Will Your Home's Faucet Type Affect Plumbing Efficiency?

Choosing new faucets for the bathroom and/or kitchen seems straightforward enough, but there are a few basic things to know. First, you want to get the right faucet valve type, as choosing the faucet type that works best with your shower, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or laundry room will make life easier.

You'll also be looking at faucet types and functions and what works best in your sinks and shower.

First, learn about faucet valve types.

1. Compression valve. Simple and inexpensive, these have a screw stem which rises and is lowered as the handle is turned. A rubber washer is lifted out of the water inlet; water enters the faucet. When the stem is lowered, the washer blocks the flow. These leak easily, as the washer becomes deformed or cracks and disintegrates. 

2. Ball valve. These valves, found in single-handle faucets, are likewise relatively inexpensive. There is a steel ball with a network of grooves and holes that align with hot- and cold-water inlets. Adjusting the ball with the handle controls water temperature and flow rate. These faucets are somewhat complex and prone to leaking once parts wear out.

3. Cartridge valve. Cartridge valve faucets have a small cylinder (either plastic or brass), with a network of channels that control temperature and direct-water flow rates. These faucets work for single-handle faucets or two-handle faucets and are easy to replace. 

4. Ceramic disc valve. A new type of faucet valve, the ceramic disc valve has two rotating ceramic discs. The discs have channels that, when rotated, align and allow water to flow and control temperature. These disc valves are sturdy, reliable, and rarely need repairing. They tend to be expensive.

Next, shop for the faucet type from among these options:

1. Pull down. Has a spray nozzle that extends from the spout. Strong spray.

2. Pull-out. Similar to pull-down, but has a hose instead of a spout and can retract.

3. Single handle. Controls water pressure and temperature. 

4. Double handle. Two-handle faucet has controls for water volume and temperature. Very efficient.

For questions about which faucet type to choose, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

HVAC DIY in Your Home: What to Do and What Not to Do

DIY articles and videos are all over the internet on a multitude of topics. Some DIY projects can actually be rewarding and save money, such as painting or papering a room in your home. Other DIY projects can be quite dangerous and costly, such as climbing up on your roof to make a roof repair. HVAC DIY projects often fall somewhere in the middle. If you have an HVAC project in mind, be absolutely sure that it is safe and cost-effective. Otherwise, leave it to the pros. Here are some tips:

What HVAC DIYers Should Do

One of the most important, safest, and cost-effective DIY tasks for your HVAC system is changing your air filter as needed. The air filter is an important device designed to keep HVAC parts clean and running efficiently. Changing the filter as needed helps reduce the chance for HVAC breakdowns. Furthermore, the type of air filter you choose greatly impacts indoor air quality.

Another DIY HVAC task is cleaning the air vents each season (or more often if needed). As air is pulled into return vents or as it blows out of supply vents, dust and debris accumulate. Use the brush extension on your vacuum for quick cleaning.

Is your HVAC system making unusual noises? Be alert to unusual noises, such as banging, grinding, or clattering sounds from the HVAC system. These noises are indicators that your HVAC system needs professional service right away.

What HVAC DIYers Should Leave to the HVAC Pros

Performing DIY HVAC tasks should not replace professional, planned HVAC maintenance for both your heating and cooling units. Central air conditioners use an array of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical parts to keep your Broken Arrow area home nice and cool. If you use a gas furnace for heating, the furnace parts need to be annually inspected to ensure safety and efficiency.

When it comes to performing HVAC DIY tasks or scheduling a visit from your HVAC professional, it's usually safest and most cost-effective to seek a pro's advice and service. For the best HVAC service, repair, and installation in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance for your assurance!

What HVAC Questions Should You Ask Your Technician?

When it comes to an HVAC system, the more you know about it, the better the care you give it. Fortunately, your HVAC technician is a perfect resource for gaining valuable insight into your heating and cooling system and how it works. Make the most of the next time you have an appointment for maintenance, repair, or installation by asking your HVAC technician the following basic HVAC questions.

What's the ideal temperature to set the thermostat on?

An HVAC professional will give you expert advice on the ideal temperature ranges depending on the season. Your technician will help you program your thermostat correctly and share other tips to help balance comfort with energy efficiency, such as raising or lowering your thermostat setting by 3 to 5 degrees when you're away from home.

How can I save on heating and cooling costs?

Your HVAC technician will give you energy-saving techniques suitable for your type of HVAC system and your home to help you conserve energy and lower your utility bills. If there's been a surge in your energy bills, the technician will help you diagnose and fix the issue.

How do I improve the indoor air quality in my home?

Your HVAC system is crucial to maintaining good air quality in your home. An HVAC technician will help you identify and address any air-quality issues in your home. HVAC companies offer a variety of solutions that work with HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality throughout your home.

Should I have my ductwork cleaned?

Ask your HVAC technician many HVAC questions, but especially about the condition inside your ductwork and when you should have the ducts cleaned. Clean ducts boost airflow and air quality.

What benefits do HVAC maintenance plans offer?

Many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans to help homeowners take proper care of their heating and AC systems. The exact services and extras available to plan members vary from one company to another. Find out the services, added incentives, and payment schedules of your HVAC contractor's maintenance plan.

HVAC technicians are always ready to share their expertise to help you understand your heating and cooling equipment better. Therefore, you should always feel free to ask any HVAC questions you may have. Contact us at Air Assurance for help with all your HVAC questions, installation, repair, and maintenance needs in the Broken Arrow area.

The Facts and Fallacies Around Ceiling Fans for the Home

Most of today's modern households have at least one ceiling fan, if not two or three. The funny thing is that there's a lot of misconceptions about how they work. We'd like to set the record straight, so here we discuss a couple of facts and fallacies about ceiling fans.

Fact: Ceiling Fans Cool People

The most important thing to remember is that fans cool people, not rooms. This means that if you're running a ceiling fan in your bedroom all day just to keep it cool for when you go to sleep, that's not going to work. It's just a waste of energy.

Myth: They’re Not Useful in Winter

Walk into any household in the country during the summer and you're likely to see at least one ceiling fan running. Walk into the same home during the winter season, and they'll be off. This is unfortunate, because fans that are equipped with a reverse function are useful in winter too. If you set the fan to rotate in the clockwise direction, this will keep heat from rising completely so that your room is a bit warmer.

Fact: Wobbling Isn’t a Huge Deal

Chances are, you've seen a ceiling fan wobble or shake before. This won't really happen on the lower speeds, but it's common on higher speeds. No, the ceiling fan isn't going to fall or fly off. This usually indicates that's something is loose or unbalanced. In most cases, tightening the screws where the blades connect to the base will fix it.

Myth: Ceiling Fans Can Cut Off an Appendage 

It seems outlandish to envision someone's arm flying off after coming in contact with a ceiling fan, but that's what a lot of people believe could happen. Unless you're going to install a powerful motor and replace the fan blades with knives like MythBusters once did, you have nothing to worry about.

If you'd like to know more about ceiling fans or need any type of HVAC servicing, contact the professionals at Air Assurance today. We've been servicing the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

Quality Repair vs. Replace in Tulsa?

Quality Heating & Cooling services in Tulsa

At Air Assurance, we undestand it's one of the most difficult decisions a homeowner will have to make — whether to have a quality repair on an old HVAC system or bite the bullet and replace it. But how do you decide the quality repair vs. replace dilemma, in the Tulsa Oklahoma market? Ask the following questions to determine whether to repair that old A/C or furnace one more time, or replace it entirely.

How old is your system?

Experts tend to agree that a combustion furnace reaches the end of its service life between 15–20 years, while an A/C or heat pump is closer to 10–15.

Are other factors affecting the longevity of your HVAC system?

Where you live and its climate will have a big effect on how many years you get out of a furnace or A/C. A furnace, for instance, will last longer in a Southern climate, while an A/C will last longer in a Northern climate where it's not running 24/7). Professional maintenance is another important factor. A well-maintained HVAC system can be expected to last longer than one that has been neglected. A system with proper air filter maintenance also will last longer.

Is your older system breaking down a lot?

This is usually a good sign that an "experienced" HVAC system is nearing the end of its service life. At a certain point, you'll have to decide whether it's time to quit throwing good money after bad, and go ahead and invest in a new high-efficiency furnace, A/C, or heat pump.

Are you energy bills going up?

If your utility bills are rising and there's no obvious reason, such as a more severe winter, utility rate increases, or some other household use that's consuming power, the culprit might be an older HVAC system that no longer operates as efficiently as it used to. Investing in a new high-efficiency furnace, A/C, or heat pump system, fortunately, can start a new era of lower energy costs, eventually reimbursing you for much of the cost of that new HVAC system.

To discuss the repair vs. replace question in your Broken Arrow home, please contact us at Air Assurance.

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). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Geralt/Pixabay”

What Is an Important Refrigerant Level for Your AC Unit?

The refrigerant in your air conditioner is the fluid that absorbs heat from your home's air and moves it outside, leaving your Broken Arrow home feeling cool and comfortable. Your air conditioner can't keep your house cool without refrigerant. Incorrect refrigerant levels can affect your AC's cooling ability and lead to costly repairs. Read on to learn more about the correct refrigerant levels.

What's the Right Refrigerant Level for Your AC System?

Refrigerant charge is also used to describe your system's refrigerant levels. An undercharged AC unit has too little refrigerant, whereas an overcharged unit has excessive refrigerant. A properly charged AC system will run effectively and efficiently. An overcharge or undercharge can lower your system's cooling capacity, efficiency, and life.

HVAC technicians have tools that they use to assess your unit and determine its level of refrigerant. If the numbers that a technician gets aren't within the appropriate range, your AC refrigerant levels are likely to be low.

AC systems don't use up refrigerant. If your air conditioner has low levels and needs recharging, then improper charging during installation or a leak in the system is to blame. The evaporator coil can become too cold when the refrigerant isn't enough. Ice can form on it and impede heat absorption from your home's air. Consequently, your system is forced to work harder, increasing energy costs. Your compressor could also overheat or suffer damage.

Besides seeing ice on the evaporator coils, other signs that point to your AC unit running low on refrigerant include:

• Hissing sounds

• Air conditioner isn't cooling properly

• Compressor running more often than usual

• Higher energy bills

What to Do When You Suspect Refrigerant Levels Are Incorrect

If you suspect your AC unit has low levels of refrigerant, you shouldn't try to recharge the unit yourself. Refrigerants are dangerous and should only be handled by certified technicians. HVAC professionals use a special machine to charge AC units with refrigerant. What's more, recharging the unit on your own will most likely result in the loss of your warranty.

It's best to contact an HVAC professional if you notice any signs of low refrigerant.

Keeping up with routine HVAC maintenance will help you avoid problems with refrigerant levels. If you need AC repair or maintenance, contact us at Air Assurance, the leading provider of HVAC services in the Broken Arrow area.

How Can Pet Hair Affect Your HVAC Unit’s Efficiency?

Pets are an essential part of the family, and we simply can't live without them. What we could live without, however, is the pet hair. Today, we're going to discuss how fur and dander can affect your HVAC system and what should be done about it.

How Does Pet Hair Affect Your HVAC’s Efficiency?

You don't have to own a pet for very long to realize that fur and dander get everywhere. Pet fur and dander that gets into your HVAC system's air filter will clog it up and make it harder for your equipment to operate efficiently. This can cost you money in utility bills and lower the operational life span of the system.

Best Ways to Deal with Pet Fur and Dander

Pet fur and dander may wreak havoc with your HVAC equipment, but it's definitely something that can be controlled. Here are some quick tips:

Vacuum Each Week

One of the most obvious things you can do to reduce the amount of pet fur and dander is to vacuum your floor each week. Carpets are the most obvious, but tile and wood can be vacuumed as well. If not, grab a broom and start sweeping.

Install a New Air Filter

The general rule about either cleaning or replacing your air filter is to do so every two to three months. But, if you have a pet, you might want to check the filter every couple of weeks and replace it more often. You might also want to invest in a higher-quality filter so that it can trap more debris before needing to be replaced or cleaned.

Clean Your Pets Daily

Your dog or cat might not like the idea of you grooming them every day, but it needs to be done to comb pet hair. Get a high-quality brush and use it at least once a day, especially if you have a long-haired breed. And don't forget to give them a bath every week or so.

If you'd like to know more about pet hair or any other indoor air-quality issues, please contact Air Assurance today. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities since 1985.

Attic Insulation Services in Tulsa, OK

Insulation services - Attic insulation services in tulsa

Solid insulation in the right places in your home is critical to maximize indoor comfort and minimize monthly cooling and heating costs. Insulation is the material that resists the movement of heat inside the house. What’s more, it works both ways: holding heat in and keeping heat out, depending on the season. Learn more about the Inflation Reduction ACT energy tax credits available for home insulation and more HERE.

Heat in Motion

It’s a fundamental fact of physics that heat always moves from a warm zone into a cooler zone. Unfortunately, it’s usually moving the wrong direction for home comfort and efficiency. In winter, heat produced by your furnace tends to radiate out of the house into colder outdoor air, increasing heating costs. In summer, conversely, outdoor heat constantly infiltrates the cooler indoors, causing your air conditioner to run extended cycles to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Material Matters

Solid insulation is an all-season material that keeps summer heat outside and holds winter warmth inside. Because the cost of heating and cooling represents at least 50% of a home’s total energy expense, that’s a major benefit to your budget.

Here are some other facts about proper, solid insulation in your home:

• Solar energy radiates through the roof in summer, increasing indoor temperatures and AC usage. In winter, rising heat in rooms seeps through the ceiling, causing the furnace to run longer cycles. In most homes, ground zero for insulation in all seasons is the attic.

• Fiberglass batts are the least expensive and most common residential attic insulation. The recommended depth of rollout fiberglass batts in an attic in southern regions averages 12 inches up to 20 inches.

• Cellulose insulation is more efficient. Blown in under air pressure, it provides better heat resistance at a lesser amount, with the recommended depth starting at 8 inches and ranging up to 15 inches.

• Insulation should always be accompanied by air sealing to eliminate cracks and gaps in ceilings that allow heat loss or heat gain, depending on the season. This includes sealing air leaks around ceiling light fixtures and attic pull-down stairs.

Ask the professionals at Air Assurance for more about the benefits of solid insulation in your home.

What Are the Best HVAC Brands Currently Available?

When buying a new HVAC system, there are a number of factors to consider. First, you want something reliable and efficient, but aside from that, do you want something more affordable and/or with more features? Depending on what you're looking for, there are different HVAC brands to consider. Here are our favorites.

• Rheem. If you're on a budget, Rheem has good, quality units for less money. They lack many of the bells and whistles of the fancier HVAC brands, but they also integrate with your smart device via EcoNet, which provides better climate control and more overall comfort. It's a reliable brand that will save money and energy over time.

• Amana. Amana is a great brand if you're concerned about IAQ. They have a number of products and features to maximize indoor air quality. They're also efficient, with units rated up to 24.5 SEER, many of which have variable-speed compressors. Plus, they come with a limited, lifetime replacement warranty.

• Trane. If you want to be on the cutting edge of technology, Trane has you covered. Their units come with the latest HVAC features, such as variable-speed air handlers, plus a mobile app that lets you control both temperature and humidity at the touch of a button and can automatically configure the way your unit runs to provide optimal performance for your schedule and comfort needs.

• Lennox. Lennox is one of the HVAC brands that tends to be a bit more costly, but they provide premium performance. Partnering with Energy Star, their units have efficiency ratings up to 28 SEER. They make quality products that perform well and will last a long time. Plus, they integrate seamlessly with your smart technology, connecting with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more.

• Carrier. Carrier makes some of the quietest HVAC systems you'll find, with a volume that's only just above a whisper. In addition to heating and cooling, they also make air purification and humidity-control systems, all of which integrate into one app for maximum comfort and control.

For help finding the best HVAC brands to meet your needs, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality home-comfort solutions.