Are Ductless HVAC Systems a Good Idea?

Ductless Mini-Split - Tulsa, OK

If you've wondered whether a ductless HVAC system is a good idea for your home, talk to your HVAC consultant and get the lowdown on what is commonly known as the ductless mini-split. Ask your consultant how well this HVAC system is likely to work in our climate. Following are some important facts about this technology so you can better evaluate whether it's for you.

Do Mini Splits Heat and Cool?

Although you can acquire a mini-split that only cools, you might want to look at those with heating capability. A few years ago, mini-splits were not considered as efficient as heating systems in areas where temperatures fell below freezing, but they have been vastly improved in recent years, so they may work well in winter in your home.

Are Mini-Splits Quiet?

Mini splits were once known for being noisy, but no longer. In fact, many homeowners choose them because of the quiet, gentle flow of heated or cooled air that the air handler puts out as compared to the sudden — and noisy — rush of conditioned air from a central system.

Are Ductless HVAC Systems Challenging to Install?

Not really. However, you do need to hire someone with experience and good training in installing mini-splits so yours will work properly and efficiently. In most cases, installing a mini-split is not a DIY job.

Ductless HVAC systems are considered fairly straightforward to install, with an outdoor condenser and a conduit with wires and refrigerant leading to an indoor air handler. The air handlers typically are very versatile when being fitted into the home, with some models designed to be tucked away on a shelf or in a corner. Furthermore, they don't need to be connected to a system of ductwork.

Are Ductless Systems Expensive?

Ductless systems can be considered expensive, costing between $1,500 and $2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity. However, they are extremely efficient and can save a homeowner as much as 30% a year on energy bills. 

For more on ductless HVAC, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Ductless Technology Myths Busted

If you’re considering a ductless mini split system for your home, don’t let ductless technology myths stand in your way. Before ruling a ductless system out based on what you’ve heard, consider these facts that dispel the myths.

Myth #1: They can go anywhere.

This is not quite true, although ductless system offer a lot of flexibility. The position of the air handler in the room depends on the size of the room and its layout.The outdoor condenser should be placed as close to the air handler as possible to limit the length of the conduit that the mini split requires. A shorter conduit improves the energy efficiency of the mini split.

Myth #2: They’re only good for remodels or add-ons.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Ductless mini splits work well in new construction as well. They don’t require square footage for ductwork, don’t need a special room or closet to house the air handler and act as zoning systems.Each air handler for a mini split has its own thermostat, which means you can turn it off when you’re not using the space. The ability to zone saves energy dollars, as well as extends the life of each mini split.

Myth #3: Ductless systems are just for supplemental heating and cooling.

Properly sized, a ductless system will keep any interior space comfortable. In order to get the most comfort and efficiency from each mini split, the room should be well insulated and have few air leaks.It’s always best to work with a reputable HVAC contractor from start to finish to find the best system for you and avoid all the ductless technology myths.

Myth #4: A mini split can’t be used with ductwork.

HVAC engineers have found that ductless air handlers work as efficiently, if not more so, than central heat pumps. Many ductless systems use inverter technology that saves substantial amounts of electricity, as do the thermostats on the separate air handlers.

If you’ve like more information about these ductless technology myths and others, contact the pros at Air Assurance. We provide HVAC services for Broken Arrow homeowners.

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.

Get the Most From Your System by Aiming and Redirecting Vents

While the ample rainfall and rolling hills of the Broken Arrow area make the outdoors enjoyable nearly year round, getting your indoor temperatures just right still takes some planning. Redirecting vents lets you fine tune your heating and cooling system to maximize your comfort.

Managing Airflow in Your Rooms

Standard vent covers protect your ducts from debris and reduce drafts, but they don't direct airflow. If drafts are your main problem, installing a vent diffuser can help. Alternatively, install decorative Victorian-style vent covers with intricate scroll designs that diffuse airflow more effectively than standard grills.A vent deflector helps with redirecting vents more accurately. This device sits over the vent to guide air away from a wall, sofa, curtains or other surface, and focus it toward your living space.To get more air from a vent under an item of furniture, install a vent extender. Shaped like a low, flat tunnel, this channels air out from under the obstruction so more of it reaches your living space. If you're planning to build cabinetry over a vent, install a toe kick register into the toe kick recess at the bottom of the cabinet so air can escape.

Managing Airflow in Your Duct System

If there's a room or part of a room where you don't want airflow, you can close the vent entirely. This allows the air to flow back into the duct system and out to other rooms. Place an adjustable vent deflector over the vent and lower top of the deflector to limit or block airflow as required. If you have metal vent grilles, you can apply magnetic vent covers to block the air flow.Make sure no more than 10 percent of your vents are closed. Closing more than this creates excess air pressure in your ducts, which leads to wasteful air leakage and damages your system's components. For a more efficient way to direct airflow, ask your technician about installing a zoning system.

For tips on redirecting vents and other ways to stay more comfortable affordably, contact us at Air Assurance anywhere around Broken Arrow.

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Guide to Understanding Manuals J, D, and S

During an HVAC system installation, there are several important technical elements that must be taken into account to ensure the system is correct for your home and that it will work at its best. The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) publishes three technical references that provide all the guidance, procedures, and best practices that your HVAC professional will need for a successful installation. Here is a brief introduction to Manuals J, D, and S, and what they cover.

Manual J — Residential Load Calculation

Manual J provides all the technical guidance necessary for a residential load calculation. Each building has a heating or cooling load, which is the amount of heating or cooling needed to keep the inside spaces at the temperature the residents prefer. A load calculation takes into consideration multiple thermal and physical characteristics of the building to determine its load. Once your HVAC professional knows the building's load, he can easily guide you to the type of HVAC equipment that has the functional capacity to satisfy that load.

Manual D — Residential Duct Systems

Manual D covers the ductwork in residential settings. The HVAC system ductwork is the network of pipes that directs heated or cooled air from your HVAC equipment to the inside of your home. Ductwork must be properly designed, installed, sealed, and insulated to ensure it carries conditioned air without loss of energy and without wasteful air leaks.

Manual S — Residential Heating and Cooling Equipment Selection

Manual S includes detailed technical specifications and performance information on multiple brands of air conditioners and heat pumps. This type of data helps your HVAC pro choose the best equipment for your particular needs. Manual S also provides additional information on equipment sizing, ventilation, and air distribution.

With more than three decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Air Assurance brings top-quality sales, installation, maintenance, and repair to customers in Tulsa and the neighboring communities. Contact us today for more information on Manuals J, D, and S and how these important technical references are used to ensure the best possible HVAC performance in your home.

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: “Tang Yan Song/Shutterstock”

What You Need to Know About Return Air Ducts

The ductwork system in your home consists of two types of ducts: supply and return ducts. The supply ductwork carries the heated or cooled air from your HVAC equipment to your indoor spaces. The return air ducts also provide important functions for proper HVAC system operation. Here is a short list of what you should know about return air ducts.

• They bring air back to your HVAC equipment — The most important function of return air ducts is to bring expended air back to your HVAC equipment. This balances the airflow through the system and ensures that there is plenty of air coming back to be reconditioned, filtered, and sent back out again through the supply ducts. If there is not enough return air available, your HVAC system will not heat or cool properly.

• They must be properly sized — Return air ducts must be large enough to carry a sufficient amount of expended air back to your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump. If not enough air is brought back, your HVAC system will not be able to keep up with temperature demands. In some cases, two returns may be necessary to provide enough return air.

• They must be correctly placed and unobstructed —Return ducts are usually placed in hallways, under stairwells, or in larger open areas of your home. This placement ensures that they will be able to pull in enough air to take back to the HVAC equipment.

• They must be kept in good condition — Return air ducts must be kept clean, tightly connected, and properly sealed to prevent particulates and other contaminants from being pulled into the airflow. Pollutants brought into the system in the returns have a greater likelihood of getting into your home's indoor air. These pollutants can also overwhelm air filters, dirtying filters and reducing their effectiveness.

Since the company was founded in 1985, Air Assurance has been providing professional HVAC services to customers in Broken Arrow. Contact us today for more information on return air ducts and their importance in the function of your home heating or cooling system.

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Are Your Ducts Tight Enough to Keep Heat Inside Your Home?

Most people know how to locate their furnace. Fewer people know where to find heating ducts or how to tell if they are working properly. Unfortunately, without basic knowledge about the HVAC system, recognizing problems can be difficult. Here are some signs that your ducts could be in need of routine care or repairs:

• Uneven heating or cooling

• Unexpected increases in heating costs

• Frequent shaking or rattling noises

• High-pitched or "whooshing" sound

When the HVAC system is working properly, cool air is brought to the furnace to be heated, then the warmed air is sent back through tight ducts to heat your home. However, if air is having trouble moving through the ductwork, the problems may be caused by blocked ducts. Blocked ductwork can also cause noises or create hot and cold spots. Leaks also make it hard to warm your home evenly.

If you suspect problems, first check that none of the registers are blocked by furniture, then move on to looking for a solution to your heating problems. While you can compare temperatures in different areas of the house or other very basic tests, a technician is required to perform most tests. HVAC experts look for air leaks, determine whether the ducts are the correct size for your living space, and check to see if you have tight ducts or if they need repair.Many people believe that repairs can easily be done with duct tape, but this does not give secure results. For reliable, long lasting repairs, a technician should always be consulted. Professionals replace unusable segments of ductwork and use high quality, durable supplies such as sheet metal screws, mastic, joint collars, metal tape, and fiberglass to repair less seriously damaged parts of the ductwork.

Air Assurance has been taking care of HVAC systems in homes and businesses in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma since 1985. If you have any concerns about whether your tight ducts will keep you warm this winter, call us today!

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Decide If It’s Time to Replace Your Ductwork

Ductwork is the key component of your HVAC system that delivers conditioned air to all the rooms in your home. Since it's hidden away behind your ceilings and walls, you may not realize the duct system is in poor condition and having a negative impact on your energy bills, comfort and indoor air quality. Here are some subtle warning signs of deteriorating ducts that are easy to identify:

• Temperature variations in different areas, and hot or cold spots.

• Excessive dust on the registers, household surfaces and furniture.

• Worsening allergies, asthma and other breathing problems.

• Evidence of mold growth inside the HVAC system.

• Rising heating and cooling costs due to a loss of energy efficiency.

Factors to Weigh When Deciding on Duct Replacement

If you're experiencing the symptoms of ductwork problems, you can weigh the following factors to help you decide if it's due for replacement:

• Workmanship and age. If the duct system wasn't designed well, made from quality materials and installed correctly, it may only have a 10- to 15-year service life.

• Condition of the accessible ducting. Take a close look at the exposed ducting in your crawl space, attic or garage for issues such as disconnected spans, leaky joints, dust streaks near the seams, or rust and corrosion.

• Airflow inconsistencies and temperature variations. Reduced air volume at some registers and temperature differences between rooms can be symptoms of hidden duct problems such as collapsed or disconnected sections, decaying sealant or missing insulation.

• Air leakage. If you want to know the extent of air leakage in the ducts, get a blower test performed. During the test, the ducts are pressurized and the amount of airflow needed to maintain that pressure is measured to calculate air loss.

If you need help deciding if replacement is your best option, have the duct system inspected by an experienced HVAC professional. A knowledgeable contractor will make sure new ducts are properly designed and installed, then sealed, insulated, and tested for leaks.

For expert advice about whether it's time to replace the ductwork in your Broken Arrow home, contact us today at Air Assurance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”

Ductless Mini Splits: 6 Benefits And Year-Round Comfort, Too

If you have a space in your home that's difficult to heat or cool, or you're planning an addition to your home, consider ductless mini splits. These systems are heat pumps that don't require any ductwork to distribute the conditioned air. These systems remove the heat from your home in the summer and harvest it from the air outdoors in the winter to heat your home. These systems provide these benefits:

1. Easy installation. The two components of mini splits are the indoor air handler and the outdoor condenser. They connect with a conduit that carries the refrigerant, power supply and drain pipe.

2. Space-saving. Since ductless mini splits don't use ducts, they free up space, an important consideration if you're planning an addition and don't want to lose space to house ductwork.

3. Energy efficient. Mini splits have to meet the same energy efficiency standards as heat pumps. The cooling efficiency must meet 13 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) and the heating minimum is 7.7 HSPF (heating season performance factor). In our region, choosing a mini split that has a scroll compressor increases the heating capacity, along with the HSPF, which can increase the heat by 10 to 15 degrees. Each air handler has its own temperature controls, making this type of system even more energy efficient, since you can shut off the conditioning for rooms you're not using. Most systems achieve 16 SEER plus, and some even reach over 20!!

4. Versatile. The air handlers can sit on the floor, be placed on a wall or hung from the ceiling. Larger condensers can support up to four separate air handlers, making it possible to extend your system in the future.

5. Quiet. Most of the noise a mini split creates is outdoors and since they don't require ductwork, there's no noise created by air rushing through ducts.

6. Secure. Unlike wall or window air conditioners, there's no possibility of anyone intruding into your home through the small hole for the conduit.

If you'd like to learn more about ductless mini splits, contact Air Assurance. We've provided HVAC services for Broken Arrow 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). Image courtesy of Shutterstock

How Duct Maintenance Helps Ensure A Cool Home

There is nothing more frustrating than knowing that your air conditioner is running full blast, yet your home remains stuffy and hot. You may be surprised to learn that your ductwork could be the culprit for the inadequate or uneven cooling throughout your home. Duct maintenance is key for the efficiency and effectiveness of your air conditioner.Duct sealingBefore moving forward with any other type of duct maintenance, you must work with an HVAC contractor to inspect your ductwork for any cracks or leaks. It has been estimated by the federal Energy Star Program that an average of 20 percent of conditioned air is lost through leaky ductwork. This means your air conditioner must work considerably harder to keep up with your cooling needs, both increasing your energy bill while decreasing your home comfort. All leaks should be sealed by a professional for optimal performance.Duct cleaningEvery time your air conditioner cycles on, your ductwork takes on yet another layer of sticky dust and debris. Over time, this dirt and grime builds up, slowing the passage of air through your ducts. Not only will this decrease the amount of cool air that can reach each room of your home, but it will also lessen the amount of air that can be dehumidified in your space. This aspect of duct maintenance should be performed by a trained HVAC professional on an "as-needed" basis.Return ductsWhile your HVAC technician is performing duct maintenance, have him evaluate your current return-air ducts. Many homes do not have an adequate return path for air that needs to be cooled again. As your air conditioner pumps cool air into a room, there has to be a way for warmer air being pushed out to get back to your air conditioner to be cooled again. Without adequate return-air ducts, your home may experience uneven cooling. A contractor can work with you to add ductwork in your wall's cavities, through closets, pantries and other areas.For more expert advice on duct maintenance contact the experts at Air Assurance.  We're proud to serve Broken Arrow and surrounding areas.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

Designing And Maintaining An Energy-Efficient Duct System

It is not just how well your furnace system works that predicts home comfort and energy savings; your home’s duct system is just as critical because it works to deliver conditioned air all year long throughout your entire home. When there are deficiencies in its design, you’ll notice right away.Design that enhances efficiencyExperts have found that most home duct systems can perform under par by as much as 75 percent, so looking at design can net positive results. Not only can assessing your duct system save you money on a monthly basis, an efficient system can often mean that you can use a smaller heating system, reducing the purchase price of your next system.So just what should an efficient duct system do?

• The ducts should evenly distribute conditioned air into every room in your home, helping to avoid hot and cold zones.

• The duct system should be sized to allow for enough airflow through the heating system.

• The system itself should be thoroughly sealed to prevent energy losses, ensure airflow and enhance indoor air quality.

• The balance of the duct supply and return system should be equal, so that the home has adequate pressure.

• The system should maintain a consistent temperature for the air it holds -- starting from the location of its creation all the way to the farthest room of delivery. The same goes for the conditioned air’s return trip back through the heating system.

Maintenance that impacts efficiencyOne of the best ways to maintain your duct system is to evaluate its seal regularly. This single action will help to keep as much conditioned air as possible inside the ducts, so that all the rooms in your home receive warmth. Another maintenance step you should do is to keep supply registers unobstructed. Commonly located on the floor or lower wall, these registers are easy to inadvertently block with furniture or curtains.At Air Assurance Heating, Cooling & Air Quality, we've been serving homeowners in the Greater Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years, and we are happy to help you assess and maintain your duct system to maximize home comfort and energy savings.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!