What Is the Best Sleep Temperature in Colder Weather?

Do you have trouble sleeping? Many people do for various reasons. One of the main reasons — and one you may not have heard of — has to do with temperature. It turns out that sleep temperature is best when it's on the low side.

Melatonin Rules

Most of us live in houses where the heating can be on the warm side in winter. Unfortunately, making the house warmer can inhibit our brain's production of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin helps us fall asleep, and in addition to being produced when the temperature is cooler, it's also produced when the light diminishes, as in a natural setting. A cool, dark, quiet setting — one not jazzed up by TV light or noise from your phone — is more natural and apt to be more conducive to good sleep because it fosters melatonin production. 

Ideal Sleep Temperature

Setting the thermostat at a cooler temperature can promote good sleep. A temperature of around 65 degrees is ideal. Actually, the best temperature for sleeping could be anywhere from 60 to 72 degrees. If that seems a bit chilly, you can always add a blanket. In the winter, keeping the thermostat at this cooler temperature will also help you save money on the utility bill.

In summertime, however, it may be a little more costly to keep the interior of your home at 72 degrees or lower. That's when it's important to keep the window shades, blinds, or drapes closed in the daytime to cut down on solar radiation. Keeping the sun from shining into the home can go a long way toward cutting back on your utility bill in the summer. A window unit might also help. 

Sleeping in a colder room, where your brain is producing more melatonin, has actual health benefits. When your sleep temperature is lower, you'll be less restless and more likely to sleep without waking. Sleeping in a warm (and humid) environment can contribute to a decrease in slow-wave sleep and REM sleep, both of which we need for better health.

For more on sleep temperature, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

The Advantages of Having a Wi-Fi Thermostat in Your Home

Just like other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, the Wi-Fi thermostat has revolutionized temperature customization and convenience. You can control this programmable thermostat using your computer or smartphone via the internet. Keep reading to learn more about the top benefits of installing a Wi-Fi thermostat in your Broken Arrow home.

Control the Thermostat Remotely

A smart thermostat lets you control your home's temperature remotely. You can adjust your home's heating and cooling schedule to make your HVAC system run less strongly when you're at work or on vacation or when nobody's home. This remote control also allows you to return your home to your preferred temperature just before you come back.

Monitor HVAC Energy Usage and Maintenance

Wi-Fi thermostats collect data that helps users learn about their energy usage. From this data, you can determine the measures you should take to reduce heating and cooling costs further. A Wi-Fi thermostat can also analyze your operating data to establish when to send service reminders, such as when to inspect and replace your air filters.

Receive Alerts

A Wi-Fi thermostat sends alerts when your house is too cold, too hot, or when the HVAC system is malfunctioning. These alerts can come in handy if you own multiple homes, as they allow you to monitor the homes from a distance.

Learns Your Schedule

Many smart thermostats come with movement sensors that can tell when you're at home and active — they can even determine the rooms where you spend the most time. These thermostats can learn your schedule and habits over time and then create a heating and cooling schedule based on that information. As a result, you won't even need to program these devices yourself.

Significant Savings

According to reports from the EPA's federal Energy Star program and several HVAC manufacturers, smart thermostats can save you as much as 15% on heating and AC costs.

A Wi-Fi thermostat can simplify your life, improve energy efficiency, extend your HVAC system's life span, and save money. However, it's important to have the thermostat installed by an HVAC professional to make sure it is connected properly and that it functions as expected. For more information on these thermostats, contact Air Assurance. We've provided system installations and repairs to Broken Arrow-area homeowners for over 35 years.

What Is Thermostat Recovery Mode and How Does It Work?

Should you notice that your HVAC system is in "thermostat recovery mode," don’t jump to conclusions. Though you’d think the engineers who design these units could have come up with a better way of saying it, the recovery-mode message that appears on a "smart" programmable thermostat is most often simply an informational update. It’s neither a warning nor an emergency to worry about. So remain calm and keep reading to learn about some of the things your thermostat is telling you.

Here are the most common scenarios in which the “recovery mode” message would appear:

• Maybe you programmed the thermostat for the HVAC system to provide a specific temperature setting by a specific time, such as the time you return home from work.  An hour or two before that programmed time, the “recovery mode” notice will appear on the thermostat as the system begins to gradually cool (or heat) the home so the specified temperature will be achieved by the time you arrive home.

• Similarly, if you go to sleep and want the house warmed to a comfortable level when you get up in the morning, the programmable thermostat will also go into recovery mode at the proper advance time and activate the furnace.   

When Something's Wrong

Interruptions to your home's power supply could also initiate the thermostat recovery mode and, in that case, the message will be displayed. This would include events that shut down the thermostat, such as a power outage on the utility grid or a power surge. This could cause various settings in the thermostat to be lost. When the unit gets power again, it will display the thermostat recovery message.

Also, if a malfunction has occurred in the AC or furnace and the unit is not able to achieve the programmed temperature settings, the recovery message will appear. It will continue to remain on the screen past the time when that temperature should have been achieved.

For more about the thermostat recovery mode and what the message means, ask the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Go About Moving a Thermostat

Do Not Display

Are you considering moving your thermostat? It could be a blessing or a curse depending on how you go about it. Here's a quick guide to moving a thermostat to help you avoid making costly mistakes.

Why Consider Moving a Thermostat?

You may want to move a thermostat because its functional design detracts from the room's beauty. You could also move the thermostat because of heating and cooling problems resulting from the device's current location. Poor locations for thermostats that could cause problems like uneven heating and cooling, a short-cycling HVAC system, and high utility bills include:

• Near windows or doors

• In direct sunlight

• On exterior walls

• Kitchen

• Rarely used rooms

• Above your air vents or HVAC system

How to Move the Thermostat

When moving a thermostat, remember it should be centrally located on an interior wall of a frequently used room. Replacing your old thermostat or moving the current one to an adjacent wall can be a DIY project because it doesn't require rewiring the thermostat. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Shut off the power to the HVAC system.

2. Take out the interface from the thermostat's back panel.

3. Disconnect the cables slowly.

4. Take out the back panel.

If you're replacing the thermostat:

• Install the new panel.

• Reconnect the cables to the new thermostat interface, ensuring you connect the wires to the right ports.

If you're moving the thermostat to an adjacent surface:

• Drill a hole in that adjacent wall before installing the new back panel.

• Pull the wires with a wire-fishing tool through the new hole.

• Connect the thermostat interface.

If you're moving your thermostat to a new room that's far from the current location and cables, you would need some advanced wiring knowledge to install the thermostat yourself. You're also likely to find installing a wireless thermostat challenging because you'll have to install a sensor correctly on your HVAC unit. It's best to leave such tasks to an HVAC professional.

Correct thermostat placement will help you achieve optimum home comfort and efficiency. If you need help moving a thermostat in the Broken Arrow area, contact the HVAC experts at Air Assurance.

What Are the Benefits of Smartphone-Controlled HVAC Systems?

Been thinking about getting a smartphone-controlled HVAC system? Perhaps you're weighing the benefits before you commit. After all, the technology can seem somewhat expensive when you know the HVAC system will work OK without it.

Nevertheless there are some well-known benefits of a smartphone HVAC system. Have a look and maybe we can nudge you a little closer to taking the plunge. 

1. The smartphone HVAC is convenient. A smart AC or heating system allows you to change settings and check the status of your HVAC. Usage analytics help you to manage energy consumption more efficiently. You can also keep your home more comfortable through the smartphone. Clouds or sun, stormy or calm, you can adjust the temperature as needed through the app.

2. Smart apps are compatible with other technology in the home. A smart HVAC system can communicate with the voice-activated systems you've added in your home, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google Home. This is a great way to streamline home automation so that it's free of hassles.

3. Smart technology helps you run your HVAC system more efficiently. You can set an energy-efficient schedule that helps you cut back on energy use and save money. Set a schedule to run the AC or heating a few degrees warmer or cooler in summer or winter, whenever the household occupants are away or sleeping. Turn on more cooling or heating when the family is up and moving around.

Best Smart Thermostats

There are lots of smartphone HVAC systems out there, but here are some smart thermostats you might want to consider:

1. Ecobee. Eco-Bee 4, the fourth-generation model of smart thermostat, is much improved in features and functionality over the original model.

2.     Nexia. Nexia has been around since 2008. It is an all-in-one solution for a smart home and controls garage door, lighting, security, HVAC, appliances, and more.

3.     Nest. Nest comes in two options that connect to the Nest app, either of which allows you to control indoor temperature from near or far.

For more on smartphone HVAC, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow. 

What Are the Pros and Cons of a High Voltage Smart Thermostat?

High voltage smart thermostats can regulate high voltage heating systems and connect to Wi-Fi networks and compatible mobile apps. High voltage thermostats, also known as line thermostats, are typically used with baseboard heaters, forced fan heaters and convectors, and radiant ceiling heaters. Here's more on what these devices have to offer.

How High Voltage Thermostats Work

High voltage thermostats convert your home's incoming current (240v or 120v) into usable heat. Under the hood, they're normally bigger in size than thermostats with low voltage. That's because they have a heat sink due to the active current that passes through them. The current keeps the electronics powered without needing a battery.

On the other hand, thermostats with low voltage run via power stealing. This process allows the thermostats to operate on small batteries and sap little amounts of power from your main line to recharge.

The drawback of high voltage systems is that you'll need at least one high voltage smart thermostat for every room or every heater.

How to Know If Your System Uses a Low Voltage or High Voltage Thermostat

You can know if your heating system uses a high or low voltage thermostat by looking at the wires. With a low voltage thermostat, you'll see a setup with many small and thin multicolored wires leading up to a board. For high voltage thermostats, you'll see between two to four thick wires separated into black and white or black and red groups. For help with identifying these setups, you can talk to an HVAC specialist.

If you use a high voltage heating system, a high voltage smart thermostat will give you many benefits besides being compatible with your system. Its features offer convenience and energy savings. For more information on high voltage smart thermostats, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Air Assurance. Since 1985, we've proudly served the home-comfort needs of residents in the Broken Arrow area.

Programmable Thermostat Installation Doesn't Have to Be Hard

With a programmable thermostat, you can set your home's temperature higher or lower (depending on the season) when nobody's around to save money on energy bills. But as easy as it may look, programmable thermostat installation is a process you shouldn't take lightly. Even the smallest error can affect your entire HVAC system and cause costly damage. Let's take a look at what installation entails and why DIY installation isn't a good idea.

Programmable Thermostat Installation Requirements

To install a programmable thermostat correctly, you'll need basic electrical knowledge and a good understanding of your HVAC equipment.

Some types of programmable thermostats are incompatible with some HVAC equipment. For example, the common smart thermostats are not compatible with line voltage HVAC systems. What's more, even if a programmable thermostat is compatible with your equipment, you'll need to ensure that you have enough wires for proper installation.

If you lack expertise in wiring when setting up newer programmable thermostats, you risk electrocuting yourself. You could also send excessive current through the device and damage it. Other consequences of incorrect programmable thermostat installation include:

• Blowing your circuit breaker

• Poor thermostat location, leading to HVAC inefficiency

• Damage to the electrical system or HVAC system

Warranty

Manufacturers usually protect themselves from user negligence. Therefore, installing the thermostat yourself and causing damage in the process is likely to result in the loss of warranty coverage. Some manufacturers even void the warranty if a professional doesn't install the device. Consequently, you'll pay for damages out of pocket if the thermostat malfunctions unexpectedly.

Installing a thermostat incorrectly could lead to damage worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. To avoid damage and injury, you should hire an HVAC professional. If you need programmable thermostat installation or repair services in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance. We've helped our satisfied residential and commercial clients efficiently meet their comfort needs since 1985.

Where Should You Place Your Thermostat in Your Home?

Thermostat placement can make a world of difference to your comfort and HVAC efficiency. Placing it in a bad location will make your HVAC system run unnecessarily or inadequately at times, decreasing your comfort and driving up your energy bills. Let's help you out by telling you about the best options for thermostat placement.

Interior Wall

The best location for a thermostat is on an interior wall. The problem with exterior walls is that their radiant temperature will be lower in the winter and higher in the summer than your home's air temperature. As a result, your HVAC system may run unnecessarily and increase your bills.

The interior wall that you place your thermostat on shouldn't have pipes or ductwork running through it. The water or air running through the plumbing pipes and supply ducts can cool or heat the wall around them. If the thermostat is on such a wall, it won't read the temperature of the air in the room accurately.

Central Location

You should place your thermostat in one of the central-most rooms in your home. This should be a part of the home that's used frequently. That allows the thermostat to read centrally circulating air and give the best average home temperatures.

Don't tuck the thermostat away in a hallway or other less-used areas. Also, avoid thermostat placement in areas that are naturally warmer, like bathrooms, kitchens, and spots that get direct sunlight.

Height of 52 to 60 Inches

Heat rises, so you may be getting a temperature reading that's too low if you place the thermostat lower than 52 inches above the floor. Similarly, the reading could be too high if you put the device higher than 60 inches above the floor. Ideally, you should position your thermostat at a height off the floor that's between 52 and 60 inches.

By following these guidelines for thermostat placement, you'll make your HVAC system perform more efficiently, and your family will stay more comfortable throughout the year. For all your home-comfort and energy-efficiency needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact the heating and cooling experts at Air Assurance.

How to Be the Manager of Your Office Thermostat

Figuring out the right temperature setting for an office can be difficult. Too much heat or too much cold can affect productivity and cause other problems. If you’re in charge of the office thermostat, keep the following tips in mind to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone.

Recommended Thermostat Settings

How hot or cold should your office be? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends setting thermostats somewhere between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The setting yours should be set at depends in part on what time of year it is and other factors, such as the overall personal comfort levels of your co-workers. For example, employees might want the thermostat to be turned up a bit higher in winter, when it’s freezing outside. When it’s hot out, they might welcome a cooler indoor setting. Keep in mind that workers can always wear an extra layer to stay warm if you decide to set your thermostat lower.

Different Areas of Your Building

Certain areas of your office building might need different thermostat settings. Areas where technological equipment is stored or kept, for example, should be kept cooler. Other areas might not get much heat from the sun, resulting in a greater need to keep the temperature higher.

HVAC Solutions

There are ways to keep your office environment comfortable while avoiding arguments over the thermostat setting. HVAC professionals can provide you with solutions to ensure that your building is heated or cooled as needed. Zoning is one such solution, since it makes it possible to prevent hot and cold spots. You’ll also save money on energy costs for your commercial building. Having HVAC maintenance and inspections done can also help ensure that you’re able to heat and cool your office comfortably and efficiently throughout the year.

If you need help with your commercial HVAC system or if you need a new office thermostat, please contactAir Assurance. Our team offers high-quality heating and cooling services for commercial and residential customers in Broken Arrow.

Rating Smart Thermostat Technology

Smart thermostat technology is almost a decade old. In that time, it has advanced in leaps and bounds. Today, multiple brands with various functionality features enhance HVAC automation, efficiency, and maintenance. Rating smart thermostats, like any technology, must take into account the specific application of the unit as well as the requirements and budget of the buyer. With that caveat in mind, here are three examples of smart thermostat technology in various categories.

Ecobee 4

For all-around functionality combined with affordable pricing, Ecobee's smart thermostat technology rates high. The unit includes terminals to connect and control up to 12 HVAC-related devices, including air conditioner and furnace, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, ventilation units, and other air-quality accessories. It also integrates motion detectors as well as temperature and humidity sensors to supply data that informs accurate control of your indoor environment. All programmed temperature settings are easy to override to adapt to changing conditions.

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest introduced smart thermostat technology to the home market. The company sustains its prominence with the third-generation Nest model. Combining data from individual sensors throughout the home with algorithms that learn your occupancy patterns and household heating and cooling preferences, the unit computes and executes ideal temperature adjustments. All data is also displayed on the mobile app, and users can manually override programmed temperatures at any time. A variety of updated information such as HVAC energy-consumption history can be accessed. Nest also derives your GPS location from your smartphone to activate geofencing functions and provides emergency alerts if indoor temperature extremes are detected.

Honeywell Home T9

The T9 rates high among choices for temperature monitoring and control in multiple rooms. In addition to most standard smart thermostat technology, the T9 integrates up to 20 long-range wireless room sensors that detect occupancy and report temperatures. This data allows the T9 to make intelligent temperature adjustments to keep cooling and heating uniform throughout all rooms in the house. Alexa home voice commands are also supported, as are geofencing functions.

For more examples of today's smart thermostat technology, contact the HVAC professionals at Air Assurance.

The Key Differences Between Wireless and "Smart" Thermostats

Are you a bit foggy on the difference between wireless vs. smart thermostats? Join the club. It's not uncommon that homeowners experience a little confusion when it comes to describing what makes a smart thermostat smart when compared with a mere wireless model. That's because a smart thermostat is indeed a wireless (aka Wi-Fi) thermostat, while a wireless or Wi-Fi thermostat isn't necessarily a smart one. Read on to learn which type — wireless vs. smart — might work best for you.

Wireless vs. Smart: The Difference

Why would you want to upgrade from your old analog or programmable thermostat? Mainly because of the convenience that wireless technology offers. You can change the temperature in your house from anywhere. Just access your home's HVAC system through an app on your phone, speaker, or tablet, and voila! Adjust the temperature.

Want to set a program from afar, to cut back on heating while the sun's shining? You can do so with wireless from near or far. And, they are a lot easier to program than the programmable models.

What Makes a Thermostat Smart?

What else should you know about wireless vs. smart thermostats? Smart thermostats can be set just as described above, but they also have the ability to learn your habits and adjust the temperature themselves. For instance, a learning system will note that you leave the house and arrive home at a certain time every day and adjust the temperature as needed, warming up or cooling down the home in anticipation of your arrival. 

Smart thermostats are incorporated into the home's automation system. They send a signal through the Wi-Fi system to the thermostat, and that signal is then sent to the blower and the HVAC.

Some of the smart features you can opt for:

• Geofencing, which detects when you're getting close to home and adjusts the temperature to a comfortable setting.

• Detect and diagnose HVAC problems.

• Remind the homeowner when it's time for maintenance.

• Analyze energy use.

For more on wireless vs. smart thermostats, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.

How Long Should You Set Your Heating and Cooling Cycles to Last?

Setting HVAC cycles accurately helps ensure that your A/C or furnace provides maximum efficiency, lowest costs and optimum cooling or heating performance. "Cycling" simply refers to how many times the unit turns on and off every hour. The duration of on and off cycles is an important metric to evaluate how efficiently an HVAC system is operating. Here are some reasons why:

• Consequences of cycles that are either too short or overly long include excessive wear and tear on critical components such as the air compressor or furnace heat exchanger.

• Poor performance is another common result: The indoor environment and overall comfort may be impacted by a variety of symptoms, including erratic temperature swings, excess indoor humidity, and overly hot or cold rooms.

• Noisy system operation as the unit cycles on and off frequently — or, conversely, runs almost constantly — is also annoying.

• Excess energy consumption and higher operating costs are another factor.

Generally speaking, a central A/C or furnace should cycle on for about 15 to 20 minutes before cycling off again. In other words, about three to four cycles per hour. Both short-cycling and overly long cycles can be indications that something is amiss. Here are some examples of potential issues related to setting HVAC cycles:

• Short-cycling may indicate that the BTU capacity of the air conditioner or furnace is too large for the size of your home. The unit produces too much cooling or heating when it cycles on. Therefore, it shuts off too rapidly. This can degrade indoor comfort and also put excessive wear and tear on critical system components, leading to premature failure.

• Long cycles can result from problems such as insufficient airflow—most commonly caused by a clogged air filter or ductwork issues such as excessive leakage. Also, if the unit is undersized, i.e., the BTU capacity of the furnace or air conditioner is too small for the size of the house, it may run almost nonstop to achieve the thermostat setting. Another common cause of long-cycling specific to air conditioners is a refrigerant leak.

For qualified professional service to diagnose issues relating to setting HVAC cycles, contact Air Assurance.

Thermostat Reading the Wrong Temperature?

Does your home feel blazingly hot but your thermostat reads only 74 degrees? Sometimes, your thermostat can say one thing yet the temperature in your house is entirely different. However, before you call an HVAC technician to complain about a broken air conditioning unit, check if the cause of the problem is something you can easily solve.

Here are some of the common causes of a thermostat reading wrong temperature.

Dirty Air Filter

Your air filter can clog up fast if you have shedding pets or a cold air return in a high-traffic room. A clogged filter will hamper your A/C unit's cooling ability. It can also affect whether or not the unit turns on without involving your thermostat. Replace your air filters regularly.

Dirty Thermostat

Dirt is also problematic for thermostats. A dirty thermostat will have a difficult time reading the correct temperature inside your home. To clean it, remove the cover and gently dust the inside parts using a soft brush.

Wrong Settings

Have you set the temperature without checking whether your thermostat is set to cool or heat? With incorrect settings in place, your A/C system won't turn on and function as expected. Verify that your thermostat settings are suitable for the season.

Dying Batteries

A thermostat does its job quietly, so it's easy for you to set it and forget that its batteries may be dead or dying. Change the batteries and check if normal operation is restored.

Bad Location

Your thermostat will read the wrong temperature if it isn't located in your home's most optimal place. If it's located near drafts or heat sources, or it's in an area that isn't centrally located, you may need to have it moved.

If you can't fix your thermostat problems, contact an HVAC professional soonest possible. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to inefficient A/C operation and high energy bills.

If you're in the Broken Arrow area and need help with a thermostat reading wrong temperature, contact us at Air Assurance. With over 30 years of experience, you can be sure that we'll solve all your HVAC issues.

Common Smart Thermostat Issues

A smart thermostat comes with a variety of useful features that increase the comfort of your Broken Arrow home and help lower heating and cooling costs. However, even though it contains the latest technology, you may experience some problems when using it.

Here are a few smart thermostat issues that you may encounter.

Software Glitch

A number of homeowners have had their smart thermostats go offline unexpectedly due to a server outage or software bug on the part of the manufacturer. Consequently, they're not able to set the temperature remotely as advertised.

If you're planning to be away from home for a significant period, you may want to have an HVAC technician wire in a failsafe thermostat. That will prevent a failed smart thermostat from wreaking havoc on your property while you're not around.

Malfunctioning HVAC System

Older HVAC systems don't provide a common ('C') wire for thermostats. The C wire is a 24-volt supply that's dedicated to charging your smart thermostat. Power stealing smart thermostats can work with the older HVAC models without needing a C wire. They do so by "stealing" power from your system's existing circuits.

Your HVAC circuits aren't designed to power anything. Therefore, your smart thermostat can cause your HVAC system to malfunction as it steals power. To solve the problem, let a technician add a C wire for you.

Dead Batteries

If your smart thermostat is unable to steal enough power, its battery can go dead. You can solve the problem by using the more reliable C wire.

A failed update could also cause your thermostat's battery to behave erratically. If restarting the device manually doesn't help, you may need to contact a pro to check if you have a wiring problem.

Whether smart or normal, any thermostat can fail and cause damage to your HVAC system and property. Whenever you encounter smart thermostat issues that you can't fix yourself, contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible.

If you're in the Broken Arrow area, solve any of your heating and cooling problems now by contacting the HVAC pros at Air Assurance.

Preparing Your Thermostat for Cooling Season

With cooling season on the horizon, it's time to prepare your home and thermostat so they're optimized for comfort and energy efficiency. Here's how you can get ready for the coming change in weather and temperature.

Invest in New Thermostat Technology

If you rely on a basic digital control to regulate your home's HVAC system, you'll appreciate the convenience that a programmable thermostat provides. The Department of Energy (DOE) also advises that going programmable can save you up to 10 percent on your yearly HVAC energy consumption. When choosing a new thermostat, look for one that works with your type of HVAC equipment and also meshes with your usual weekly routine.

Prime Your HVAC for Summer Energy Savings

To reap the greatest savings, the DOE recommends programming your thermostat with different temperature adjustments for specific periods each day: lower when you're home and active, and higher when everyone is sleeping or away. These daily temperature adjustments can add up to sizable savings over time, because a one-degree change for eight hours brings a one-percent drop in annual energy consumption. You should also:

• Set the temperature at 78°F when you're at home and active.

• Increase it to 85°F at night and when the house isn't occupied.

• Don't be afraid to experiment to see if you can save more energy with a higher temperature. Do so incrementally, one or two degrees at a time, to avoid causing discomfort or overtaxing your cooling equipment.

• Never use the override function to make a big temperature adjustment in order to cool down the house faster. The cooling process won't speed up, but you can accidentally cool your home too much and end up wasting energy.

• Run your ceiling fans in tandem with your air conditioner to boost the cooling effect, but only in occupied rooms. With the blades moving counter-clockwise, the fan's air movement cools the skin, which lets you raise the temperature setting by up to four degrees.

For expert help getting your Broken Arrow home ready for the cooling season, contact us at Air Assurance.

Ideal Indoor Heating for Homes with Pets

Most of us set the thermostat to suit ourselves, without much thought about what's good for those furry creatures we share our homes with. But over the years you've had indoor pets, you may have noticed that some animals are more sensitive than others to temperature.Here are some things to think about this winter when it comes to indoor heating and your pets.

No Ideal Thermostat Setting

Although a range of 65-78 degrees is best for most humans, if you have a sensitive animal you may have to make some adjustments.In general, dogs are fine with cooler temperatures than those preferred by cats. Some cat breeds, such as Siamese and those with thin or no hair, are extremely sensitive to chills. Some dogs, too, such as small breeds with thin coats, may shiver at the lower end of that range. Be sure to provide such pets with blankets and/or space heaters to help them stay warm if you keep your home on the cooler side.Larger breeds of dogs and cats, as well as pets with more body fat, also tolerate cooler temperatures better than smaller animals.Very young pets, elderly pets and pets with special medical conditions, such as infections and joint issues, may do better with warmer temperatures.Also, be sensitive to the fact that air conditioning and heating can dry out the interior of the home. While drier air may be good for some pets, do monitor the condition of your pet's coat for excessive drying and flaking. You might need to adjust for a little more humidity if this happens, or else add some supplements to the pet's diet for its skin.

Home Alone

If you must leave your pets alone for extended periods, make arrangements to have someone drop in daily to ensure the HVAC system is working fine and the pets are not in any distress. It's a good idea to schedule maintenance on the system before you leave home.

For more on indoor heating and your pets, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

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

How Do Galileo Thermometers Work?

At the touch of a button, your phone gives you the temperature, 5-day forecast, and more. Your smart thermostat tells you the temperature inside and outside, and lets you adjust accordingly. But it wasn't always this way. Centuries ago, people told the temperature using Galileo thermometers. And recently, they've made a comeback.

History of Galileo Thermometers

The Galileo thermometer was actually not designed by Galileo, but rather by a student of his, with a group of engineers. They first described the device in an academic paper in 1666. Called the Fifth Thermometer, or slow thermometer, the principle was that a liquid's density would change as the temperature grew colder or warmer, which could be used to determine exact temperature.As other, more efficient thermometers were developed, over time the slow thermometer fell by the wayside. Until the 1990s, when London's Natural History Museum started selling them in the gift shop. They've been increasing in popularity ever since.

How They Work

A cylindrical tube is filled with clear liquid, such as water or alcohol. In it is placed a series of glass balls of different weights, also filled with liquid, dyed different colors. Each colored ball represents a different temperature and has a tag attached to indicate it. The heavier the ball, the lower the temperature.Say the temperature is 80 degrees. All the balls tagged higher than 80 degrees are less dense than the surrounding liquid at this temperature, and will float to the top of the tube, with the 80 degree ball floating just beneath them. All others are at the bottom.Then the temperature drops to 75 degrees. The liquid being denser now, the 80 degree ball can float all the way to the top, and the heavier 75 degree ball takes its place, floating just below the others.It's not quite as precise as your thermostat's readings, but it's still perfectly accurate, and a colorful, and useful knickknack to have around the house.

To learn more about Galileo thermometers and other HVAC issues, contact us at Air Assurance. We proudly serve Broken Arrow's heating and cooling needs.

How to Adjust Your Thermostat for the End of Daylight Saving Time

With Daylight Saving Time over, you'll need to set back all your clocks by an hour. For peace of mind that your HVAC can provide optimal comfort and energy savings throughout the winter, you can use the fall time change as a reminder to adjust your thermostat in the following ways:

Check That the Thermostat Clock Changes

If you own a programmable thermostat, it probably makes automatic clock adjustments twice a year, at the beginning and end of the daylight saving time period. To ensure that your programming stays on schedule, it's good to verify that this time change was made so you can adjust it manually if necessary.

Switch to Heating Mode

If your HVAC is still in cooling mode, now's the time to make the change over to heating so your home stays comfortably warm and cozy.

Recheck Your Programming Schedule

When you've made the switch to heating, you should look at your programming schedule and make any necessary adjustments to maximize your comfort and energy savings. You should set a personalized schedule to match your family's usual routine, but you can also follow these basic setting tips:

• Make overnight temperature setbacks. At night when the family is sleeping, schedule 10--15-degree temperature setbacks.

• Set weekday temperature adjustments. If the house isn't occupied on weekdays when everyone off to school or work, program setbacks of up to 10 degrees.

• Prime your setback periods for savings. To reap the greatest energy savings, aim for eight-hour setback periods each day.

• Allow ample time for warming up the house. When you're programming your setbacks, don't forget to factor in warm up periods so the house reaches your target temperature when you normally get up and arrive home.

Replace Your Thermostat Batteries

When you're at the thermostat making necessary adjustments for daylight saving time, take a few extra moments to put in fresh batteries so you know the device will stay working reliably all through the winter.

For more advice about adjusting your Broken Arrow home's thermostat for the end of daylight saving time, 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Thermostat Best Practices for Fall

The fall season is finally here and you know what that means - time to reevaluate your home's heating and cooling needs! Since many of these needs are tied to your home's thermostat, let's take a look at a few thermostat best practices that you should immediately put on your to-do list.

Upgrade to a More Advanced Unit

If your home still has a manual thermostat, it's definitely time to upgrade to a programmable model. This will allow you to set the dates and times when your heating or cooling system kicks on, which will allow you to have greater control over energy costs.

Pick a Schedule and Stick to It

Once you've set the days and times for your HVAC system to run, make sure that you stay with this schedule whenever possible. Making changes on a regular basis will cause your energy usage and costs to fluctuate.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Technician

The fall season is a great time to get your HVAC system checked out by a qualified technician, and while he or she is there, why not have your thermostat checked as well? After all, without a fully functional thermostat, you''ll have difficulties with the heating and cooling of your home.

Install a Zoned System

Traditional heating and cooling setups are forced to condition your entire home and eat up valuable energy resources, but this problem can be solved easily with the installation of a zoned system. This system uses multiple thermostats - one for each designated "zone" in your home - to give you better control over your home's comfort needs.

Replace the Batteries

Modern thermostats will tell you when the batteries need to be replaced by either emitting a beeping sound or flashing a small light. Simply open the battery compartment, remove the old batteries, and put in the new ones. It couldn't be easier.

If you need more advice on thermostat best practices or any other home comfort concerns, please contact the friendly professionals at Air Assurance. We've been serving the HVAC needs of Broken Arrow and the surrounding area for over 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). For more information about other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.

Manual vs Programmable vs Smart: Which Thermostat Option is Right for Your Home?

The thermostat is a vital part of your home comfort system. It's tasked with keeping the indoor temperature at your desired level. Thermostat technology has advanced by leaps and bounds. Thermostats now range from manual to programmable to smart. Each type has its own set of advantages. Let's delve deeper into these thermostat options to help you establish the best choice for your needs.

Manual Thermostats

More often than not, these simple devices are found in older homes. They usually have a manual dial that you have to rotate to adjust the desired temperature. Digital manual thermostats have up and down arrows instead of dials.

Programmable Thermostats

These thermostats adjust your home's temperature automatically. For example, in the winter, you can program them to cool your home down a little while you're at work to avoid wasting energy on an empty house and start heating it up before you return. The predetermined schedule you can give these devices to operate by varies from one model to another. Some only allow you to create one schedule whereas others can allow two or more different schedules.

Smart Thermostats

These offer all the benefits of programmable thermostats. Additionally, you can control them with your smartphone, allow them to learn your routines and adapt to them, and even use them to monitor your energy usage.

What's The Best Option For You?

Manual thermostats can be inconvenient and imprecise. Also, they don't offer any energy savings. If you still own one, you should upgrade to a programmable or smart model. If cost is a significant consideration or you just want something to help you program your HVAC system while you're away, you can go for a programmable thermostat. But if you're tech savvy and want maximum control and convenience, a smart thermostat is your best bet.Upgrading your thermostat will help you maximize the efficiency of your heating and cooling system and lower your energy bills. If you need installation, repair, or replacement of any of the above thermostat options in the Broken Arrow area, contact the professionals 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 other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.