What to Know About Generator Safety If You Have One in Your Home

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The benefits of owning a home generator also bring with them a responsibility for paying attention to generator safety. The fact is, our national power grid isn’t as dependable as it once was. Power outages have doubled over the past decade, a consequence of changing climate that has produced more severe storms, as well as higher electrical demand stressing aging wires and utility substations.

Portable vs. Standby

Home generators are more useful — and more widely used — than ever. Some homeowners opt for portable units to power just a few necessary items during a brief power outage. Others go further, choosing a permanently installed standby generator fueled by a connection to the home’s natural gas utility, which can keep an entire house powered for extended periods.

Staying Empowered to Ensure Generator Safety

No matter which option you choose, generator safety must be a priority. Here are critical matters to keep in mind while keeping yourself powered up:

• Portable generators must be outdoors at all times and must remain 15 feet or more from the home. Carbon monoxide present in the generator's exhaust can be deadly.

• Only heavy-duty, weatherproof outdoor extension cords are safe for use with a portable generator.

• Don’t expose a portable generator to rainfall or snow. In wet conditions, the unit should be sheltered by a patio canopy or other outdoor covering and kept away from puddles. During ongoing severe weather, the best policy is to use a portable generator only when absolutely necessary.

• Standby generators are complex devices that must be installed by certified electricians only. Don’t attempt to make adjustments or repairs to the unit yourself.

• By design, standby generators are outdoor units built to resist weather and temperature extremes. Enclosing the generator inside a shed or other structure is not required and may accumulate hazardous fumes or cause the unit to overheat.

• A fence surrounding the unit is appropriate to keep children and pets away.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular generator maintenance and perform routine test operations as recommended (usually once a month).

For expert advice about generator safety and usage, ask the professionals at Air Assurance.

Want Cost-Efficient Plumbing in Your Home? Here's How to Get It.

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Is your plumbing system old and outdated? It could be wasting energy and water, and it could end up costing thousands of dollars. So how can you make your plumbing use less power and water, resulting in lower bills? Here are the cost-efficient plumbing options you should consider.

Low-Flow Fixtures

Newer, high-efficiency toilets can use just one gallon per flush. The older toilets used in more than 40% of households in the United States use 3.5 or more gallons of water per flush. Most water-efficient toilets also offer a low-power flush option for liquid waste. Considering that 70% of daily flushes are for liquid waste on average, that could add up to significant savings.

Besides water-efficient toilets, other low-flow fixtures that can help you save significantly on your water bills include low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. These fixtures provide the same utility as their non-low-flow counterparts.

Tankless Water Heater

Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters don't use energy continuously to keep water hot; they only provide hot water when it's needed. Tankless water heaters last 20 to 25 years compared to their traditional counterparts, which can last as little as five to seven years. The energy-saving capabilities of tankless water heaters outweigh the higher upfront cost.

Regular Maintenance

Proper plumbing maintenance is crucial to preventing your fixtures from wasting energy and money. An excellent way to ensure proper maintenance is by scheduling plumbing maintenance visits. During a maintenance visit, a professional will ensure that the components of your plumbing system are working correctly and help you detect potential issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Insulate Pipes

Pipe insulation reduces the heat lost as your pipes carry water to plumbing fixtures. As a result, you can reduce the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees or lower to save money. You can consider insulating your pipes during a major remodel or new construction.

The cost-efficient plumbing options above will be great for the environment and your wallet. If you need any plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the master plumbers at Air Assurance, who have more than 50 years of experience.

How Air Purifiers Can Help You as the Weather Gets Warmer

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Air purifiers are guardians of indoor air quality no matter what time of year it may be. However, summer presents season-specific challenges to a comfortable home environment. Here’s how room air purifiers can benefit your home during the hot months ahead.

Keeping the Summer House Healthy

As outdoor temperatures and humidity rise during the summer, houses tend to be more closed up in order to retain air conditioning as well as keep out summer humidity. However, a tightly sealed house without outdoor ventilation can rapidly accumulate airborne particulates like dust and mold spores, as well as chemical vapors and odors.

An air purifier typically integrates high-efficiency HEPA filters to remove particulates and may include extras such as UV lights to sterilize the air and kill bacteria and viruses. More advanced technology such as ionization and photocatalysis is also available with some air purifiers, depending on the unit. Even a closed-up house on a hot summer day can enjoy clean, healthy air.

Feeling Cooler All Day

An air purifier is not an air conditioner. However, it's a small air mover and, much like the larger effect of a ceiling fan, an air purifier can make a room feel cooler by exposing occupants to moving air. The effect of moving air on humans and pets makes a room feel up to 5 degrees cooler without actually lowering the indoor temperature. In addition to enhancing indoor comfort, this saves money on air-conditioning expenses because you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort level.

Fresh Air at Night

When temperatures drop after sundown on a hot summer day, flushing the house with cool night air is a welcome way to freshen the indoor environment. However, outdoor air may also include unwanted particulates and impurities that are naturally present at a specific locale. Efficient, effective air purification continuously filtering and sanitizing the air allows you to enjoy the coolness and other benefits of fresh night air while also safeguarding the indoor environment.

For more details about the benefits of air purifiers during the hot summer season, talk to the air-quality experts at Air Assurance.

What Are the Top Five AC Issues As the Weather Gets Warmer?

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Air-conditioning systems work overtime during the cooling season, making them more vulnerable to problems. Many of these problems are preventable with proper care. Here's a closer look at some of the most common summer AC issues.

Dirty Filters

A clogged filter can cause a variety of problems, such as airflow issues and inadequate cooling. It's a significant impediment to AC efficiency. You can avoid the AC issues that result from a clogged filter by checking your filter at least once a month and replacing it if it's dirty.

Refrigerant Leaks

This is one of the most common summer AC issues. The refrigerant in your air conditioner sucks up heat from your home and expels it outside to cool your indoor air. If you have a refrigerant leak, your air conditioner can't work efficiently and won't adequately keep your house cool and comfortable. Refrigerant leaks get bigger over time if you leave them unrepaired, so it's crucial to call in a professional if you suspect a leak has occurred.

Clogged Drains

Your air conditioner also dehumidifies the air as it cools it. The water from your home's air is removed through the condensation drain. Dirt and sludge can clog the condensation drain, leading to water backup and leaks. You should call an HVAC technician for service if you see water in or below your indoor HVAC equipment.

Constantly Turning On and Off

A system turning on and off constantly, also referred to as short cycling, is a problem that could damage AC parts like the compressor. A clogged air filter, electrical issues, dirty AC coils, or a unit that's too small could be the reason behind the issue. An HVAC professional will diagnose the problem and fix any damaged components.

Inadequate Cooling

If a new system isn't cooling your home adequately, the system's capacity may be inadequate for the size of your house. However, if the problem occurs after several years or months, it could be caused by an issue like a refrigerant leak or a damaged AC component. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system.

You can prevent most of these problems through proper AC care, such as scheduling annual maintenance and changing your filters regularly. If you need help with AC issues in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance.

How Your HVAC System Can Help You Combat Spring Allergies

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This time of year can make you miserable if you have spring allergies. Tree and grass pollen can cause you to sneeze, have watery eyes, and experience other allergy symptoms. You might not be able to avoid going outside, but you can use your HVAC system to keep these allergens out of your home and boost your indoor air quality. Use the following HVAC tips to combat spring allergies.

Replace HVAC Filters

HVAC filters catch allergens and other particles to prevent them from getting into your home through your vents when you’re running your air conditioning or heating system. However, these filters get dirty or clogged and need to be replaced. When your HVAC filters are dirty, this makes it easier for allergens to blow into different parts of your home via your ducts and vents. Check and change your HVAC filters this spring and every month (or few months) after that to reduce the presence of allergens in your home and alleviate your spring allergies.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Pollen and other debris can cover your outdoor HVAC unit and end up getting into your home. Use a garden hose to rinse off your outdoor unit to eliminate pollen and other debris. In addition to reducing the risk of allergy symptoms, doing this helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

Your home’s ductwork can harbor pollen and other allergens, such as dust. When these ducts haven’t been cleaned in awhile, they could be filled with these allergens. A professional duct cleaning helps remove this debris so you’re not breathing it in while running your HVAC system.

Clean Your House

Sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming, and dusting can help you reduce the amount of allergens in your home this spring. Doing these cleaning tasks on a regular basis can help you keep allergies at bay throughout the season.

If you need duct cleaning or other HVAC services to combat spring allergies, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC technicians provide dependable HVAC services to homeowners in Broken Arrow.

How Do Balance Dampers Work for Your HVAC Ducts?

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One of the most important aspects of your home’s HVAC system is heating and cooling your home evenly. Uneven temperature distribution results in parts of your home being too hot or too cold. One way to adjust how your home’s HVAC warms and cools your home is through the use of your balance dampers.

What Are Balance Dampers?

Balance dampers are similar to a vent control. However, it closes the entire vent at the source. By closing a damper you can cut the airflow to a specific room via the vent system. By carefully controlling your home’s airflow, you can better balance how the temperature is controlled. Your home’s dampers are normally located near the central unit, though they can be hard to locate in some home layouts. If you cannot locate them, a specialist can help.

Setting Your Balance Dampers

• For Your AC: Cold air tends to drop downward. In the summer, if you live in a multifloor home, you’ll want to close the vents that lead to the basement and ground floor. Air will circulate into the warmer upstairs and attic areas before dropping lower to cool the ground floor. If you live in a single-floor home, you'll want to close the vents to direct the cold air toward the rooms you want (and need) cooled.

• For Heating: The setting for warmer air is the opposite, as warm or hot air tends to rise upward. You’ll want to focus your home’s airflow toward the ground floor when heating your home, as it will warm the entire home when the hot air rises upward toward the second floor.

When You Need HVAC Service

At Air Assurance, we assist homeowners in Broken Arrow and the local community with all their HVAC needs, and we know we can help you. If you need HVAC servicing, upgrades, or repairs, we invite you to contact us today to learn more and see how we can help you make your home a more comfortable place to live.

How Does Return Air Work to Your Advantage?

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Your HVAC system serves the valuable purpose of keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. Your HVAC system is complex and relies on multiple parts to function correctly. One part of your HVAC system you should never overlook is the return air vent. These return air vents serve several purposes and help your HVAC system run effectively and efficiently.

What a Return Air Vent Does

Your return air vents help cycle the air in your home back to the central HVAC system for reheating or recooling the air before it is cycled through your home. These vents also serve other valuable purposes.

• Improves Efficiency and Reduces Cost. A functional return vent is a key part of an efficient HVAC system, and if it has any issues, you should have them addressed by a professional. When your return vent is not working properly, air cannot be cycled correctly, and this can result in increased energy costs due to your HVAC system having to run longer and work harder.

• Controls Air Pressure. The return vent controls the air pressure in your home by pulling air into the HVAC system as the system pushes heated or cooled air outward and cycles it into your home. A working vent helps keep this air cycle flowing and keeps the air pressure in your home steady.

• Improves Air Quality. Your return vent helps improve your home’s indoor air quality. The air in your home can easily collect airborne irritants such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. Your return vent cleans the air by filtering it before it is cycled back to your HVAC system.

When You Need the Best in HVAC Servicing

When you need HVAC servicing in Broken Arrow, we know you have several HVAC service providers and experts to choose from. At Air Assurance, we're dedicated to providing you the best in HVAC service and customer care. Contact us today to learn more. We welcome your business.

AC not cooling: AC Issues You'll Encounter

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You really on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable no matter what the weather or time of year. Servicing and maintenance for common HVAC issues is a must, and even the best HVAC systems require professional servicing. By being aware of common HVAC issues, you can know what to expect, what to look for, and when to contact a professional for assistance.

Three Common HVAC Issues

1. Electrical Issues. As with many complex systems, your HVAC system can develop wiring issues. These can be frayed wires, electrical shorts, and other related issues. This can cause unpredictable performance and other issues. Your thermostat is a common part of your HVAC system that can have electrical issues. A bad thermostat makes the operation of your HVAC system unpredictable and, in a worst-case scenario, can make it inoperable.

2. Clogged Filters. Your HVAC system’s filters are one of its most common service items. Over time, dust and other debris can cause your air filters to become clogged. This reduces the effectiveness of your HVAC system and also increases stress on various parts, which can shorten the useful life span of your HVAC system.

3. Strange Noises. If your HVAC system is making strange sounds, it can be a sign that an underlying issue needs attention from a professional. If you hear sounds such as banging, squeaking, or rattling, issues can include lose parts or issues with your blower motor. A professional can isolate what is causing these odd sounds and make proper repairs.

When You Need HVAC Service for Common HVAC Issues

At Air Assurance, we strive to provide residents of Broken Arrow and all nearby communities with the best in HVAC service. We help with a variety of HVAC service and repair needs, including regular servicing, repairs, and system replacement and installation. If your HVAC system is not operating correctly or providing the level of performance you expect, contact us today to see how we can help.

Can a Water Recirculator Help Your Home's Plumbing System?

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Waiting for hot water can be a real nuisance, especially during Broken Arrow's chilly winters. A water recirculator gets hot water to your faucet fast, saving you time and water.

How a Water Recirculator Works

When you turn on a faucet far from your water heater, you could wait more than a minute for hot water to reach you. That's inconvenient and a waste of water. A hot-water recirculating pump can solve this problem. A small device that fits under the sink farthest from your water heater, a recirculator continuously pumps hot water back and forth between the water heater and the faucet. Cold water sitting in your pipes moves back to the water heater for rewarming and hot water moves toward the faucet so it's ready whenever you need it. Two types of recirculators are commonly available.

Full recirculating pump. This system requires that an additional hot-water line be installed in your plumbing system. A separate line prevents the unwanted mixing of hot and cold water.

Comfort-pump system. This system uses your existing cold-water pipe to move unused cold water back to the water heater. It costs less, and it's easier to install.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Water Recirculator

In addition to enjoying greater convenience, you'll also be saving water. That's a big plus during droughts, and it keeps your water bill low year-round. While these pumps use electricity, many include programmable timers and sensors that let you run them only when you most need them. They can be turned off at night and while you're at work. If you don't have an outlet under your sink, though, you'll need to install one.

The purchase cost and installation requirements of a full recirculating pump mean comfort-pump systems are more practical for most homeowners. The downside of these systems is that you'll have hot water in your cold-water line, so you might need to run the faucet a bit to get cold water.

Thinking about adding a water recirculator to your home? Contact us at Air Assurance from anywhere around Broken Arrow.