Neglect is the #1 reason why air conditioning systems breakdown during the summer months. Call on the professionals at Air Assurance to provide a hands on approach to making sure you air conditioning system is ready to go this summer.
air conditioning
AC Dangers: What You Should Never Do
Your HVAC is a sturdy piece of machinery, and is designed to withstand a lot of heavy use over the years. But it also should be handled with care, as certain practices will result in damage and expensive breakdowns. Some malfunctions that can occur with your HVAC can also lead to damage to your home, or danger to its occupants. Read on and learn about A/C dangers.
1. Neglect changing the air filter.
A dirty air filter will slow down air flow so that your system cannot cool properly. You will use more energy, and you may eventually cause a breakdown. Further, a dirty filter will not effectively filter the air going into your system, so that parts may become dirty (thus, burning hotter and causing friction), and also so that air won't be properly cleaned.
2. Turn the thermostat down so the A/C runs continuously.
This practice will put a lot of stress on your system, so that parts break down and you will need to do more frequent repairs.
3. Close off dampers in rooms.
Some homeowners think this practice saves money on energy by not air conditioning rooms, when in fact it creates negative pressure and makes the air conditioner run inefficiently. It can also stress the equipment so that you have more frequent breakdowns.
4. Open windows while the A/C is running.
Central air conditioners are designed to run with all windows and doors closed, and the home should be air sealed for maximum efficiency. Otherwise, you'll be wasting energy and causing the A/C to work harder than it should.
5. Neglect frayed electric wiring.
Always have your HVAC tech check the wiring during preventative maintenance visits. If frayed or old, it should be replaced, as bad wires can result in fires.
6. Neglect a plugged condensate drain.
When these drains get clogged (and they always do eventually), flooding in the home can result.
For more on A/C dangers, or to schedule maintenance, repairs or equipment installations, contact Air Assurance of Broken Arrow.
Should Your Shed Have Climate Control?
How HVAC Has Changed Our Lives: HVAC Benefits
HVAC for Luxury Living
HVAC systems for luxury homes are important for more than just maximizing comfort. They're crucial for proper maintenance of furnishings, finishes, artwork, and everything else in the houses. By failing to choose a quality unit, you could end up with devastating consequences for your expensive decor. Let's take a closer look at what HVAC for luxury living entails.
Zoned System
It's not easy to keep everything and everyone in a large home comfortable. Elevated temperatures can dry out and crack your irreplaceable wooden furnishings. The room containing your paintings and art collection may need a temperature of around 70 degrees. And let's not forget you'll need more cooling for your home gym and heat for an elderly family member or baby in a different room.
Fortunately, you can heat and cool your luxury property simultaneously with a zoned HVAC system.
Humidity Control
Excess moisture makes moldings and woodwork warp. It also leads to mold growth, which can destroy your photographs, paintings, wallpaper, upholstery, rugs, and draperies. Excessively low humidity can cause materials like ivory, paper, papyrus, and wood to dry out, contract, and become more fragile.
Consider whole-home dehumidification in the summer and humidification in the winter.
Smart Home Technology
Having to adjust numerous TVs, audio zones, lights, and climate zones spread across different rooms or buildings on your property every day is a daunting task. That's why smart home technology is a lifesaver.
You need an HVAC system with smart controls to let you adjust the temperature and even track energy usage from your phone or tablet on the go.
Air Purification
Your luxury property needs an upscale living atmosphere. Air purification systems like germicidal lights and whole-home air purifiers remove airborne contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mold spores, which can cause health problems to your family and guests and damage your property.
By installing an advanced HVAC for luxury living, you'll have a truly luxurious experience in your home. If you want to modernize your HVAC system to suit your upscale living needs in the Broken Arrow area, contact us at Air Assurance.
These 5 HVAC Sounds Indicate Problems for Your HVAC
Do you hear strange sounds from your HVAC system? These sounds can be a sign of severe issues. A standard operating unit may make only an occasional click when turning on and off. When you hear some other unusual sounds, however, it may be time to call our professional company to help you out. Here are some noises you never want to hear from your HVAC system.
1. Loud Banging, Rattling, or Thumping Noises
Any loud noise can indicate an issue with the assembly or the motor. If something is loose, you will hear several rattling noises from your system. Heavy banging and clanking sounds are signs that a component has broken loose. If you hear any of these noises, you need to contact our trained technicians for an inspection.
2. Squealing and Screeching
Motor bearing problems or broken belts will make a loud screeching sound. If your belt is loose, you will need to replace it immediately. Once the belt snaps, it can cause the blower to malfunction. Squealing noises occur when parts have lost lubrication. A little oil to the motor and components can help to stop these annoying sounds.
3. Thwapping
What's thwapping? It's similar to the sound of a baseball card in the spokes of a bicycle. This sound indicates that something is stuck in the blower blades. You want to remove this obstruction to prevent any damages to the motor or blades.
4. Repeating Clicking Sounds
When you hear an occasional clicking sound, that sound is normal for the operation of the system. If you hear continuous clicking sounds, that is not a good sign. Clicking sounds might be a sign of a bad compressor or a panel. If that is the case, you will need to replace those parts.
5. Rattling From the Compressor
A fully functioning compressor will not make any rattling sounds. Rattling sounds means that the motor could be failing on your system. If you hear a loud rattling sound, your part might be broken and need replacement. Any noise from the compressor needs to be inspected by a trained technician.
If you hear these sounds from your system, you need to schedule a service call from a professional HVAC company. Our trained technicians will perform a full point inspection of your system. Call [company_name] in Broken Arrow, OK, to schedule a visit today. We also offer plumbing and indoor air quality services.
A Guide to Fixing Cold Spots in Your Home
If you're like most of the households across the country, running your A/C will soon become a daily activity. Some of you are probably going to notice that certain areas are a lot colder then others, so we thought we'd give you a few simple tips on fixing cold spots right away.
Repair Any Damage to Ductwork
Since ductwork is absolutely essential for the proper cooling of your home, any damage that it experiences will affect airflow. Carefully examine all areas of the ductwork for issues like holes and tears, and don't hesitate to call a technician for additional assistance. Repairs to the ductwork will balance everything again, which will cut down on cold spots.
Install a Zoning System
Cold spots are often caused by the fact that certain rooms take a lot less time to cool off than others do, yet a traditional HVAC system will continue to run until the warmer rooms are cooled off. By upgrading to a zoning system, you can use a central control unit and multiple thermostats to focus your cooling needs on specific areas of your home that you designate.
Unblock Your Home’s Vents
When objects like furniture and boxes are placed in front of or on top of your vents, then this impeded airflow will often cause these rooms to be more difficult to cool off while others get too cold. The solution, luckily, is very simple. All you need to do is check each vent and make sure that there are no obstructions.
Seal Windows and Doors
The edges around your doors and windows are notorious for air leaks, which can quickly cause cold spots to develop. Depending on the size of the leak, you can seal these problem areas with either caulking, spray foam, or weatherstripping. But, don't forget to check for other areas in your home that may have leaks as well.
To learn more about fixing cold spots or other home comfort issues, please contact the HVAC professionals at Air Assurance. We’ve been servicing Broken Arrow and beyond for more than 30 years.
Is Air Conditioning Healthy?
Air conditioning affects on health are overwhelmingly positive, particularly when you compare today’s living conditions to the past. While about 87% of American homes are air conditioned now, this wasn’t always the case. Up until the 1960s, residential air conditioning was rare and frequently not included even in newly constructed homes. As A/C has become a way of life, Americans have benefitted from more than just the comforting sensation of coolness on a hot day.
Here are some ways air conditioning affects on health have contributed to our higher standard of wellness.
Reduced heat hazards.
During summer heat waves in the past, uncontrolled indoor temperatures very commonly resulted in a high incidence of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke for individuals residing inside non-air conditioned homes. Extreme heat is especially dangerous for infants, small children and the elderly. The widespread emergence of home air conditioning has greatly reduced these health risks.
Healthy humidity control.
High indoor humidity is the source of potential health issues, including toxic mold growth that causes symptoms in susceptible individuals. Chronic moisture sources including high indoor humidity trigger dormant airborne mold spores into the active growth mode that causes illness in some residents exposed to it. The evaporator coil in your air conditioner continuously extracts water vapor from indoor air as part of the cooling process. This function inhibits indoor mold growth by keeping household humidity in the EPA-recommended range below 65%.
Cleaner indoor air quality.
Indoor airborne particulates—dust, lint, dirt and smoke particles—can be a source of irritation and allergic responses for many persons. As your air conditioner circulates cooling through the household ductwork, the air is also repeatedly cleaned by the system air filter. Particulate levels are kept lower and allergy-related symptoms are reduced. In a typical home air conditioning system, the entire air volume inside the house passes through the air filter multiple times eacg day. Remember to replace the air filter monthly throughout the cooling season to safeguard indoor air quality.
For more about air conditioning affects on health and maintaining optimum indoor comfort, contact the experts 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.
Should You Replace Indoor and Outdoor Air Conditioning Units at the Same Time?
If one of your HVAC units breaks down and can't be repaired, you'll probably think about replacing just that single component. When it comes to replacing air conditioning units, an experienced HVAC professional will advise you to install new indoor and outdoor units at the same time. Here are some of the reasons why it's the wisest choice:
Energy Efficiency
Central split systems have efficiency ratings that factor in their matched components. If you put in one new unit with a higher rating, it can only operate at the efficiency level of your older unit. This means your new component won't reach its full energy-saving potential.
Long-Term Reliability
If you add a brand new unit to an existing system, it's bound to put added strain on the older component. This makes it more likely that this unit will break down or fail during the hottest summer weather. When you have matching new components, you can rest easy that your cooling system will work reliably when you need it the most.
Cost Savings
Upfront savings are the main reason why Broken Arrow homeowners might consider replacing only one air conditioner unit. Upgrading the entire system instead offers more potential for long-term energy savings, and cost savings on necessary repairs. Plus, if you keep one older unit in place, it will likely need replacement in the near future, so you'll still have to pay for a second new unit.
System Enhancements
Installing two units with matching SEER ratings ensures better energy efficiency, but it also gives you the opportunity to integrate system enhancements for more comfort and convenience. Options worth considering include variable-speed technology, ductless HVAC, system zoning, whole-home air purification and smart thermostats.
Warranty Coverage
To meet equipment manufacturer's warranty requirements, split system components have to be installed to certain specifications. This is impossible to do when a new unit is added to your existing system. If you want warranty protection against factory defects, indoor and outdoor units must be installed at the same time.
For more reasons why we recommend replacing air conditioning units together, contact us 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.
Best Heating and Cooling Options for Sunrooms
A sunroom or enclosed patio offers a great place to unwind, but this part of your home can get uncomfortably hot during the summer months. You don’t have to avoid using this area of your home when it’s hot out. Instead, learn more about sunroom HVAC solutions and other ways to keep this area cool.
Choose a Ductless Mini-Split HVAC System
A ductless mini-split HVAC system is one that is designed to be flexible, which makes them ideal for sunrooms and enclosed patios. With this type of HVAC system, you don’t need to have ductwork installed or pay to have your current HVAC system extended into this part of your home. With a ductless mini-split system, you can easily control the temperature in your sunroom, which helps you save on your cooling bills.
Install a Ceiling Fan
If your sunroom doesn’t have a ceiling fan, consider having one installed. Ceiling fans don’t generate cold air for sunrooms, but they do move air around. This movement can help your skin feel cooler when you’re sitting in your sunroom, even on a hot summer day. You can also use portable fans for additional air movement if needed.
Add or Improve Insulation
Having the right amount of insulation in the ceiling of your sunroom helps cut down on the amount of heat that passes through it. Have an HVAC technician check your insulation to determine if you need more added. This should help your sunroom stay at a cooler temperature during summer.
Install Blinds or Shades
If you don’t have any window treatments in your sunroom, this lets more sunlight into this area. Putting blinds or shades on your sunroom windows allows you to control how much sunlight gets into this part of your home. Keeping the blinds or shades closed when the sun is facing those windows can help your sunroom feel cooler.
If you need more information on sunroom HVAC solutions for your home in Broken Arrow, please contact Air Assurance today. We provide dependable service that will help your sunroom stay cool and comfortable.
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.
Second-Story Homes: Fixing Uneven Cooling
In our Oklahoma climate with its hot summer weather, cooling your two-story home evenly can be frustrating and difficult. Dialing back the thermostat's temperature setting frequently to cool your uncomfortably warm second story can make the main floor rooms too chilly, and send your energy bills skyrocketing, too. Warm air's lower density is why it naturally rises, and this is a main reason for uneven cooling in a multi-story home.However, these other issues may be contributing to the problem as well:
Incorrect equipment sizing and advancing age.
Over- or under-sized equipment can short cycle or may not have enough capacity to provide sufficient cooling. If you have older equipment, its efficiency may be in decline.
Unchecked heat gains/losses.
Ductwork leaks, air losses through your home's conditioned envelope and inadequate insulation can make cooling less effective and/or reduce how much conditioned air gets delivered.
Flawed ductwork design.
Insufficient return airflow, inadequately-sized ducts or a lack of supply and return ducts can cause airflow imbalances that result in uneven cooling.
How to Achieve More Consistent Cooling
To enjoy greater comfort on all levels of your home, it's best to have a skilled contractor assess your HVAC system. You may be advised to:
Update your HVAC equipment.
It may be time to invest in a new air conditioner or heat pump if yours has a low SEER rating or is more than 10 years old.
Fix ducting flaws.
Sealing and insulating or replacing a poorly-designed duct system may help even out temperature differences by curbing conditioned air losses and/or improving airflow to the second level.
Seal and insulate.
Air sealing around your home's exterior and attic may preserve more HVAC output, while boosting insulation levels on the attic floor may improve your home's overall efficiency.
Install zoned cooling.
Having duct dampers and individual thermostats installed to create multiple cooling zones can provide more precise temperature control and more consistent comfort on each of your home's levels.
If you're experiencing problems with uneven cooling in your multi-level or two-story Broken Arrow home, contact us at Air Assurance for expert help finding effective solutions.
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.
What is Short Cycling? And How to Avoid It
If your air conditioner’s not delivering optimum performance and/or operating costs seem high, the system could be short cycling. In order for the cooling process to reach 100 percent effectiveness and efficiency, a central air conditioner needs to run for a certain minimum time before it cycles off again.In most cases, you should hear the A/C cycle on and then run for at least 10 minutes before shutting down. In addition to inadequate cooling, short cycling is hard on critical system components, especially the compressor, which may incur excess wear and tear from extended periods of rapid on/off cycling.Here are three scenarios that may result in air conditioner short cycling:
BTU capacity is too large.
A professional HVAC installation always includes a cooling load calculation to determine the cooling requirements of the house and match an A/C unit with the appropriate BTU capacity. If the cooling load was not accurately determined, the air conditioner may have excessive capacity and produce too much cooling too rapidly, resulting in short cycling. An HVAC contractor can perform a cooling load calculation to determine if the air conditioner is oversized.
Airflow is insufficient.
Typically the result of a clogged air filter, failing blower or other malfunction, airflow that falls below specifications may cause the evaporator coil to ice up and obstruct all airflow. From that point, every time the system cycles on it will quickly cycle back off again. Resolving airflow issues and coil ice formation is usually a straightforward procedure for a qualified service technician.
Leaking refrigerant.
Small leaks in the coils or refrigerant lines may cause the refrigerant charge to drop too low. A sensor detects the low charge level and automatically shuts the system down—usually only after a few minutes of operation—to avoid costly damage to the compressor. Using leak detection technology, an HVAC tech can pinpoint the leak, repair it and then restore refrigerant charge to the proper level.
If you suspect short cycling, restore cooling performance and efficiency and prevent damage to critical components by contacting the professionals at Air Assurance for a complete evaluation.
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.
Why Winter is the Best Time for an A/C Replacement
Having a reliable and efficient air conditioner is essential with our long, hot Oklahoma summers. If your A/C is getting on in years, it has needed repeated repairs in the recent past, or you're afraid it might not survive another cooling season, why wait until next spring to replace it? A winter A/C replacement is a wise choice for a number of good reasons:
Flexible Installation Options
After a hectic cooling season when area HVAC contractors are fully booked maintaining, repairing and replacing air conditioners and heat pumps, winter brings a bit of a slow down. Scheduling an A/C replacement during this period can allow you to avoid a long lead time for your installation. It also gives you the flexibility to book the upgrade at a time that's most convenient for you and your family.
Full-Season Energy Savings
Getting your new A/C installed during the winter means you'll have it in place and ready to switch on when the temperature starts rising in the spring. This means you'll get the energy-saving benefit of operating a more efficient cooling system all season long.
Upfront Cost Savings
The winter slow period is when many area HVAC companies offer discounts and deals to customers who book a new equipment installation, and this can help you save money on the upfront cost of your upgrade.
No Rush Decisions
Making your A/C installation a planned event instead of a mid-season emergency next summer allows you ample time to comparison shop. You can check out advanced options and features, like two-stage compressors, smart thermostats and variable-speed air handlers. You can also compare SEER ratings for equipment at different price points and fully weigh lifetime energy savings versus upfront costs.
Avoiding Stress and Inconvenience
Installing a new air conditioner this winter means you won't have to deal with the inconvenience, discomfort and stress of a mid-summer emergency replacement if your old equipment can't make it through the cooling season and fails unexpectedly.
To learn more reasons why planning a winter A/C replacement for your Broken Arrow home is the best choice, contact us 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 air conditioner replacements and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.
Why is My Air Conditioner Tripping the Breaker?
Never ignore an air conditioner that’s tripping the breaker. Something, somewhere is wrong and it’s not an issue that’s likely to fix itself. A circuit breaker usually trips because of excessive current draw from a component on the circuit. Simply resetting the A/C circuit breaker, therefore, is treating the symptom instead of the cause. The result could be very expensive, permanent damage to the air conditioner.
Here are some possible reasons why an A/C is tripping the breaker:
Insufficient airflow. If system airflow is obstructed, the air conditioner may run virtually non-stop. In this scenario the compressor overheats and draws excessive amperage, eventually tripping the breaker. Check the system air filter and if it’s clogged with dirt, replace it. If the breaker trips again, leave it off and call your HVAC contractor.
Coil iced up. If the system refrigerant charge drops below specifications, condensation on the evaporator coil may freeze and form layers of ice inside the coil that eventually obstruct airflow and cause the breaker to trip. Low refrigerant charge is usually due to a leak that must be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified HVAC service technician.
Outdoor issues. If air vents in the outdoor half of a central air conditioner are obstructed by encroaching weeds, or the outdoor condenser coil is coated with dirt, grass clippings or other debris, proper heat dissipation may be affected. This could cause excessive current draw and trip the breaker. Professional coil cleaning and routine maintenance to keep air vents clear is the solution.
Weak start capacitor. The powerful motor in the compressor located in the outside unit requires a burst of electricity from a large capacitor to help start it every time the system cycles on. Over time, the start capacitor weakens and doesn’t provide adequate voltage to turn the motor. This causes the compressor to strain and draw excessive amperage, which trips the circuit breaker. A start capacitor is a component that can be replaced by an HVAC technician.
If your air conditioner’s tripping the breaker, get qualified service now and prevent costly damage. 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 circuit breakers and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.
Things to Consider When Buying a Portable Air Conditioner
If you need flexible cooling for a home addition, an infrequently-used guest room, a getaway cabin or any other space, a portable air conditioner (PAC) may be ideal. To make an informed purchasing decision, weigh these factors:
Cooling Capacity
The cooling capacity for portable air conditioners is measured in British thermal units (BTU) per hour, and a higher rating signifies more output. You'll find the BTU rating on the EnergyGuide label of each PAC, which makes it easy to compare models. Be sure to choose a capacity that corresponds to the square footage of the space you plan to cool.
Placement Limitations
Depending on the capacity of the portable A/C you choose, it will need to be plugged in to either a 115- or 230/280-volt outlet, so check that there's the right type near where you plan to use the unit. Placement of a PAC is also limited by proximity to a window for venting, since the exhaust hose is likely only seven feet long at the most.
Energy Efficiency
You'll find an Efficiency Ratio (EER) rating on the EnergyGuide label of each portable air conditioner, and the higher the rating, the more energy efficient the unit. If you want a unit that offer the greatest energy savings, look at different available models that match your budget and select the one with the highest EER rating.
Condensate Options
Portable air conditioners condense moisture out of the air as they cool, and there are a couple of choices regarding its disposal. Basic, less expensive PACs have a built-in collector pan that must be emptied regularly. There are more costly “self-evaporating” models that send the condensate out through the air exhaust hose, or recycle the liquid to cool the coils.
Noise Level
PACs are self-contained units complete with a compressor, so they're noisier than other types of A/Cs. You can find one that's less loud by comparing the manufacturer's data for decibel (dB) output on models that meet your other criteria.If you're considering purchasing a portable air conditioner and need expert advice, contact your Broken Arrow comfort pros 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 portable air conditioners and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.
Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn't Turning On
Your air conditioner is built to last, but every now and then, a problem may arise. One of the most stressful A/C scenarios you can experience is when the unit just doesn't turn on. So what steps are in order when that happens? Read on and learn how not to panic, but see if you can resolve the issue before you have to call for help.
Why Your A/C Might Not Be Turning On
1. No power. Believe it or not, but oftentimes when HVAC businesses get calls about an A/C not working, it turns out to be simply a matter of the power or the control being off. Before you call, do the following:
Make sure the electricity is on in the house.
Make sure the breaker that controls the A/C has not flipped.
Make sure the unit is turned to "air conditioner" or "cool."
Make sure the unit is turned to auto or on. If it's on auto, turn the thermostat down a few degrees to see if it comes on.
2. Thermostat is set too high. The unit will not turn on if the thermostat is set higher than the ambient temperature. Lower it to see if the A/C comes on.
3. Thermostat isn't working. If your thermostat uses batteries and the digital window is blank, try changing the batteries. If the thermostat is wired, check the wires to make sure none are loose or frayed. It could also be that the thermostat has stopped working and needs to be replaced.
4. Air filter is dirty. Although this is less likely to cause the A/C to stop running altogether, it is possible. A dirty filter slows air flow and can cause the unit to freeze up. It may either stop cooling or stop running if this happens. Whenever you see ice on either the indoor or outdoor components, turn the A/C off and allow it to defrost before you turn it back on.
To learn more about reasons your air conditioner may not turn on, call 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). For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “GDJ/Pixabay”
How to Remember to Change Your Air Filter
Changing your air filter is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain your heating and cooling system. Unfortunately, it’s also the one thing that many homeowners forget to do. Forgetting about this small yet important task can have a negative impact on your HVAC system’s performance and your home’s overall indoor air quality.If you find yourself forgetting to change your air filter time and again, you can use these tips to give yourself a reminder when the time comes:
Put it on your chore list - One of the best ways to remember to change your HVAC air filter is to include it in your list of household chores. The chore list itself should be placed in a highly visible and commonly visited spot in your home. Your refrigerator door makes a perfect spot for a chore list.
Use your phone or computer to set a reminder - you can also use technology to help remind you of those all-important filter changes, along with other HVAC maintenance items. The vast majority of phones, tablets and computers have calendars with built-in alerts and notifications. All you’ll have to do is pick a date when you want to change your HVAC filter, add a brief message and set your audio or visual alert.
Keep spare filters in an obvious spot - Another thing you can do is place a brand-new air filter in a location where you’re bound to see it on a daily basis. This way, you’ll always have a reminder to change your filter. You can even slap a bright sticky note on the filter with the intended date of your next change.
Have someone else remind you - You can even have a friend, roommate, family member or other loved one reminds you of when it’s time to change your HVAC filter.
To learn more about air filters and other HVAC accessories, contact the professionals at Air Assurance, addressing the heating and cooling needs of Broken Arrow residents 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 air filters and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “3402423/Pixabay”
Things to Avoid When Buying a New Air Conditioner
When buying a new air conditioner, you obviously need to focus on buying a dependable model that won't blow your cooling bills sky high. But other considerations are important, too, including a number of things to avoid when buying a new A/C. Save a lot of time and trouble by following these tips:
Don't allow the A/C contractor to talk you into a certain capacity model without considering the unique factors of your home. A professional air conditioning installer should insist on conducting a cooling load calculation on your home. This involves taking into consideration a range of factors including your home's size and layout, amount of window coverage, energy efficiency (level of air sealing and insulation), building materials, orientation to the afternoon sun, and more. Only when they determine your home's cooling load can they recommend the right-sized A/C.
Don't accept an estimate for a new air conditioner over the phone. The contractor should insist on inspecting your home, and learning about your energy habits, past cooling bills, and other factors that may affect what sort of central A/C is right for your home.
Avoid choosing the cheapest A/C available. While the upfront cost may be affordable, you'll likely be plagued with higher monthly bills years into the future, as well as poor performance and more frequent repair bills. The A/C's service life probably will be shorter than it would have been with a better model. In areas with hot summers, it pays to invest in a higher-efficiency A/C that will provide more cooling at a lower price.
Don't forget about available rebates that might be available from the manufacturer, electric utility or HVAC contractor for purchasing a higher-efficiency air conditioner. Some years the federal government offers tax credits for high-efficiency A/Cs.
Likewise, don't neglect to consider purchasing a maintenance contract that will assure annual professional maintenance for your new air conditioner. A well-maintained A/C will deliver better cooling at a lower price for a longer period of time.
For help choosing the right air conditioner for your Broken Arrow area home, please contact us 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 new air conditioner and other HVAC topics, call us at 918-217-8273.
Keep Your Air Conditioner From Freezing
As hot as it gets in Broken Arrow in the summertime, your air conditioner can still freeze. If it's never happened to you before, it's a good idea to know what to do, in case you can fix the problem yourself. Even if you have to call for help, you will know what to do to limit damage until a technician arrives. Knowing a bit about how a frozen air conditioner occurs can also help you prevent this happening so that you're not sweltering on a hot summer day.
It may just sound too simple to be true, but a dirty air filter can actually cause your air conditioner to freeze by blocking air flow. The dirt buildup on the air filter can prevent an adequate amount of air from passing over the evaporator coil, so that the condensation on the coil can freeze.If you can't remember to check and change your air filter regularly, set yourself reminders on your computer or schedule maintenance with your HVAC consultant regularly a couple of times during cooling season to make sure your A/C is running right.
Improper Refrigerant Charge
Another reason for scheduling regular maintenance is to check the refrigerant charge for proper levels. Low levels may mean you have a leak, and a low refrigerant charge can cause your A/C to freeze up.
What to Do When the A/C Freezes
If your A/C isn't cooling properly and you find ice on the evaporator coils, turn the system off. Check the filter and change it, but allow the ice to defrost before you turn it back on. (You can turn on just the fan to speed up the procedure.) As the ice melts, check the drain pan under the evaporator coil to make sure it doesn't over flow.If the system still won't cool, call a licensed HVAC company. Only licensed technicians should handle refrigerant.
To learn more about dealing with a frozen air conditioner, contact Air Assurance. We offer exceptional service and customer satisfaction in 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: “GSPhotography/Shutterstock”