarting the furnace until it’s been inspected by a certified HVAC technician. Also: Many furnaces will not restart after a safety shutdown until a technician resets the sensor.

Causes of Your Furnace Overheating

• Insufficient system airflow. If the air circulating through the furnace is obstructed, internal furnace components of the furnace, such as the heat exchanger, do not receive sufficient cooling and may overheat. This can permanently damage critical components, as well as pose a fire hazard. Causes of restricted airflow include a clogged system air filter and obstructed supply or return vents.

• Failing components. A worn-out blower motor often overheats, causing pungent burning odors before it fails completely. Aging electrical wiring inside the furnace may also begin to disintegrate and melt when exposed to heat.

For qualified professional service to diagnose a hot furnace, contact the heating experts at Air Assurance.

What Are the Benefits of Smartphone-Controlled HVAC Systems?

Been thinking about getting a smartphone-controlled HVAC system? Perhaps you're weighing the benefits before you commit. After all, the technology can seem somewhat expensive when you know the HVAC system will work OK without it.

Nevertheless there are some well-known benefits of a smartphone HVAC system. Have a look and maybe we can nudge you a little closer to taking the plunge. 

1. The smartphone HVAC is convenient. A smart AC or heating system allows you to change settings and check the status of your HVAC. Usage analytics help you to manage energy consumption more efficiently. You can also keep your home more comfortable through the smartphone. Clouds or sun, stormy or calm, you can adjust the temperature as needed through the app.

2. Smart apps are compatible with other technology in the home. A smart HVAC system can communicate with the voice-activated systems you've added in your home, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. This is a great way to streamline home automation so that it's free of hassles.

3. Smart technology helps you run your HVAC system more efficiently. You can set an energy-efficient schedule that helps you cut back on energy use and save money. Set a schedule to run the AC or heating a few degrees warmer or cooler in summer or winter, whenever the household occupants are away or sleeping. Turn on more cooling or heating when the family is up and moving around.

Best Smart Thermostats

There are lots of smartphone HVAC systems out there, but here are some smart thermostats you might want to consider:

1. Ecobee. Eco-Bee 4, the fourth-generation model of smart thermostat, is much improved in features and functionality over the original model.

2.     Nexia. Nexia has been around since 2008. It is an all-in-one solution for a smart home and controls garage door, lighting, security, HVAC, appliances, and more.

3.     Nest. Nest comes in two options that connect to the Nest app, either of which allows you to control indoor temperature from near or far.

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

Do You Need a Specific Cold Weather Pipe in Winter?

The winter brings with it not only holiday cheer but also colder weather. Frozen pipes is a common plumbing issue during the colder parts of the year. If you have dealt with frozen pipes in the past, you may be wondering if cold weather pipes are a possible solution. Pipes can be made of many different materials, and each reacts to the cold differently. Here is a brief overview of three common pipe materials and how each performs as cold weather pipes.

Three Common Pipe Materials When Considering Cold Weather Pipes

1. Copper. A classic pipe material, copper offers some advantages and disadvantages in the winter. Copper pipes are the most vulnerable to bursts caused by freezing water due to a lack of flexibility and expandability. However, copper pipes can generate heat quickly if exposed to warm conditions.

1. PVC and CPVC. Similar in design, PVC and CPVC are very hard, rigid plastics that can be used as pipe material. In the cold, PVC/CPVC does not lose heat as fast as metal pipes. PVC/CPVC, while being sturdy materials, are also more flexible than metal, meaning they won’t burst as fast when freezing occurs. However, PVC/CPVC can become brittle and start to break if exposed to extreme cold for too long.

2. PEX. These types of pipes are made of cross-linked polyethylenes and are very flexible and long. Due to its high levels of flexibility, PEX pipes require a great deal of pressure from freezing water to burst. While extreme pressure can cause bursting, PEX offers higher levels of resistance compared to copper and PVC pipes.

When You Need HVAC and Plumbing Service This Winter

At Air Assurance, we help homeowners in Broken Arrow and all surrounding areas with their heating and cooling needs. If you need expert advice to keep your home safe and warm this winter, we can help. No matter if the problem is frozen pipes, drafty windows, or an aging HVAC unit, we can provide the information and service you need to correct these issues. Contact us today to learn more about cold weather pipes.

How to Combat HVAC Energy Loss in Winter

In the winter, HVAC heating use naturally goes up to combat the colder weather. During the cooler parts of the year, HVAC energy loss can be an issue. Energy loss not only causes you to have to run your HVAC system longer to stay comfortable, it can also drive up energy costs. The financial costs and increased wear on your HVAC system are things you want to avoid. The following tips can increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter. 

Three Tips to Reduce HVAC Energy Loss

1. Check for drafts. Drafts allow heat to escape from your home and let colder outside air in. Windows and doors are a common source for drafts and are responsible for roughly a quarter to a third of the heat loss homeowners experience every winter. Simple maintenance and replacing your aging doors and windows with newer, more energy-efficient models can address this common source of heat loss.

2. Improve insulation. Another common cause of heat loss is a lack of insulation in areas such as attics and crawl spaces. Adding insulation to these areas can greatly improve your home’s ability to retain heat.

3. Have a professional inspect your HVAC system. Common maintenance needs such as a dirty HVAC unit and clogged filters can reduce your ability to keep your home heated. A professional can perform any maintenance needs, do a proper cleaning, replace filters, and attend to any other issues that can reduce your HVAC system’s efficiency.

When You Need the Best to Prevent HVAC Energy Loss

When you need HVAC service and repair in Broken Arrow, you have many options to choose from. At Air Assurance, we set ourselves apart by offering not only top-of-the-line service but a commitment to your complete satisfaction. If you’re having trouble with HVAC energy loss, we can help. No matter if it's maintenance or repair, we can have your home ready for the winter. Contact us today to learn more and see how we can help you. 

Gain Heater Knowledge: Learn How Your Heater Actually Works

Having some heater knowledge is useful for a couple of reasons. Knowing how heating systems work can help you select a new one for your Broken Arrow home if needed. Being familiar with how heaters work can also help you notice when something is wrong with your heating system so you can have it repaired right away.

Forced-Air Furnace

Forced-air furnaces use gas, oil, propane, or electricity to generate heat. These heating systems take in air, then heat it up and send it through ductwork and vents to warm homes. A blower motor pushes the heated air into the ducts, where it flows to different areas of your home. Colder air in your home is pulled into the furnace through return ducts, and the heating cycle begins again when your heating system is on.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps exchange heat rather than produce it from gas, electricity, oil, or propane. Heat pumps take heat from the air outside or from the ground and use it to heat a home's interior. Air-source heat pumps pull heat from above ground, while geothermal heat pumps pull heat from underground. This provides one energy-efficient way to heat homes in winter. These heating systems can also cool homes by moving hot indoor air outside in summer.

Radiant Heat

Radiant heat produces heat through coils or pipes that are placed in floors, ceilings, or walls. These coils or pipes use either electricity or heated water to keep rooms or areas in homes warm. The heat from these pipes and coils flows into the room rather than coming through vents.

If you’re interested in heater knowledge so you can choose a new heating system, our experts can help. Contact Air Assurance for more heater knowledge about our HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area. We can assist you with choosing the most efficient heating system for your home.

What You Should Expect — and Not Expect — From HVAC Contracts

HVAC contracts are a service plan that provides regular ongoing service for your home’s HVAC system by trained professionals. Often these types of service contracts are offered when you have a new HVAC unit installed. Before signing an HVAC service contract, you’ll want to know what they offer and if it's right for you.

Why You Would Want an HVAC Contract

There are many reasons homeowners choose to purchase an HVAC contract. The features these HVAC contracts can include are regular tuneups, inspections, seasonal maintenance (such as for summer and winter), emergency services, part discounts, and priority for when you need repairs or replacement. Many HVAC contracts can also include discounts for parts and services, as well as other perks. A key benefit of a service contract is that your HVAC system is always cared for, ensuring better performance and the ability to catch any maintenance needs before they become a larger problem. In addition, in emergencies, a service contract can reduce costs and speed up the repair process.

When HVAC Contracts Are Not For You

Before purchasing an HVAC contract, it is important to know what it isn’t. Service contracts are not an all-in-one solution. The type of features they offer can vary, so be sure to read them carefully before signing up. Also, a service contract does have a yearly cost and, in some cases, this may not add up to the out-of-pocket costs for the service you receive in a given year. Much like insurance, a service contract can be highly useful for dealing with emergencies and more than pay for itself; however, these events are often not predictable. 

When You Need HVAC Service and Repair

At Air Assurance, we proudly serve residents of Broken Arrow and nearby communities with all their HVAC needs. No matter if you need servicing, repair, or a full HVAC system installation, we can assist. Contact us today to learn more. We welcome your business.

Are Air Purifiers Effective in Winter?

The air inside your home can end up having poor quality during winter. Your heating system can blow dust, pollutants, and other particles around. With winter being cold and flu season, more germs are also around during this time of year. Using air purifiers might seem like a good way to improve indoor air quality (IAQ), but should you get one? Consider the following when deciding if you should get an air purifier for your home.

Allergens

Allergens, such as dust and pet dander, tend to build up more in homes during winter. Heating systems blow these particles around through ducts and vents, which can cause allergy symptoms to flare up more often. If you have asthma, you might also have a higher risk of asthma attacks with dust and other allergens floating around. Air purifiers can catch these allergens and remove them from your indoor air, which helps boost IAQ (indoor air quality). Keep your home clean through vacuuming and dusting regularly, which can make your indoor air even healthier.

Pollutants

Indoor pollutants can fill your home during winter, especially with doors and windows closed. Breathing in some of these pollutants can raise your risk of becoming sick. Using air purifiers can help lower your exposure to pollutants in winter until you can open your doors and windows again in warmer weather.

Germs

Viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens can circulate in your home when it’s all closed up during winter. Having your heating system on also helps these germs move around your home. Setting up an air purifier can help trap viruses and other germs, which can reduce your risk of being sick this season. Keep in mind that you should continue wiping down surfaces in your home to eliminate germs even more.

If you’re looking for air purifiers for your Broken Arrow home or other ways to improve IAQ, contact Air Assurance.

How to Avoid a Frozen HVAC This Winter

Your HVAC system’s outdoor unit is made to be durable. However, exposure to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause it to freeze up during winter. A frozen HVAC system can end up with damage that stops it from working properly, so it’s important to take steps to reduce this risk. The following tips can help prevent your HVAC system from freezing up this season.

Remove Snow and Ice

Snow and ice can accumulate on your HVAC system and cause it to become frozen. Clearing snow off your outdoor unit as soon as possible can help lower this risk. To prevent buildup, you should make sure your HVAC system has enough empty space on all sides before a snowstorm hits. You should also get rid of icicles that are hanging over your HVAC system so that they don’t fall onto it and cause damage. If your outdoor unit has ice on it, don’t scrape at it with sharp tools or objects, since these tools could damage it.

Change the Air Filter

Having a dirty or clogged air filter in your HVAC system could cause it to freeze. Dirty HVAC filters reduce airflow, which leads to a greater amount of precipitation on the coils. If you haven’t changed your air filter recently, put in a new one to lower the risk of ending up with a frozen HVAC system.

Have Ductwork Inspected

Debris inside your ducts could lead to airflow problems that affect your HVAC system and turn it into a frozen HVAC. You should have HVAC technicians check your ducts to see if they need professional ductwork cleaning.

Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance

Making sure your HVAC system is in good condition is one of the best ways to lower the risk of problems, such as having it freeze up in winter. Have professional HVAC technicians perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system this season.

If you need help with a frozen HVAC at your Broken Arrow home this winter, contact Air Assurance. We can repair your HVAC system to prevent damage from occurring.