Tulsa Water Heater Repair & Replacement Services

TULSA WATER HEATER REPAIR SERVICES

If your water heater doesn’t seem to be delivering as much hot water in the winter, it may not have anything to do with cold temperatures. Fresh water does cool off in the winter, but if your water heating appliance is fully functional, the incoming temperature shouldn’t matter .Most problems with heating water occur when the heater:

Needs flushing.

The most common cause of high water heating bills and premature tank failure are the hard water deposits that collect at the bottom of the tank. A few won’t interfere with water heating, but if there are too many, the heating process will slow, especially in gas water heaters. A gas water heater heats from the bottom only, and when that surface is covered with hard water deposits, there won’t be as much hot water.Most electric units have two heating elements. One sits close to the bottom of the tank and the other near the top. If the bottom is covered with solids, the water won’t heat as well. One of the heating elements may also not be working and needs replacing.

Has a broken dip tube.

The dip tube is made from plastic that can become brittle and break over time. This tube connects to the cold water inlet and sends the water to the bottom of the tank where it heats up. If it’s broken, the cold water stays at the top of the tank and the water you get won’t feel as hot.

Needs insulation to combat cold temperatures.

If the tank feels hot to the touch, consider wrapping an insulation blanket around it to keep the heat inside longer.

Is too small.

If your family size has changed, someone’s taking longer showers, or you’re washing more clothes in hot water might force you to install a bigger water heater.Some of these water heater maintenance tasks might be better done by a pro. If you’d like assistance, contact Air Assurance, providing HVAC and plumbing services for Broken Arrow.

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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Often Should You Schedule Your Home HVAC Service?

Many homeowners are rather casual when it comes to preventative maintenance on their HVAC system. All too many homeowners tend to wait until there is trouble before calling for a checkup. That's not necessarily the best way to keep your HVAC running right. With a piece of equipment as expensive as your HVAC, you want to catch little problems before they become big problems.

Let's have a look at what the industry recommends when it comes to HVAC service.

Spring and Fall HVAC Service

Most experts recommend twice-yearly visits from the HVAC technician. In spring, we call for maintenance on the air conditioner; in fall, we call for maintenance on the heating equipment. We want to be sure that any potential problems are discovered before the triple-digit days of summer arrive or we're plunged into the frigid depths of winter storms. The last thing you want is a failed HVAC system in the middle of a serious weather event.

Other Benefits of Preventative HVAC Service

Besides circumventing breakdowns, there are other benefits of preventative maintenance. The most obvious is that you can keep your equipment running in good order for years, extending its life beyond your best expectations. Should you decide to sell your house, you will also have a track record that shows that your HVAC equipment has been well maintained. So, even if it's older, you have the benefit of showing you've been conscientious about keeping it up to speed.

Furthermore, your HVAC system will run more efficiently when it's well maintained. Without regular maintenance, you may be missing out on minor repairs that could bring you greater efficiency and less energy usage.

Maintenance Checklist

In spring, your HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Clean evaporator and condenser coils 

• Check the refrigerant level

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections

• Examine the condensate drain and pan

• Calibrate the thermostat

• Clean and fine-tune the air handler and blower for adequate airflow

In fall, the HVAC consultant will do the following:

• Change filter

• Clean burners

• Check the gas line

• Clean the air handler

• Check the thermostat

• Inspect heat exchanger

Questions on HVAC service? Contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

What Are the Top HVAC Energy Wasters in Your Home?

Do rising electricity costs make you dread opening your monthly power bill? The biggest consumer of energy in your home is your HVAC system, so if you want to save money, that's the place to start. Fortunately, there are a few simple changes that can help enormously. Here are some of the top HVAC energy wasters in your home and what to do about them.

• Clogged air filter. As dust builds up in your filter, it's harder for air to get through it. Thus, the system has to work harder and run longer, running up your energy bill. Check the filter monthly and replace it regularly to keep air flowing properly. You can also keep it from getting clogged quickly by dusting and vacuuming your home regularly to reduce dirt and other contaminants and, in turn, limit one of the top HVAC energy wasters.

• Leaky ducts. It doesn't matter how well air flows through your system if that same air is still leaking out before it can reach your home. Pinhole leaks in your ductwork can cause energy losses of up to 30%, making them one of the top HVAC energy wasters. Look for leaks, holes, and other ductwork issues and seal them up with metal tape or mastic sealant (not duct tape).

• Thermostat settings. The lower your AC setting and the higher your furnace temperatures, the more energy you use. Turning the thermostat up or down a few degrees can make a world of difference. It's recommended you set your thermostat at 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter to balance comfort and energy usage.

• Thermostat programming. A programmable thermostat is one of the best tools for energy savings. Turning your HVAC system off entirely when you leave the house results in extreme temperatures and a lot more energy spent getting your home back to your comfort setting. A programmable thermostat lets you turn the temperature up or down a few degrees when you leave home or when you return, saving money and energy.

To keep HVAC energy wasters out of your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We help HVAC systems run comfortably and efficiently throughout the Broken Arrow area.

Ways You Can Protect Your Pipes from Colder Weather

Broken Arrow's cold winter weather can cause your pipes to freeze and burst, leading to flooding and damage to your property. Fortunately, you can protect your pipes and your home from damage by taking the right steps. Here are some valuable tips to help you prevent your pipes from freezing.

Insulate Your Pipes

Insulate cold- and hot-water pipes in the unheated areas of your home with products made specifically for pipes, such as pipe sleeves, UL-listed heat tape, and thermostatically controlled heat cables. Newspaper and old towels can also provide some form of insulation for exposed water pipes.

Consider adding insulation to your attic, basement, and crawl space to keep temperatures higher in those areas.

Secure Your Outdoor Hoses, Faucets, and Valves

Before winter is upon you, ensure that you disconnect, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close the indoor valves supplying your outdoor hose bibs. Open those hose bibs to drain water from them.

Keep Your Thermostat Settings Consistent

Quick temperature drops and setting the thermostat too low are common factors behind frozen pipes. You can protect your pipes from freezing by setting your thermostat to the same temperature during day and night.

Open Cabinet Doors

Opening bathroom- and kitchen-cabinet doors allows warm indoor air to circulate around the pipes and appliances under sinks and close to exterior walls.

Let Water Trickle

A precautionary measure you should take when it's frigid outside is to allow cold water to drip from the faucet connected to exposed pipes. That helps protect pipes from freezing.

Protect Pipes Before Traveling

You'll need to take some measures to avoid worrying about your plumbing while on vacation. You can turn your heating system down (but not off) to prevent your pipes from freezing while you're away. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to help protect pipes.

Check and change your thermostat batteries if necessary before leaving. It's also a good idea to have a neighbor or friend check your home regularly to see if the air is sufficiently warm to prevent frozen pipes.

Don't forget to add these preventive measures to your home-maintenance checklist for winter to protect pipes from freezing and causing property damage. If you need any plumbing services in the Broken Arrow area, contact the professionals with more than 50 years of experience at Air Assurance.

Water Heater Shopping? Consider What It'll Cost You First

LOOKING FOR SUPERIOR PLUMBING SERVICES - TULSA

When shopping for a new water heater, first you need to know which factors impact the total amount you will spend from the purchase price to installation. The costs can have wide variations depending on the type you choose and the condition of current plumbing connections.Each installation is different and can incur different costs.

• Consider whether your replacement will be a storage tank unit or a tankless unit. Will you need more than one tankless unit to meet your family's water demands?

• Will you be using natural gas or electricity?

• Are current connections up to code?

• What will it take to make sure your new unit operates safely and effectively?

Signs You Need a Water Heater Replacement

Think of this: you've just gotten in the shower, and your water pressure is low. In addition, it's taking a longer amount of time for your water to heat up. The hot shower you've been longing for turns into an icy race to rinse off.

The culprit? A water heater is on its way out. Other things that can happen are unexpected leaks from your water heater. You may visit your utility room only to find a small flood around your water heater, signaling trouble.

Other signs of a water heater in need of replacement are poor water quality, a temperature that frequently fluctuates, and the overall age of your appliance.

On average, a maintained water heater should last you anywhere from 8 to 12 years. After that, you should be looking into a new water heater system.

Many times, looking at the cost you see at the Big Box stores do not cover the entire cost once installation is performed.  Items such as local permits/inspections, along with new updated connections, safety/code requirements, and warranties are not considered until after you have purchased the unit.  It has been our experience that once all these are factored, the actual end resulting cost are very similar. Hiring a qualified, licensed plumbing professional to install your new water heater might save you money down the road, and headaches now. The professional knows the local plumbing requirements and is educated in making sure your new unit is working properly. Installation can be a safety risk. If not installed properly, your family could be in danger. If you want more expert advice before shopping for a water heater, or other home comfort needs for your Greater Tulsa Metropolitan Area home or business, contact us at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing today. 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).

The Advantages of Having a Wi-Fi Thermostat in Your Home

Just like other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the Wi-Fi thermostat has revolutionized temperature customization and convenience. You can control this programmable thermostat using your computer or smartphone via the internet. Keep reading to learn more about the top benefits of installing a Wi-Fi thermostat in your Broken Arrow home.

Control the Thermostat Remotely

A smart thermostat lets you control your home's temperature remotely. You can adjust your home's heating and cooling schedule to make your HVAC system run less strongly when you're at work or on vacation or when nobody's home. This remote control also allows you to return your home to your preferred temperature just before you come back.

Monitor HVAC Energy Usage and Maintenance

Wi-Fi thermostats collect data that helps users learn about their energy usage. From this data, you can determine the measures you should take to reduce heating and cooling costs further. A Wi-Fi thermostat can also analyze your operating data to establish when to send service reminders, such as when to inspect and replace your air filters.

Receive Alerts

A Wi-Fi thermostat sends alerts when your house is too cold, too hot, or when the HVAC system is malfunctioning. These alerts can come in handy if you own multiple homes, as they allow you to monitor the homes from a distance.

Learns Your Schedule

Many smart thermostats come with movement sensors that can tell when you're at home and active — they can even determine the rooms where you spend the most time. These thermostats can learn your schedule and habits over time and then create a heating and cooling schedule based on that information. As a result, you won't even need to program these devices yourself.

Significant Savings

According to reports from the EPA's federal Energy Star program and several HVAC manufacturers, smart thermostats can save you as much as 15% on heating and AC costs.

A Wi-Fi thermostat can simplify your life, improve energy efficiency, extend your HVAC system's life span, and save money. However, it's important to have the thermostat installed by an HVAC professional to make sure it is connected properly and that it functions as expected. For more information on these thermostats, contact Air Assurance. We've provided system installations and repairs to Broken Arrow-area homeowners for over 35 years.

The Effects of Not Changing Your AC Filters Regularly

Changing your AC filters is an important part of keeping your HVAC equipment in good shape, but it’s easy to forget to do it. What happens if you don’t replace your AC filters regularly? Learn more about how filters that are dirty or worn can affect your Broken Arrow home.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

Air filters remove pollen, dust, and other harmful particles from your home’s indoor air. However, they need to be clean in order to do this effectively. When you have dirty filters, they won’t be able to trap these particles and stop them from getting into various parts of your home through your vents. This results in lower indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Higher Energy Bills

Clean filters help ensure that your HVAC system has good airflow and runs as efficiently as possible. When these filters become dirty, this forces your AC to run more often and work harder to cool your home. Since it’s using more energy, this can cause your electric bills to increase significantly.

HVAC Damage

Airflow problems can lead to serious damage to your HVAC system. Keep in mind that clogged or dirty filters can result in damage to many parts of your HVAC equipment, resulting in costly repairs. Clean filters help prevent damage and excessive wear and tear.

Shorter HVAC Life Span

Damage from dirty air filters can shorten the life span of your equipment. This means you’ll need to replace the whole system sooner than expected. Changing filters regularly helps ensure that your HVAC system reaches its normal life span.

When to Change Your AC Filters

How often should you change filters to prevent problems in your home? You should check them once a month to see if they’re clogged or dirty. Replace them with new filters if needed. At a minimum, you should plan to replace your filters every few months. However, you might need to do this more often if you have pets or if anyone in your home smokes.

If you need HVAC maintenance or recommendations for AC filters, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team in Broken Arrow can help ensure that your equipment runs efficiently.

Buying a New Furnace? Here’s What You Should Know.

Having a reliable and efficient furnace can help ensure that your Broken Arrow home stays cool and your energy bills stay low. When you plan on buying a new furnace, how do you know what to get? Consider the following factors when choosing a furnace for your home.

Energy Efficiency

Look for a furnace that offers high efficiency, which will help keep your energy usage and bills low. Furnaces that use gas, oil, or propane have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings that tell you how efficient they are. You can also check the EnergyGuide label on furnaces to learn more about their energy efficiency.

Furnace Size

This refers to heating capacity rather than the actual physical size of the furnace. An HVAC expert can determine the right-size furnace for your home to make sure you get enough heat based on your home's size and other factors.

Furnace Type

You can choose from electric, gas, oil, or propane furnaces. Although it’s easier to stick with the same type as your current furnace, you can have a different type installed if you desire. For example, you can switch from a gas furnace to an electric furnace.

Blower Type

Single-speed, multispeed, and variable-speed blower types are available. Variable-speed furnaces offer the highest amount of efficiency. Single-speed blowers are on or off, while multispeed blowers run on low, medium, or high.

Burner Type

Single-stage, two-stage, and modulating burners are your options when purchasing a new furnace. Modulating burners offer the most efficiency. This type can adjust levels from off to high. Single-stage burners are either on or off, while dual-stage burners can run on low or high.

Budget

When choosing a new furnace, consider your budget. In general, electric furnaces have lower installation costs and tend to cost less upfront than natural gas furnaces. However, gas furnaces tend to generate less-expensive heating bills than electric furnaces do.

If you’re ready to choose a new furnace and schedule installation, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC experts can help you select the right furnace for your home.