What Are the Top AC Problems You May Encounter at Home?

There's nothing worse than having AC issues in the middle of the Oklahoma heat. There are a number of things that can go wrong with your system, and understanding them before they happen is the key to getting them taken care of quickly. Here are some of the top AC problems you're likely to encounter and what to do about them.

• Not turning on. If your system won't turn on at all, first make sure that the power switch on the unit itself is set to "On." Then look to see if the unit has tripped the circuit breaker. Finally, turn your thermostat down a few degrees to see if the AC kicks in. If none of that works, call your HVAC technician to take a look.

• Not turning off. Your system turns on fine, but then it runs constantly, wearing out the unit and wasting energy. You might have a clogged air filter. This is one of the top AC problems in many homes, but it's an easy fix: Just change the filter regularly. Your thermostat also might need to be recalibrated. The issue may also be with your compressor or another internal AC component, or you may have a refrigerant leak. Call your HVAC technician to check it out.

• Short cycling. If your AC turns on and off repeatedly, it can waste energy and eventually damage your system, as well as make it hard for your home to get comfortable. The problem might just be a clogged air filter or a thermostat issue. However, it can also indicate that your AC is too big for your home and needs to be replaced with a more appropriately sized unit.

• Poor airflow. The system is on, but air is barely coming out — if it is at all. It might be your air filter. However, your evaporator coil could also be frozen, which is another one of the top AC problems homeowners encounter. If there's ice buildup on your outdoor unit, it means the coil needs cleaning. Call your HVAC technician.

For help with your home's top AC problems, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions no matter what the issue.

Learn About Effective Fan Use During Warmer Weather

A ceiling fan can be an effective part of your all-around strategy to cool your home efficiently. Ceiling fans are a great asset during the summer, for sure, but they can also be useful in winter, making a home's occupants feel warmer without turning up the thermostat. Read on to learn effective fan use that can boost your savings. 

How Ceiling Fans Can Make You Feel Cooler

Ceiling fans — or any fan for that matter — do not change the temperature. But in summer, they produce a breeze that creates a windchill effect on your skin as sweat evaporates so that you feel cooler. That means there is less urge to turn the thermostat down when people feel hot. 

When the blades of the ceiling fan turn counterclockwise, they will also help people feel cooler by lifting up the heat that penetrates through the ceiling. Furthermore, the fan blades push down the cool air from the air conditioner. 

In the winter, reverse the blades to run clockwise so they will lift cold air up to the ceiling while helping to push down warm air to occupant level, maximizing the effects of effective fan use.

Ceiling-Fan Efficiency

New ceiling fans are labeled with an efficiency rating according to their efficacy. When measuring the efficacy of a ceiling fan, the airflow is balanced against how much electrical energy must be used to run it. The airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (or cfm) of air flow per watt of electrical power. An efficient fan should produce more than 100 cfm. An old fan might produce 30 cfm.

Fans with big blades are also preferred, as they increase cfm. The optimum speed for running a ceiling fan is low, as the fan will produce more cfm per watt on that speed. Medium speed produces less cfm, but it's still fairly efficient, whereas running fans at high speeds diminishes efficacy. 

But just remember: The ceiling fan will not save you money on your utility bill unless you keep your HVAC at a higher setting in the summer, which is just another way to put effective fan use into practice.

For more on effective fan use, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Why Is There Sometimes Furnace Leakage in Your Home?

If you notice a puddle of water forming around your furnace, you probably have furnace leakage. There are several reasons why your furnace may leak water. What you should do to remedy the issue varies from one situation to another. Noted below are the common reasons for furnace leakage, along with their solutions.

Blocked Drain Line

A high-efficiency furnace creates condensation when releasing exhaust gases. The condensation drains into either a floor drain or a condensate pump. A clogged drain line can make the condensate back up and create a furnace leak. A professional can inspect and clean out the drain line. Meanwhile, consider wrapping a rag around the drain line's end and sweeping out anything blocking it.

Malfunctioning Condensate Pump

Condensate pumps mostly last between three and five years. After this period, they may fail to function optimally. A malfunctioning pump may make the water back up, potentially resulting in furnace leakage. You'll need to schedule a professional furnace inspection.

Dirty Filter

When your filter plugs up, your furnace is forced to work harder to push heated air to different areas of your home. Condensation buildup may occur around the filter and eventually leak onto the floor. You'll need to clean or replace the filter.

Issues with the Secondary Heat Exchanger

High-efficiency furnaces have secondary heat exchangers. The flue or exhaust gas undergoes additional heat exchange here, forming water vapor. A problem with the secondary heat exchanger, such as a calcium carbonate clog, can cause increased condensation on the floor below. A professional will have to inspect the heat exchanger.

Vent Pipe Blockage

Clogs in the vent pipe that leads outside can cause a furnace leak. Fixing the problem will require the assistance of a trained HVAC technician.

Ignoring a furnace leak could lead to bigger problems, such as mold growth, health problems, and property damage. If you need help fixing furnace leakage or any other HVAC issue in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the trained professionals at Air Assurance.

How an HVAC Professional Should Behave While in Your Home

When you need HVAC services such as routine maintenance or repairs, it’s important to receive superior customer service from the HVAC professional who comes to your Broken Arrow home. What kind of behavior and professionalism should you expect from HVAC technicians? Any HVAC professional who comes to your home should have the following qualities.

Expert Knowledge

Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive components of your home. Whether you need routine HVAC maintenance done or a whole new HVAC system installed, the HVAC technicians who handle these tasks should be experts. Having technical expertise helps ensure that any HVAC services you need are done properly. Keep in mind that your HVAC technicians should have knowledge of different types of heating and cooling systems and their parts, including heat pumps and furnaces, central air conditioners, thermostats, and more.

Excellent Communication

Your HVAC technicians should answer any questions you have about the services they’re providing. If there are any problems with getting the work done, such as needing to wait for parts that are back-ordered, they should let you know. Having good communication skills is just as important for HVAC technicians as is having technical expertise.

Courtesy

HVAC technicians should be polite and courteous when interacting with customers. When an HVAC professional comes to your home for installation, repairs, or maintenance, they should treat you with respect. They should be willing to patiently explain the work they’ll be doing and encourage you to ask them if you’re not sure about something.

Focus on Safety

HVAC technicians perform work that comes with certain hazards, so a focus on safety is crucial. They should know how to turn off power to your HVAC system before starting work as needed, for example. HVAC technicians should also take steps to perform all work while ensuring that you and your family are safe.

When you hire Air Assurance for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation for your Broken Arrow home, you can count on having an HVAC professional provide exceptional customer service. Contact us to learn more about HVAC services.

How to Use Natural Heating and Cooling in Your Home

Keeping your house comfortable takes a lot of energy, which is bad for the environment as well as for your wallet. How can you reduce reliance on your HVAC system while still heating and cooling your home adequately? Here are a few natural heating and cooling alternatives.

• Windows. In summer, leave your windows open in the morning to let the cool air in. Then as things start to warm up, close both the windows and the curtains to keep the heat out. In the winter, open the curtains or drapes in the afternoon to let the sunlight in. This method of natural heating and cooling works particularly well with south-facing windows as they get direct sunlight.

• Fans. Fans — particularly ceiling fans — improve air circulation, which is great for both comfort and indoor air quality. In summer, air flow from your fans allows you to turn your thermostat up a few degrees while still feeling cool and comfortable. In winter, switch the fan's direction so it pushes the rising heat back down into your home.

• Evaporative cooling. A swamp cooler or evaporative cooler is a great way of cooling the air for a fraction of the energy and without chemical refrigerants. Warm air travels through a wet membrane, which cools it naturally before it circulates through your home.

• Cooking. If you enjoy cooking and baking, using the stove and oven can be a great way to warm your home without taxing your HVAC system. Then in summer, move the cooking to the outdoor barbecue to keep the heat out of the house and let it stay cool longer.

• Trees. The benefits of this one take a few years to take effect, but it can be a good long-term investment for your home, and it represents the ultimate in natural heating and cooling. Plant some large, deciduous trees on the south side of your house. In summer, the leaves will provide shade from the sunlight, keeping your home cool. In winter, they shed their leaves, letting the sunlight in to make your house warm.

For more help with natural heating and cooling and other HVAC solutions, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient.

What Is the Best Pipe Material to Use in Your Home?

With the many kinds of pipe material available these days and the myths surrounding them, selecting the best one for your home can be an overwhelming situation. The material you choose will be important in terms of durability, water quality, environmental impact, and costs. Let's help you by taking a closer look at the best materials currently available.

Copper Pipe Material

Copper is the premium option for water-supply lines because of its durability, its resistance to heat and corrosion, and its natural antimicrobial properties. Copper pipes don't leach chemicals into the water as other materials, such as plastic, are believed to do potentially. You can recycle old copper pipes. However, copper is fairly costly. It's more expensive than plastic pipes. Its price has risen drastically in recent years.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene pipes (PP) are rigid plastic pipes renowned for safety and durability. They're not joined using chemicals, and they carry no health concerns about them leaching chemicals into your water. You need specialty tools to install them. As a result, polypropylene may be too costly for a small DIY project. However, installing it isn't as taxing to plumbing professionals because they use these tools over and over.

PEX

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is a type of plastic that's highly flexible and used to carry both hot and cold water. It can curve easily around obstructions and corners, making it an excellent option for retrofitting and repiping. There have been concerns about PEX pipes having the potential to contaminate the water running through them. However, today's PEX is considered safer than the version used decades ago.

CPVC

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is closely related to white PVC that's long been used for waste pipes. However, CPVC has additional chlorine that makes it safe for carrying drinking water. Ease of installation makes it a good option for DIY projects. CPVC isn't recyclable, and joining pipe sections requires the use of volatile solvents. However, it doesn't affect water quality after installation.

Your existing pipes, needs, preferences, and local codes will determine the best pipe material for your home. A local plumbing professional will help you choose suitable pipe material and fixtures for your project. If you need plumbing repairs or replacements in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

What to Have Inspected During an HVAC Installation

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The technicians who arrive to perform an HVAC installation in your home are experienced professionals with industry-recognized credentials. Certain preliminaries may already be completed before installation day. “Sizing” is a technical procedure that ensures a new unit has the precise BTU specifications to efficiently, effectively cool or heat your home. Also prior to HVAC installation, the condition of existing ductwork is typically inspected for leakage or other issues.

Ask your contractor about the critical aspects of installing a new furnace or air conditioner. Here are some routine steps that occur during an HVAC installation that you’ll want to be aware of:

• Refrigerant check. A new central AC needs to be charged with the precise amount of refrigerant per the manufacturer’s specification. Technicians use detectors to check for refrigerant leakage during the initial test operation.

• Condensate drainage. A central air conditioner generates many gallons of liquid condensate in daily operation. Installation of a new AC condensate system includes testing the drip pan and pipe that drains condensate into the home's plumbing. 

• Thermostat location and wiring. The thermostat for the new unit should be situated away from  direct sunlight or near exterior doors that admit hot or cold drafts. If upgrading from a standard manual model to a new programmable thermostat, additional wiring will be needed.

• Electrical connections. A new AC or furnace incorporates wiring, contacts, capacitors, and relays that technicians will test for continuity and safe operation. Also, the central air-conditioner compressor will require a dedicated 220-volt circuit.  

• Outdoor matters. The outdoor component of a central AC must be situated to minimize accumulating leaves, falling ice, or other debris. Unit should be slightly elevated above ground level to avoid inundation during heavy rain.

• Safe heating. A new gas furnace should be tested for hazardous carbon monoxide levels during operation. Safety components that shut off the unit in case of overheating or other malfunction should also be verified. Also, the vent pipe for a standard gas furnace should extend to the roof without leaks or obstruction. 

For more about the steps involved in a professional HVAC installation, contact the heating and cooling pros at Air Assurance.

How Drafty Windows Can Affect Your Home's HVAC System

Does your HVAC system struggle to keep you warm in the winter? Or in the summer, does it seem like your air conditioner can't get your home cool enough? 

You probably think there's something wrong with the HVAC system, and that may be true, but the issue could also be drafty windows and doors. Or, you may be getting drafts from other locations in your house, and those drafts could be compromising your efforts to heat or cool your home.

Let's look at how these drafts occur and what you can do about them.

How Drafts Originate

Through the years, a house will expand and contract with the weather so that even a house that was built with tight construction may develop tiny cracks. As the HVAC unit goes on and off, outside air can push its way through these cracks so that you have cold drafts in the winter, while in the summer, your air conditioning may be pulled outside.

The most common sites for these cracks to develop are:

• Around window and door frames

• Baseboards

• Electric plugs in exterior walls

• Holes in exterior walls for wires, cables, and pipes

• Between window panes 

• Beneath exterior doors

How to Find Drafty Windows and Other Openings in Your Home

To find where outside air is intruding, go around these locations and hold your hand there to see if you feel cold air. Or, you can light a stick of incense and pass it by these locations to see if the smoke wavers or the lit end glows.

How to Eliminate Drafts

You can eliminate drafts with caulk, insulation, or weatherstripping.

If you find gaps along baseboards, fill them with caulk. There is also a kind of spray insulation in a can that works well when sprayed into gaps around drafty windows, door frames, and baseboards. Apply weatherstripping around doors to keep out drafts.

Fill up holes to the outside for pipes, cables, and wires with insulation. 

Also, get your HVAC consultant to check your ducts to make sure they do not have holes or cracks in them.

For more on drafty windows or doors, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

Here's How to Check Insulation Levels in Your Home

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If you'd like to lower your energy bills and improve your home comfort, addressing sources of air leakage and areas with inadequate insulation can help. Checking two key areas where these problems often occur can help you decide if it's time to hire a professional to boost the insulation level and seal up air leaks.

Up in the Attic

For home attics in our region, the Department of Energy (DOE) advises insulating the floor to R-60, and correcting air leaks to reduce heat transfer with the living areas below. You can perform a couple of easy checks to assess these issues:

• When it's dark out, turn on the lights in the rooms below the attic. Go up there, close the hatch and take a thorough look around the floor to locate any leak sources where light bleeds through from below.

• To judge the insulation level, turn on your attic lights and look around again. If you see the tops of the floor joists in any spot, there's not enough insulation. If the joists are well-hidden, you likely have a sufficient amount installed.

You can fix areas of energy waste and increase the efficiency of your home by sealing the attic, installing a vapor barrier on the floor, and increasing insulation to the recommended level.

Your Exterior Walls

According to the DOE, your exterior wall cavities should have R-19 in insulation installed, and you should seal leaks in the exterior shell by weatherstripping and using caulk and expandable foam insulation. To assess these areas:

• Take off the electrical box covers on the exterior walls, then shut their breakers off. Using a flashlight, look inside each box for signs of insulation. If none is visible, your walls probably need insulation.

• At night, shut off all the interior lights in your home, then walk around shining a flashlight at the exterior walls. Get a helper to follow you outdoors to identify any spots where leaks let the light shine through from inside.

Contact us at Air Assurance for more advice about increasing the insulation level and sealing leaks in your Broken Arrow home.

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 insulation and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “john-kasawa/Shutterstock”