All the HVAC Options for Your Bonus Room This Spring

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If you’re remodeling or adding a new living space to your home, what are your HVAC bonus room options? It may be a guest room or a rec room or a hobby room or a home office. In many if not most cases, you’ll have to make a decision about getting adequate heat and air conditioning into that new space. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to adequately and efficiently fill that need for comfort in all seasons.  

Here are some suggestions to add HVAC bonus room cooling and heating.  

Expand your existing system.

Extending the home’s existing HVAC ductwork into the new HVAC bonus room is doable. However, certain caveats should be taken into consideration first:

• Airflow circulation is carefully balanced to ensure all rooms in the house receive sufficient heating and cooling. If a new span of ductwork is extended into a bonus room, air circulation throughout the house may be imbalanced. Additional duct or blower alterations may be necessary.

• Depending on the size of the new room, the new additional square footage may potentially require upgrading to a larger central AC or furnace.  

Ductless mini splits.

These compact, efficient heat pumps are an excellent match for a new room addition. Here are some reasons why:

• As the name implies, ductless mini-splits do not require ductwork. Therefore, the expense and disruption of extending household ducts into the new room is not an issue.  

• The unit consists of a small, wall-mounted air handler connected to a downsized outdoor unit about the size of a large suitcase.

• The conduit connecting the indoor unit to the outdoor unit requires only a small, 3-inch hole in an exterior wall.

• Like a full-size heat pump, a mini-split provides both heat in winter and cool comfort in summer.

• The mini-split system includes its own dedicated thermostat to ensure comfortable temperatures for that specific room, regardless of temperatures in the rest of the house.

If you're considering HVAC bonus room options, talk to the pros at Air Assurance for expert advice and experienced service.

How to Use Your HVAC Unit Smartly

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The cost of using your HVAC system can add up, especially during winter and summer. Heating and cooling costs make up a big part of energy bills for Broken Arrow homeowners. The following smart HVAC use tips can help you reduce energy usage and your heating and cooling bills. 

Change Filters

Air filters are a common cause of inefficiency in HVAC units. If you haven't checked your air filters in a while, it's time to put in brand new ones. New air filters ensure that you have good airflow throughout your HVAC system, which helps boost energy efficiency. Keep in mind that these air filters should be replaced roughly every few months (or sooner if needed).

Adjust Temperature Settings

You should avoid drastic temperature changes, since this can force your HVAC system to work harder. However, raising the thermostat a few degrees in summer and lowering it a few degrees in winter can go a long way toward lowering energy usage and energy bills. Try adjusting temperature settings slightly when you'll be at work during the day or sleeping at night.

Use Fan Mode

You don't necessarily need to run your air conditioning during summer to cool your home. Smart HVAC use includes switching to the HVAC's fan setting at times to lower energy usage. The fan setting uses up less energy, since it doesn't produce cool air. This setting blows air around your home as a portable fan or a ceiling fan does and is a great example of smart HVAC use.

Clean Up Around the Outdoor Unit

You might not realize that weeds or bushes are blocking airflow through your outdoor unit. This can cause it to run more often and break down more easily. Clear vegetation away from all sides of your outdoor HVAC unit. This can help your HVAC system run with greater efficiency during summer.

For more tips on smart HVAC use in your Broken Arrow home, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We can help you use your HVAC system more efficiently. 

When It’s Time to Call an HVAC Technician as Opposed to DIY

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Air Conditioner Not Cooling - Tulsa, OK

If heating or cooling problems strike, should you call in a HVAC technician or rely on your own do-it-yourself skills? Changing the system air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations and keeping the outdoor AC clear of weeds and other obstructions is definitely DIY. However, any other diagnosis and repair of furnaces or air conditioners is a job that’s best left to a qualified HVAC technician with the proper training, experience, and professional certification.

Read on to learn some reasons why “don’t do it yourself” is almost always the best recourse when heating or cooling issues arise.

It Can Be Dangerous

HVAC systems present serious potential hazards to the inexperienced nonprofessional, including:

• Furnaces use flammable, toxic natural gas and develop extremely high temperatures that may result in explosion or fire. The furnace combustion process also produces hazardous byproducts, including deadly carbon monoxide.

• Central air conditioners circulate toxic refrigerant under pressure. EPA certification is required to handle or use these substances. The powerful AC compressor and associated components utilize a high-voltage, hardwired electrical circuit that should not be accessed by persons without proper training.

Not Using an HVAC Technician Will Void the Warranty

The terms of HVAC manufacturers' warranties specify that repair work must be performed by certified HVAC contractors and technicians only. Doing it yourself will invalidate warranty coverage, and you will be responsible for any and all costs incurred as a result.

You’re Not Equipped

Diagnosing and repairing today’s HVAC units requires more than what’s in the typical homeowner’s toolbox. Advanced technology and precise, specialized tools are required to get the job done efficiently and safely.

It Will Cost You More

Another potential casualty of DIY work on HVAC equipment is the unit's energy-efficiency rating. Amateur adjustments or repairs on a furnace or AC may degrade efficiency and result in higher monthly electrical or gas bills for as long as the unit is installed.

For a qualified HVAC technician with recognized industry certification to resolve any issues with your heating and cooling components, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

Why Is There Extra Strain on HVAC Units in Winter?

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Winter HVAC strain comes with the season — the heating season, that is. To sustain desired indoor temperatures in winter, a furnace heating cycle runs about 10 to 15 minutes and typically averages two to three cycles every hour.

Furnace components incur wear and tear as long as the unit's running. The cumulative effects of winter HVAC strain may take their toll after many seasons of use. Here are some of the causes and consequences of stress and strain on your heating system:

Heat Loss and Strain Gain

Heat generated by the furnace is continuously seeping out of the house through structural gaps, as well as radiating through building materials. To compensate for this loss, the furnace runs longer cycles and strain escalates. To reduce heat loss:

• Check for gaps around doors and windows caused by worn or missing weather stripping. Replace with new material.

• Winter heat loss into the attic is common. Look for cracks in joints between exterior walls and ceilings in rooms, as well as around ceiling light fixtures and attic stairs. Fill openings in joints and around lights with caulking; use weatherstripping to seal attic stairs.

• Have a qualified HVAC contractor check the amount and quality of attic insulation per Department Of Energy recommendations. If required, additional insulation may be added atop existing layer(s).

Furnace Wear and Tear

Certain furnace components may be vulnerable to wear as heating seasons and winter HVAC strain adds up. Here are some potential weak links:

• Cracked heat exchanger. This critical safety component keeps toxic fumes out of the system airflow. Exposed to high temperatures and rapid expansion and contraction, heat exchangers may crack any time after they've been in use for 15 to 20 years.

• Defective igniter. This component ignites the burner gas flow when the thermostat signals for heating. Igniters typically require replacement every five to seven years, depending on its average hours of heating.

• Blower motor. The HVAC blower circulates heated air when the furnace cycles on. Over time — a blower motor's average life expectancy is 15 years — the powerful electric motor may require replacement.

For more about minimizing winter HVAC strain, talk to the pros at Air Assurance.

Tulsa Air Quality Concerns?

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Indoor Air Quality Concerns | Tulsa, OK

Because most of the breaths we take each day are inside our own home, unhealthy air in the house can be a real concern. As homes have become more tightly sealed to conserve energy and improve temperature control, airborne irritants and toxins accumulate in this enclosed environment. In fact, the environment inside a home can be more than five times more polluted than outdoor air.

Indoor air pollution may trigger immediate effects, as well as impose long-term health issues. Here are some common contaminants that can contribute to unhealthy air in homes today:

• Airborne dust and lint that cause allergic reactions

• Toxic insecticides and pesticides

• Pet dander

• Carpets, upholstery, and other materials that release formaldehyde fumes

• Volatile organic compounds from paints, glues, solvents, and building materials

• Naturally occurring radon gas

• Biological sources including mold, viruses, bacteria, pollen, and dust mites

• Combustion byproducts from gas-fired appliances, furnaces, and water heaters

Fortunately, you have options to reduce household pollutants and maintain a more healthy home environment. Here's a sampling to clear the unhealthy air:

• Replace the HVAC air filter regularly. The entire air volume inside a home passes through the system air filter multiple times per day.

• Utilize vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, capable of removing more than 99% of dust and other particulates, down to a size of 0.3 microns.

• Control indoor humidity. A humid environment breeds biological pollutants such as mold, bacteria, and fungus. Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%.

• Schedule annual professional preventive maintenance on gas-fired furnaces and appliances with a qualified HVAC contractor.

• Vent the basement properly to remove accumulating radon gas if it's present in your locale.

• Install exhaust fans in the kitchen and in bathrooms to remove fumes and water vapor.

• Store chemicals including glues, paints, solvents, and pesticides outside the living areas of the home.

• Open windows when weather permits to flush the house with fresh outdoor air.

For more strategies to minimize the consequences of unhealthy air inside your home environment, talk to the air-quality professionals at Air Assurance.

What Are the Benefits of AC Tune-Up & Maintenance Services

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AC Tune-Up & Maintenance Services

Your HVAC system should have routine maintenance done to make sure it’s able to work properly throughout the year. An HVAC maintenance contract can provide you with a steady plan so you can keep your HVAC system in good working condition. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of these contracts for Broken Arrow homeowners.

Long Lifespan for HVAC Equipment

When you have routine HVAC maintenance done, this can help your HVAC equipment last longer. Going without maintenance can lead to more wear and tear on HVAC systems, which can cause them to break down before reaching their expected life span. Regular maintenance helps keep HVAC equipment in good shape year after year, resulting in a lower risk of damage and better efficiency.

Cost Savings in an HVAC Maintenance Contract

While maintenance visits aren’t free, they can help homeowners save a considerable amount of money over the years. These visits help your HVAC system run at optimal efficiency, resulting in less energy usage and lower energy bills. You’ll also have a reduced risk of having to pay for costly or frequent repairs when you have routine HVAC maintenance done. These savings can add up over time.

Possible HVAC Service Discounts

Some HVAC companies offer discounts to customers who sign an HVAC maintenance contract. These discounts might include parts and labor, repair services, and emergency or after-hours fees. The exact discounts you’ll get will depend on the company you have a contract with. Ask about discounts before signing a contract if you’re looking for more ways to save on HVAC services.

Convenience

Your HVAC system should have maintenance done once or twice a year. If you’re worried about forgetting to schedule these visits, having a contract in place means you won’t have to remember, since you’ll automatically have HVAC maintenance set up as part of your contract, providing you with convenience and peace of mind.

If you’re interested in setting up an HVAC maintenance contract, please contact Air Assurance. We offer planned maintenance service plans for homeowners in the Broken Arrow area.

How to Tell If You Have an Overtaxed HVAC

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If you're noticing increased heating or cooling expenses and/or more system malfunctions lately, an overtaxed HVAC unit may be the cause. Furnaces and air conditioners are engineered to operate within specific limits during typical operation. Under certain circumstances, however, wear and tear on certain components may be excessive, impacting system reliability, raising operating costs, and even shortening the life span of the unit.

An overtaxed HVAC unit doesn’t happen by itself. It’s typically the result of some abnormality in operation or the failure of a specific component. Here are some basic measures to help avoid excess stress on heating and cooling units, aka an overtaxed HVAC.

• Replace the system air filter on time. In general, that means installing a new filter at least every other month during heating season and every month during summer AC season.

• Ensure that supply and return vents in every room are kept open and not blocked by furniture or other obstructions.

• Keep thermostat settings within the normal recommended range of operation for the unit — even when cold spells or heat waves strike.

• Remember to schedule annual professional preventive maintenance on heating and cooling units with a HVAC contractor. In many cases, this service is required to keep the furnace and/or AC warranty valid.

Indications that HVAC units are being overstressed may include:

• Furnace odors. Overheated furnace components may produce acrid odors that are noticeable in airflow emitted from system vents.

• Squealing, squeaking, or groaning noise in ductwork. This may be an HVAC system blower in the central air handler malfunctioning due to excess wear.

• The furnace turns itself off and will not restart. An overheating furnace may trigger a safety sensor that turns off the furnace to prevent damage or fire. Get professional diagnosis and repair to restore heating.

• Short cycling. If a furnace or air conditioner repeatedly cycles on but then turns off rapidly, failure of a critical component may be occurring. Turn the unit off at the thermostat and contact a qualified HVAC service provider.

If you suspect symptoms of an overtaxed HVAC component, contact the service professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Avoid HVAC Short Cycling

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HVAC "short cycling" is a term that describes a furnace or air conditioner that turns on, briefly generates heating or cooling, then shuts off again before the thermostat's temperature setting has been achieved. A unit that short cycles not only degrades indoor comfort, it runs very inefficiently, boosting operating costs. Another factor is the excessive wear and tear that accumulates when an HVAC unit turns on and off rapidly. This reduces system reliability and can make early replacement of the unit necessary.

Here are possible reasons for HVAC short cycling during the heating season:

• Insufficient airflow. The most common cause of furnace overheating is low system airflow due to a clogged air filter or defective system blower. If the furnace temperature sensor detects excessively high temperatures due to insufficient air circulation, it will shut down the furnace.

• Defective flame sensor. A gas furnace's flame sensor continuously senses the furnace's burner flame. If the flame goes out, the sensor shuts off the gas flow to the unit. Inaccurate or erratic sensing due to a defective sensor may cause HVAC short cycling.

• Oversized furnace. If the furnace BTU capacity is oversized, the unit may heat certain areas of the house too fast, causing the furnace to cycle off before other rooms are comfortably warm, i.e., HVAC short cycling.

• Exhaust flue obstructed. The furnace exhaust flue may become obstructed by leaves, birds' nests, or physical damage to the pipe. A clogged exhaust causes the furnace to overheat and trigger an automatic shutdown, cutting normal heating cycles short.

Issues such as clogged filters and oversizing also cause air conditioners to short cycle. Factors affecting AC cycling include:

• Low refrigerant charge. Insufficient refrigerant due to leaks in system components can cause an air conditioner to turn on and off rapidly.

• Ice formation on coils. Ice obstructing AC coils may trigger a system shutdown. After the ice melts, the air conditioner may restart. If icing recurs, contact your HVAC contractor for professional service.

For more about problems related to HVAC short cycling and good solutions, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

Energy Efficient Home & HVAC Tax Credits

Energy Efficient Home & HVAC Tax Credits - Tulsa Oklahoma

Installing energy-efficient HVAC equipment is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while saving money and energy. However, this equipment is also often expensive. You can save money, but only if you can afford the system in the first place. Fortunately, there are a number of tax incentives that can help offset those costs. Here's a breakdown of different HVAC tax credits and what they entail.

Federal Energy Tax Credits - 2023

The previous Nonbusiness Energy Property credit (25C) for installing high-efficiency equipment was extended through 2022 and provides federal tax credits of up to $500.
The amended Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) begins in 2023 and extends through 2032. It increases the tax credit limits for high-efficiency equipment as follows:

1. Eligible equipment includes:

   • Heat pumps and heat pump water heaters

   • Energy-efficient HVAC systems (including furnaces, boilers, and central AC)

2. The 25C credit has an annual cap of $1,200 (except heat pump):

   • Up to $600 each for a qualified air conditioner or gas furnace, with an annual cap of $1,200

   • Up to $2,000 with a qualified heat pump, heat pump water heater, or boiler

There are no income requirements for this tax credit, and it cannot be combined with other federal programs.

Federal HVAC Tax Credit

The federal government has always made a point of encouraging energy efficiency for homeowners as well as business owners. Switching to high-efficiency HVAC equipment helps reduce pollution and fight global warming.

The most recent HVAC tax credit is called 25C. It covers high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, including A/Cs, furnaces, heat pumps, and mini splits. Originally enacted for equipment purchased in 2018 and 2019, the credit has been extended through 2021.

Therefore, if you're thinking about getting a high-efficiency system, now is the time. Any qualifying system purchased and installed before the end of this year can earn you a credit of 10% of the cost up to $500. There's also a $300 maximum credit available for certain ACs, heat pumps, and mini-splits, or a $150 credit for furnaces and boilers.

Renewable Energy Credits

There are also credits for homeowners who invest in renewable energy, including fuel cells, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps. If you installed a qualifying renewable energy system by the end of 2019, you can claim up to 30% of the cost. If you install one by the end of 2022, you can claim up to 26%, or 22% by the end of 2023.

There may also be certain state credits you can claim that are specific to Oklahoma. Whatever tax credits you qualify for, be sure you're taking full advantage of them. Talk to your tax adviser to see how you can benefit from these credits and what you need to do to claim them.

For help making upgrades that you can claim an HVAC tax credit for, contact us at Air Assurance. We help Broken Arrow homes save money and energy.