What Is Included In An HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. With proper maintenance and a high-quality unit, your heating and air conditioning system can last up to 15 years.

Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Glenpool, OK, can help you keep your HVAC functioning. Our technicians will help you keep your home or building comfortable year-round, from basement HVAC installations to commercial HVAC services.

Regular maintenance not only keeps your unit running more efficiently but prevents the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Keep this HVAC maintenance checklist handy!.

Basic DIY Maintenance

As the weather changes, so will your maintenance procedures. However, there are some routine tasks that you can perform year-round to keep your HVAC running efficiently.

One thing to keep in mind is the age of your heating and air conditioning unit. Older units will require more frequent maintenance and repairs than newer systems. In most cases, the manufacturer of your HVAC will provide a list of maintenance procedures for your particular unit.

One of the most basic steps is to change out the air filter. We recommend replacing your air filter at least once every 90 days to prevent clogs and maintain high indoor air quality.

Dirty air filters can clog the HVAC and prevent it from circulating clean air around the home. Thankfully, HVAC filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Professional Maintenance Checklist

Technicians are better able to identify potential problems with your system and provide safe and effective fixes. Identifying issues early on prevents further damage and expensive repairs, saving you both money and headaches.

During a professional maintenance inspection, the technician will start by checking the thermostat. Many HVAC problems are due to faulty thermostats rather than the system itself.

Once they check the thermostat, they move on to the electrical components. Next, the technicians will lubricate any moving parts to ensure that the HVAC motor is functional and energy-efficient.

Finally, the technician will check the condenser drain and system controls. This ensures that your HVAC unit is safe to use and ready for the upcoming season.

HVAC Maintenance During Fall

Your fall HVAC maintenance checklist will be different from your spring list. As the weather cools, you will use your HVAC more for heating than cooling. Follow this autumnal maintenance checklist to keep your heating system functioning as the weather cools.

Replace Furnace Filters and Indoor Air Filters

As previously mentioned, frequently replacing the air filters is a simple yet essential part of HVAC maintenance. Typically, homeowners should replace the indoor air filters at least once a season. However, homes with pets or residents with sensitive allergies should change them out more frequently.

In-duct and furnace filters do not require replacements as frequently as indoor air filters. On average, homeowners should replace these filters every eight to twelve months.

Clean Condensate Drain Lines

To clean the condensate drain lines, pour half a cup of white vinegar down the condensate drain. Vinegar is an effective cleaning solution that won’t react with the metal in the unit.

It is vital that you only use plain white vinegar and not bleach. Unlike vinegar, bleach will react with the metal and cause problems that require more expensive solutions.

Check the Thermostat

Your HVAC will cool or heat your home according to the temperature designated by the thermostat. When the thermostat malfunctions, the heating, and cooling system cannot reach a comfortable temperature. Change out old batteries and make sure it reads the temperature that you want.

Check for Debris and Pests

Pests like bats and insects love to gather in attics, especially as the weather cools down. When performing regular maintenance in the fall, make sure there aren’t any pests invading the attic.

When checking your HVAC for nearby pests, make sure to clear away any debris or leaves on the unit. External condensers and outdoor HVAC units are especially susceptible to dirt and debris; keeping the unit clean is an easy way to ensure that it is ready for the upcoming drop in temperature.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist for the Spring

There is nothing worse than enduring the Oklahoma summer with a broken air conditioner. Follow these maintenance steps to ensure that your HVAC is ready to keep you cool as the outdoor temperature heats up.

Trim Away Bushes and Branches

Outdoor units can overheat without proper ventilation. Trimming and removing any bushes or tree branches around your outdoor unit will help prevent debris buildup and overheating.

Clean the Condensate Drain Line

Just like you do for fall maintenance, clean the condensate drain lines with half a cup of white vinegar.

Check for Standing Water

If you notice any standing water in the drain pans, it’s time to call the HVAC company. It is essential to address standing water quickly to prevent mold.

Mold thrives in warm, moist climates, making system leaks in the spring an ideal environment. Standing water in the drain pans can occur at any point of the year, and it is imperative to schedule a system repair right away to prevent further damage.

Check Refrigerant Levels

Sufficient refrigerant levels are essential to a properly functioning air conditioner. Adjust the refrigerant level to ensure efficiency and prevent system issues.

Experts to Inspect Your HVAC Professionally

Although keeping your unit clean and frequently replacing the filters are essential steps in the HVAC maintenance checklist, hiring a professional technician twice a year is the best way to ensure that your unit is ready for the upcoming season. As a family-owned HVAC company in Owasso, OK, we care about helping you keep your home comfortable year-round.

Avoid the need for repairs by scheduling a professional maintenance check-up. Call Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Glenpool, OK, at 918-517-8295 to schedule an HVAC inspection today!

Common Problems With Heating Systems You Should Be Aware Of

Oklahoma residents know that the best way to stay warm in the winter is to bundle up and keep the heat in your house circulating. When your heating system malfunctions, it can be frustrating to figure out how to restore heat to your home. Understanding the most common problems with heating systems will help you address them when they occur.

Ultimately, the best way to restore heat to your home is to call a local professional. Our HVAC experts at Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing in Glenpool, OK, will help you with furnace comparisons and repairs to keep your home comfortable year-round.

Below are seven common problems with heating systems that you should know.

1. Clogged Air Filters

One of the most common problems with heating systems that homeowners face is a clogged air filter. The filters on your heating system remove dirt and debris from the air to improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Over time, the dust collects on the filter, making it harder for your unit to function efficiently; this can also cause your system to overheat. To see if the filter needs replacing, check the system and feel the surface. If it has a hot surface, it could be overheating and need a new filter.

You should replace your furnace filter regularly.

Doing so will help your HVAC release more clean air while preventing other issues that could require a more extreme remedy.

2. Lack of Proper Maintenance

With proper maintenance, a heating system can last up to 15 years. Without, homeowners could face frequent repairs, increased energy bills, and untimely replacements. Keeping your unit clean by clearing away dust or debris on the system is a simple way to keep it working longer.

3. Malfunctioning Thermostat

When your heating system fails, one of the first things to do is to check the thermostat.

Your HVAC unit will cool or heat your home until it reaches the temperature set by the thermostat. When the thermostat malfunctions, the heating system can’t keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Common thermostat problems include blank screens, low battery, or an outdated system. If you suspect that the thermostat is the problem, the first step is to replace the batteries. If it is still faulty, it’s time to call an HVAC professional, like those at Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing.

4.  Leaking Ducts

The ducts carry air around your home. When there is a leak, small amounts of air will escape, resulting in higher energy bills and a less efficient system.

It can be easy to overlook a leaky duct; however, a small hole in the ducts that goes unaddressed can grow into something more severe that damages the heating system. To verify if there is a leak, walk along with the ductwork and check for releasing air. If you notice any air coming out where it shouldn’t be, seal it and call the professionals.

5. The Heating System Doesn’t Turn Off

HVAC systems work by circulating the air in your home in various cycles. When the system continuously runs, it could be an indication that something is wrong.

The first thing to do is check if the system is set on “auto.” The “auto” setting tells the heating system to shut down once it reaches the desired temperature. Otherwise, it will continue to run without shutting off. If the switch is not the issue, it could be a problem with the blower.

In this case, be sure to plug in everything correctly, then reset the system. If the system reset doesn’t resolve the issue, it is likely a problem with the thermostat. Our licensed technicians can fix it and restore your heating system.

6. Mold in the System

Poor ductwork or insufficient insulation are the two ingredients for a moldy heating system. Mold not only affects the efficiency of the heating system but can diminish your home’s indoor air quality.

Cleaning away mold as soon as possible is essential to restore function to the heating unit and prevent further damage. Our HVAC technicians will clean away the mold and keep your home safe.

7. Expensive Energy Bills

A gradual increase in energy bills without changing the amount of power you use indicates a malfunctioning system, especially with heat pumps.

Spikes in the energy bills show that your heating system is working harder than usual. This could be the result of circuit board issues, clogged air filters, or leaks. Thankfully, these issues often require a simple and inexpensive fix.

In other cases, the higher energy bills could result from more severe issues like refrigerant leaks or a faulty compressor. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous as they consist of a substance poisonous to people and animals. Damaged compressors prevent the entire heating system from functioning correctly and often require an expensive fix.

When you notice higher than average energy bills, first check to see if the breaker tripped. Next, check the filters and make sure they don’t need a replacement. If neither of these is the culprit, call a professional technician right away to locate and resolve the problem.

Heating Services and Repair in Broken Arrow

Whether you notice a minor problem or a more significant issue, let the professionals at Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing handle it. Our licensed technicians know what it takes to locate the problem and fix it effectively. Our Broken Arrow heating installation, repair and HVAC services help keep homes warm during the winter by addressing the most common issues with heating systems year-round.

When the temperature dips, make sure your heating system is ready. Call Quality Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in Glenpool Oklahoma at 918-517-8295 to schedule a repair or maintenance service.

Is your heating making loud noises? It may be trying to tell you something. Instead of ignoring your HVAC system when it starts making strange noises, listen carefully to determine the issue. 

10 Reasons Your Heating System Is Making Loud Noises

Once you’ve noticed your heating system making odd noises, you’ll want to assess the situation to see if you need to call a professional. Start by determining which kind of furnace your home uses because noises may mean different things for different systems.
If you’re unsure, you can learn how to distinguish between the most common types of home systems: gas furnace vs. electric furnace. Knowing which system your home uses will also help HVAC technicians narrow down the problem when you ask for a quote or schedule a consultation.

Common Noises Your Furnace Will Make

Furnaces are loud in general, but if yours is making strange noises that you aren’t familiar with, it likely requires repairs. These are some common noises to look out for:

•     Loud banging noises
•     Humming sounds
•     Clanking or rattling
•     Screeching
•     Chirping
•     Knocking
•     Scraping metal
•     Whistling
•     Clicking

Here are some reasons you may be experiencing these noises:

1. Broken Blower Wheel

A broken blower wheel will sound like metal scraping against metal. If you’re hearing this, you should turn off your furnace right away. The broken blower wheel will prevent your furnace from working properly and can potentially be dangerous. You will need to contact an HVAC professional because this isn’t a problem that you can fix without experienced assistance.

2. Ruined Blower Motor

When the blower motor fails, you may hear a loud humming or screeching noise. The noise depends largely on what the issue is. If you notice these sounds, turn off your furnace right away and call a professional to assess the damage.

3. Dirty Furnace Burners

When dirt builds up on furnace burners, it can cause a dangerous reaction. The dirt will delay ignition and create small explosions in the heat exchanger, creating loud banging noises. If you hear banging or popping sounds coming from your furnace, you should turn it off immediately. Professional HVAC technicians can repair the issue, but it’s often costly.

4. Filter Needs to Be Replaced

If you hear a whistling sound coming from your heating system, then your filter may be clogged. It’s essential to change your filter as often as the system requires, which can be once a month or once every six months depending on the model, whether you have pets, and if anyone at home suffers from allergies. You may also notice a loud banging noise when the furnace shuts off, which is another indication that the filter needs replacing.

5. Gaps in Ductwork

Holes or gaps in ductwork also create whistling sounds. If you’ve changed your system’s filter and still hear whistling, you may have an air leak. Leaks make your system work harder and use more energy. Call a trusted HVAC technician to inspect your air ducts and fill in the gaps. Not only will these repairs make it more energy-efficient, but they will extend the life of your heating system.

6. Worn or Broken Belt

When a furnace belt needs replacing, it will make a distinct chirping noise. If you haven’t run your heating system in a while, this noise may be an indication that your furnace is simply starting up after a lull. However, if the sound doesn’t stop, you should have a professional take a look.

7. Pilot Light Went Out

When the pilot light goes out, the spark igniter attempts to relight it and makes a clicking sound. Repeated clicking sounds may mean there’s a problem that requires professional attention. Whenever there is gas involved, it’s best to call in a pro immediately.

8. Thermocouple Issue

Clicking can also mean there’s an issue with the thermocouple, which is the sensor that detects the flame and signals for gas to be released. If the thermocouple breaks, it will make a clicking sound either because it’s not sending a signal to open the gas valves or because it can’t sense that the pilot light is lit. If you hear clicking noises, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional to check the furnace.

9. Trapped Air Bubbles

If your home has radiators, it’s likely using steam to heat each room. Air bubbles will often get trapped in the pipes, causing the pipes to expand and contract. While it may not seem like a few air bubbles would create much of a sound, they cause loud banging that can be annoying. Fortunately, a professional can fix the problem and help reduce the noise coming from your radiators.

10. Loose Panel

Rattling noises are often a cause for concern because they often mean a panel is loose. This is a simple fix and can be done yourself by tightening the cover panels. If the noise persists, there may be a more serious issue. Contact a professional HVAC technician right away.

Furnace Repair in Tulsa, OK

Once you’ve surveyed the situation with your heating system, you may require a professional opinion. Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a trusted member of the Tulsa, OK, community, offering furnace repair among other essential heating and cooling services. Our HVAC technicians are highly trained and certified, earning us customer trust and hundreds of 5-star reviews online.
As a family-owned and -operated business, we understand just how important a working HVAC system can be. That’s why we offer financing options for all our fast and reliable services with no cost upfront. Additionally, we use only the best HVAC products when working on your home’s heating and cooling systems. As a proud Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we stand behind our work.
When you need heater repair service in Tulsa, OK, call Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today. One of our experienced HVAC technicians will determine the problem with your furnace and offer you an honest and straightforward quote. Call us now at 918-517-8295 to schedule your appointment.

Wondering whether you should install a boiler or furnace for heating your home? There are pros and cons to each, and the two systems couldn’t be more different. Our team at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing can help you learn which heating system works best for your home.

Is a Boiler Better Than a Furnace: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing a heating system for your home can be a tough decision. You’ll want to compare the options, keeping in mind your family’s needs, home layout, and budget. If you’re asking yourself, “Is a boiler better than a furnace?” then you’re in the right place.

What Is a Boiler?

Boilers heat the home by warming water or another liquid to create steam. The steam travels through a system of pipes that emit heat through radiators or baseboards in each room. Radiators get installed in the home in a way that produces the most efficient heat distribution. A boiler requires a large room for storing the main component.

What Is a Furnace? 

A furnace uses air to generate heat and a blower motor to move the warmed air through the installed HVAC ductwork and vents. You can choose a furnace that runs on gas, electricity, or oil. There are three kinds of furnaces to choose from: downflow, upflow, and horizontal. These options differ based on how vents get installed around the house.

Boilers vs. Furnaces

When deciding between a boiler or furnace for your home, there are several things you’ll want to consider.

Energy Efficiency

These days, most homeowners consider energy efficiency to be one of the more important features of an HVAC system. Generally, boilers produce heat using less fuel and are considered more energy efficient. Homeowners typically pay less in energy costs, assuming the system is maintained and properly cared for.

Maintenance

Boiler units require less maintenance than furnaces and typically require only annual service tune-ups.  On the other hand, a furnace will need new filters monthly in addition to an annual furnace repair and maintenance inspection. If you live in a dry, dusty area or have a few pets, you may need to change the filter more often.

Noise

Because furnaces use blowers to distribute hot air, furnaces tend to be noisier than boilers. They will make noises each time they turn on, which can be a dealbreaker for some homeowners. Loud banging noises are also one of the signs you have a broken furnace, but those noises will differ from the unit’s everyday sounds. Boilers, by comparison, are much quieter.

Upfront Cost

Furnaces tend to be the more cost-effective options because they are most popular and more units are on the market. A furnace will cost from $700 to $2,000 before installation. Furnaces take less time to install than boilers, though, which may also cut the costs for homeowners. Boilers cost about $3,500 to $10,000 and tend to require more time to install. Installation can cost $2,000 to $8,000 for either type of system, depending on the size of the house.

Air Quality

Air quality tends to be better in homes that use boilers. This is because a furnace uses a motor to push heat through the system, and the airflow tends to push dust, dirt, and other allergens along with it.

Flexibility

Having a flexible heating system can be a great selling point. Unfortunately, boilers don’t offer much flexibility because converting them to a furnace system can be expensive and complex. Additionally, boiler systems can only heat your home, but the ducts used for a furnace can also support a central air conditioning system. Furnaces are extremely flexible because they can function using oil, propane, natural gas, or electricity.

Risk of Freezing

In areas that experience freezing temperatures, a furnace might be your best option. Since the furnace uses warm air to heat the home instead of water like a boiler, there is no risk of frozen or burst pipes like there is with boilers. Additionally, when you have a furnace, there’s no chance of water damage from a leak.

Heat Consistency

Furnaces tend to provide less heat consistency than boilers because they use warm air to produce heat. Homeowners who have furnace heating systems are more likely to notice cold spots in their homes. Since a boiler heats rooms with hot water or steam, it’s able to provide more heat consistency.

Lifespan

When choosing between a boiler and a furnace, you might find that the system’s lifespan may be a deciding factor. Even though a furnace is cheaper, its life expectancy is 15 to 20 years. If you spend a bit more on a boiler, you can have a working heating system for up to 30 years.
Ultimately, whether you choose a furnace or a boiler will largely depend on the size of your home and the extent of your heating requirements. If you still aren’t sure which type of system is right for your home, get professional advice from a trusted HVAC contractor.

Find Reliable HVAC Services in Broken Arrow, OK

Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a family-owned business offering outstanding heating repair services in Broken Arrow, OK. Our team of highly knowledgeable HVAC technicians is trained to perform a variety of services including installation and repairs. We also provide comprehensive preventative maintenance programs on boilers and furnaces that help extend your system’s lifespan, maximize performance, and eliminate the need for extra services.
At Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand how difficult it can be to stretch your budget for unexpected expenses. That’s why we offer financing options that allow you to have your heating system installed or repaired with no upfront costs. We have several flexible financing terms and rates as low as 5.99% APR.
Are you ready to take the next steps toward getting a new HVAC system? At Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our certified technicians can answer any questions you may have regarding which heating system is right for your home. Stop debating between a boiler and a furnace. Call us now at 918-517-8295 and schedule your consultation appointment.

Propane is sometimes the preferred method of fueling residential heaters. The cost of electricity being so high, a propane heater for a house can be an economical choice. While it’s far less common than other types of heating, propane is becoming more popular for many reasons. Here are some pro’s and con’s of propane heaters to help you determine whether to invest in switching to one.

Propane Heater Pro’s

The benefits of using a propane heater to provide heat in your home include:

• Clean Burning: The Clean Air Act of 1990 and National Energy Policy Act of 1992 list propane as an acceptable alternative fuel. Propane heat substantially cuts greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, burning coal to produce electricity, for example, contributes to significant environmental impacts.
• Safety: Propane, in addition to reduced emissions, is non-toxic. It doesn’t pose a threat to health and safety if stored properly, and can be stored in underground tanks as it won’t contaminate soil or water. Propane is highly regulated and has a clean safety record; it also has a very high ignition temperature of 940℉.
• Tank Capacity: Propane capacity is measured in gallons, a familiar measurement for people who need to quickly decide how much they need. Tanks are available in multiple sizes; the larger the tank, the more heating you can have. And, your home will be heated as long as there’s fuel, regardless of the availability of electricity.
• One Fuel Source: All home appliances can be run on propane at the same time. On the other hand, an electric stove needs electrical power, but other appliances may be running on something else. Propane lets you rely on the same fuel source for everything.
• Reliable Heat: Propane furnaces operate at warmer temperatures than electric heating systems. They also operate in shorter intervals. This means you spend less to run the heater. You’ll even notice the higher heat temperatures from your air registers, which can be a bonus in the winter.
• Longer Lasting: On average, you can get five to as many as 10 more years out of a propane-fueled furnace, compared to an electric heat pump.

Propane Heater Con’s

While propane heaters have many benefits, there are disadvantages that are worth mentioning, such as:

• Higher Upfront Installation Cost: Converting to a propane heating system can be expensive. A professional installer is required, so the costs of labor and materials can factor in. The amount of savings due to improved performance is unpredictable.
• Fewer BTU’s Per Gallon Compared to Oil: Propane doesn’t produce the same amount of heat that oil does. While propane may cost less, you’ll need more of it to achieve the same temperature in your home. Homeowners often don’t see the savings they expect.
• Additional Responsibility: You must obtain the propane and schedule delivery yourself. Delivery intervals are dependent on tank size. You can own a tank, but will need to pay for maintenance and repairs. Renting one means the rental company will cover these, but rental fees can be high.
• Large Tank: Propane tanks can be quite large. Depending on the size and where you put it, the tank can impact the aesthetics of your landscape. Underground tanks may need to be accessed for repairs and maintenance, which may require digging up your yard.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing

If you’re thinking of switching to a propane heater for your house in Oklahoma, we can help. Our heating installation professionals will determine the right sized unit and have the knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure a complete and efficient installation. Call 918-393-2593 to learn more.

Some signs of furnace trouble are subtle. However, others can be quite scary and should be addressed immediately. The consequences of a broken furnace can be severe when you consider these particular signs:

 6 Signs You Have a Broken Furnace that needs repair

1. Cold- or Flu-Like Symptoms

There are several furnace problems that can cause carbon monoxide (CO) gas to escape. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50,000 people in the U.S. suffer severe enough CO poisoning each year to visit the emergency room. A cracked heat exchanger, other faulty components, and poor ventilation can increase the risk. While deadly in high doses, CO can make you quite sick even in lighter concentrations, so take action if you have unexplainable symptoms, especially if they occur at home and diminish when you’re outside.

2. Loud Noises

A bad or broken furnace can make all kinds of scary noises. These can range from clicking and popping to grinding, to squealing heard throughout your home. Your furnace should not make these sounds at any point in the heating cycle. Call a repair technician immediately. Oftentimes the underlying cause can be fixed (perhaps it’s one faulty component or something has come loose). For newer and mid-range aged furnaces, repairs make the most sense. If your furnace is old and near the end of its service life, you’re better off replacing it.

3. The Pilot Light Has Turned Yellow

The pilot light of a natural gas furnace should always be blue. If it is yellow, not only is your furnace in need of repair; it may be leaking carbon monoxide. It’s an indication that gas isn’t burning completely or CO may not be venting away. Also seek service if the flame is weak, flickering, or appears wavy. A common cause of a yellow flame is a dirty burner; a skilled technician can clean it, troubleshoot your furnace, and perform any repairs necessary to make it safe to use.

4. The Flue Appears Rusted

Another potential sign of CO, a rusted flue is something never to ignore. It’s also a sign that you may have a roof or plumbing leak. The flue system helps vent carbon monoxide, a byproduct of burning natural gas, out of your home. If flue lines are rusted, CO may be escaping tiny holes in the lines, causing it to flow back into your home instead of outside.

5. Lack of Temperature/Humidity Control

The idea of your furnace breaking down in the middle of the night, during a cold spell, is indeed scary. It’s also unnerving if you never know what the temperature is going to be at home, despite setting the thermostat as you have all along. Contact a furnace technician if some rooms are hot and others are cold, warm air isn’t blowing, or the system doesn’t respond when you adjust the thermostat. Low humidity is another sign of a broken furnace, as a lack of humidity control can make your home abnormally dry.

6. High Heating Bills

Most homeowners maintain a budget accounting for their monthly utilities and other expenses. A broken furnace is obviously less efficient and more wasteful than a functional. As your heating system must run more frequently, it consumes more fuel and energy, without maintaining comfort. Heating bills can therefore be unpredictable. But you can restore control over your energy costs by scheduling repairs or a furnace tune up. Your technician will determine whether your furnace should be repaired or replaced.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing

Our team is available throughout Glenpool and other cities in Oklahoma to provide heating, air conditioning, and plumbing repair services. If you notice any of the scary signs above, we can diagnose the problem, provide an accurate estimate, and fix your broken furnace right the first time. Call 918-393-3035 today to schedule an appointment or request 24-hour emergency service.

We all know and feel how high energy prices are. But, when you throw in the lower efficiency of an older furnace, you may be paying more in utilities than you have to. If you’re considering a newer, energy-efficient solution, we’ll help you compare furnaces so you can offset high energy costs and benefit from improved comfort and efficiency.

How to Compare Furnace Brands

 

Characteristics to Compare

By learning the basic traits and features of all furnaces, it becomes easier to compare different brands and models. The most important characteristics include:

• Size: Too small a furnace won’t compensate for extreme cold, and too large a system will waste energy, reduce comfort, and wear out faster. The furnace must also be properly sized for the ductwork, or the system may be noisy. Make sure your contractor uses the proper calculations to determine your exact heating needs (furnaces generally range from 40,000 to 120,000 BTU).
• Efficiency: A furnace’s annual fuel-utilization-efficiency (AFUE) rating reveals how efficient it is at converting gas into heating energy. The higher the percentage, the more heat per unit of energy a furnace can produce, and the fewer pollutants it emits. Today’s furnaces range from 78% to 97% AFUE.
• Reliability: The longer a furnace lasts, and the more efficient it is, the more likely you’ll recoup its cost over time. According to Consumer Reports, about one-quarter of gas furnaces break down at 10 years. However, longevity is highly variable depending on the brand.
• Performance: Furnaces with single-stage gas valves and single-speed blowers tend to be louder and produce more temperature fluctuations. Two stage gas valves and multi-speed and variable-speed blowers are quieter and provide better temperature balance, while variable-capacity gas valves/blowers operate in small increments to provide a constant temperature.

Features to Compare

The most commonly advertised features, whether standard or included in premium models, include:

• Variable-Speed Blowers: Deliver air quietly with minimal drafts and temperature swings.
• Variable Heat Output: Vary the amount of heat delivered for more continuous performance.
• Air Filtration: An electrostatic filter traps particles with an electrical charge, while a high-efficiency particulate-air (HEPA) filter can reduce dust.
• Dual Heat Exchanger: A secondary exchanger helps draw more heat from the air and is protected from acidic condensate.
• Ignition: Pilot lights are becoming less common; direct spark, intermittent, or hot-surface ignition helps increase efficiency.
• Zoned Heating: Multiple thermostats and dampers help control airflow to suit different heating or cooling requirements throughout the home.
• Warranty: Comprehensive coverage helps you save on repairs. Premium furnaces typically have a longer warranty compared to low-efficiency models.

Gas Furnace Brands

With so many brands to choose from, it can be time-consuming to compare furnaces thoroughly. Some of the leading brands on the market include:

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American Standard

An 80% AFUE model costs $2,494 on average to install (in 2021), while the price can reach $4,375. Featuring a 10-year warranty, the brand is known for highly reliable systems available in single and multistage configurations. Many American Standard furnaces are advertised to meet Energy Star requirements.

Amana

You can have an Amana gas furnace for anywhere from $2,145 to $3,300. Prices vary with size and AFUE ratings, as with most other furnaces. Amana is also known for its premium HVAC units in general as well as its lifetime limited warranty.

Bryant

The average cost to install a Bryant gas furnace is $2,485 to $4,368. Some models range up to 98.3% AFUE.² In general, the brand’s furnaces can be installed quickly and easily and are known for their durability at a reasonable price. Bryant also offers hybrid heat systems with gas and electric heat pumps.

Carrier

The average cost to install an 80% AFUE model is $2,882. Carrier is rated as one of the top brands by Consumer Reports. Its furnaces are long-lasting and covered by comprehensive warranties, while customer service is highly rated as well.

Lennox

Lennox is one of the oldest furnace companies in the U.S. Its whole-home furnaces come in quiet options with variable speed blower motors. Three levels are available—the Merit, Elite, and Dave Lennox Signature Collection—the latter being up to 98.7% efficient. The company is also known for its warranty (20 years for the heat exchanger) and multiple price options (an 80% AFUE unit costs $2,470 on average).

Trane

A leader in heating and cooling solutions, Trane has been in business since the late 1800s and is a top choice in residential furnaces. It’s respected for quality versus price, with an 80% AFUE furnace being $2,490 on average with a 10-year warranty.

Rheem

Founded in 1930, Rheem is known for furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters. An 80% AFUE Rheem furnace has an average installation cost of $2,480 and a 20-year comprehensive lifetime warranty. The company offers lower cost units as well as furnaces rated at up to 96% AFUE.²

Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing

Our professionals are trained and experienced at heater installation and finding the best gas furnace for your home. Every job is completed efficiently and properly as our team is equipped with the skills and tools needed to do so. If your furnace is beyond repair, allow us to help compare furnaces and select and install a replacement. Financing options are available. Call us at 918-268-3799 to learn more.

Upgrading your plumbing has many benefits. Not only are you making your home functional for the household, you’re also increasing your homes’ value. Doing the right upgrades can easily improve the value of your home, so if you plan to put it on the market, some updates can increase selling price and help convince a buyer to make a move. These are some of the best plumbing upgrades that can boost home value this year:

8 Most Valuable Plumbing Upgrades for your Home

1. Update Your Pipes

If you have an older home, chances are galvanized, cast iron, clay, or lead pipes are still in place. These can affect water quality and succumb to corrosion. Lead can be a health danger if it flakes into water. Cast iron is known for corrosion, while clay is fragile and breaks easily over time. Replacing old piping with copper, PVC, or PEX (which is more easily shaped) improve the function and safety of your plumbing system, and can help increase home value, especially since they can avoid a flood.

2. Insulate Pipes

While it’s important to fix leaks and replace damaged pipe, insulation protects against energy loss. Without insulation, heat can be lost from pipe in the basement and other cooler areas. This can significantly increase energy bills. However, insulating exposed pipes with pipe wraps and sleeves is simple and cost-efficient, and can cut your energy costs over the long run.

3. Install New Faucets

Pull out faucets often add aesthetic value not to mention function. You can operate your faucet with one hand. This is an affordable and practical upgrade, especially if you install a double kitchen sink. A double-basin sink lets you wash dishes and such while keeping the other part clear, and you can easily fit pots and pans inside for washing. In short, these options add utility to your home, a great way to boost value.

4. Get a Low-Flow, Energy-Efficient Toilet

An old toilet can use 5 or more gallons of water per flush. Newer, energy-efficient models use just 1.5 gallons. If you get one with a dual-flush function, it will conserve even more water. Toilets aren’t the only low-flow fixtures you can get. There are also low-flow faucets and showerheads. A few small, affordable upgrades can reduce water usage and costs in the long run.

5. Replace Your Water Heater

Supplying hot water around your home, the water heater can consume a lot of energy every day. The better it’s working and more well-maintained it is, the more efficient it can be. But if it’s old or outdated, the cost of a replacement can be recouped over time with a reduction in utility bills. Tankless water heaters offer the most potential energy savings, as they produce hot water on demand rather than store it in a tank.

6. Build a Second Bathroom

For homes with one bathroom, adding a half bath or a full luxury bathroom is one of the most profitable plumbing upgrades. High-value updates include heated flooring, jetted tubs, and de-scalers that help reduce soap use and can ease clean up of shower doors. But even a half-bath with a sink and toilet can make a small space more functional and reduce wait time.

7. Set Aside Space for Laundry

A laundry room allows you to install washing and drying machines out of the way. Stackable washers/dryers save even more space. Side-by-side units are better if you have low ceilings. Laundry rooms in general reduce clutter and can provide room for ironing as well.

8. Install a Dishwasher

Many homeowners consider a dishwasher a convenience. It can also add appeal to buyers, especially if it is eco-friendly. Dishwashers save time and use less water than washing dishes and kitchenware separately.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling & Plumbing

Our experienced plumbing professionals specialize in installation, repair, and maintenance as well as plumbing fixture, appliance, and pipe replacement in older homes. No matter what plumbing upgrades our Oklahoma customers need, our team is trained and equipped to get the job done. For more information, call 918-393-2611 today!

Is your homes basement prone to dampness, flooding, or mold? It stands to reason your basement could a serious plumbing hazard. This basement dampness not only exacerbates plumbing issues, but can make it difficult to recognize a plumbing problem as it starts. If you don’t spend much time there, plumbing hazards may go unnoticed and put the health of occupants throughout your home at risk. If you often work in the basement or use it as living space, these are some of the hazards that you need to be aware of as well.

 

7 Serious Potential Plumbing Hazards in Your Basement

 

1. Sewer Backups

Sewage contains all the waste that’s supposed to be carried away from your home. But sewers and drains can back up for many reasons, including heavy rain, tree root intrusion, blockages, broken pipes, leaks, and structural defects. A sewer backup can not only cause flooding and water damage. It can also introduce viruses, bacteria, and fungi as well as pesticides, traces of pharmaceutical drugs, and other contaminants. Even worse is when you don’t see the backup and there are dangerous pathogens or chemicals lurking in your home.

2. Sewer Gases

Your basement floor drain may be the entry point for some dangerous substances. But direct contact with raw sewage isn’t necessary for hazardous conditions to occur. An equipment problem can cause methane as well as hydrogen sulfide or ammonia to enter your home. Basement floor drains should be flushed with water regularly. Otherwise, you could face immediate risks to your health and safety, as some sewer gases are highly toxic and, in some cases, combustible.

3. Plumbing Trap Problems

 

Drain traps are important plumbing components that prevent objects, hair, sediment, and other things from flowing into pipes. They also stop sewer gases from backing up. Sinks and showers have common U-shaped traps. But if any sink or shower, washing machine, or toilet installed in your basement doesn’t have a trap connection, one should be installed. Traps work by holding a small amount of water, which can evaporate if the fixture isn’t used much, so remember to run some water down the drain occasionally. You can also create a seal by pouring down some mineral oil.

4. Mold

Mold thrives in the damp environment that is typical of most basements. All mold is hazardous to your health. It can cause respiratory problems and, at the very least, runny nose and sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. You may experience dry, itchy skin too. Inhaling mold or its by-products can worsen allergy symptoms. A dehumidifier can help reduce the risk of this potential plumbing hazard in your basement, as can using hard flooring instead of carpeting and sealing foundation cracks.

5. Poor Ventilation

Poor ventilation isn’t usually considered a plumbing hazard, but it can worsen some issues, especially when it comes to gases and mold. Stuffy air can trigger asthma attacks and make people feel uncomfortable. The vent connections serving your basement plumbing also help allow water to drain smoothly. Fixtures vents should be installed and located per local and state plumbing codes. These elements trap sewer gases in pipes and keep water ventilated.

6. Outdated Drainage

If your home was built more than 50 years ago, chances are it has an outdated drainage system. Modern standards require drainpipes to slope downward a quarter of an inch per every foot of pipe length. Installing a basement drainpipe often requires removing the floor and digging a trench, so restoration can be costly and time-consuming. Installing a sump pump can compensate for some drainage concerns, especially if flooding is common.

7. Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide can leak into your home from improperly installed hot water heaters or due to poor ventilation. Properly maintaining your plumbing system can therefore help prevent carbon monoxide exposure. It’s also important to properly care for fuel-fired furnaces, as these HVAC components can release CO as a by-product of combustion, and install carbon monoxide detectors. The gas cannot be seen or smelled, and CO in high concentrations can lead to death.

Contact Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing to Address Basement Plumbing Hazards

Located in Glenpool, OK, we provide 24-hour emergency service to quickly resolve any plumbing hazards you find in your basement. Many plumbing problems start as small, hard-to-detect issues. From drain cleaning to water, sewer, and gas pipe repair and replacement, we can handle anything and ensure fast response times and 100% customer satisfaction. Call 918-393-3184 today to request service.

With age, your HVAC and plumbing system is more likely to need repairs. While many consider the cost of a cool house worth the price tag, there are some plumbing repairs that will ding your wallet harder than others. Often times, homeowners have no choice but to accept a costly plumbing repair or invest in an HVAC update or replacement. But a poor repair or neglecting your A/C or plumbing can accelerate the process and leave you fitting a potentially hefty bill.

How expensive can an HVAC/plumbing repair be? Here is a look at the top 5 most expensive repairs:

5 Most Expensive Residential Plumbing Repairs

1. Faulty A/C Compressor

The compressor moves refrigerant through your HVAC system. It can be damaged if the coils are coated in dirt, in which case the system can overheat causing the compressor to fail. In fact, any strain on the A/C system can lead to this outcome. To replace the compressor and its coils, the repair job may cost as much as $2,000. This includes the hours of labor needed to complete the process.

2. Water-Damaged Bathroom

Water damage is notoriously expensive to repair. The bathroom has the highest density of water fixtures than anywhere in the home, but people far too often overlook potential signs of water damage. Just because your showerhead or toilet are working fine, doesn’t mean there aren’t issues. Look for damage to caulking and grout. If any material is missing, frayed, or gapped, replace it or seal up any tough spots. Replacing your shower and everything around it can cost up to $15,000; grout and waterproof caulking costs just a few dollars.

3. Poorly Ventilated Attic or Crawlspace

A lack of ventilation can trap heat and moisture in places you don’t want them. In this situation, the underlying plywood will eventually decay to the point there are structural problems. It can be hard to ignore the moisture and mold problems that occur long before then. By not taking steps to ventilate your attic and crawlspace, you could shorten your roof life by years. You could spend $16,000 in roof repairs but avoid these by investing about $1,600 in exhaust fans and vents.

4. Exterior Drainage Issues

Water on the ground is fine, as long as it’s outside, right? Neglecting signs of drainage problems is a big mistake. Pooling water can leak into the basement, leading to mold, rot, or even foundation shifting. Relocating piles of mulch and dirt to away from the house, fixing downspouts and gutters, and adjusting your yard slope away (at least six inches of vertical slope for every 10 feet) is an investment. But dealing with water damage issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

5. Failed Septic System

Septic systems are quite common; about one in five U.S. households have one. Proper maintenance helps a septic system last longer. Without it, critical components can clog up and the entire system may stop working. That’s not a situation anyone wants because all your waste travels through the septic system and is broken down there. Emptying your septic tank usually costs under $300 but replacing the system can cost as much as $45,000.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing

Our licensed contractors can fix any heating, cooling, or plumbing problem. Whether you need residential A/C maintenance or plumbing repair, we are available in Glenpool, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and other surrounding areas. We’re known for our 24-hour emergency service as well, which is important since many HVAC and plumbing issues need to be addressed quickly to avoid much more serious, and expensive, repairs. Contact us online or call 918-268-3799 to learn more about our services and financing options o