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.

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.

How You Should Handle a Dripping AC Inside Your Home

A dripping AC can be a source of damage in your home. A central air conditioner naturally produces condensation as it cools the air. In fact, a typical central unit may generate as much as 20 gallons of condensate per day in hot, humid weather. A dripping air conditioner may result from problems in the air conditioner’s condensation drainage. Another potential leakage issue can result from ice formation on the AC evaporator coil. Here are two scenarios that might result in a dripping AC.  

Overflowing Drain Pan

• How it works. Below the evaporator coil inside the AC's indoor air handler, a drain pan collects condensation generated when the system airflow passes through the evaporator. The pan connects to a condensate drain tube that carries water into the household drain system.  

• What goes wrong. Algae or mold growth inside the drain pan may block the drain tube. As the air conditioner continues to generate condensation, the pan repeatedly overflows, and water damage occurs to flooring or walls inside the home.  

• Now what? Service by a certified HVAC technician includes an inspection of condensate drainage components. If the drain line is clogged by mold or algae, the line is opened. The pan is cleaned and fungicide pills are placed in the pan to prevent recurrence. If the leakage from a dripping AC is due to a crack in the pan, a new pan will be installed.

Coil Icing

• How it works. The cold evaporator coil condenses humidity from system airflow passing through the coil. Dry airflow cools more effectively and efficiently.

• What goes wrong. If the AC refrigerant charge is low, the evaporator-coil temperature drops into the freezing range. Condensation turns into layers of ice that extends beyond the drip pan below. Each time the system cycles off, ice melts, and water dripping from the coil may damage the surrounding structure.

• Now what? An HVAC technician can track down the source of low refrigerant (usually a leak), make the repair, and then restore the refrigerant charge to the proper level.  

For more information about how to handle a dripping AC, contact the cooling pros at Air Assurance.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dirty Filters

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

Temperature Settings

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

Cooling an Empty Home

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

Open Windows

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

Neglecting Routine Maintenance

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

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

Know the Three Most Common AC Problems You'll Encounter

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

Running Constantly

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

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

No Air or Uncool Air

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

Blowing Hot Air

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

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

How to Make Your AC Work as Efficiently as Possible

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

Boost Your Thermostat Setting

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

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

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

Replace Filters

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

Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

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

Schedule AC Maintenance

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

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

How to Live With Higher AC Temperatures in Your Home

In the summer heat, your energy bills skyrocket. The simplest way to bring them down is to raise your thermostat. Higher AC temperatures mean less energy usage. They also mean less cooling. Can you survive the increased heat? You don't have to. With a few simple tricks, you can stay just as comfortable, even when the thermostat is set higher.

• Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for air circulation. They can also make your home feel cooler than it is. The windchill factor makes the air feel cooler as it blows against your skin. This means you can set higher AC temperatures — raise your thermostat about 4 degrees — with no reduction in comfort.

• Sealing leaks. Saving energy means eliminating waste. That includes sealing leaks in your ductwork so that all the air makes it from your AC to your home, as well as sealing cracks and other leaks in your house to prevent that air from escaping once it's in there. Reducing air waste means your home will stay cool longer without your system having to work as hard.

• Smart thermostat. The best time for higher AC temperatures is when you're not home. A smart thermostat gives you better control over your home's temperature, allowing you to set higher AC temperatures more easily. You can have it in cooling mode while you're in the house, but program it for energy-saving mode (a few degrees higher) when you leave for work. Then have it switch back to cooling mode half an hour or so before you get home so your house is comfortable upon your return without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

• Window treatments. The more heat you can block from entering your home, the less cooling you'll need to stay comfortable. Heavy drapes on your south-facing windows will keep the heat out, but they'll also keep the sun out. If you still want to let light in, consider solar shades. They let in some natural light while filtering out a good deal of the heat that goes with it.

For help lowering your energy bills while keeping your house comfortable, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.

What AC Wattage Should Your Home's System Be Using?

Summer is almost here, and with it comes high electric bills as you try to keep your house comfortable. How much electricity does your AC use to cool your home? How do you ensure it's using that power as efficiently as possible? Here's what you need to know about AC wattage.

AC Capacity

On average, a central AC system uses 1,000 watts per hour for every ton of cooling it produces. One ton of cooling covers about 600 square feet. Therefore, for a 2,000-square-foot house, you'd need between 3 and 3.5 tons of cooling, which would use 3,000 to 3,500 watts per hour.

A window unit uses less — between 500 and 1,400 watts per hour, depending on its size. However, they also cover much less square footage than a central AC. In order to cool your entire home, you might need up to three or four large units, which would add up to more energy usage in the long run.

Sizing and AC Wattage

A number of factors besides square footage affect what size AC your home needs — and what AC wattage it needs. For instance, if you have large, south-facing windows, they'll get a lot of sun exposure, producing more heat. If you have good insulation, though, it can help keep the heat at bay. Even the materials your home is made from can affect how much cooling you need.

When you buy a new AC, your HVAC contractor will take all of these factors into consideration to determine the cooling capacity your home requires. If your unit is too small, it won't cool your home adequately. It will run longer and use more energy trying to get your home to your desired temperature.

However, if your unit is too big, it also wastes energy. It cycles on and off rapidly, which wears out the system prematurely. It also causes disparate temperatures between rooms and even across the same room, making your home feel clammy and uncomfortable in the process.

For help getting the most out of your AC wattage, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.

Understand the Link Between AC and Plumbing in Your Home

AC and plumbing share an important connection that many homeowners may be unaware of. Reducing indoor humidity by condensing water vapor from the air makes an air conditioner function more efficiently and cools the house more effectively.  A central air conditioner may generate up to 20 gallons of condensate daily. If anything goes wrong in that process, the relationship between AC and plumbing quickly becomes very obvious.  

All that condensate has got to go somewhere. Your air conditioner typically handles it like this:

• Warm humid indoor air passes through the frigid, indoor AC evaporator coil. The sudden temperature drop causes humidity present in the air to condense into water.

• Condensation generated by the evaporator coil drips down into a drain pan that's typically located underneath the coil.  

• As the drain pan fills, condensate flows out of the pan through a drain pipe. The drain pipe may extend through an exterior wall and release condensate outside. Alternatively, the condensate drain pipe may connect to the main household plumbing drain.   

As long as nothing goes wrong, this process continues without incident. However, if algae or mold growth forms in the condensate drain pan, or other objects fall into the pan, the drain line may become clogged, creating a problematic issue between AC and plumbing. As the air conditioner cycles on and off and more water enters the drain pan, eventually the pan overflows. By the time this is noticed, substantial indoor water damage may have occurred. 

Prevention is the best recourse to avoid potential water damage due to AC condensate overflow.  

• Schedule annual preventative maintenance on your air-conditioning system by a certified HVAC technician. This provides a systemwide inspection, as well as preventative maintenance procedures, including inspecting the condensate drain system for clogs or other malfunctions.

• Treatment includes cleaning the drain pan to kill algae and mold, as well as verifying that the drain line is clear.

• Another available option is installing a float safety switch that prevents overflow by shutting down the air conditioner if the drain pan fills up.

For more information about potential problems with the connection between AC and plumbing, talk to the experts at Air Assurance.

How to Test the Refrigerant Levels in Your HVAC Unit

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You probably don't think much about the refrigerant in your AC or heat pump unless there's something wrong. If the refrigerant charge in your system is incorrect, it can cause damage. How do you know if your refrigerant levels are off? Here are signs to look for, as well as how to test the refrigerant levels yourself.

Signs of an Incorrect Refrigerant Charge

There are several signs of low refrigerant. First, if your energy bills suddenly increase, that could be the reason. Without enough refrigerant, your system has to run longer to heat or cool your home. Likewise, you may notice that the air coming from your vents isn't as cold as it should be.

If you hear hissing or bubbling noises from your unit, that could also indicate a leak, as the coolant escapes in either gas or liquid form. Finally, if your evaporator coil ices over, it may be a sign of low refrigerant.

It's also possible to have too much refrigerant. If the coolant line is overfilled, it prevents the switch from gas to liquid. This in turn floods your compressor, causing serious damage.

Testing Refrigerant

Many of the symptoms of low refrigerant can also be signs of other things. If you want to know for sure, you'll need to test your refrigerant levels. There are several tests that require specialized equipment. However, there's also a much simpler way to get a quick reading.

First, while your system is running, look for two copper pipes covered in insulation that are connected to your condenser coil on the outdoor unit. These are your refrigerant lines. Peel back the insulation from the larger line and check the temperature. It should feel cool to the touch.

You can also measure with a thermometer. If the temperature of the pipe's surface is between 50 and 60 degrees, your refrigerant is fine. If it's colder or warmer, your levels are low. Don't try to resolve refrigerant problems yourself. Call your HVAC technician to recharge your refrigerant.

If your refrigerant levels need charging, contact us at Air Assurance. We're Broken Arrow's trusted source for quality home-comfort solutions.

How to Handle AC Water Leaks

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What should you do if you suddenly find water on the floor next to the air conditioner cabinet? Don't panic; this can happen to HVAC units occasionally, especially if you don't get regular maintenance. Read on and learn how to deal with AC water leaks.

Condensate Line

Your central air conditioner not only cools the air but also removes humidity from your home. After the moisture condenses on the indoor evaporator coils, it runs through the condensate line to a pan. From there, is drains away to the outdoors. Sometimes this line becomes clogged with dirt and debris which, when mixed with condensation, becomes sludge. When this happens, moisture can't flow outdoors, but it can overflow the condensate pan, and depending on where it is located, it can end up as water on your floor or, if upstairs, the ceiling. One telltale sign is dripping sounds inside your AC as it struggles to dehumidify the air.

If you have your air conditioner serviced every spring, your tech would likely pour bleach into the line to ensure that moisture flows freely. But if your line becomes clogged, it's a fairly simple repair. Your HVAC tech can also unblock the line with a wet/dry vac so there aren't any AC water leaks.

Dirty Air Filter

Another reason you may have AC water leaks is due to a dirty air filter. Dirty air filters impede the flow of air in the unit so that they may fail to properly remove moisture on the evaporator coils. When this happens, you may hear dripping sounds or see some flooding on the floor. Also, your air will not be cool. Always change the air filter according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak will also keep your air conditioner from properly cooling the air. When there's a leak, the pressure inside the unit is lower, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. Once again, the AC is not able to cool or remove moisture, so that condensation may leak from the unit.

To learn more about AC water leaks, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

What is the Right Kind of AC Coolant to Use?

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AC coolant is the lifeblood of your air-conditioning system. Also known as refrigerant, coolant in your air conditioner is the substance that moves the heat in your house outdoors. It plays such a vital part in efficient, effective air conditioning that the system's refrigerant level is usually one of the very first things a qualified HVAC technician will check when diagnosing a problem.

The Refrigerant Cycle

Here's how your air conditioner makes a hot house cool:

• Cold, vaporous coolant flowing through the AC evaporator coil in the indoor air handler absorbs heat from the household airflow.

• The warming coolant flows through a conduit to the outdoor unit, where it is pressurized by the system compressor, converting it into a very hot gas.

• Entering the outdoor condenser coil, the hot coolant rapidly releases its heat load. The system fan disperses this heat into outdoor air.

• The coolant circles back indoors, transforming into a cold vapor again to absorb more heat in the evaporator coil.

What Can Go Wrong?

Problems with coolant are mostly related to leakage. Because the system is under pressure at all times, there are numerous points in the flow of refrigerant where leaks may occur. Signs of low AC coolant levels include:

• Poor AC cooling performance

• Increasing electric bills

• Ice formation on the indoor evaporator coil

• The system shuts down automatically and will not restart.

What Type of AC Coolant to Use?

For many years, the most common type of AC coolant was designated R-22. However, in the 1970s, R-22 was discovered to damage the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. As of Jan. 1, 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency has phased-out R-22 refrigerant.

The more environmentally friendly replacement for R-22 is R-410A. All air conditioners manufactured today can only utilize R-410A. Older R-22 AC units still in use cannot be converted to the new refrigerant. Therefore, if an R-22 air conditioner requires added refrigerant, it cannot be repaired and must be discarded and replaced by a new, R-410A unit.

For more information about the right AC coolant for your home, contact the cooling professionals at Air Assurance.

The Three Most Important AC Parts

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All components of an air conditioner are necessary to ensure summer comfort, but three important AC parts are particularly critical. At its most basic level, air conditioning is actually the process of moving heat. The system extracts heat inside and disperses it outside. The result is cool, efficient indoor comfort day and night.

Here’s how three important AC parts do the heavy lifting to keep you comfortable all summer long.

Evaporator Coil

Located inside the indoor air handler, the evaporator coil is one of the most important AC parts because it extracts indoor heat from the air flowing through the home’s return ductwork. The coil incorporates copper tubing that circulates cold liquid refrigerant — typically about 40 degrees — under pressure. Coil materials are designed to transfer heat efficiently, and the refrigerant flowing through the coil passageways is formulated to absorb heat and carry it away.

After refrigerant passing through the evaporator coil extracts heat from the airflow, the cooled air is pulled into supply ductwork by the system blower and then dispersed to all rooms.

Compressor

After the evaporator coil, the refrigerant is now a warm, low-pressure gas that flows through a conduit to the outdoor unit housing the system compressor. The compressor incorporates a powerful, 220-volt electric motor to compress the refrigerant gas. The process pressurizes molecules of refrigerant very tightly, raising the refrigerant temperature up to between 120 and 140 degrees. This high-pressure gas releases its load of extracted heat very efficiently as it enters the condenser coil.

Condenser Coil

Hot, pressurized gas pumped by the compressor passes into the copper tubing of the condenser coil and rapidly depressurizes, releasing the load of heat energy. A fan blowing through the condenser coil disperses the radiated heat into outdoor air. As the heat is being released, the flow of refrigerant converts from a hot gas to a liquid state, then circulates to the evaporator coil to extract more heat.

The cooling experts at Air Assurance are ready to provide advice and professional service for the important AC parts that keep you comfortable this summer.