Can You Benefit from Additional Insurance on Your HVAC System?

When you consider that your cooling and heating components are among the most expensive systems installed in your home — and the most critical to your family's quality of life — it’s easy to understand why adequate HVAC insurance is vital. Several options are available that may provide some or all HVAC insurance coverage in the event of a breakdown, a mishap or another event that disables your cooling or heating system. Here, we'll discuss what’s available to protect your investment and comfort.

Homeowners Insurance

If your AC or furnace is affected by an event — such as a fire — that's also covered by a standard homeowners policy, you’re covered. However, a wide variety of events affecting HVAC equipment that are not covered by standard homeowners insurance — such as earthquakes, flooding or major malfunctions due to wear and tear — will not be eligible for compensation.

However, certain homeowners policies include the option for coverage in the event of the breakdown of major equipment. This will pay for significant repairs to home systems, including HVAC. This HVAC insurance coverage is available at extra cost above the standard homeowner’s policy premium.

Home Warranties

Entirely separate HVAC insurance is included in home warranties that also cover major repairs of various home appliances. Marketed by independent companies, home warranties require payment of a continuing monthly premium and also impose a substantial deductible on most repairs. Most plans do not offer coverage for losses due to events that are typically covered by homeowners insurance, such as fire and theft. Coverage may also be denied if particular system components are not properly maintained.

HVAC Contractor Maintenance Plans

The contractor who sold and installed your HVAC system may offer maintenance plans that provide scheduled routine maintenance as well as repairs and replacements for an affordable monthly premium. The terms usually offer discounts on parts and labor, priority service calls and extended warranties for any new systems you may purchase. Service plans are particularly helpful because the routine annual maintenance provided tends to reduce costly breakdowns and repairs, thus making expensive component replacements less likely.

For more information about HVAC insurance options, talk to the professionals at Air Assurance.

Beyond a Breakdown, Which Heater Issues Are Most Urgent?

Your heater isn't broken, but it's definitely acting strange. You don't want to call your HVAC technician for something minor, but you also don't want to ignore potentially urgent heater issues. Here's a brief rundown of which are the truly urgent heater issues and which ones are no big deal.

Identifying Urgent Heater Issues

Pay attention to how your furnace sounds, smells, and feels. Screeching noises may mean a pressure problem or a loose belt. Popping and buzzing indicate electrical problems. Loud banging may mean a delay in the gas ignition. All of these are urgent heater issues that should be dealt with immediately.

If you smell burning the first time you turn on your furnace at the beginning of winter, it's probably not a big deal. It's dust that has accumulated in the offseason, which is now burning off. However, if the smell doesn't go away after a few minutes or reappears every time you turn on the furnace, then it's more serious. Call your HVAC technician.

Likewise, if you smell gas, it's a serious problem. Get out of the house and call your gas company — and 911. Once you're sure everyone's safe, call your HVAC technician as well.

Finally, if you don't feel air coming from your vents, even though your furnace is on, you should call for a repair. It could be indicative of several different issues, but the bottom line is, your house isn't getting warm the way it should be, so your furnace needs fixing.

Minor Issues

So which ones aren't urgent heater issues? If your heater causes the power to go out in your home, it may seem dire, but in fact, it's probably just an overloaded circuit. This tends to happen more as systems get older and use more energy. Make sure you're not running any other major appliances on the same circuit.

Similarly, if the thermostat stops working, the most likely culprit is a dead battery. Try replacing it rather than calling for repairs.

For help with your urgent heater issues, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality home-comfort solutions.

To Warranty or Not to Warranty? Learn the Differences Between HVAC Repair with or without One

If a problem occurs somewhere down the road with an air conditioner or furnace, what can you expect from your HVAC warranty? Today's cooling and heating systems are more reliable and efficient than ever. They’re also designed and engineered for a long expected service life. However, coverage for unforeseen events is still important to protect your investment, as well as the continued comfort and health of your home’s environment. Here are some basic facts to know about the terms of an HVAC warranty to help you decide what sort of coverage you need.

Standard Warranty

Every air conditioner or furnace with a major brand name automatically comes with a manufacturer’s standard HVAC warranty. The most basic coverage term is five years, covering any parts that require replacement or issues related to poor workmanship. Very often, that five-year standard coverage can be extended up to 10 years simply by registering the unit with the manufacturer at the time of purchase. It’s as easy as filling out a form. The HVAC contractor who sold the unit to you may handle the registration for you. 

Labor Warranty

It’s important to note what the manufacturer's standard HVAC warranty doesn’t cover as well. Labor charges for repairs are typically not included under standard coverage. However, many contractors offer separate labor warranties to fill the coverage gap for labor charges incurred during a repair.

Costly-Component Coverage

Manufacturers of air conditioners and furnaces may offer special extended coverage on certain expensive critical parts. Typically, this coverage applies to the air conditioner compressor and the furnace heat exchanger.

Extended Service Plans 

An Extended Service Plan (ESP) offered by HVAC contractors at an annual fee provides a long-term level of security. A typical ESP includes a percentage discount on labor charges. Moreover, the ESP includes professional maintenance twice a year. Annual maintenance is critical to ensure system reliability, efficiency, and low operating costs. 

The professionals at Air Assurance are ready to answer any questions you may have about HVAC warranty coverage.

Service Your HVAC Unit When — and Before — It Needs It

Did you know that more than three-quarters of all HVAC repairs could be prevented by taking proactive steps, such as regular maintenance? By scheduling maintenance in the spring for your cooling system and in the fall for your heating system, you'll avoid unnecessary problems and enjoy enhanced comfort throughout the year. If you haven't kept up with HVAC maintenance, the signs below will help you know when it's time to have your system serviced.

Poor Airflow

When you turn on your A/C system, you may feel very little air pressure coming out of your vents. Several A/C issues can cause little or no airflow, including:

• A clogged filter

• A malfunctioning fan

• Ductwork problems

• A faulty compressor

Besides making your home feel uncomfortable, poor airflow could also cause severe damage to your system. You'll need to contact a professional to check the system and provide the right diagnosis, as well as reliable repairs, if necessary.

Unusually High Energy Bills

Have you received an abnormally high electricity bill? Most probably, your system isn't operating as efficiently as it ought to be and needs to be checked. Make sure you schedule a system tuneup to fix the issue before the next power bill arrives.

Strange Noises

It's normal for your HVAC system to make some noise when it's running. However, unusual sounds like a hissing furnace or loud banging inside your air conditioner can be signs of a significant issue. Have the unit tuned up right away, or you risk having to buy a new one if you neglect the problem for too long.

Age

HVAC systems are usually designed to last for around 10 years. With regular maintenance, they can last even longer. If your system was installed more than a decade ago, you should contact a service person to tune it up.

Timely HVAC maintenance will protect your system's life span and save you money by preventing costly repairs. If you need HVAC maintenance in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We offer an Extended Service Plan that gives you peace of mind knowing we'll service your system every year. The plan also entitles you to priority service and a 15% discount on repairs.

3 New Year HVAC Resolutions

A new year is almost upon us; time to move forward from the mistakes of the past and strive to do better. One mistake many people make is neglecting their HVAC system. Here are three HVAC resolutions you can make to ensure your system gets the care and attention it needs.

• Check your filter. Your HVAC filter captures contaminants and removes them from the air as it passes through the system. However, over time, those contaminants build up and the filter gets clogged. When that happens, it restricts airflow, requiring more energy to heat or cool your home properly and wearing out your system prematurely in the process. Next year, resolve to check your air filter every month, and replace it every three to six months, when it starts to look gray and opaque instead of white and translucent. This simple task will help your HVAC system run more smoothly and efficiently for years to come.

• Landscaping. A clogged filter isn't the only thing that can restrict airflow. Your outdoor A/C unit needs at least two square feet of clearance on all sides in order for air to flow through it properly. So make it a point to do regular landscaping around that area. Keep the grass mowed, remove any sticks or other debris, and trim back any branches from nearby trees that might encroach on the unit's personal space. Not only will your A/C function better, the area will look neater as well.

• Schedule annual maintenance. One of the most important HVAC resolutions you can make is to schedule your annual maintenance visit. In fact, you need two: one in the spring to fix up your A/C ahead of cooling season and one in the fall to get your furnace ready for heating season. Your HVAC technician will give the system a thorough going-over, fixing any issues before they become problems and making sure everything runs as efficiently as possible.

For help sticking to your HVAC resolutions in the new year and anytime, contact us at Air Assurance. Our business is caring for Broken Arrow's home-comfort needs.

New Home HVAC System: Your Checklist

If you're moving into a new home, it's a good idea to get to know your new appliances and equipment. Turn things on, look at the owner's manual and find out all the dos and don'ts. And nowhere is that more important than with your new home HVAC system.

The HVAC encompasses the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, all of which, when working at their peak, are designed to keep you comfortable. Of the several different kinds of systems, the most common is the forced air furnace and air conditioner, which use ductwork to distribute conditioned air. Whatever type of system you have, be sure to schedule a maintenance visit from your HVAC technician to check it for any potential problems. It always pays to fix things before they turn into major repairs or breakdowns. You don't want a breakdown in the midst of the cooling or heating season.

Here are a few tips for caring for your new home HVAC.

Caretaking for Your HVAC System

1. Change the air filter. This is the most important thing you can do with a forced air system. Change the filter whenever it's dirty to improve airflow and indoor air quality. Learn which type of filter works best with your system.

2. Maintain good airflow with your outside compressor/condenser. Clear away dirt, debris, leaves, weeds, grass, shrubs and limbs, as well as garden furniture and tools so that your condenser can adequately exhaust the heat that the refrigerant carries from the home.

3. Find out whatever you can about your HVAC system. How old is it? If your system is 10 years old or older, schedule a visit from the HVAC technician to check it out and see if it's the right capacity for your home so you can plan for the right size replacement when the time comes. Also, have the ductwork assessed to see if it needs repair or if it is adequate to deliver the right volume of air for your home.

To learn more about new home HVAC issues from Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

HVAC Tape and How It's Used

Some HVAC projects are costly and typically need a professional to perform them. Fortunately, if you're a do-it-yourselfer, there are some tasks that you can handle on your own with ease. One of the tools that will come in handy when performing such tasks is HVAC tape.

What is HVAC Tape?

HVAC tape refers to any tape that's specifically engineered for HVAC installation and maintenance tasks. For example, you can use the tape to seal flex duct, rigid duct material, and sheet metal.

How Do You Apply It?

How you apply the tape to your HVAC equipment makes the difference between dependable, long-lasting performance and expensive inefficiency. Be sure to follow the steps below:

1. Tear or cut enough tape from the roll if you're sealing a short length of HVAC material. Apply the tape directly from the roll if you're to use it on a longer material. For easy handling, just unroll a few inches of the tape at a go while applying.

2. Starting with the end you're using, remove the tape liner. Apply the HVAC tape while centered over the area you're sealing. Keep peeling off the liner while applying the tape. Make sure the tape stays unwrinkled on smooth surfaces and conforms to textured or uneven surfaces like reflective insulation and flex duct.

3. If you're applying the tape straight off the roll, tear or cut it once you establish the exact length that will ensure no leaks or gaps and total system closure. Using excess tape will unnecessarily increase your repair costs.

4. Finish your tape application by wiping it down thoroughly with a squeegee. That maximizes surface contact, resulting in a more secure bond.

Remember, HVAC tape reliability is crucial to the success of your project. Therefore, only work with a UL listed tape as it has passed a series of tests for shear strength, tensile strength, and adhesion level. If you get stuck and need responsive and reliable HVAC assistance, contact the experts at Air Assurance. We've been helping Broken Arrow homeowners with their home comfort needs since 1985.

Signing an HVAC Contract? What You Need to Know Before Agreeing With Services

Are you thinking of signing a contract for HVAC maintenance, but you're leery of what it might contain? Knowing what you should expect in an HVAC contract can make a signing decision easier, and provide peace of mind that you'll receive dependable HVAC care. If your HVAC company doesn’t have any literature, here is a sample template to view HVAC Contract. Here's what your contract should contain:

Covered Components

Your contract should list the specific HVAC components in your home that will be covered by the agreement.

Number of Maintenance Visits

While two visits per year is the norm, the contract should state exactly how many you'll receive.

Tasks Completed During Maintenance

It's important that a contract includes a complete list of the tasks a technician will perform on your cooling and heating systems, so you know they're being thoroughly inspected and serviced during each maintenance visit.

Beneficial Cost Savings

A detailed contract should mention the specific savings signing brings you – like the parts/labor for maintenance visits, or discounts on certain services and repairs.

Specific Exclusions

As well as stating what it includes, a contract should also specify any exclusions – such a extra fees for after hours service calls, additions for travel time, or charges for priority service.

Explanation of Labor Calculations

The contract should explain whether the company charges a set service call fee, an hourly labor rate or a combination of the two.

How Minor Repairs Are Handled

It should be clearly stated whether minor repairs will taken care of during maintenance visits (up to a certain dollar amount), or you'll receive an estimate for any needed repairs and be charged for another service call.

Scheduling Responsibility

You need to know if the contractor sends out reminders about scheduling maintenance, or if you'll need to remember to call and make an appointment.

Renewal Details

Will the maintenance agreement renew automatically, or does it expire and leave you without any preventive care coverage on a specific date?

Payment Terms

The payment terms should be clearly spelled out, along with any discount offerings or flexible payment options.

To find out more about the HVAC contracts we offer Broken Arrow homeowners, contact us at Air Assurance.