AC Estimates Tulsa, OK | Repair vs. Replace

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AC Estimates Tulsa, OK | Repair vs. Replace

A time will come when you'll have to choose between repairing and replacing your HVAC unit. Considering the importance and considerable cost of an HVAC system, you'll want to ensure you make the best decision for your house and for your family. So when should you repair or replace? Let's explore the crucial factors you should consider when it comes to repair or replace.

Age

HVAC systems generally last 10 to 15 years. If your furnace has lasted more than 15 years or your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing them. An aging HVAC system will exhibit certain warning signs. The system may make unusual noises when starting up, your home may be damp or stuffy, or you may have to adjust the thermostat constantly to stay comfortable.

Need for Repairs

If you haven't incurred significant maintenance or repair costs since installing your HVAC unit, it may be better to repair it. However, consider replacing it if it keeps needing repairs. An excellent formula you can use is multiplying the system's age by the repair costs. If the result is more than $5,000, it's better to replace the unit.

How Long You'll Stay in Your House

If you're not planning to stay in your current house for long, the better option may be to repair your unit. A new unit's installation costs will most likely be higher than what you'd get back from the resulting increase in your home's sale price. However, it's best to replace your unit if it's very old, as that could hurt your home's sale price.

Your Current Unit's Efficiency

The older your current system is, the more inefficient it's likely to be when compared to modern units. Today's units have high efficiency ratings in addition to advanced features, such as variable-speed technology, that drastically increase your energy savings. Upgrading your older system allows you to take advantage of home-comfort advancements that deliver improved efficiency and maximize energy savings.

Still don't know whether to repair or replace? An HVAC technician can help you figure out an HVAC unit's lifetime cost analysis and return on investment to help you make a more informed decision. For all your HVAC repair or replace needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact the certified technicians at Air Assurance.

Are Ductless HVAC Systems a Good Idea?

Ductless Mini-Split - Tulsa, OK

If you've wondered whether a ductless HVAC system is a good idea for your home, talk to your HVAC consultant and get the lowdown on what is commonly known as the ductless mini-split. Ask your consultant how well this HVAC system is likely to work in our climate. Following are some important facts about this technology so you can better evaluate whether it's for you.

Do Mini Splits Heat and Cool?

Although you can acquire a mini-split that only cools, you might want to look at those with heating capability. A few years ago, mini-splits were not considered as efficient as heating systems in areas where temperatures fell below freezing, but they have been vastly improved in recent years, so they may work well in winter in your home.

Are Mini-Splits Quiet?

Mini splits were once known for being noisy, but no longer. In fact, many homeowners choose them because of the quiet, gentle flow of heated or cooled air that the air handler puts out as compared to the sudden — and noisy — rush of conditioned air from a central system.

Are Ductless HVAC Systems Challenging to Install?

Not really. However, you do need to hire someone with experience and good training in installing mini-splits so yours will work properly and efficiently. In most cases, installing a mini-split is not a DIY job.

Ductless HVAC systems are considered fairly straightforward to install, with an outdoor condenser and a conduit with wires and refrigerant leading to an indoor air handler. The air handlers typically are very versatile when being fitted into the home, with some models designed to be tucked away on a shelf or in a corner. Furthermore, they don't need to be connected to a system of ductwork.

Are Ductless Systems Expensive?

Ductless systems can be considered expensive, costing between $1,500 and $2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. However, they are extremely efficient and can save a homeowner as much as 30% a year on energy bills. 

For more on ductless HVAC, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

How to Test the Refrigerant Levels in Your HVAC Unit

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You probably don't think much about the refrigerant in your AC or heat pump unless there's something wrong. If the refrigerant charge in your system is incorrect, it can cause damage. How do you know if your refrigerant levels are off? Here are signs to look for, as well as how to test the refrigerant levels yourself.

Signs of an Incorrect Refrigerant Charge

There are several signs of low refrigerant. First, if your energy bills suddenly increase, that could be the reason. Without enough refrigerant, your system has to run longer to heat or cool your home. Likewise, you may notice that the air coming from your vents isn't as cold as it should be.

If you hear hissing or bubbling noises from your unit, that could also indicate a leak, as the coolant escapes in either gas or liquid form. Finally, if your evaporator coil ices over, it may be a sign of low refrigerant.

It's also possible to have too much refrigerant. If the coolant line is overfilled, it prevents the switch from gas to liquid. This in turn floods your compressor, causing serious damage.

Testing Refrigerant

Many of the symptoms of low refrigerant can also be signs of other things. If you want to know for sure, you'll need to test your refrigerant levels. There are several tests that require specialized equipment. However, there's also a much simpler way to get a quick reading.

First, while your system is running, look for two copper pipes covered in insulation that are connected to your condenser coil on the outdoor unit. These are your refrigerant lines. Peel back the insulation from the larger line and check the temperature. It should feel cool to the touch.

You can also measure with a thermometer. If the temperature of the pipe's surface is between 50 and 60 degrees, your refrigerant is fine. If it's colder or warmer, your levels are low. Don't try to resolve refrigerant problems yourself. Call your HVAC technician to recharge your refrigerant.

If your refrigerant levels need charging, contact us at Air Assurance. We're Broken Arrow's trusted source for quality home-comfort solutions.

Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

Tulsa Heat and Air Companies

How To Choose A Good Heating Contractor

You rely on your home's heating system to keep your home cozy and warm throughout the winter months, so it's vital to hire a skilled and trustworthy heating contractor when it needs maintenance, repairs or a replacement. Here are some essential qualities to look for in the contractor you hire, so you know you're making a wise choice:

License and Insurance

Reputable HVAC professionals in the Tulsa area will hold a valid mechanical contractor's license with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board. When you know that a contractor is licensed, you'll have peace of mind that they have relevant industry experience, have passed the state's qualifying exam and posted a bond. Licensed contractors must also have workers' compensation and liability insurance coverage that helps protect you in the event that damage or injuries occur.

Longevity and Good Reputation

A heating contractor who does quality work and provides superior customer service will have a long history in the area, as well as positive reviews and recognition awards from both the HVAC industry and the local community. The best contractors are also members of leading HVAC associations, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), which allows them to stay current on the latest industry advancements and best practices.

Technician Certifications

A contractor you can trust with your home's comfort equipment insists that their technicians have attained certification from NATE, the independent organization that's the recognized leader in technician skill and knowledge testing and certification. This gives you the assurance that your technician has the training and know-how to properly maintain, repair or replace your heating equipment.

Workmanship Guarantees

Contractors who provide top-notch installation and repair services and are fully confident in their workmanship quality are willing to stand behind it with a written guarantee. When it comes to the reliability of your heating system, choosing such a contractor can let you rest easy knowing that you're in the best of hands.

When you looking for a heating contractor in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance to learn more about our dedication to providing outstanding service and customer care.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC contractors and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-258-2665.

Does HVAC Wattage Affect a Unit’s Performance?

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Your HVAC system is the biggest consumer of energy in your home. How much energy is that, though? In terms of electricity, how many watts does the average HVAC system use, and how does that affect its performance? Here's what you need to know about HVAC wattage.

Watts and BTUs

Your AC uses an average of 1,000 watts of electricity per 1 ton of cooling capacity. How much cooling your home needs is measured in BTUs. British Thermal Units are a measurement of heat; in your AC's case, it indicates the amount of heat your unit can remove from your home in an hour. An Arizona home will have more heat to remove than a home in, say, Oregon. Therefore, your unit may need more BTUs and more wattage.

There are other factors that can affect the number of BTUs your home needs. If you have a lot of windows, they'll let in more sunlight, resulting in more heat. If you have good insulation, on the other hand, you may need less cooling capacity and a lower HVAC wattage.

The Wrong HVAC Wattage

What happens if your system has the wrong wattage for your home? If it's too low, your AC won't be able to generate enough BTUs to remove heat effectively. The system will need to run longer, using more electricity. It will also be overworked, leading to frequent breakdowns, which will ultimately shorten its life span.

However, if your wattage is too high, it can cause short-cycling, which is your unit turning on and off too frequently. This also puts extra strain on the system and wastes energy. It can also make your house feel clammy and uncomfortable, as well as create hot and cold spots across rooms.

When you buy a new system, make sure your HVAC contractor uses Manual J to calculate the amount of cooling capacity your home needs. That way, they can make sure you get an AC that is the correct size and which has the correct wattage.

For help getting the most out of your HVAC wattage, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to the Broken Arrow area.

How to Make Sure You Have a Winterized HVAC Unit

A winterized HVAC system saves you money on energy bills and has a significantly lower risk of needing repairs during the cold winter months. Fortunately, preparing your system for winter doesn't have to be a daunting task if you know what to do. Keep reading to learn some effective winterization tips.

Clean Your Outdoor Unit

It's advisable to prevent the debris that's accumulated in your outdoor air-conditioning unit throughout the year, particularly during the fall, from sitting inside it all winter. You can follow these steps to ensure you have a winterized HVAC unit:

1. Turn the power to the unit off.

2. Remove the unit's top cover.

3. Vacuum out the debris that's accumulated inside.

4. Wash the fins gently with a hose.

5. When the unit dries, reattach its top cover.

It's also important to cut back weeds, vines, and branches and clear dirt and debris from around the unit.

Insulate Your Ducts

Your ducts should be insulated properly to protect them from cold temperatures. Without adequate insulation, the temperature of the air inside will change as the air flows to your rooms. That could reduce the efficiency of your furnace. Make sure the ductwork in unconditioned spaces is well insulated by either creating an insulating space for it using foam insulation boards or insulating the entire unconditioned space.

Change Your Filters

Replacing your air filters is an easy and effective way of ensuring a winterized HVAC unit and keeping your unit operating smoothly. A clogged filter makes your system work harder to keep you comfortable, which may lead to expensive repairs over time.

Schedule a Furnace Tuneup

When transitioning from cooling to heating, it's crucial to have an HVAC technician check your furnace. The technician will find potential issues that could result in a system breakdown during the winter and ensure your furnace is running correctly. What's more, your HVAC professional will help you winterize your outside unit.

Winterizing your HVAC system will yield benefits that will extend beyond this winter. For more information on winterized HVAC units, contact Air Assurance. We offer heating and cooling services to homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

Indoor Air Quality

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Indoor Air Quality - Tulsa, Ok

Indoor air can expose you to more pollutants than outdoor air. Failing to address issues with indoor air quality can lead to health problems like allergies and asthma. A good starting point for improving your home's air quality is identifying the levels of contaminants. Here are ways to test your home's air quality.

Evaluate Your Health Symptoms

Assessing any signs and symptoms you may have and your home's age and location may help narrow down the potential indoor pollutants. Seek medical attention if you believe your health issues are connected to your living environment. Your doctor will help you identify the health problems resulting from exposure to pollutants like mold, carbon monoxide, or radon.

Install an Air Quality Monitor

Purchase a monitor that measures the specific indoor pollutants you're worried about. For instance, if you live in an older house, you could get a monitor that detects carbon monoxide and radon. If you live in an area with lots of outdoor air pollution, you could buy a model that detects particulate matter.

Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and it can build up to dangerous levels in a poorly ventilated space. If you own appliances such as gas furnaces, gas-burning stoves, and gas dryers, installing CO alarms on all levels of your home is crucial.

Carry Out a Radon Test

Long-term radon exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Radon can seep into your home through the foundation, walls, floors, and areas around your pipes. You can use short-term radon test kits, long-term kits, or continuous tests to find out whether your home has high radon levels.

Call a Professional

You can opt for professional indoor air quality test if you fear you may have severe air-quality issues and are experiencing health problems like asthma and humidifier fever related to exposure to pollutants.

Once you identify the potential indoor air quality issues in your home, you can address them by installing an air purifier, sealing up trouble areas, improving your home's ventilation, and ensuring your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency. If you need any HVAC service or indoor air quality assessment in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experts at Air Assurance.

Which Home Pipe Material Is Best in Winter?

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Frozen pipes can cause devastating water damage when they burst. You can minimize or avoid this damage by using the best pipe material for winter. Let's explore the susceptibility of the common pipe materials to freezing and bursting to establish the one that holds up the best in cold weather.

Copper

Copper pipes are widely used because of their strength, resistance to corrosion, and longevity. A major disadvantage of these pipes is that they lose heat quickly and have a thin wall that's not flexible. These factors make them the most susceptible to bursting in frigid temperatures.

Copper pipes don't expand when the water inside them freezes. The swelling of frozen water places excess pressure on the thin walls, causing them to split open or burst eventually.

PVC and CPVC

CPVC pipe material is less rigid, have thicker walls, and lose heat more slowly than copper pipes. The pipes expand a little to minimize the pressure of frozen water on their walls, making them not burst as quickly as copper. Nevertheless, PVC and CPVC pipes are brittle. They crack when forced to endure freezing conditions for too long.

PEX

PEX is a very flexible plastic material that can stretch enough to accommodate water that's freezing and expanding inside of it. It withstands freezing conditions longer than PVC/CPVC and copper pipes.

Even PEX has its limits. It can still burst when there's considerable swelling and pressure from the frozen water. However, when PEX bursts, the fittings usually blow off first. Therefore, it's essential to connect PEX using fittings that can withstand freezing temperatures. You can make PEX and other types of pipes more resistant to freezing and bursting by disconnecting or securing outdoor faucets and wrapping insulation around the pipes in your attic, basement, and near outside walls.

Although PEX holds up the best in cold temperatures, you can't use it in every application. Your home needs different pipe materials, so it's best to contact a professional plumber when you're unsure of the best type of pipe for your specific project. Contact Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.

What to Do If You Have a Nonstop Blower

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You're working hard to save energy this winter, but for some reason, your furnace won't stop blowing. No matter what you do, the air continues whether it's hot or not. There are several potential reasons for a nonstop blower. Here's how to deal with it.

Thermostat Issues

The simplest potential reason why you have a nonstop blower is because the fan setting on your thermostat is set to "On." This is particularly likely if the air coming from the vents isn't warm. Leaving your fan on constantly can improve air circulation and heat distribution. However, it also raises your energy bills significantly and could wear out your system more quickly. Switch the setting to "Auto" so the fan only turns on when the heat turns on.

There might also be a problem with the temperature setting. If the thermostat is set too high, your furnace will have a harder time getting your home to the set temperature and may run continuously instead. Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees, then wait a few minutes to see if it stops. Keep your thermostat at a reasonable but comfortable temperature to reduce energy usage and save wear and tear on your system.

If your thermostat is already set to 68 degrees and you still have a nonstop blower, it might be calibrated incorrectly. Call your HVAC technician to check the calibration and reset it so you can heat and cool your home more accurately.

Fan Limit Switch

If your thermostat isn't the issue, it might be the fan limit switch on the unit. The switch determines when the blower will start and stop. However, it also has a manual switch that keeps it going constantly.

Check around the heat exchanger, right behind the gas valve, for a small button. If the button is pressed in, it's in override mode. Pull it out and the fan should stop. If, after a few minutes, it still keeps running, you call your HVAC contractor to determine the problem.

If you're experiencing a nonstop blower or other HVAC issues, contact us at Air Assurance. Broken Arrow's home comfort is our top priority.