HVAC Efficiency Standards Will Look a Little Different Come 2015

In April 2014, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) implemented changes to HVAC efficiency standards. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2015, and apply to both commercial and residential equipment. Understanding these changes are important to homeowners who may be in need of a new furnace, air conditioner or split system heat pump.  What Is Changing?

• Starting on January 1, 2015, new Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards will go into effect for all newly installed heat pumps and air conditioners. These standards will differ by region. In most areas, including Oklahoma, the 13 SEER standard for air conditioners will increase to 14 SEER.

• All areas of the country will move to new split system heat pump regulations. A new heat pump efficiency standard of 14 SEER and 8.2 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) will be enforced nationally. A HSPF value measures the efficiency of air-source heat pumps and helps homeowners understand the relative efficiency of different models.

• Also in 2015, all new gas furnaces will require an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) value of 80 percent. This value measures the efficiency of the furnace and the ability to condense water out of flue gasses for future use. Homeowners will notice that units with a AFUE value of 90 percent or better are identified as "condensing" products for their ability to efficiently recoup and condense gasses.

If you are in the market for new HVAC components, or if you have any questions about HVAC efficiency standards, contact our team at Air Assurance Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing. We have proudly served the Tulsa metropolitan area for nearly 30 years, and we're ready to help you understand these changing standards.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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HVAC Terms That Are Handy to Know

When speaking with an HVAC professional about your system, you may become confused when they use HVAC terms to describe your system. If you know and understand some of the basic terms that are used in the HVAC industry, you'll be on top of what all the professional terminology means.Here are some of the basic HVAC terms that you'll hear when a heating or air conditioning system is being described.

• HVAC -- (H)eating, (V)entilation and (A)ir (C)onditioning comprises your entire HVAC heating and cooling system.

• BTU -- Describes how much heating capacity your HVAC system has. The higher the BTU rating, the greater its heating ability.

• Ton -- How much cooling capacity your central air conditioning has. Just like a BTU unit, the more tons your air conditioner has, the greater its cooling ability.

• AFUE -- Stands for Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and refers directly to how efficient your furnace is. The higher the AFUE number, the more efficient the system.

• SEER -- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is how the efficiency of air conditioners is classified. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system.

• MERV Rating -- MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It directly relates to how efficient your HVAC system filter is, and the higher the MERV rating, the more efficient it is at trapping dirt, dust, smoke and pollen particles.

• Off-Grid -- Going "off-grid" means you have your own power source, like solar panels or a windmill, and are able to disconnect from your local utility service provider.

• Energy Star -- A product designation from the Environmental Protection Agency that promises an Energy Star product meets or beats EPA energy efficient guidelines.

If you'd like to know more about HVAC terms and what they mean, contact Air Assurance. We'll answer your questions and provide outstanding service for all of your HVAC needs. Serving the Tulsa metropolitan area for more than 50 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).

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Regional Efficiency Standards: A Settlement Has Been Reached

Recently, regional efficiency standards for HVAC equipment have been changed by the industry and the Department of Energy. Let's go over what this means for your household.

In 2006, the standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and heat pumps was raised from 10 to 13. In 2010, equipment manufacturers partnered with efficiency specialists to develop new regional efficiency standards, accounting for different climate conditions throughout the US. In the South and Southwest, SEER requirements were raised to 14, while they remained at 13 in the North.

Equivalent regional efficiency standards and adjustments have also been set for other equipment, such as gas furnaces.

However, the proposed January 2015 adjustments posed a few issues for manufacturers and distributors, so a new agreement has been reached with the DOE. It affects different equipment and regions in different ways.

Before we jump into the new rules, let’s go over a few terms. SEER we’ve already discussed. HSPF is related to heat pump efficiency, and stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. AFUE is for furnaces, and stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.

These new regional efficiency standards apply to all equipment manufactured after January 2015.

• Split system air conditioners: SEER 14 (This number applies specifically to the South, including Oklahoma.)

• Single package air conditioners: SEER 14

• Split system heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.2

• Single package heat pumps: SEER 14, HSPF 8.0

• Small-duct, high-velocity systems: SEER 13, HSPF 7.7

• Space-constrained air conditioners and heat pumps: SEER 12 (Heat pumps must meet an HSPF of 7.4.)

• Gas-fired furnaces: AFUE 80%

While these numbers will become regional efficiency standards as of January 2015, there’s an 18-month grace period for distributors to sell through equipment manufactured before then.

These developments don't mean you’ll be forced to upgrade your equipment. They do mean that if you purchase new equipment made in 2015 or later, it will comply with these standards, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.

Let us know if you have questions. Air Assurance has been serving the Greater Tulsa metro area since 1985, and we’ll be happy to help.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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SEER, EER and COP: Three Terms You Should Know Before You Shop

When Tulsa-area homeowners search for an efficient air conditioner to combat this summer’s heat, they will be confronted with three acronyms: SEER, EER and COP, often given in air conditioning sales literature without explanation. To find the best value for your home, make sure you understand the HVAC terms: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, Energy Efficiency Ratio, and Coefficient of Performance (SEER, EER and COP) before any purchase.

COP

If you are considering a heat pump to cool and warm your Broken Arrow home, the COP will be an important measure. Mechanical devices such as heat pumps should have a COP of at least three, though the range can be two to four. Higher COP means greater efficiency.

EER

Of SEER, EER and COP, EER is the most involved calculation. EER is a ratio of the cooling energy coming from a window air conditioner and the electricity used to operate the air conditioner. A high EER means the room air conditioner will save you more money on your electrical bill than a machine with a low EER.

If a sales person tries to dazzle you about the virtues of a particular unit, just mention that your EER is calculated as British Thermal Units (BTUs) divided by Watt-hours. Your knowledge is your best defense against distracting sales talk.

SEER

With SEER, EER and COP, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the only measure to calculate costs for an entire season. This allows you to estimate electricity costs for your Broken Arrow home when shopping for, and comparing, various central air conditioners.

The higher a central air conditioner’s SEER, the more efficiently the machine will cool your Broken Arrow home. Look for numbers of 13, the current minimum allowed by regulation, or higher. While you can find central air conditioners with SEERs into the 20s, their expense may not support your investment. Take comfort, though—a 13 SEER unit is 30 percent more efficient than a 10 SEER unit.

For help understanding how SEER, EER and COP will affect your central air conditioner purchase for your Tulsa-area home, 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). 

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Think It's Time to Replace the A/C? Know for Sure With These Tips

If you’re not pleased with your air conditioner’s performance, you may be just about ready to throw in the towel. Is it really time to replace the A/C, or could a repair get it back up and running? Know for sure with these tips.

• Consider the age: If your air conditioner is more than a decade old, it could be nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if the equipment hasn’t given you trouble lately, it’s wise to start browsing replacement options so it’s a planned investment, not a rushed emergency installation.

• Assess efficiency: With age comes decreased efficiency. Take a look at your energy bills from past summers. Notice how your electricity usage has gone up? That’s because a well-worn, 10-year-old A/C rated at 10 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, performs closer to an 8 SEER unit. The lowest efficiency models available today are 13 SEER, and the highest efficiency ratings climb into the mid-20s.

• Evaluate repair frequency: There are only so many times you can fix an inefficient, aging air conditioner before you’ve had enough. Each individual repair is less expensive than a replacement, but if you’re having your equipment serviced more than once a year, that money could be going toward an efficient new replacement.

• Understand refrigerant requirements: An air conditioner with a refrigerant leak could signal it’s time to replace the A/C. Older air conditioners run on R-22 refrigerant which is an ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbon. A gradual phase out has replaced R-22 with R-410A refrigerant, or Puron. Because R-22 refrigerant is now incredibly hard to come by, recharging an older system could cost far more than it used to. This could be the excuse you need to upgrade to a Puron-compatible system.

• Analyze home comfort and system performance: Is your home overly humid? Are some rooms difficult to keep cool while others get too cold? Does the A/C operate noisily? A system replacement could resolve these comfort and performance issues.

If these tips make it clear it’s time to replace the A/C, please contact Air Assurance in Broken Arrow to begin the replacement process today.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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HVAC Quotes: Tips For Reviewing Them To Hire Expert HVAC Service

When you’re in need of HVAC service or repair, you may feel pressured to choose a contractor quickly in order to minimize the discomfort suffered by your family. Unfortunately, rushing such a decision can prove costly over the long term, especially if you don’t take the time to compare quotes from competing HVAC contractors. In what seems like a time of desperation, HVAC service quotes can offer some means of control.In order to make a fair comparison of parts and services, you need to have a basic understanding of your heating and cooling components and the terminology used to refer to their parts, functions and efficiency. For example, it pays to know that the SEER, or seasonal energy efficiency ratio, on older air conditioners is relatively low compared to today's high-efficiency models, and that replacing a 10-year-old system will likely prove more cost effective than attempting to repair it.Of course, the first and perhaps most obvious item Broken Arrow homeowners notice when reviewing HVAC service quotes is pricing. Unfortunately, many Oklahoma residents mistakenly use pricing as their sole point of comparison. This can be misleading for several reasons. For instance, pricing doesn’t always give a clear indication of:

• The quality level of different brands

• Energy-efficiency ratings such as SEER or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

• Convenience- and energy-enhancing features such as filter check reminders, thermal expansion valves or R-410A refrigerant

• The long-term implications of manufacturer and contractor warranties

• Eligibility for energy-based credits, incentives and rebates from the manufacturer or at the local, state and federal levels

• What kind of other values does the contractor offer. Anyone can replace boxes, but who takes care of other issues that impact the efficiency and return on investment when installation occurs including duct sizing and sealing

• Most importantly, how is the contractor standing behind your comfort and reliability in the future?

If not clearly indicated, you should also ask for details regarding costs of service versus costs of equipment. Knowing exactly what you are paying for is the best way to make an educated decision. In comparing HVAC service quotes, you have a chance to weed out less-than-reputable companies who might otherwise take advantage of their position as so-called experts.If you’ve spotted discrepancies in your HVAC service quotes, our NATE-certified technicians are here to answer your questions. For more information regarding the service and repair of your HVAC system, contact Air Assurance today!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our current promotions and get started today!     

Need To Replace An Air Conditioner Quickly? Use These Questions To Get A System In Place Fast

The last thing you need in the heat of an Oklahoma summer is a failed air conditioner. Unfortunately, it can happen, and when it does you need to act quickly to preserve the comfort of your family.Whether you’re currently in need of an air-conditioner replacement or simply thinking ahead, answering certain questions now can help alleviate the hassle of the replacement process:

• How does your current system limit your replacement options? While air-conditioner replacement is usually a seamless process, you must be sure that components such as existing ductwork are compatible with your new system.

• Are you financially prepared for an emergency air conditioner replacement? Replacing a failed system can have a major impact on your budget. Hopefully, you’ve planned ahead for just such a situation; if not, we recommend doing so before it’s too late.

• Do you understand efficiency ratings such as SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio)? An indication of cooling capacity versus seasonal energy consumption, understanding SEER can help guide the decision-making process. If you’re unfamiliar with such terminology, research equipment manuals or refer to our Comfort Blog for help.

• How large should your air conditioning system actually be? Remember, oversized air conditioners are known for improper system cycling. This leads to unnecessary energy consumption and affects household comfort. If you’re upgrading to a high-efficiency system, be sure to ask for personalized load calculation to ensure optimal system performance.

Despite the immediate nature of an emergency air-conditioner replacement, it’s important to find a qualified contractor to properly install your system. Questions to ask potential contractors include:

• Are you licensed and insured in the Broken Arrow and Tulsa area?

• How many years have you been in business?

• Can you provide customer references?

• Are your technicians certified by NATE or other nationally recognized organizations?

• Are you Better Business Bureau Accredited? How do you rate in terms of customer satisfaction?

With more than 30 years of service in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow area, we can assure you that our NATE-certified technicians will provide the expertise and quality of service that you expect and deserve. For more information on how to best handle an air-conditioner replacement, contact Air Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning today.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here.Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Take Advantage Of Two Rebate Programs To Drive Down The Final Cost Of Your High-Efficiency Air Conditioning

Over the past few years, the media has made a pretty big deal about government tax credits that have made upgrading to energy-efficient equipment a reality with increased savings. However, you may not have heard as much about other rebates from manufacturers and utility companies that you can access when upgrading to high-efficiency air-conditioning systems. For many homeowners, these combined rebates can often mean the difference between upgrading and maintaining the status quo.The Public Service Company of Oklahoma offers rebates of $100 to $600, depending on the size and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of your high-efficiency air conditioner or heat pump. Larger systems and higher SEER ratings get bigger incentives and rebates. The guidelines restrict the incentive to a replacement system that uses the same (current) energy source for residential (single or multi-family) homes and small commercial buildings.  They also offer incentives of up to $1500 for an entire home performance upgrades which include duct sealing, insulation, radiant barriers, home envelope sealing, etc.Lennox, a manufacturer of heating and cooling equipment, indoor air quality products, and comfort controls, also offers savings on energy-efficient products. High-efficiency air-conditioning or heat-pump systems qualify for up to $1,400 when combined with a thermostat and indoor air quality system.High-efficiency air conditioners make energy savings possible for Oklahoma homeowners. While they often cost more up-front, incentives make them more affordable. High-efficiency systems are rated SEER 16 to 23 and have a low lifetime cost. Lifetime cost takes into account the spending a system requires over the course of its life. This takes into account regular preventive maintenance costs, fuel costs, and repairs. With the energy savings that high-efficiency systems get, you get a relatively quick return on your investment and save on monthly utility bills long after you’ve paid for the system.Why not take advantage of combined rebates from every avenue possible, to drive down the cost and make your new system replacement happen? The experts at Air Assurance can assess your home’s needs, assist you in selecting an A/C, and help you take advantage of manufacturer and utility company incentives to get you the maximum savings possible. Call us today.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

HVAC Terms Every Oklahoma Homeowner Should Know

HVAC technicians go through years of training because there’s so much knowledge to take in. It’s not practical to expect the average Oklahoma homeowner to have all this information. However, Air Assurance has some terms that can give consumers a great advantage in finding the best equipment, service and savings.AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It’s a measurement for a furnace’s efficiency. AFUE percentages rate how much heat the furnace produces compared to how much energy it takes to operate. A high efficiency furnace with an AFUE of 95 percent converts 95 percent of the fuel it consumes into usable heat.  So in simple terms, for every dollar you pay the gas company to heat your home, $.95 cents is actually getting into the home while only $.05 cents is wasted.  A unit that is over 20 years old is typically rated around 60 AFUE.  This means that $.40 cents of every dollar is wasted through flu venting, pilot lights, insulation of the furnace cabinet, or thicker heat exchangers that trap the heat longer.SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER measures the efficiency of air conditioners. It is similar to AFUE in that it measures how much cool air the units produce against how much energy they consume. High efficiency air conditioners with SEERs from around 16 to 23 get great “miles per gallon.”  A system that is 20 years old is typically rated around 6 SEER. The minimum manufactured SEER rating today is 13.  This could equal nearly 40% in cooling savings annually!MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. This measurement applies to air filters. A high MERV rating means the filter traps more particles. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a MERV 13 is ideal, as it can trap many airborne particles and allergens.Higher MERV filters are more restrictive, and can inhibit airflow in your system. This can strain your equipment, so before running right out for a high MERV, be sure to get the advice of a qualified technician who can match a filter to your system.  Note: Interesting point, Merv ratings are not governed, therefore each manufacturer can claim different Merv ratings according to different variables such as slower air flow, particle size, etc. Air Assurance has done the testing on all the filters available which is why they recommend the filters they do.  This is also the reason our technicians carry our own Clean-Climate Filters.  Built to our specs according to the most efficient air flow and particulate cleaning possible without harming your system.NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE is a third-party, non-profit organization providing testing and certification to HVAC technicians nationwide. The tests cover areas of the HVAC field, such as heat pumps, air distribution and air conditioning. When you work with a certified NATE technician you can be sure the service is up to national standards, and that you’re not taking chances with your contractor.  Air Assurance was the first company in the country to offer their customers 100% NATE certified technicians.Understanding these four terms can help you make an educated decision on equipment and contractors, so you’ll be sure to get the most “bang for your buck.” Call Air Assurance if you have more HVAC questions. We’re happy to help!Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.

Get Efficient A/C Systems With SEER

No matter whether you live in Broken Arrow, Tulsa or any other town or city across the state of Oklahoma, when you’re A/C system isn’t operating at top capacity, you certainly feel it. And when your equipment has passed the 10-year mark in age, it’s time to seriously look at replacing the system you have now with a high-efficiency air conditioning unit.When embarking on this adventure, you should be aware of the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of the unit you will purchase. Cost-efficiency is important in these days of rising energy costs.What is SEER?The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the rating of an air conditioning unit, measuring the cooling output against the amount of energy (watt-hours) used over the course of a season of cooling. But what you really need to know is this: it measures how effectively a unit will cool your home. Think of it as Miles Per Gallon on a car.The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is, and the less you will pay in cooling costs. Remember:

• Older air conditioners usually have a lower SEER rating of perhaps 5 or 6.

• More efficient models have a rating of at least 14 and can extend to 21+. Geothermal units can go as high as 27!

Save Money with Efficient Energy UseResidential air conditioners are currently required to be manufactured with a minimum rating of 13. But when you decide to replace your A/C system, you should look at getting a SEER rating of 14 on your unit, which qualifies it as an Energy Star air conditioner. Energy Star labels tell you you're getting energy-efficient equipment. Typically, these units also qualify for additional utility company rebates which can often offset the cost of the upgrade.When you have a long cooling season and high electricity costs, it is quite justified to spend a little more upfront for a high-efficiency A/C unit because you'll save more over time.To review your options thoroughly, it’s best to get a professional HVAC contractor to go over them with you. At Air Assurance, we are happy to answer any questions and give you our expert advice.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here. Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. To get started, check out our website or see our current promotions.