How to Prevent an AC Breakdown

Your air conditioner works the hardest on the hottest summer days. Unfortunately, all the stress from the constant running makes the unit likely to break down when you need it the most. And don't forget that scheduling emergency repairs in the summer is difficult because of the work crunch for AC technicians. Here are some tips to help you avoid a major AC breakdown on sizzling summer days.

Close your blinds.

Windows allow the sun's heat into your home. Consequently, your air conditioner has to work harder to cool the indoor air. Use heavy curtains that effectively block sunlight.

Replace your air filters every month.

A clogged filter restricts the airflow into your air conditioner. In turn, that reduces the system's ability to cool your home.

Use fans.

Fans help you circulate stagnant air, which usually feels warmer. What's more, by circulating the air better, fans eliminate the need for your AC system to run constantly.

Vacuum registers.

Blocked registers can cause airflow restrictions that lower your air conditioner's efficiency. Vacuum them regularly to get rid of dust buildup. Move furniture and any other objects that may block the airflow through them.

Set the thermostat appropriately.

Set your programmable thermostat such that your air conditioner will sparingly come on when nobody's home and kick on just an hour before any family member returns. Such a schedule will work the system less.

Keep plants trimmed.

The outside compressor requires enough airflow to function properly. Make sure your plants are 2 to 3 feet away from the unit. If trees or any other plants are growing above your unit, trim them regularly to maintain a 5-foot clearance between them and the top of the unit.

Call a pro for routine maintenance.

When inspecting your system, an HVAC technician will spot serious problems before they become worse.

Rather than cranking up the air conditioner, use these tips to keep your home comfortable while preventing inconveniencing AC breakdowns. For the best heating and air conditioning products and services in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.

Your Go-To Fall Maintenance Checklist

Now that the summer season is over and the kids are back in school, you may be wondering what's next for your household. Well, like any responsible homeowner, it's time to fill out that fall maintenance to-do list. Here are a few of our favorite tasks:

Set an Appointment with Your Technician

If you want to improve the performance of your HVAC system while also prolonging its operational lifespan, set up an appointment with a technician. He or she will check to make sure that everything is running smoothly, perform maintenance on the unit, and inform you of any problems.

Clean Your Floor and Ceiling Fans

Using your floor and ceiling fans is a great way to save energy and money by giving your HVAC equipment a bit of a rest. Just keep in mind that dust has possibly accumulated during the months prior to the season, so you should definitely wipe them down so that the dust doesn't spread and clog up your air.

Clean or Replace Your Air Filter

Once your HVAC system’s air filter has been clogged up with debris, harmful particulates can enter your air and your equipment won’t work as efficiently. Check your filter every 30 days and replace it as necessary for the best results.

Seal Cracks and Gaps Around the Home

For small problem areas, such as around your doors and windows, use caulking or weather-stripping to prevent air leakage. Bigger problems, such as gaps large enough where a rodent could get through, can be covered up with heavy-duty hardware cloth.

Unblock Your Registers

Many households experience a lot of activity over the summer, so it’s easy for registers to become blocked by boxes, furniture, or other such items. Take the time to go around to each register and make sure nothing is impeding its airflow. Also check to see that the registers are open and clear of dust and debris inside.

If you have any other questions about fall maintenance or home comfort needs, then the professionals at Air Assurance can help. We've been serving Broken Arrow and the surrounding area since 1985.

Spring Storm Preparation for Your HVAC

Here in Tornado Alley, spring weather can be wild and woolly. That's why we need to have a plan in case damaging storms come our way. Included in spring storm preparation should be some consideration for your HVAC system. Following are some ways Broken Arrow's spring weather can affect your HVAC system.

Lightning

Strong thunderstorms are a fact of life in Oklahoma during the spring. One of the best things you can do prior to a storm where lightning is expected is to turn off your HVAC system. This way, you have a better chance of avoiding power surges that may damage your unit. Also, unplug electronic appliances till the storm passes.If your home gets hit by lightning, you have two major concerns: possible fires (which may break out behind walls in locations you can't see) and storm surge. Call the fire department to report the strike; also, you may need to call an electrician to assess damage to your wiring.

Flooding

If your home is built in a flood-prone area, you may need to move your air conditioner condenser (the unit located outdoors) to higher ground. This can be expensive, involving hiring a contractor to raise or move the concrete base on which the unit sits.If flooding threatens to swamp your HVAC system, make sure it's turned off. Turn off switches and breakers and shut off gas valves.Flooding may also impact your interior HVAC equipment. If it's on the ground floor, you may have to move it to the attic, which can involve expensive rerouting of the ductwork. You may want to wait to move both sides of the A/C when you're ready to replace the equipment.If your equipment gets flooded, have it inspected both by an electrician and an HVAC consultant before you turn it back on.

High Winds

Prevent wind damage to your condenser by battening down all loose items in the yard. Trim overhanging limbs back so they don't fall on the unit.

For more about spring storm preparation, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

How Do Fallen Leaves Affect Your HVAC?

The outdoor half of your home's HVAC system contains critically-important cooling components: the compressor and condenser coil. Because this unit is typically situated somewhere out of sight, it's easy for yard debris to accumulate outside and even inside the unit's housing if you're not paying attention. A buildup of broken branches, fallen leaves, seed pods and grass trimmings can cause various problems you want to avoid, like:

• Airflow restrictions through the coil that interfere with proper heat transfer.

• Added strain on the compressor that can cause a premature failure of your system's most costly component.

• A decline in the HVAC system's efficiency that results in higher energy bills.

How to Prevent Adverse Effects from Fallen Leaves

Taking the following steps can help you avoid any adverse effects on your cooling system from leaves and other kinds of yard debris:

• Invest in a custom cover. A custom cover is designed to fit just right, and it has ventilation built in to prevent rust-causing condensation while keeping out debris and dirt. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the right cover to buy for your brand and model of equipment.

• Prepare the unit for the off season. When cooling season is over, prepare the unit for winter by flipping the outdoor shut-off switch, and shutting off its breaker in your home's circuit breaker panel. Then, remove any debris and dead vegetation from outside and inside the housing, and install its fitted cover. Before you turn on the cooling system next spring, do another cleanup around the unit, remove and store the cover and switch the power supply back on.

• Give the unit a year-round extra layer of debris protection.Another way to minimize any debris accumulation inside the unit throughout the year is to install a screen filter. These washable filters that wrap around the unit's fins aren't expensive, and they're quite effective for keeping yard debris out without restricting airflow through the coil.

To learn more ways to protect your Broken Arrow home's outdoor HVAC unit from the effects of yard debris like fallen leaves, 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). For more information about fall maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Kaz/Pixabay”

Ways to Protect Your Home Until Next Winter

While it may seem a little odd to be worrying about your furnace and heating system during months when you don't typically need them, the truth is that it's necessary. To get you started, here are a few tips that will help you protect your home until next winter:

Schedule Maintenance

If you've ever scheduled maintenance on your heating system after winter had begun, you already know that those days of waiting due to backed-up service contractors can be horrible. This is why your annual maintenance should be done during the warmer months. Even if you have to wait a few days, you won't be freezing during that time.

Check and Replace Your Air Filter

It's easy to forget about your furnace's air filter once the heating season has ended. This is the best time for you to take a look at the filter and see if it's ready to be replaced. This will ensure that once winter arrives, your furnace's efficiency will already be ready to provide you with exceptional service.

Upgrade Your Furnace

If you walk into a home appliance store during the late spring or summer and tell them you're looking for a new furnace, you're probably going to get a funny look or two, but that's okay. Since you're not in any hurry to warm up your home with a new system, you can take your time and find the best deal possible. If you need help in selecting the best one for you, seek the assistance of a professional.

Maintain Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

When your furnace is up and running in the winter, you must be sure that your home is protected from possible carbon monoxide leaks. This can be done by changing out the batteries of your current detector or installing a new model, if needed.

If you'd like more expert advice on ways to protect your home, or if you have any other home comfort concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas 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). For more information about maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “ArtsyBee/Pixabay”

Why it Pays to Invest in Preventive Maintenance

Everyone wants to save money, and when it comes to your HVAC systems, the more you save the better. One way in which you can save money, frustration and even wear and tear on your system is with preventive maintenance. Here are three reasons why investing in maintenance for your system is a wise choice.

Help Your Equipment Last Longer

If there's one thing you can do to ensure your air conditioner or furnace lasts as long as possible, it's preventive maintenance. Regular maintenance reduces stress and wear and tear on your unit, and helps ensure all of the parts stay in good working order. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can ensure you get the longest possible life out of your system.

Help Keep More Money in Your Pocket

Preventive maintenance saves you money in two ways. First, it lowers your energy bills by keeping your systems running at their most efficient levels. Maintenance will remove obstructions, oil moving parts and check all system components for signs of wear. By taking care of these small problems, the maintenance check can help improve the system's overall efficiency.In addition, regular maintenance helps save money by lowering your repair costs. At your annual maintenance check, your HVAC technician will catch small problems that you can address before they grow. This prevents the risk of a bigger, more costly breakdown later.

Help Protect You From System Failure

Finally, investing in maintenance will help protect you from system breakdown. Breakdowns are almost always at the least convenient time, and when you know your system's well maintained, you don't have to worry about it going out in the middle of the hottest or coldest day of the year.

Invest in Preventive Maintenance Now!

The bet time to have your maintenance done is in the spring before the cooling season and in the winter before the heating season.

If you are due for a maintenance check for your Broken Arrow home, the Air Assurance team is here to help. Contact Air Assurance to schedule a maintenance check today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preventative maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “PeteLinforth/Pixabay”

Winter Vacation: Maintenance Checklist

Whether you’re going to visit family for the holidays or planning on heading to a warmer place to get a break from the cold, it’s important to make sure your HVAC system is prepared. Your heating system should continue running when you’re gone to lower the risk of having your pipes freeze and burst. Ensuring that it’s in good condition is essential in order for it to run properly and safely. Use the following vacation maintenance tips to help you get your HVAC system ready.

Adjust the Thermostat

Turn your thermostat down at least a few degrees before leaving for vacation. You’ll save a bit of money on heating costs while also making sure your home doesn’t get too cold when you’re gone.

Open Air Vents

You might be tempted to close the air vents in certain area in order to save money, but this makes your HVAC system heat your home less efficiently. Go around your home and open every air vent before heading out the door for your trip.

Check the Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s air filter traps pollutants, which helps it run more efficiently and improves your home’s indoor air quality. If your air filter looks dusty or dirty, replace it with a new one before you leave.

Clean Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system should be free of debris, dust and dirt, so it can function properly. When parts of your system are dirty, it can end up breaking down and needing repairs. Your heating system will also have a harder time running efficiently when it has debris inside. Check the burners, pilot and other parts of your HVAC system for debris, and clean them as needed.

Schedule Maintenance

For peace of mind, having a technician come by to perform vacation maintenance on your heating system. A technician can do a thoroughly cleaning and check for problems that might occur and take steps to prevent them from happening when you’re gone.If you need HVAC maintenance or repairs done, please contact Air Assurance. We provide reliable 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 maintenance and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “clker-free-vector-images/Pixabay”

DIY and Professional HVAC Maintenance Tasks

An HVAC system is a big investment. One of the best ways to protect your investment is to perform periodic HVAC maintenance. While a good portion of HVAC maintenance should be done by professionals, there are certain tasks you can do yourself.

DIY HVAC Maintenance

For example, your outdoor unit requires clear air flow to function properly. By doing some simple maintenance, you can prevent air flow problems.

• Trim back plants. It's best to keep a two-foot perimeter around your outdoor unit where plants aren't allowed to grow up past the base of the unit. Keep grass trimmed down and cut back any other opportunistic plant life that tries to spring up.

• Remove debris. Grass clippings, old leaves, and other objects that block air flow should be swept or raked away whenever they build up.

• Clean condenser fins. The fins that allow air to flow into your unit tend to catch dust. With the unit off, gently vacuum the fins clean to reduce the amount of dust that gets into your system.

Another DIY task you can do is to clean or replace your air filter. The air filter protects your system from the dust, pollen, and other particles in your air. By changing the filter every one to three months, you can help your system last longer and improve the quality of your home's indoor air.

Professional HVAC Maintenance

In addition to the maintenance tasks you can do yourself, there are certain jobs that should be done by professionals. A trained HVAC technician will not only make sure your system is working properly, but he can also frequently catch problems before they get out of hand.Professional maintenance will address the following areas:

• Refrigerant levels. The technician will check for leaks and make sure you have the appropriate amount of refrigerant for your system.

• Part lubrication. The technician will inspect the moving parts of your system and provide lubrication as needed.

• Electrical connections. The technician will inspect and tighten electrical connections as needed.

Interested in learning more about HVAC maintenance? Contact Air Assurance, your Broken Arrow area HVAC experts.

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: “OpenClipartVectors/Pixabay”

Why Should You Invest in Preventive HVAC Maintenance?

With winter temperatures in Broken Arrow falling into the 20s and summer temperatures reaching into the 90s, having reliable heating and cooling for your home is essential. Since your HVAC system gets a significant amount of use throughout the year, it’s prone to wear and tear that can reduce its efficiency and even compromise its safety. Having preventive HVAC maintenance done helps ensure that your system stays in good condition, which provides the following benefits.

Lower Heating and Cooling Costs

The longer your HVAC system goes without maintenance, the harder it has to work to heat and cool your home, resulting in energy bills that are much higher than usual. With preventive HVAC maintenance, you can make sure your system is able to run efficiently all year, which leads to lower energy bills. This type of maintenance typically includes checking refrigerant levels, cleaning exchange coils, and performing other tasks that are part of ensuring optimal HVAC efficiency.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system can end up causing excessive moisture indoors, which can lead to mold growth and make your home feel uncomfortable. Mold spores can result in health issues such as respiratory problems for you and your family. Your system can also create poor indoor air quality if filters are covered with dust and other debris. This can trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other health problems. HVAC maintenance lowers these risks and makes your home healthier.

Reduced Risk of Costly Repairs

Preventive HVAC maintenance involves performing several tasks, including checking for potential problems and thoroughly inspecting all parts of the system for signs of wear and tear. Finding problems early helps you avoid having to pay for major repairs that are much more expensive later on, or even having to replace your system due to extensive deterioration. HVAC technicians can also help you avoid needing repairs done by taking steps to prevent potential problems from turning into actual ones.

To schedule preventive HVAC maintenance for your home, contact Air Assurance today. We offer HVAC services to customers in Broken Arrow and Tulsa.

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: “alexmillos/Shutterstock”

Why Get Furnace Maintenance Before the Heating Season Starts?

While it's still early in the fall, it's not too early to begin thinking about scheduling furnace maintenance. If you wait until the busy late fall/early winter HVAC season, you may have trouble scheduling a timely appointment. A professional furnace maintenance tuneup will provide multiple benefits, including energy efficiency, safety, and comfort.

Why Is Regular Furnace Maintenance So Important?

• Energy efficiency - The technician will check every component of your furnace, as well as the ductwork and registers. He or she will check the air filter, lubricate moving parts in the blower, make sure the burner(s) are clean, and check the ignition system for proper operation. Any worn or malfunctioning parts will be repaired or replaced. A cleanly burning, efficiently operating furnace will save energy every month, ensuring that it's operating at or near its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.

• Safety - The technician will examine the furnace and exhaust system to make sure nothing poses a risk of fire or toxic emissions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of fuel combustion and in a properly operating furnace will be safely removed from the home. However, if exhaust pipes are not connected properly or the furnace heat exchanger is cracked—among other issues—CO may escape into the home, threatening occupants with injury or death.

• Comfort - The more efficiently your furnace operates, the quicker and more evenly your home will heat. Problems with air distribution and ductwork can erode comfort in a home.

• Long-term savings - An efficient combustion furnace will save on utility bills over the long haul. Plus, having a trained technician inspect the furnace annually will ensure that small problems won't develop into large ones and extend the service life of your furnace.

At Air Assurance, we offer an Extended Service Plan that includes annual maintenance on both your heating and cooling systems. This offers a number of benefits and savings. However, you're also welcome to schedule a fall furnace maintenance appointment on its own. To discuss proper care for your home's heating system, please contact us at Air Assurance, serving 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Globalphotogroup/Shutterstock”

It's Time for Fall HVAC Maintenance! Here's What You Need to Know

Emergency repairs to your HVAC system are not only expensive, they are often very inconvenient. You may have to wait for hours on the hottest or coldest day of the year for a technician to have time to address the issue. No one can second guess all of the things that can go wrong with an appliance, but regular maintenance can often spare you many uncomfortable hours. Follow these basic steps for fall HVAC maintenance to minimize your frustrations.

Address basic housekeeping tasks first.

Visually inspect air filters monthly. Clean or replace them as necessary. Dirty air filters force the fan to work harder, draining energy and wearing out the motor. An added benefit of a clean filter is cleaner air, helping you breathe easier. Remove dirt and debris that has collected around the unit. Sweep, vacuum, or dust around the coils and exposed parts. Black stains around air registers can indicate dirty HVAC ductwork, poor air filter maintenance, or furnace malfunctions. Add weather stripping to doors and windows to eliminate cold drafts.

Check thermostats.

Adjust settings as dictated by the weather to ensure that the system maintains a comfortable temperature in the home. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures during periods when the home is unoccupied to save energy and money. In colder months, set the temperature to 68 degrees during waking hours and as low as 60 degrees while sleeping.

Schedule a maintenance check.

An HVAC professional will inspect electrical connections to make sure they are secure and delivering the correct voltage and current for optimal performance. The technician will lubricate moving parts to eliminate friction in the motor and extend its life. The technician will also check fuel connections for dirt, damage, leaks, and safety hazards, as well as inspect the condensate drain to make sure it is not clogged.

When it's time for you to schedule fall HVAC maintenance, contact the NATE-certified professionals at Air Assurance. Be sure to ask about our Extended Service Protection Plan. Our team includes the largest full-service HVAC fleet in the Tulsa metropolitan area, making our customers comfortable for 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).Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Taiga/Shutterstock”

What Should You Do to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Fall?

Fall is a time when you are likely ready to stop thinking about your air conditioner and start thinking about pumpkin spice drinks and jackets.Keeping your air conditioner well maintained in the fall will keep you well prepared for the coming summer, and also help you avoid costly repair bills if something goes wrong over the winter.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Cooling Systems

While your air conditioner will run less often in the fall—if you run it at all—it still needs to be maintained properly. Here are some steps to take to ensure it continues to provide years of excellent service:

• Keep the outdoor unit free of debris, such as fallen leaves. Check occasionally to see if any new leaves are blocking the outdoor unit.

• Clean the unit well, including the coils, in the fall.

• Replace the old air filter for a new one.

• Ensure that the unit is covered with a waterproof material before winter.

• Cover the outdoor unit when you are done using it for the season, but remember to remove the cover if you need to use it again.

Taking a little bit of time to address these maintenance tasks will help protect your system until you are ready to use it again, all while avoiding common problems with air conditioning systems.

Consider Scheduling a Fall Maintenance Check

In addition to these tips, consider scheduling a fall check of your entire HVAC system. A fall HVAC inspection will ensure your cooling system is properly prepared for winter, and also check to ensure that your heating system is ready for cooler weather.If you have further questions about preparing your air conditioning system for fall, contact the HVAC professionals at Air Assurance—your source for heating, cooling, and home comfort needs in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

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: “Carlos Amarillo/Shutterstock”

Find Out Why Preventative HVAC Maintenance Is So Important

The equipment and systems that heat and cool your home are just like any other mechanical devices. If they aren't properly maintained, they won't operate with optimum efficiency, they'll malfunction more often and they won't last as long. While cooling and heating systems need annual professional maintenance, they also need TLC from the homeowner in the form of preventative HVAC maintenance. Following are some steps you can take to help your HVAC systems keep your home comfortable while using energy efficiently.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance Steps

• Check the air filter. The air filter for your furnace, heat pump or A/C plays an essential role in delivering cooled and heated air throughout your home. If the filter is clogged or dirty, the HVAC equipment will have to work harder to push air through the system. This will waste energy and stress system components. A dirty air filter also will result in dust coating sensitive parts, causing friction and wasting energy. Finally, when a filter gets clogged, eventually your blower will start pushing particulates around the filter and into your indoor air. Inspect the filter monthly and when it looks dirty, change or clean it (depending on the filter).

• Keep vents and registers clear. Rugs, furniture, toys and other objects can block heating and cooling registers. This impedes airflow and reduces HVAC performance.

• Similarly, keep yard debris such as leaves, sticks and grass cuttings away from the outside unit of a split-system A/C or heat pump. Anything that restricts airflow to the condenser coil will erode efficiency and performance.

With today's complex heating and cooling systems, most homeowners are better off letting a professional technician handle any but the simplest preventative HVAC maintenance. During an annual or semi-annual maintenance tune-up, a trained technician will run through a lengthy checklist of tasks and checks to make sure your heating or cooling systems will operate efficiently and safely till the next regularly scheduled visit.

To schedule a preventative HVAC maintenance visit, or to discuss an extended service protection plan, please contact us at Air Assurance. We provide quality HVAC services to the greater Tulsa metro area.

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Essential Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Broken Arrow Home

With spring almost here, it's time to perform some standard maintenance procedures around your home again. Preventative maintenance isn't something you want to skip, as taking a few proactive steps can result in energy savings and a more comfortable and attractive home. Here are a few spring maintenance tips to get you started:

Spring MaintenanceCheck your roof and gutters.

During the winter months, it's not uncommon for your roof and rain gutters to take a beating. Visually inspect your roof for lost or damaged shingles, and eyeball your gutters for damage. While you can make some repairs yourself, you're probably better off contacting a professional. Whatever you do, you'll want to prevent water from leaking into your walls and foundation.

Change your HVAC filter.

With the heating season soon coming to a close, now's a good time to inspect your forced-air system's air filter. A clogged filter can restrict system airflow and allow dirt and dust to get into sensitive machinery and coils, leading to an overworked A/C or heat pump, higher energy bills and eventual equipment breakdowns. Inspect your filter monthly and change it when it looks dirty.

Vacuum refrigerator coils.

This is an easy job that will improve refrigerator performance. Don't forget to clean debris away from your A/C's outside compressor/condenser. Accumulated leaves, sticks and other debris can restrict essential airflow.

Schedule a spring maintenance tune-up for your air conditioning system.

Your A/C has been sitting dormant since last fall and should be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted for the new season. A professional technician can complete these tasks by checking your refrigerant level, adjusting airflow, checking all wiring connections and cleaning both inside and outside coils, among other things.

We've barely scratched the surface with these spring maintenance tips. For more information, or to schedule a spring tune-up for your Broken Arrow or Tulsa home's HVAC system, please contact Air Assurance today.

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Be Thinking Now About Fall Maintenance

Summer days can be blisteringly hot in Broken Arrow, so why even think about fall maintenance on your HVAC system? Because, to recycle a few old chestnuts, there's no time like the present and time flies. Before you know it, chilly fall days have already arrived and your furnace may or may not be ready to efficiently supply heat against the chill. Not only that, but your A/C unit may be struggling to dispense cool air in order to combat summer heat and humidity. Act now by calling an HVAC-trained technician who can ready your furnace and check out your A/C so that both work at optimum efficiency.Time for a Tune-UpA qualified technician follows a checklist for fall maintenance on HVAC systems and knows what to tune up and what to change out. Things that need checking include:

• Properly functioning start-up and shut-down controls

• Air filters that may need cleaning or replacing

• Any obstructions in the condensate drain that can promote bacteria, mold and mildew growth

• Lubrication of moving parts to reduce friction and wear, and increase overall efficiency

• Performance and settings of thermostat, and possible upgrade to a programmable thermostat for ease and energy-saving factors

• Integrity of electrical connections and voltage measurements for all electrical parts and components; loose or faulty connections can be serious problems waiting to happen

• Heat exchangers and burners, fuel lines and connections thoroughly checked and maintained to avoid potential fire or health hazards (Burners and exchangers in either oil or gas furnaces often become fouled with dirt that interferes with proper burner operation.)

• A/C evaporator and condenser coils that may require cleaning, refrigerant level checks and ascertaining that all blower parts are in tip-top condition

The best time to prepare for fall is during the summer months, while there's still time for needed checks, maintenance and repairs on your Broken Arrow home's heating or A/C system. For more information or expert advice concerning a fall maintenance check-up on your HVAC unit or any other home-comfort issues, contact 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).

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Determine If Your Home's Water Hard or Soft and Learn to Balance

Hard water is an issue that can cause a variety of other problems. Learning to achieve the proper balance of minerals in your home's water is an important task, and can improve many different aspects of your life.

As water travels through the soil, it picks up minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This results in so-called hard water. Depending on where your water comes from and the type of treatment it undergoes at the water treatment center, it will be either hard or soft water. There are several signs that you have hard water:

• Clogged pipes

• A film on bathtub or shower tiles

• Build-up of minerals on faucets

There are several negative effects that hard water can have on your home and your daily activities. These include:

• Poor water flow and low efficiency

• Increase in plumbing repairs

• Dull and limp hair

• Reduced cleaning capabilities of soap

• Reduced clothing life

To combat these effects, you can have a water softener installed in your home. Cation exchange is one of the most common methods of water softening, and involves a process in which ions are exchanged. Water can be softened in a fully automatic process or with an electronic sensor that softens the water, depending on your use. Having the right size water softener is an important part of regulating the hardness of your water. It can make a big difference in how equipment, from your water heater to your washing machine, do their jobs. .

If you have hard or soft water issues, contact us at Air Assurance. We have been providing HVAC services to Broken Arrow and the surrounding 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). 

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A/C, Heat Pump Thieves Are on the Move: Learn How to Protect Your Condenser

A/C, Heat Pump Thieves Are on the Move: Learn How to Protect Your Condenser

If your heat pump or air conditioner sits on the ground, you could be at risk from A/C and heat pump thieves who target these units to access the copper condensing coils inside. The price of copper has been up over the last few years, and the copper thefts are on the rise. These thieves are fairly indiscriminate about where they get their copper, raiding homes, businesses, churches and schools. Copper is so attractive to steal because it's untraceable. While most insurance policies cover this kind of theft, making a claim may raise your rates and the deductible could be high. These tips will help you protect your outdoor condenser so you won't lose the use of this crucial appliance:

• Put a cage around it. The cages made from steel will discourage any thief. It will take too long to cut through it to make it worthwhile for A/C, heat pump thieves to bother with. The cages lock and you'll have a key to open it for routine maintenance.

• Wire it to an alarm. If your home has a security system, your provider can attach devices that will monitor the system and send a signal if someone tampers with it.

• Alarm it independently. You can install a separate alarm for it that will go off when it senses a change in voltage or refrigerant level. It will sound a loud siren.

• Use security lighting. Motion detectors or a yard light that shines on the condenser could cut your risk of losing your condenser, especially if you're routinely home at night.

Theft prevention is key to prevent a costly replacement. If yours uses R-22, you'll have to find a condenser that matches the air handler's evaporator coil and refilling it will cost a good deal since the price of R-22 has risen substantially. Otherwise, you'll need a completely new system.The pros at Air Assurance can help you avoid A/C, heat pump thieves by protecting your equipment. Please contact us to learn more. We've provided trusted HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area since 1985.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

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). 

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Surge Protection: There's More To It Than a Power Strip

Surge Protection: There's More To It Than a Power Strip

If you're like many other homeowners, your home is full of expensive and complicated appliances and devices, making surge protection more important than ever. Home entertainment systems, kitchen appliances and the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system inside your home employ sensitive electronic circuitry to varying degrees. Many homeowners rely on power strips that promise surge protection or plug-in surge protectors to protect their electronics. The protection they provide may be adequate for small spikes in the power supply, but probably can't protect against a lightning strike or a spike in the power caused power returning after an outage.The lightning strike doesn't even need to hit your home to cause catastrophic damage to the appliances inside. Lightning can hit a power pole as close as a mile, travel into your home and burn up your computers and appliances.Other problems associated with power surges could be caused by a high energy using appliance, like a laser printer or your HVAC equipment turning off. Suddenly that extra power will be directed to another appliance and damage its components. It may take months or longer for the appliance to fail or the effect could be immediate.The best protection against power surges caused by lightning, power outages, or electrical fluctuations are whole-house surge protectors. These devices are installed at your circuit breaker box and send excess voltage into a ground wire. Once the flow returns to normal, these surge protection devices allow the power to return as normal.If you aren't home to turn the circuit breakers off when the power goes out or a bad storm is nearby, a whole-house surge protector will give you the assurances you need that you probably won't come home to any problems with your appliances and electronics.It can take time and money to replace your appliances, especially those you rely on for comfort and convenience, like your HVAC system. To learn more about surge protection for your home, contact Air Assurance. We've provided trusted HVAC services for the Broken Arrow area for more than 30 years.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

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). 

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Fall Maintenance: It's Not Too Soon to Think About It for Your Tulsa Home

AirAssurance 10.1.13

The sun and the elements are always taking a toll on your home, regardless of the season. As the summer begins to wane, it is a good time to start handling the maintenance tasks that you need to get to before winter sets in.Here are a few things to do to get the house ready for winter:

• Caulk around pipes and other openings into the house. Cold air can easily infiltrate these small cracks and make heating the home harder.

• Apply weather-stripping around doors and windows. This will keep these large openings free from air leaks.

• As the weather gets cooler, replace screens with storm windows and doors.

• Inspect the roof for damage. Air and water can infiltrate which makes heating and cooling the house difficult.

• Check the insulation levels in the attic. Consult with an expert to find the recommended R-value -- the thermal resistance rating for insulation -- for your area. Experts will need to know what type of insulation you have, where it is located and how thick it is to determine if it offers sufficient protection against heat loss.

• Have the heating system checked by a professional. All systems need routine maintenance to work properly.

• Make sure your stove or fireplace is in good shape. Have your chimney cleaned and serviced also.

• Change the direction of ceiling fans to pull air up. You want to pull cool air up and send warm air down to heat the house.

Getting your home ready for winter by performing fall maintenance does not take a great deal of time. And the time you spend is worth it for lower energy costs and a comfortable house during the cold months of the year.You also need to call in the professionals to check your heating system as part of your fall maintenance. Remember, by doing so, there is currently a $30 Rebate from Oklahoma Natural Gas!! If you want to talk to an expert in home comfort, contact us here at Air Assurance. We are a family owned and operated company that has served the Tulsa metropolitan area since 1985.Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

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). 

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A Maintenance Agreement Will See You Through All Four Seasons

A Maintenance Agreement Will See You Through All Four Seasons

If you're replacing or installing a new HVAC system, you might be wondering whether or not to sign up for a maintenance agreement. By setting up an agreement with your HVAC provider you can ensure your system gets the preventive maintenance it needs.Maintenance agreements range from basic plans to more comprehensive. With a basic plan, you will receive checkups at the beginning of winter and summer, when the most drastic temperature changes occur. More comprehensive plans offer discounts on parts and labor, as well as priority service calls and warranties on service.The benefits to having an annual plan is that you are more likely to get your HVAC system serviced on a regular basis, which will improve the energy efficiency of your home. Without a regular tune-up and cleaning, you can lose as much as 30 percent in air conditioner efficiency, and in the case of your furnace, up to 17 percent. In addition, regular maintenance can also reduce the chance of having more unexpected costly repairs occur. Knowing that a trained technician will be servicing your A/C and heating systems a few times a year also means that your filters will be regularly changed, leaks or other potential problems will be identified and fixed sooner, keeping your system running smoothly all year round.Air Assurance offers an Extended Service Plan that protects customers against neglect, poor maintenance procedures and perhaps equipment failure.For more expert advice about a maintenance agreement and other issues related to home comfort, contact Air Assurance, serving the Greater 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).  Image courtesy of Shutterstock