#1 Furnace REPAIR IN TULSA OK

FURNACE REPAIR SERVICES - TULSA OK

With winter just around the corner in Oklahoma, now's the right time to start preparing your furnace or heat pump for the cold weather. This means both professional maintenance and do-it-yourself tasks, to make sure your forced-air heating system will be ready when the temperatures go south of freezing.

Preparing your heating system for winter early is a good idea since many HVAC businesses get very busy once cold weather arrives.

A professional furnace or heat pump maintenance visit will accomplish the following:

• Enhance energy efficiency. An efficient furnace or heat pump will require less energy to provide comfortable heating than a system for which maintenance has been neglected.

• Ensure safety. The technician will inspect and adjust your heating system to minimize the risk of fire or hazardous gas leaks in a combustion furnace, or electrical or refrigerant issues in a heat pump.

• Repair small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.

• Ensure proper airflow so all parts of your home are evenly and comfortably heated.

What Happens During Professional Maintenance?

While different levels of maintenance are available, a comprehensive heating system maintenance visit will include an inspection of your equipment and air distribution system. The technician should clean and lubricate moving parts, check the thermostat, electrical connections and system controls, and perform appropriate diagnostic tests. They'll also replace the air filter if necessary.

With furnace maintenance, the technician will check and/or adjust the ignition system and combustion burners, making sure the burners aren't clogged. They'll check that the exhaust system is working correctly, among other things.If you have a heat pump, the technician should check the refrigerant level, ensure that heat-exchange coils are clean, and make sure the condensate drain system isn't clogged.

Homeowner maintenance steps include regular air filter checks, making sure the area around the heating appliance is clean and clear of clutter, and removing any items that might be blocking heating vents and registers.

To schedule a fall maintenance tune-up for your heating system, please contact us at Air Assurance, providing quality HVAC services to Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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

Winter HVAC Troubleshooting Tips for Your Unit

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Your HVAC system helps your Broken Arrow home stay warm and cozy all through the winter. When problems with your HVAC system occur, you could end up without heat. Doing some winter HVAC troubleshooting can help you figure out what’s wrong and get your heat working again. In some cases, though, you’ll need to rely on HVAC technicians to handle repairs. These are some of the more common issues HVAC systems can have during winter that can benefit from winter HVAC troubleshooting.

Uneven Heating

When some areas or rooms in your home feel colder than others, you might have an air leak or a problem with the blower motor. If the blower motor isn’t working properly, this can result in uneven heating in your home. Air leaks around windows and doors can allow outdoor air inside, making certain rooms feel colder. A clogged or dirty HVAC filter can also lead to uneven heating. You can seal gaps around doors and windows to stop air leaks and replace your HVAC filter with a clean one. HVAC technicians can repair the blower motor if needed.

Unlit Pilot Light

If your gas or propane furnace isn’t turning on, check the pilot light. The flame sensor on your furnace might be damaged or dirty, which can cause the pilot light to go out or not ignite when your heating system turns on. HVAC technicians can clean or replace the flame sensor as needed in order to get your pilot light working again.

Frozen Coils and Pipes

Bitterly cold temperatures can cause water to freeze inside coils and pipes, which can prevent your heating system from working. If you think you have frozen water in your pipes or coils, turn your water off and have professional HVAC repairs done. Turning off your water can help reduce the risk of having frozen pipes or coils burst, which causes an even bigger (and messier) problem. These are all winter HVAC troubleshooting moves that can come in very handy.

If you need help with winter HVAC troubleshooting, please contact Air Assurance. We can make HVAC repairs if needed in order to keep your Broken Arrow home warm.

A Humidifier System Can Make You Feel Warmer This Winter

You may be considering a whole-house humidifier system to relieve some of the discomforts of an overly dry home, but have you considered that such a system might add to the warmth of the house as well? An infusion of warm steam will bring moisture to the air without counteracting the heat produced by your furnace or heater. There are several types of humidifier systems, including:

• Bypass humidifiers: Air is forced through saturated water panel pad through a bypass duct that connects the return and supply ductwork.

• Fan-powered humidifiers: Similar to the bypass model, fan-powered humidifiers force air through a saturated pad.

• Drum humidifiers: A circular drum covered by a foam pad rotates through a pan of water, and air is forced through it via a bypass duct.

• Self-contained humidifiers: A fan forces water through a saturated pad using a self-contained fan, eliminating the need for a forced-air system.

• Steam injection humidifiers: The unit boils water to create steam, which then travels through forced-air ductwork, warming the air as it enters the room.

Benefits of steam injection humidifiersWhile doctors often recommend humidifiers to promote health, those which depend on water-saturated pads may be susceptible to bacteria and molds. A steam injected system, like the Honeywell TrueSTEAM humidification system, minimizes these concerns and delivers the cleanest form of moisture into your home. Steam injection distributes warm, moist air into a room and saves money on heating bills in two ways:

• Humidified air feels warmer than dry air.

• The infusion is warm, not cool, so the heating unit gets a boost from the humidifier instead of having to re-heat the air it cooled.

For more information about whole-house humidifier systems, and which system is most appropriate for your needs, please contact us at Air Assurance. Our friendly staff has been helping customers keep their Broken Arrow area homes and businesses comfortable for more than 35 years.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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

How to Best Conserve Heat Inside Your Home This Winter

Cold temperatures can make it hard to keep your Broken Arrow home warm and cozy without relying a lot on your heating system. However, using your furnace or heat pump often drives up your energy bills. Find out how you can conserve heat this winter to achieve lower energy bills and a comfortable home interior at the same time.

Change Filters

Has it been awhile since you changed your HVAC filters? If they’re dirty, your heating system works harder to keep your home warm. Putting in new filters reduces its energy usage and results in less wear and tear. Change HVAC filters every few months — or even every month if you have pets.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Turning your thermostat setting down at night helps you conserve heat. Your home will still feel warm, but your heating system won’t be running as much. A programmable thermostat or smart thermostat provides an easy way to adjust settings on a regular basis.

Improve Attic Insulation

Insulating your attic helps trap heated air and stop it from escaping through the roof. Your attic probably has insulation already, but does it have enough? Adding more if needed helps ensure that heated air stays inside your home all winter long.

Use Ceiling Fans

Having your ceiling fans on during winter can help rooms with high ceilings stay warm. Just make sure they’re on the right setting. Your ceiling fans should be on the clockwise position so that they push heated air down.

Eliminate Drafts

Use or replace worn weatherstripping around doors to block drafts. Seal cracks or gaps around windows to keep cold air out and heated air in. Drafts can lower the temperature inside your home, forcing your furnace or heat pump to run more often.

Add Natural Light

The sun can heat up your home during the day. Open curtains or drapes to let in as much natural light as possible while it’s light out and conserve heat that way.

For more advice on how to conserve heat in your Broken Arrow home or to schedule HVAC service, please contact Air Assurance. Our HVAC team is ready to assist you.

Save more than a Free Furnace!

Get the most savings when replacing your heating and air conditioning system with Air Assurance.

WHAT DOES A FREE FURNACE REALLY COST?

Many Tulsa HVAC companies will advertise deals for a free furnace when you purchase and install a new air conditioning unit. Sounds like a great deal, right? On the surface, it seems like you’ll save a boatload of cash. But when you really get down to the details of the deal, you may end up spending more money in the long run on that “free” furnace. When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Save more than a Free Furnace with Air Assurance

When it’s time to replace your heating and air conditioning system, getting the most savings can be an important factor. But how does a free furnace promotion really work? Here is how it works, when you purchase a qualifying air conditioning system, and qualifying thermostat you get a set dollar amount off to go toward the furnace. It’s more like an instant rebate!

So, when saving money, and maximizing your utility rebate potential, and getting better quality comfort, installation and service matter to you, then Air Assurance is your company. Maybe it’s not time to replace your current heating and air conditioning system, no problem, we provide maintenance and service for all makes and models including Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Carrier, American Standard and more!

We operate differently, because we want you to get the best value for your money — not just the appearance of a better price up front. We guarantee our products and our work, so you don’t have to worry about throwing money away down the road on something you’ve already paid for. We also offer state-of-the-art equipment, so you’re going to save money over the life of your furnace by saving on future repairs and your monthly energy costs. Free Furnace Promotion.

Furnace Not heating Up?

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If your furnace isn't warming your home as it should, there may be a simple solution that doesn't require the assistance of an HVAC pro. The following tips can help you troubleshoot the problem.

• Make sure that the thermostat is set correctly. It should be in "heat" mode, and the temperature called for must be above the room temperature that's displayed. Also check that the fan is in the "auto" position so that it only operates when the furnace is running.

• Check the thermostat itself. If you have a digital thermostat, replacing the batteries may solve the problem. With an older, manual unit, remove the cover and clean the contacts.

• Examine the furnace filter. If the filter's clogged with dirt, it can adversely affect the flow of warm air that arrives at your registers. To maximize your furnace's efficiency during the heating season, clean or replace the filter once a month.

• Check the gas shutoff position. The shutoff is located along the gas line that runs from your furnace, and the handle must be set parallel to the pipe so that fuel reaches the burner.

• Look inside your breaker box. Is the furnace not warming your home at all? A tripped breaker could be the reason why. If everything looks fine inside your main electrical service box, check for a blown fuse and/or flipped breaker in the furnace's blower compartment.

• Check your pilot light. If the pilot light has gone out on your older furnace, look for instructions on how to relight it right on the unit, next to the pilot light opening. Alternately, they should be in your owner's manual.

If the above tips don't help, or if you have a newer heating system with an intermittent or hot surface ignition, give your HVAC professional a call. He or she may diagnose another common problem such as inadequate airflow to the combustion chamber, or a dirty gas burner.

Is your furnace not warming your home and you need expert help? Contact us today at Air Assurance. We've provided outstanding service to Broken Arrow area homeowners for more than 30 years.

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). 

What Is Involved in a Traditional Furnace Inspection?

If you haven't scheduled your annual furnace inspection yet, it's important to do it soon. Before you start using the unit for the season, you need to ensure that it's working properly and not wasting energy. What's involved in the process? Read on to learn what to expect from your inspection.

• Component inspection. Your HVAC technician will look at the furnace unit's internal components, such as the fan belt, blower motor, burner, and heat exchanger, as well as the wiring. Are all the parts working properly? They'll oil the moving parts and check for damage and signs of wear throughout. If there are any issues, they can repair or replace the part now rather than waiting until it fails and causes bigger problems.

• Thermostat calibration. Sometimes the temperature on your thermostat doesn't match the actual temperature of your house. Your technician will run a test to make sure the readings are accurate, then calibrate the temperature settings to maximize both comfort and efficiency. They'll also check the thermostat's batteries and internal workings to ensure it runs properly.

• Airflow. Are there blockages in your vents? Do your ducts leak? Does your air filter need replacing? There are a variety of factors that can affect your system's airflow. As part of the furnace inspection, your HVAC technician will check to make sure the air from your furnace is actually reaching your home. You can also schedule a home energy audit in addition to your regular furnace inspection to find air leaks in your home.

• Gas. For gas furnaces, your technician will need to check the fuel line. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous (even lethal), so it's important to see that all the gas goes where it's supposed to. They'll test the gas pressure to ensure you're getting the right amount and check the thermocouple to ensure all the gas is getting burned, rather than building up or leaking. If you have an older furnace, they'll also check the pilot light, and for modern units, they'll check the ignition.

To schedule a quality furnace inspection for your home, contact us at Air Assurance. We keep Broken Arrow HVAC systems running at peak efficiency.

Prevent Drain Pipes From Freezing

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If you have any property in the northern climate zones, that are going to be left uninhabited during the winter months, you must drain pipes to prevent freezing. Although not a very difficult task, it can be a bit tedious because you have to be sure that most, if not all, of the water has been purged to prevent damage to the pipes.When you drain pipes to prevent freezing, make sure the main water supply valve has been turned off first, and it is usually located in the basement or a crawl space next to the water meter. Once the water has been turned off, you can proceed.

• Always start on the top floor. Water runs down with gravity, so drain pipes to prevent freezing on the upper floor first.

• Turn on all faucets. Any leftover pressure will force water out of these fixtures.

• Drain toilet tanks and bowls. Flush the toilets repeatedly until all of the tank water is drained. If possible, scoop out as much of the toilet bowl water that you can. If that can't be done, pour in a cup of biodegradable RV anti-freeze into the bowl. This will keep the left over water from freezing.

• Drain your hot water tank. Turn off the gas or electric power first, than drain the tank fully. A siphon effect will pull out most of the leftover hot and cold water from the pipes.

• Drain pipes. There are two things you can do for drain pipes. You can send compressed air into each drain to force the water out. If you don't have an air compressor, you can pour biodegradable RV anti-freeze into each drain. Doing either one of these will ensure that your drain pipes won't freeze and rupture.

By following these simple tips, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your pipes will be intact and problem free next time they are used.

If you need more information about draining your pipes, please feel free to contact Air Assurance. We've been serving the  Broken Arrow and Tulsa area since 1985.

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: “Paul-Tessier/Shutterstock”

What Are Some Natural Heating Methods You Can Use at Home?

There are a couple of reasons for learning about natural heating. The most important reason is that you can heat your home more efficiently and thus save money on your energy bill by employing these heating methods. The second reason is that you might have to endure a power loss — perhaps during a bad ice storm when power lines break and you, with a largely electric home, find yourself without heating. Some of these natural heating methods can contribute to keeping you warmer during a power outage.

Let's have a look at some of the natural heating methods that can come in handy in your Broken Arrow home. 

1. Let the sunshine in. Letting the sun in can help warm up the house. Open drapes, blinds, and shades in the morning on sunny days. This can help augment your heating efforts, warming your house so you don't have to turn up the thermostat. Close window treatments in the evening to keep the cold out. There are motorized window treatments that you can program to open and close automatically.

2. Add rugs and carpeting. Rugs and carpeting can absorb warmth. Wherever possible, install carpeting or add rugs to create more warmth in your house.

3. Use outdoor plants strategically to increase warmth in your home. Outdoor plants can help warm up the home. Plant evergreen trees in a row on the north side so that they block harsh winter winds. Also, plant shrubs and trees about a foot from the outer wall of the house so they act as an insulator.

4. Air-seal the home. Through the years, a home with even the tightest construction will settle and create minute cracks that let the cold air in and the warm air out. You can keep the cold air out and the warm air in by sealing up those cracks. Use weatherstripping, caulk, and insulation around windows and doors, on baseboards, on electric plugs in exterior walls, and in holes for wires, pipes, and cables in exterior walls.

For more on natural heating, contact Air Assurance, serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area. 

How to Tell If You Have an Efficient Heater in Your Home

A low-efficiency heating system will downgrade indoor comfort, increase your home energy bills, and break down more frequently. It pays to ensure that you have an efficient heater in your Broken Arrow home. Let's discuss some ways you can tell if your heater is efficient.

Age

Heaters generally last between 15 and 20 years. Their efficiency goes down as they age and wear. A new system will be more efficient than an older one, so the age of your current system should give you an idea of its efficiency.

AFUE

A heater's annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating will help you tell whether your system is efficient. The measurement shows how much of the energy that the system consumes is converted into heat for your home. A system with an AFUE of 80% converts 80% of its energy into usable heat, and the other 20% is lost through the vents. Midefficiency heaters have an AFUE rating of 80% to 89%, whereas high-efficiency furnaces are rated at 90% and above.

Amount of Maintenance Received

Does a professional HVAC contractor perform maintenance on your heating system every year? Routine maintenance allows potential issues to be resolved early and improves your system's overall efficiency. Heating systems maintained diligently last longer. Without maintenance, a heater can lose as much as 5% of its overall efficiency annually. Your home's heater may be inefficient if it doesn't receive regular maintenance.

Energy Star Label

Another way to know if you have an efficient heater is by checking whether it has the federal Energy Star label. Heating systems labeled with the Energy Star logo have met the Environmental Protection Agency's strict energy-efficiency guidelines and are more efficient than standard models.

Your Energy Bills

If all other factors remain constant, your energy costs should be fairly equal. If your energy bills are much higher than those from the same period in previous years, that could signal that your heating system is less efficient. A less-efficient heater will work harder and longer to heat your house, resulting in higher energy bills.

You can establish whether you have an efficient heater by checking its age, efficiency rating, maintenance schedule, and Energy Star certification and comparing your energy bills. If you need heating-system maintenance, repair, or replacement in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance for assistance.

Which Are the Best Pipe Materials During the Winter?

Frozen pipes can split open and cause severe water damage that's costly to repair. One way to minimize or even avoid this frustrating event is to use the best pipes in freezing temperatures. Let's help you out by discussing the three common pipe materials and their ability to withstand freezing conditions.

Copper

Copper pipes lose heat quickly. Additionally, the thin pipe walls don't expand to accommodate swelling frozen water. As a result, copper pipes are more prone to bursting in freezing conditions than the other two pipe materials.

PVC/CPVC

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) are from the same plastic-pipes family. CPVC pipes are stronger and can handle higher water temperatures than PVC pipes. CPVC pipes are less rigid and have thicker walls than copper pipes. CPVC pipes expand slightly, so it won't burst as fast as copper. Nevertheless, it's vulnerable to frozen weather. CPVC pipes will crack if they endure low temperatures for very long.

PEX

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) has the best chance of surviving freezing temperatures compared to copper and PVC/CPVC pipe materials. The chemical structure of PEX allows it to stretch farther to accommodate the water in the pipe as it freezes and expands. PEX pipes can thaw and contract back to their original dimensions without rupturing.

PEX piping is better at withstanding pressure increases and accommodating frozen water in the winter than the alternatives. Nevertheless, it can burst if there's considerable swelling and pressure from frozen water. There are several ways to make PEX and other plumbing materials more resistant to freezing, including:

• Insulating the pipes, especially those in attics, basements, and those close to outside walls

• Sealing leaks that could allow cold air into your home

• Shutting off the water to your outdoor faucets and disconnecting and storing garden hoses

• Opening cabinet doors to let warm air reach your pipes

While PEX is the best pipe material in freezing conditions, it may not be ideal for every plumbing application in your home. A local plumber can help you choose the best pipe materials for different applications. Contact us at Air Assurance for all your plumbing needs in the Broken Arrow area.

WATER PIPE FREEZE SERVICES

WATER PIPE FREEZE REPAIRS - TULSA OK

The cost of household water damage due to frozen pipes averages about $15,000. Though pooling water typically freezes at 32 degrees, outdoor temperatures of 25 degrees or lower are usually required to freeze water inside household pipes. Once it happens, ice formation inside a pipe typically expands by about 9%, imposing tremendous pressure inside the pipe, all too frequently causing a pipe rupture. The fact that a pipe has broken due to freezing may not be apparent until later, when temperatures rise and the pipe thaws.

A typical home water-supply line has a flow rate averaging 8 to 10 gallons per minute. If that pipe ruptures, the amount of water turned loose in your home can wreak severe damage on the structure of the house as well as on your possessions. However, you’re not helpless against the threat of damage that may occur due to frozen pipes. Here are some preventive measures you can take before frigid weather, as well as what to do once it strikes.

• Insulate now. Before cold weather strikes, install foam pipe insulation on all accessible spans of both cold- and hot-water pipes inside and under the house. The insulation reduces heat loss from the pipe and helps avoid ice formation that causes rupture.

• Turn up the thermostat. If extremely cold temperatures below 25 degrees are forecast, set the furnace thermostat to 70 degrees and maintain that temperature as long as frigid conditions persist.

• Let the faucets drip. Opening cold-water faucets to allow a slow drip of water during low temperatures reduces pressure inside pipes that occurs if ice forms. This can make the difference between merely frozen pipes and a ruptured pipe that causes water damage.

• Circulate warm air. Open cabinet doors and closets in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to reach exposed pipes in those areas.

• Know the location of your house's main water shut-off valve. Test it once a year to ensure it turns freely.

For more advice about preventing frozen pipes and the damage that ensues, contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Safely Handle Flammable Items Inside Your Home

It's often necessary to store flammable items in your home, but you always want to ensure proper safety to prevent fires, explosions, and chemical poisoning. Here we discuss some basic guidelines that will allow you to store flammable materials without endangering your household.

Store and Transport Flammable Items in Safe Containers

One of the biggest problems with storing flammable items is that many people put them in the wrong type of container. While it may be convenient to store flammable materials in a milk jug or Tupperware, this won't prevent them from being volatile. To reduce risk, you must use safety containers that have been Factory Mutual-certified.

Keep Flammable Items Away from Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can quickly cause a dangerous situation with any flammable material. The same goes when it comes to storing it near a source of high heat. Even though summer is obviously the most dangerous part of the year, you really don't want these kinds of items to have any sunlight or heat at any time.

Make Sure There’s Ample Ventilation

Keeping flammable materials in a room that isn't well ventilated is just asking for trouble. Perhaps you've done this yourself by storing items in a basement, attic, or garage. What you need to do is keep them in a ventilated room that isn't attached to your home.

Don’t Put Flammable Items Near Sources of Ignition

It should go without saying, but you must keep flammable materials away from sources of ignition such as cigarettes, vehicles, washers, dryers, and HVAC systems. Any of these can be an unintended source of ignition due to sparks or open flames, leading to a fire hazard.

Keep the Containers Out of Reach

Storing containers of flammable materials at ground level may sound convenient, but it's also risky. You need to always keep these containers out of the reach of children. Even if they understand the danger, you still don't want to take a chance on getting them exposed or causing an accident.

If you have any questions about the safe way to handle flammable items or you require any HVAC services, reach out to the professionals at Air Assurance today. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding communities since 1985.

Is It Time to Buy a New Furnace for Your Home This Winter?

If you don't pay much attention to your furnace, you may not realize it needs replacement until it's too late and inconvenient. Your furnace will give some warning signs that your furnace may be approaching the end of its life span. Here's how to know when it may be time to invest in a new furnace.

Old Age

Furnaces generally last between 15 and 30 years. If your furnace is more than 15 years old and giving you trouble, it could be reaching the end of its service life. You may need to replace it in the near future.

Higher Energy Bills

A unit with one foot out the door will operate less efficiently. It will use more energy to heat your house, resulting in higher energy bills than usual.

Frequent Repairs

Furnaces usually need more frequent and costly repairs in the last years of their lives. If your old furnace has required multiple repairs recently, it may be time to replace it.

Loud, Strange Noises

A furnace making loud, unusual noises should be a cause for concern. Noises such as clicking, rattling, popping, bumping, and banging could indicate that your furnace needs repair or even that it's time for a new furnace.

Yellow Flame

The pilot flame can give you an idea of the condition of your furnace. For a functional, efficient furnace, the pilot flame will be clean and bright blue. A yellow flame is a sign that the furnace isn't burning off the gas that's entering it as cleanly as it should. A weak yellow flame could indicate that the gas isn't burning out or there's improper ventilation. You'll need to have the furnace checked as soon as possible.

Uneven Heating

Furnaces can lose the ability to deliver heat evenly to an entire home as they age, especially if they've lasted longer than 15 years. If some rooms are toasty while others are chilly, your furnace could be nearing the end of its life.

If your heating unit no longer works as efficiently as it used to, it may be time to get a new furnace. If you're unsure whether you need a new furnace, you could contact an HVAC professional for help. If you're in the Broken Arrow area, don't hesitate to contact Air Assurance for assistance with all your furnace replacement, installation, repair, and maintenance needs.

Why It's Dangerous to Cover Your Home's HVAC Vents

Every heating season, when your energy bills start climbing, you wonder how you can limit the amount of air your home uses. You may even consider closing or blocking the vents in rooms you don't use as often. This is a bad idea. Here are some of the problems closing your HVAC vents can cause.

• Airflow problems. Whether your vents are open or closed, your HVAC system still sends the same amount of air through your home. If a vent is blocked, air pressure will build up behind it, which in turn throws off the airflow for the rest of your home. The only way your home can regulate which vents receive air is if you have a zoning system, in which case it adjusts the air automatically based on your thermostat settings — and the vents still don't need to be closed.

• Efficiency problems. While the same amount of air is being produced, with closed HVAC vents, less air is actually reaching your home. This means your system will need to run longer and use more energy to heat your home properly. Additionally, the system gets overworked, causing more frequent breakdowns and, ultimately, wearing out the unit sooner.

• Cracked heat exchanger. Over time, the buildup of air pressure from closed HVAC vents can get backed up all the way to your furnace. That excess pressure can then crack the heat exchanger. Not only is this expensive damage that needs to be repaired, it can cause carbon monoxide to leak into your home, endangering you and your family.

• Mold and mildew. As air gets backed up in your ductwork, so does moisture. Condensation forms, resulting in mold and mildew growth inside your ducts. The spores then blow into your home through the vents, exacerbating allergies and asthma and causing illness. If there's a persistent mildew smell in your home and you can't identify the source, call your HVAC technician to inspect your ducts. You may need extensive duct cleaning.

For help optimizing the efficiency of your HVAC vents, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality home-comfort solutions.

How to Care for Your Furnace When It's Dormant

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Most households stop using their furnace once the spring season arrives because they simply don't need it anymore. However, you still want to care for the unit and prepare it before the winter season so that when the weather gets cold again, the system is operating properly. Here are a few furnace-care tips that you should follow:

Hire an HVAC Technician

The first thing to remember about keeping any type of HVAC equipment running smoothly is to have it checked out by a professional technician at least once every year. The warmer months are the perfect time to have your furnace maintenance scheduled, because the techs won't be busy with those types of requests.

Test It Out Periodically

The last thing you want is to turn on the furnace at the beginning of the cold season only to find that it's probably not been working for a while. Test it out by letting the system run periodically to see if it seems to be functioning properly, especially as you get closer to the winter months.

Clean or Replace the Air filter

It's always best that you check your furnace's air filter once per month, but there's a good chance that you didn't take a look at it when the winter season ended. To make sure you're ready for the next winter season, check to see if the filter is filled up and then either clean or replace it if that's the case.

Remove All Obstructions

Since you won't be using the furnace for a while, you and other household members may get a little careless with regard to placing obstructions near the equipment, which can impede its operation and act as a fire hazard. Before you turn the system on again, be sure to remove anything that's been placed close to the unit.

As you can see, proper furnace care doesn't take a whole lot of time or effort. If you would like more tips or need service for your home or business, the experts at Air Assurance can assist you. We've been serving the needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas since 1985.

Why Is the AFUE Rating Important for Home Heating?

When shopping for a new furnace, one of your chief concerns is efficiency. How much energy will the unit use in making your home comfortable? There are a number of factors that determine this, but the quickest way to find out is to look at the AFUE.

HVAC Heat Production

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is a measurement of how much heat your system produces for the amount of energy it consumes. To determine the rating, the manufacturers divide the total BTUs of heat the unit gives off in a year by the total BTUs of energy it expends in that time. Multiply that figure by 100, and you get a percentage. That's the AFUE.

For example, if a furnace has an AFUE rating of 85, that means 85% of the energy it uses is given off as heat and the other 15% is vented as exhaust. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit. All gas furnaces sold in the United States must be rated at least 80%, while oil-fired boilers must be at least 84%.

Getting Optimum Efficiency

The most efficient furnaces on the market are rated 98.5%. However, these models tend be prohibitively expensive. On a practical level, anything above 85% is great, particularly if you're upgrading from a less-efficient model.

It also helps to look for features that improve energy efficiency. For instance, modulating furnaces adjust the amount of gas burned as needed based on how cold the house actually is in order to minimize waste. A variable-speed air handler does the same with airflow, regulating the amount of air that circulates as needed, so the system doesn't just run full blast all the time.

Finally, look for the blue Energy Star logo on any furnace model you're considering. This means it's been proven to save money and energy over similar models while still providing the same level of comfort and basic features.

To ensure your HVAC system runs at peak efficiency all year long, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality home-comfort solutions to Broken Arrow.

Ways to Avoid Frozen Pipes in Your Home This Winter

One of the most daunting aspects of winter is an ice storm, when trees freeze and limbs fall on power lines — or when power lines are weighed down by ice to the point of breaking. Homeowners are then confronted with a period — usually from a few hours to perhaps even days — of no power. The greatest concern, aside from the discomfort of living in the cold, is the possibility of frozen pipes.

Did you know that you don't have to have a power outage to be concerned with frozen pipes? They may occur whenever the temperature plunges to 32 degrees (or lower) and unprotected pipes freeze overnight. While pipes may thaw with no problem, it's also possible the frozen water will expand inside the pipes and cause them to burst. That can be an expensive repair.

Here are some tips to prevent frozen pipes the next time temperatures plunge:

1. Keep your thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher whenever temperatures outdoors are at freezing or below.

2. Water moving in your pipes will keep them from freezing, so turn water into a trickle in the faucet that's farthest from the main valve. Keep cold water flowing through faucets so they won't freeze.

3. Pipes in unheated areas of the home may freeze, so wrap pipes in the garage, attic, or basement with insulation or heat tape.

4. Open cabinets with pipes if they are located on an exterior wall. This will allow heat to circulate in them. In some cases, it may be wise to heat cabinet spaces with a space heater.

5. Drain outdoor faucets and protect them with a cover. Drain hoses and put them away.

6. Close valves inside the house that supply outdoor hose bibs. Open outside bibs so that water can drain, then keep it open so any water that's still in the pipe can expand without the pipe breaking.

If you turn on a faucet and nothing comes out, the pipe is likely frozen. Turn off the water at the main valve so it doesn't flood the home when the pipe thaws.

For more on frozen pipes, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

What Are the Most Important Heater Troubleshooting Tips?

It's the middle of winter and your furnace starts acting up. You don't want to call your HVAC technician until you know if it's a major repair or just a quick fix you can do on your own. How can you find out, though? Here are a few tips for heater troubleshooting.

• Check the unit. Sometimes, the obvious solutions get overlooked, which is why heater troubleshooting is so important. Make sure your heater is switched on and that the circuit breaker hasn't been tripped. Check the furnace door as well, since the system often won't run if the door is open. Then try resetting the system, as a reboot often gets things working again.

• Check the thermostat. Your thermostat batteries should be replaced once a year to ensure that the unit is in proper shape and is responsive. Also make sure the thermostat is set to "Heat" rather than "Cool" or "Fan Only."

• Check the gas. Is the gas valve on? Without it, fuel can't flow to the system and heat can't be produced. Follow the gas line to the meter and make sure the handle at the end is parallel to the gas pipe and not perpendicular to check off one of the most crucial heater troubleshooting steps.

• Check the ductwork. Even pinhole leaks in your ducts can reduce airflow significantly. Look for tears and other damage, then repair it with metal tape or mastic sealant.

• Change the filter. Your air filter clogs more quickly in winter due to an excess of contaminants in the air. A clogged filter in turn restricts airflow, keeping your furnace from working properly. Check the filter, and if it's gray, opaque, and covered in dust and debris, replace it.

• Flush drain lines. Your drain line removes several gallons of water from your furnace every day. If there's a clog or sediment buildup, it can keep the water from being drained off and the furnace will stop working. Remove the hose and run water and bleach through it. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out and replace it.

If, after taking these heater troubleshooting steps, your furnace still isn't working, contact us at Air Assurance. We make sure Broken Arrow HVAC systems run smoothly and efficiently.

What Is the Best Ductwork Material You Can Use in Your Home?

Your ductwork is the pathway through which heated and cooled air passes and stale indoor air is removed from your home. The many ductwork materials available today may make choosing the right one for your needs seem overwhelming. Let's discuss the best options available to help you better understand where each ductwork material excels and lacks.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal ducts are made of aluminum or galvanized steel. They're durable due to their thick, solid walls. In fact, they can be stepped on without being crushed. They're available in various duct shapes, including rectangular, round, and spiral oval. The smooth interior traps particles like dust and is easy to clean. As a result, it's advisable to have sheet metal ducts cleaned professionally from time to time.

Fiberboard

Fiberboard is typically the most inexpensive ductwork material to install. Fiberboard ducts comprise resin boards bonded with fiberglass strands. Their outer foil face serves as a barrier against water and air. Their interior is sealed to prevent fiberglass particles and fibers from infiltrating the air. Fiberboard provides soundproofing benefits and can be made to fit spaces where it would be challenging to fit some other materials. Fiberboard ducts are susceptible to mold and mildew growth, particularly in humid climates.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass can be used to line sheet metal ducts internally or externally. The lining limits heat loss and offers insulation from HVAC sounds. Consequently, fiberglass-lined ducts are popularly used in offices. However, mold easily affects them, making cleaning them challenging. Additionally, the fiberglass can deteriorate and release particles into the air, potentially affecting your health.

Flexible

Flexible ducts consist of thick polymer plastic covering a steel, spring coil. They curve easily, making them fit easily in tight spaces. They're the second-cheapest ductwork type, resistant to mold and bacteria, and they're easy to install and maintain. Many people claim to be able to install them, leading to poor installation, air leaks, and inefficiency. Flexible ducts tend to impede airflow, hindering optimal air circulation.

The best ductwork material for your house may depend on factors such as overall design, your budget, and individual preferences. An HVAC professional can help you choose the best material for your home and your area and help you insulate and seal your existing ducts. If you need a duct checkup or replacement in the Broken Arrow area, contact Air Assurance. We were among the pioneers of implementing duct sealing as a standard part of HVAC installations.