How to Mix Natural and AC Cooling in Your Home This Summer

Your HVAC system is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home. During cooling season, your energy bills skyrocket. Fortunately, it's possible to supplement it using natural cooling methods that cost much less. Here are a few ways to combine natural and AC cooling to improve efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

• Ceiling fans. Good air circulation is key to natural cooling, and fans help with that. In fact, ceiling fans can supplement your AC. When you run your ceiling fan, the windchill factor makes the air against your skin feel cooler than it is, allowing you to turn your thermostat up 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.

• Windows. Limiting the sunlight that enters your home makes it easier for your AC to cool, making it a good way to utilize natural and AC cooling at the appropriate times. In the mornings, open the windows to let cool air into your home. Then in the afternoon, close the windows and draw the shades, blinds, or curtains to keep the sun out. You can also invest in solar shades, which filter out UV rays without blacking your windows out completely.

• Trees. A more long-term strategy for filtering out sunlight is to plant deciduous trees with broad, flat leaves, such as maple or oak, near any south-facing windows. When full grown, the trees provide shade in summer, keeping the heat out. Then, in the fall, they shed their leaves, letting the sunlight through and providing warmth in winter.

• Insulation. In winter, your insulation keeps the warm furnace air in your home longer. In summer, insulation keeps the hot outdoor air from entering your home so your AC doesn't have to work as hard to keep things cool. Check the insulation in your attic and add more if necessary to further take advantage of natural and AC cooling at once.

• Geothermal heat pump. While costly, this can save you a bundle in the long run. Geothermal systems use the energy beneath the Earth's surface to cool your home's air naturally, reducing the amount of electricity it takes to do the job.

For help mixing natural and AC cooling in your home to maximize efficiency, contact us at Air Assurance. We serve all of Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

Is It Possible to Use Too Much AC Power During the Summer?

Your air conditioner is a fairly energy-intensive appliance. Several factors affect its power usage. If not appropriately addressed, these factors cause you to use too much AC power and spend more than necessary on your electricity bill. Here's a closer look at why your air-conditioning system may be using too much electricity and what you can do about it.

Dirty Filters

Air filters heavily clogged with debris cause airflow problems and make your air conditioner work harder than necessary. An AC unit working overly hard uses more electricity. HVAC professionals recommend cleaning or replacing air filters at least once monthly during the cooling season.

Temperature Settings

Setting your air conditioner too low or constantly altering the temperature during the day leads to higher power usage. Maintain consistent temperature settings to improve AC efficiency. You can also enjoy bigger savings on utility bills by adjusting to higher settings. Each degree you raise your thermostat can save up to 3% off AC costs.

Cooling an Empty Home

Letting your air conditioner run as usual when your home is empty wastes energy and money. You can set the AC temperature based on your family's regular schedule with a programmable thermostat. Program the thermostat to raise the temperature while nobody's home to save energy and money.

Open Windows

Leaving windows open while your air conditioner is running allows cool indoor air to escape. As a result, your air conditioner is forced to work harder to compensate for the lost air, using too much AC power and wasting energy. Keep windows and doors closed when the air conditioner is running. If you plan to leave your windows and doors open, turn your air conditioner off.

Neglecting Routine Maintenance

Failing to perform regular maintenance on your AC unit can lead to several problems that decrease its efficiency and lead to it using too much AC power. Proper AC maintenance maximizes the unit's operating efficiency and prolongs its life span. It's best to have your unit professionally serviced at least once or twice a year.

By taking the necessary steps to avoid using too much AC power, you can stay comfortable without crushing your electricity budget. Contact us at Air Assurance if you need routine maintenance, repair, or any other AC services in the Broken Arrow area.

Want Clean Pipes in Your Home? Learn When to Clean Them.

Clean pipes allow for the smooth flow of water and prevent costly disasters. Some signs will help you tell when you need to have your pipes cleaned. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to extensive water damage. Hire a plumber to ensure clean pipes when you notice the following symptoms:

• Unpleasant odors. The smell of sewage, a musty smell, or any other strong odors coming up from your drains could be due to a clog. Waste buildup resulting from clogs produces sewer gases over time.

• Water backups. Water backing up into your tub, sink, or toilet is a sign that your pipes need attention. A common example of this problem is water coming up into the tub or shower whenever you flush the toilet.

• Bubbling and gurgling noises. A partial clog that needs to be cleaned out may make your toilet bubble up or produce weird gurgling noises as water moves through your drains. If you don't address the issue, the partial obstruction will likely cause a fully clogged drain.

• Slow drains. A slow-draining line indicates a partial clog that could become bigger if left uncleaned. Multiple slow drains throughout your house could be caused by a clog in your main drain line.

You can avoid these problems through preventive cleaning of your pipes. You can maintain drain and pipe health by pouring several tablespoons of dish soap down the drains with hot water at least once a month. Running a few ice cubes and cold water through your garbage disposal will help clean it and prolong its life.

DIY remedies won't eliminate resilient clogs. Consider scheduling a professional annual cleaning for your pipes. Experts recommend that you shouldn't go more than 18 to 22 months without arranging for clean pipes. This preventive care will allow a professional to assess the condition of your pipes and keep them in tip-top shape.

Clean pipes help you stay ahead of plumbing disasters. If you need drain-cleaning services, sewer installations, testing, and repairs, or any other plumbing service in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact the certified plumbers at Air Assurance for assistance.

Whole Home Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers in Tulsa

Whole Home Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers in Tulsa

From dry, itchy skin, to chapped lips, and static electricity, low humidity in the home affects your quality of life. It can affect breathing, irritate the nose and throat, cause nosebleeds, and is especially hard on asthma and allergy sufferers. It can also suck the moisture out of hardwood floors, pianos, guitars, furniture, and other expensive wood-based items, costing you a small fortune.These things can happen if the relative humidity in your home falls below 30 percent.

Benefits Of Whole-House Humidifiers

In the winter, that level can easily dive as low as 15 percent, drier than the air in most desserts. Broken Arrow, Oklahoma should not feel like the Sahara desert. To regulate moisture in your home you need a good humidifier.While most portable units don’t regulate actual humidity levels, and can only humidify one or two rooms, whole-house humidifiers have an immediate connection to your heating system, providing comfort and consistency throughout the home. Portable units run the risk of adding too much moisture to the air, which can lead to mold, mildew, dust mites, and insects. If portable units are not cleaned often, they can become sources of mold and bacteria. Some benefits of whole-house units are that they only need to be cleaned once or twice a year, and don’t use a reservoir, eliminating the dangers of stagnant water in the home. Once ideal humidity levels are set, whole-house humidifiers regulate moisture levels, humidify air as needed, and distribute it to every room in the home.Maintaining humidity levels reduces the chance of respiratory infection by reducing viruses, bacteria, and dust. By eliminating dust you also reduce the time, effort, and cost of cleaning your home. In addition, as dry air feels colder, maintaining proper moisture levels will help you to feel warm naturally, allowing for lower thermostat levels, and lower utility costs.In terms of health, cost, and energy efficiency, whole-house humidifiers are the most beneficial way to regulate humidity in your home. With several models available, the best humidifier for you will depend largely on your existing heating and cooling system, as well as the size of your home.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.  To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Know the Three Most Common AC Problems You'll Encounter

Now that summer is upon us, it's time to start thinking about what you'll do if your air-conditioning equipment suddenly stops working the way it should. To help you get ahead of any potential issues, read on to learn about three of the most common AC problems homeowners might face this cooling season.

Running Constantly

You might think it's not a big deal that your AC system is running constantly. After all, it's the summer season and your air conditioner is probably going to be running quite a bit. But if it never stops, this will hike up your bill and severely reduce the equipment's operational life span. Likely culprits include your thermostat, compressor, air filter, and various electrical parts.

While it's true that the AC will run for long periods of time during the summer, it should switch off periodically unless you have the temperature turned down really low. If fiddling with the thermostat doesn't fix the problem, it's time to call a technician for a professional analysis.

No Air or Uncool Air

If your AC unit is working but no air is coming out or the air isn't cool, the problem is typically no more serious than a circuit breaker. However, it may also be either a worn blower belt or low refrigerant levels. All of these things can easily be repaired, but the best strategy is to schedule an annual tuneup of your system to avoid AC problems in the first place.

Blowing Hot Air

One of the most annoying AC problems is when your system starts blowing hot air instead of cold air. There are a few common causes, including a dirty air filter, obstruction in the ducts, or debris causing your compressor to overheat. In some cases, you may be experiencing low refrigerant levels.

If you're dealing with any of the AC problems that we've listed here or you are in need of an HVAC technician, contact Air Assurance today. We've been serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How to Smartly Shop for a New HVAC Unit This Summer

HVAC systems are built to last for more than a decade — sometimes as long as 20 years or even longer — but they'll eventually need to be replaced. If you're in the market for a new HVAC unit, you've come to the right place. Observe the following tips for purchasing a new system and you can't go wrong.

Find the Right Size for Your Home

The last thing you want to do is install an HVAC system that isn't the right size for your home. If you're unsure of how to figure out what size your new HVAC unit should be, don't hesitate to seek the advice of a professional. You definitely don't want to get this wrong, because an incorrectly sized system will lead to energy waste, large utility bills, and an uncomfortable household.

Pick an Energy-Efficient Model

Even if you're not the type of homeowner who's constantly looking for ways to "go green," you should definitely consider purchasing the most energy-efficient HVAC unit you can afford. A system with a SEER rating of 15 or above will save you on your energy bills every month. The system will cost you more initially, but it will be worth it in the long run due to lower energy costs.

Pair with a Smart Thermostat

Modern HVAC systems work very well with programmable and smart thermostats. By pairing them together, you can help ensure that you're saving energy and money whenever possible. If you're not already using a smart thermostat, we'd suggest that you upgrade your thermostat at the same time that you install a new HVAC unit.

Choose a Respected Contractor

First and foremost, you never want to install an HVAC system yourself. You need to find a respected HVAC contractor who has experience with installation. This way, the work will be guaranteed so that you don't have to worry about anything going wrong. They'll also help ensure that you've selected the right unit for your home's needs.

If you're in the market for a new HVAC unit or are in need of service, call the HVAC experts at Air Assurance today. We've been servicing the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How Well Do Floor Fans Work to Cool Rooms During the Summer?

One of the best ways to supplement your air conditioning in the summer is to use fans. Fans don't make the room cooler, but they make you feel cooler by helping perspiration evaporate via the windchill effect when air passes over your skin. But which kind of fan works best? There are several options: ceiling fans, floor fans, pedestal fans, and tower fans. Let's consider the best option for your home.

Fans for Different Purposes

All the fans mentioned above are designed to circulate air, but they do it in different ways. For instance, a ceiling fan moves air better than the others. Ceiling fans are usually more expensive than other types of fans, and they use more electricity, but they also do a better job of cooling by lifting cool air that has settled around your feet up to face level. The blades, which should be set to run counterclockwise in the summer, also help lift warm air from floor level to the ceiling. With a ceiling fan, you can turn the thermostat a few degrees higher and still feel cool, thus saving on energy use. An added expense with a ceiling fan may be the cost of installation. 

Other types of fans:

1. Floor fans. These fans run the gamut from inexpensive to costly. Floor fans can be moved from room to room. They are most effective when placed near an AC vent so the fan can help distribute the cool air throughout the room. Floor fans are larger than table fans, yet not as large as pedestal fans. They may work better for cooling off a small room's occupants than a ceiling fan does.

2. Pedestal fans. Pedestal fans stand tall and help circulate cool air across a room. These fans may have variable-speed settings, remote controls, and flexible timers.

3. Tower fans. Tower fans circulate air without blades — or the blades are concealed — making them safer for pets and children. They may have variable speeds, and they can be set by a timer or remotely controlled. 

'For more on all types of fans, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

How to Make Your AC Work as Efficiently as Possible

The summer heat and humidity in Broken Arrow can take a toll on your air conditioning. This can put you at risk of having skyrocketing energy bills and an HVAC system that might need repairs. How can you make sure you have the most efficient AC in your Broken Arrow home?

Boost Your Thermostat Setting

A higher thermostat setting stops your AC from having to work so much. Consider raising the setting a few degrees or more, which helps lower your energy bills. You can wait until you’re about to leave for work to raise the thermostat so you won’t be home when it’s warmer inside.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Programmable and smart thermostats give homeowners an easy way to adjust temperature settings for improved efficiency. You can program your thermostat to raise or lower the temperature at certain times. A smart thermostat can figure out when to do this based on when you tend to be home.

Replace Filters

Dirty AC filters result in an HVAC system that has to work harder, especially in the heat. Putting in new filters helps increase your AC’s efficiency and improves indoor air quality. You should change these filters every other month — more often if you have any pets.

Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system needs to have clear space all around it in order to work efficiently. Get rid of any weeds, twigs, and other debris that are close to your outdoor unit. This allows air to move freely through your system for a more efficient AC.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Having regular AC maintenance done is an effective way to virtually ensure an efficient AC. Technicians can correct any problems they find and ensure that your HVAC system is in excellent condition. This helps lower the risk of repairs while also keeping your energy bills lower throughout the summer.

If you need to schedule HVAC maintenance for more efficient AC, contact Air Assurance. Our company provides reliable HVAC services for homeowners in Broken Arrow.

The Five Most Important HVAC Questions for Your Tech

The summer season is almost upon us, which means you're likely to have an appointment with your HVAC technician soon. While the technician is in your home, don't forget to ask these five important HVAC questions:

What Kind of Services Do You Provide?

The title of HVAC technician can be a bit broad, so one of the most important HVAC questions you can ask is exactly what type of services they provide. The company may stick primarily to traditional heating and cooling systems, but many have extended that to mean heat pumps, ductless mini-splits, solar power, geothermal power, etc. It's important that you know their specialties before hiring them.

How Much of the System Will You Check?

No matter what type of HVAC system is being inspected, there are many parts involved. One of the most important HVAC questions you can ask the technician is whether they'll be inspecting components such as the system's thermostat, ducts, registers, vents, outdoor units, UV lights, and anything else that's been installed or is part of the system. They may offer partial or full inspections.

Will You Provide Everything in Writing?

One thing you learn when dealing with any type of professional service is that it's important to always get everything in writing. Any reputable HVAC company will have no problem providing you with documentation of any estimate, warranties, certification, etc. 

How Can I Reduce My Monthly Utility Bills?

Due to rising costs, everyone is scrambling to reduce their monthly utility bills. Since HVAC technicians work with heating and cooling units every day, they can give you tips based on your home's layout and the current state of your equipment. Be sure to ask for their advice during the next house call.

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

Another thing that an HVAC technician can help you with is your indoor air quality. A good technician will be aware of all the best equipment and devices on the market that will help you keep your air clean. They'll be able to provide you with some decent options.

For more important HVAC questions or to hire one of our technicians, call our friendly staff at Air Assurance today. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities since 1985.