What to Do If You Have a Dripping AC Inside Your Home

An air conditioner leaking water could be a sign of a serious problem that you should address promptly. Delaying fixing a dripping AC could result in costly damage to your ceiling, furnishings, floor, and walls, and it may even leave you needing to buy a new AC unit. The fixes required depend on the specific cause of the dripping AC unit. Keep reading to find out what you can do to stop an AC water leak.

Replace Your Air Filters

Clogged air filters can prevent proper airflow from reaching your evaporator coils. The coils freeze up when they get too cold. Water may leak inside your home when the ice covering the coils starts thawing. Changing your air filters should solve the problem.

If changing your filters doesn't fix the problem, your dripping AC unit may have low refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant can also cause the evaporator coils to get too cold, leading to ice formation. Handling refrigerant is dangerous and not a DIY project, so you'll need an HVAC professional to fix the problem.

Clean Your Drain Line

The condensation that your air conditioner collects contains dirt and debris. When your condensate drain line isn't clean, the dirt and debris can accumulate and clog the line, causing it to overflow. To clean the drain line, turn off your unit, locate the drain line, and scrub it with a long wire brush. Special pumps or vacuums may be needed for severe clogs.

Replace the Drain Pan

A cracked or rusted drain pan can make your air conditioner leak water. You can seal a cracked pan by first cleaning it and then patching the cracks with a waterproof sealant. However, replacement is the best solution for cracked or rusted drain pans. The new drain pan should fit your AC unit perfectly.

Have the Drain Line Attached Properly

The drain line could become disconnected due to poor AC installation. You'll need to schedule a professional repair to prevent this problem from recurring.

You can avoid a dripping AC unit with high-quality installation and regular maintenance. If you need skilled installation, repair, or maintenance services for all types of heating and AC equipment in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Do You Know the HVAC Science Behind How Your Unit Works?

Few things can be more refreshing in the summer than the blast of cool air from your HVAC unit. But do you know how much effort goes into delivering that cool air to your Northeastern Oklahoma home? When you understand the basic HVAC science behind how your air-conditioning system works, you'll appreciate the system more and take better care of it, lowering the need for AC repairs and prolonging its longevity.

The HVAC Science Behind How HVAC Units Work

AC units utilize refrigerant to cool your home. The refrigerant continuously changes between liquid and gaseous states within your AC coils. It moves from inside to outside your home and back again, extracting heat from your home's air and transferring it outside in the process.

Your air conditioner draws room-temperature air in through your return registers to cool it. The air passes through the air filter, which captures dirt and debris to protect delicate AC components. Fans blow the air across the evaporator coil inside your home, which contains cold liquid refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates to vapor, whereas the air concurrently becomes colder after having its heat removed.

The blower circulates the cooled air through your ducts and supply registers into your home. The vaporized refrigerant, on the other hand, flows outside your home into the compressor. Here, the refrigerant is pressurized and heated further to prepare it to release its heat to the outdoor air.

The hot pressurized refrigerant then moves into the condenser, where it condenses into a liquid as the heat absorbed from inside your house radiates away. Outdoor AC units usually have metal fins and a large fan to quicken the heat dissipation. The refrigerant then flows back inside through an expansion valve that depressurizes it, causing its temperature to drop significantly. At this point, the refrigerant is ready to start the cooling cycle again, all thanks to HVAC science doing its thing.

As you can see from the HVAC science behind air conditioners, a number of components and processes are involved in cooling your home. Therefore, ensure you carry out the necessary AC maintenance steps, such as changing your air filter regularly and scheduling annual maintenance, to keep your system operating properly. Contact us at Air Assurance for all your HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance needs in the Broken Arrow area.

How to Install a Window AC Without Damaging the Window

Purchasing a window AC system is a great way to reduce central air costs or to cool a small home that doesn't have it. The problem is that if you don't install the unit properly, you could end up hurting your window. We've put together some quick tips to help prevent this.

Carefully Check the Measurements

You'll need two measurements before you install a window unit. First, you'll need to know the height and width of the window where you'll be installing it. Second, figure out the square footage of the room to ensure that you purchase a unit that's large enough to cool off the space.

Make Sure the Window is Secure

We can't tell you how many stories we've heard about a homeowner starting to install a window AC only to find out that the window is damaged. Since a window unit is quite heavy, the weight could easily damage the window even more. If you find any damage to the window, you'll need to get it fixed before installation.

Ask Someone to Assist You

Even if you think you could lift the window unit yourself, you don't want to take the chance of hurting yourself or damaging the window. Ask someone in your household to give you a hand. There's no need to hire an HVAC technician for this kind of installation, but you should definitely get someone to help you.

Set the Window AC in Very Carefully 

It should go without saying that you need to set the unit in place very carefully, but we're going to say it anyway. Don't try to rush the process. Take your time in lowering the unit to ensure that you don't scrape the sides of the windows and damage it. You won't need to hire an HVAC tech for the job, but there's no shame in getting a third household member to help you slowly put it in place.

If you have any questions on how to install a window AC unit or you'd like to schedule an appointment, the experts at Air Assurance are here to help. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

How You Can Tell the Pipe Age of Your Home's Plumbing

Your pipes may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're considering home maintenance. Nevertheless, they're one of the systems that deserves more attention because they're at the heart of your home's normal operations. Pipe age is a crucial aspect of the health of your plumbing system. A plumbing system that's too old will likely need significant repairs soon. Here are ways to find out if your pipes may be old and need replacement.

Type of Pipes

The material used to make your pipes determines their longevity. Knowing the materials your plumbing pipes are made of can help you establish their pipe age and whether they're nearing the end of their life span. Check the home-inspection report or hire an experienced plumber to help you identify the type of pipes in your home.

Galvanized steel pipes can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, after which they usually develop calcification or rust marks. After 30 to 40 years, cast-iron pipes tend to experience collapses, blockages, and corrosion. PVC drain lines usually last 20 to 40 years, brass pipes can last 40 to 70 years, and copper pipes typically last 50 to 80 years.

Corrosion on Exposed Pipes

Check your exposed piping for discoloration, flaking, staining, or dimpling. These irregularities should be a cause for concern. If you spot them, chances are that the inside of the pipes and the other pipes in your house could also be compromised.

Color of Water

If the water from your tap is brown or dark, that could be due to the corrosion of your pipes. Rust may be leaching into the water as it flows through the pipes.

Weak Water Pressure

Water pressure that has reduced over time could also indicate you have an aging plumbing system.

Hidden Plumbing Leaks

You may have old pipes if you experience frequent leaks or notice signs of hidden leaks, which may include:

• Peeling or bubbling paint

• Water stains on your ceiling or wall

• A water bill that's rising despite your usage remaining constant

• Persistently wet or green spots in your yard

If you notice these signs of increasing pipe age, it's advisable to hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing system. Failure to take pipe age seriously could lead to disastrous water damage. If you need any household plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the experienced professionals at Air Assurance.

Can HVAC Condensation Harm Your Unit in Hot Weather?

As your air conditioner cools, it also removes moisture from your home's air, collecting it as HVAC condensation on the coils and then expelling it from the home via a drain line. During routine maintenance, your HVAC tech will explain why it's important that HVAC condensation be properly removed from your home. Otherwise, excessive HVAC condensation can cause major damage not only to your HVAC unit but also to your home. 

Causes of Condensation Problems

1. Copper Pipes Sweating. The copper pipes that form the AC suction line must be covered with black insulation known as Rubatex pipe insulation. If this insulation is torn or somehow doesn't cover the suction line, the pipes will sweat. The line must have a sealed vapor barrier to work correctly.
   

2. Ductwork Needs a Vapor Barrier. This refers to the insulation around the ductwork that connects the supply air to the air handler. This so-called "transition" needs a vapor barrier to work properly.
   

3. The Condensation Drain Pan Is Clogged or Has a Hole. This is the system through which the condensation drains away. It should be checked yearly for holes or clogs in the drain or other obstructions in the pan. The HVAC tech may use bleach or some other treatment to ensure that the drain line is clear. A clog can cause the pan to overflow, resulting in water damage. Also, the AC will not cool the home properly if the line is clogged. 
   

4. Dirty Air Filter. Changing the air filter as often as recommended, or whenever it's dirty, is key to the optimum performance of your AC. If the filter is clogged, it will slow down the movement of air in the equipment and the AC will not cool properly. In addition, there will be more wear on the HVAC parts and a higher likelihood of a breakdown.
   

5. Drain Slope. Construction projects can shift things around on your property. For instance, the air handler might be lower than the drain line. The line should downslope away from the air handler.

For more on HVAC condensation, contact Air Assurance, serving the greater Broken Arrow area.

How Do You Develop a Musty AC and How Do You Fix It?

Homeowners with quality air conditioners can be thankful. It's great to close the door and settle in to the cool interior of your home while the outdoors sizzles and your air conditioner cools. But sometimes, things can go wrong, and one common problem is signaled by a musty smell coming from your AC. It's not something that should be ignored. In fact, it may mean there's mold or mildew colonizing your air conditioner. Read on to learn what to do about a musty AC. 

Smells Coming from a Musty AC

The environment inside your HVAC system is very damp. The AC draws the home's air across the indoor evaporator coils, where the moisture in the air condenses. From there, the moisture is directed into the drain line and the drain pan. If this drain line gets clogged — and it can — or if the drain pan gets plugged up and the pan spills over, your AC may become overwhelmed with moisture it can't get rid of. From that point, your HVAC could become a haven for mold or mildew, turning it into a musty AC for sure.

Then, as your AC blows cool air through the vents, you're likely to get a telltale whiff of mold or mildew. It's also possible mold or mildew could colonize your air ducts.

A plug or obstruction in the drain line or pan may occur through a buildup of bacteria. Over time, this bacteria and other impurities such as dust and dirt that flow along with the condensation build up into sludge and form a plug that may obstruct the flow of condensation through the condensate drain.

Scheduling regular maintenance every spring can help prevent these obstructions. Generally, a service tech will pour bleach or some other cleaner into the drain line and pan to flush it out and prevent obstructions. The tech should also check the state of your pan and the drain line to make sure they are in good shape and that they're without rust or holes so that they can function properly when it comes to removing condensation.

More questions about a musty AC? Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

How Can Geothermal Energy Help Your Home's HVAC System?

The most efficient type of HVAC system is a geothermal heat pump. They're not practical for everyone, but if you're able, there's no better way to heat or cool your home. Read on to learn how geothermal energy works.

Geothermal Energy

No matter how hot or cold the weather gets, the temperature about 10 feet below ground remains constant at 54 degrees. A geothermal heat pump uses that energy to heat or cool the air circulating through your home.

A loop of pipe, called a heat exchanger, is buried underground, and water or another liquid circulates through it. In winter, when the temperature below ground is warmer than the surface temperature, the liquid absorbs that heat and uses it to warm the air. Your regular heating system then warms the air the rest of the way, using much less energy than it would take to heat the freezing winter air directly.

In summer, it works the other way. The system absorbs heat from your home and uses the heat exchanger to transfer it into the ground. The cool water in the pipes then cools the air that circulates through your home.

Types of Geothermal Heat Pumps and Geothermal Energy

There are four types of geothermal heat pump. Most common is a horizontal system, where the pipe is buried 10 feet below ground in a loop around your property. If there's not enough room on the property for the pipes to spread, a vertical system can be used instead, meaning the pipes are buried straight down, between 100 and 500 feet below ground.

If your house is near a body of water, you can install a less-expensive lake-source heat pump. Instead of going underground, the pipes run to the bottom of the lake, at least 8 feet beneath the surface, and the system functions the same way. Finally, an open-source heat pump can collect water from a well, loop it through the system, then deposit it back into the well.

For help installing a geothermal system and geothermal energy in your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow homes comfortable and efficient.

Ways You Can Improve Indoor Air Quality This Summer

As summer weather heats up, you might spend more time in your home with the air conditioning on. Being inside so much means it’s important to think about indoor air quality (IAQ). Improving IAQ gives you healthier air to breathe in your Broken Arrow home. The following tips can help you boost IAQ this summer.

Change Your Air Filters

Put in a new air filter if you haven’t done so in awhile. A brand new filter in your HVAC system helps ensure that you have cleaner air inside your home. Air filters collect pet dander, pollen, dust, and other debris over time, which lowers air quality. While your AC is running, the debris on these filters gets blown into your home.

Adjust Humidity Levels

The humidity levels in your home should be anywhere between 30% and 50%. Too much humidity allows bacteria, mold, and other harmful organisms to grow and spread. Using a dehumidifier and running your air conditioning remove excess moisture in your home.

Use Natural Ventilation

On days when heat and humidity levels are low outside, consider opening your windows. This lets fresh air into your home and pushes stale or even toxic air out. Use ceiling fans to keep indoor rooms cooler when you have the windows open.

Use an Air Purifier

Air purifiers help eliminate odors, germs, and other particles in your home, which raises IAQ. You can set up portable air purifiers around your home or invest in a whole-house air purifier. This type of air purifier works with your HVAC system to remove harmful particles and improve indoor air quality in all areas of your home.

Clean Frequently to Help Indoor Air Quality

Dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces in your home helps cut down on dust and other harmful particles. Doing these tasks often can help keep the air inside your home healthier this summer.

If you’re looking for more ways to improve indoor air quality in your Broken Arrow home, contact Air Assurance. We offer effective IAQ solutions, including air purifiers, humidification, and more.

Do You Know All of the AC Parts in Your Home Unit?

If you want your summer to go smoothly, then you need to make sure that your air conditioner is running properly. To help you get started, let's take a look at some of the AC parts that keep the system going.

Thermostat

Your air conditioner wouldn't even be able to turn on if you didn't have a thermostat, which makes it one of the most important of all AC parts. Smart thermostats are the best choice because they give you better control over your energy usage and will allow you to make changes remotely through a Wi-Fi connection.

Air Filter

Once your air filter is clogged with dirt and debris, your AC system won't run as well. This makes the filter an essential component. The filter will usually need to be either changed or replaced every one to three months depending on what type you use. This will help keep your system running properly while maintaining good indoor air quality.

Refrigerant

You might know refrigerant by its more popular brand name, Freon, though newer systems now use Pruon because it's more energy-efficient. This is the special liquid that's needed to cool your home. Without refrigerant, even the best air conditioners wouldn't be able to work properly. Refrigerant will run low from time to time, so make sure to periodically check the levels.

Expansion Valve

Your HVAC system's expansion valve controls how much refrigerant is released into the evaporator coil. This is basically what maintains the efficiency of the AC unit. If the coil receives too little or too much refrigerant, this can cause problems. The expansion valve prevents that from happening.

Blower

Your air conditioning system's blower might be a simple component, but it's also one of the most integral AC parts in your system. Without the blower and the blower motor, the treated air in your system wouldn't have anywhere to go. Once the air has been treated, the blower pushes it out into your home through the ductwork. 

If you have any questions about the AC parts we've listed here or are in need of service, contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance today. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.