What are the best heating and cooling options for a finished basement? Creating a finished basement can add significant value to your home, but only if it provides comfort. HVAC installation is critical to achieve this. You therefore don’t want to skimp on HVAC upgrades here. To help decide how to proceed, here are some common options for basement air conditioning and heating.

Do I Need a New HVAC System?

Homeowners often wonder if they can add to their current system. You can do this, but only if it can handle the additional load. Some AC systems can handle increased capacity or may need a little upgrading to take on the load required to heat or cool your finished basement. Although upgrading can be cost-saving, it’s probably going to involve investment in running new ductwork and installing some additional equipment.

As an alternative, you can install a separate HVAC system that just serves your basement. Ductless mini split systems are cost-effective and provide reliable heating and cooling. They also eliminate the need to run ductwork and also take up less space.

Considerations for HVAC Installation

Installing a basement HVAC system in Oklahoma’s varied seasonal climate can be challenging. But a little planning can ensure that you have exactly what you need. Some of the most important factors to consider before choosing a system include:

• Size: Regardless of the type of AC system, installing one that’s too big or too small will result in efficiency problems, reduced comfort, and performance and repair issues. In general, one ton of cooling covers 400 to 600 square feet. However, this varies depending on the layout of your home and its location.

• Floor Plan: This is a consideration even before finishing your basement. Your AC unit, ventilation system, boiler, or water heater must be enclosed to keep things functional and aesthetic. Your options may be wide open or limited based on where you can place equipment, cables, ducts, or pipes. Just make sure all building codes and permit requirements are met.

• Location: Your location is important because the type of system you need depends on whether your area has moderate temperatures year-round or extreme fluctuations. In cold climates, you’ll need a stronger heating system, and perhaps a heat pump isn’t the best option. If it’s generally warmer, you’ll need an air conditioner rated to work most efficiently in your type of climate.

Another consideration is the style of basement you have. Temperatures tend to be fairly consistent for basements that are below ground. If you have a walk-up basement with stairs, only part of the outside wall is exposed to the elements, and basements with no exits of their own are even less vulnerable to changes in the outdoor temperature. However, walk-out basements have more wall exposed so may require additional investment in heating and cooling.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing

We specialize in AC installation in and around Glenpool, Oklahoma, and can help determine the best heating and cooling options for your finished basement. Our installers are factory-trained to service all makes and models. They’re also experts at sizing and selecting systems and equipment, so can ensure that your finished basement is comfortable and fully functional during any season. To learn more about your options and our financing plans, or to ask additional questions, feel free to contact us on the web or directly at 918-393-2593 today.

What are BTU’s and what do they mean for my home?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. This unit of measurement, often included on an air conditioner’s label to indicate how powerful it is. While every piece of heating and cooling equipment comes with a BTU rating; one BTU equals the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1°F.

For an AC, the BTU rating measures how much heat the unit removes, not how much it cools or the power of a single part. The higher a unit’s BTU rating, the more powerful it is, and the more heat it can add or remove per hour. Higher ratings also correspond with increased size, weight, and cost.

A Higher BTU Rating Isn’t Always Better

Buying a stronger air conditioner isn’t always better and using an oversized unit will not cool a room faster. That doesn’t mean picking an AC with a specific physical size, however. What truly matters most is the capacity of the system and how it factors cooling the size of the area. Square footage, ceiling height, and whether there are heat-producing appliances in the room all impact how much cooling capacity is required.

The amount of BTUs needed also has to do with climate; understandably, homes in hotter climates will need more power and homes with sprawling or open floorplans do so as well. Other factors include the quality of insulation (homes that are poorly insulated need more cooling power) and the number of windows. The more windows you have, the more power that’s needed to maintain indoor temperatures.

Choosing a BTU level that is too high can result in rapid cycling, overworking the compressor and using more energy than necessary. Ultimately, you’ll need more repairs and the life of the unit will be shortened.

What If I Select the Wrong BTU Rating?

Too powerful an air conditioner will cool your home too quickly, run for shorter times, and fail to remove enough moisture from the air. If your AC doesn’t have enough BTUs, the AC will be underpowered and run continuously, also wearing it out, but increasing energy use and utility bills as well.

BTU’s vs. Room Size

Room size is a key factor when selecting an air conditioner.

                                                                                      BTU to Room Size Guide

However, small factors like having ceilings higher than eight feet, or installing an AC in a second story that gets direct sunlight will adjust this model. You’ll need to multiple the recommended BTUs per room size by 10%. This is to compensate for increased volume and/or ambient heat. However, for shaded areas that receive little sunlight, you should subtract 10% from the recommended BTU rating for that room size. And, if two or more people occupy a room or section at a time, add about 600 BTUs per additional person that will be using the area regularly.

Schedule Professional AC Installation

Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing provides fast and dependable AC installation in Glenpool, OK, and the surrounding areas. In addition to professional installation, we can help plan, select, and size a new system for your home or commercial building. Our installers are factory trained to service all makes and models of AC systems. To learn more, schedule a visit, or request a free estimate, call us today at 918-393-3258.

Before starting a large HVAC project, it’s important to know all aspects involved, including know the different types of duct work available. There are four main types of duct work used in HVAC systems. All have one thing in common—transferring conditioned air to different parts of your home or commercial building. Each type has its benefits and disadvantages. Generally, duct work is either rigid or flexible. We’ll start with a breakdown of the common types of rigid ducts used for residential and commercial HVAC systems.

Rigid Duct Work

Either rectangular or cylindrical, rigid ducts come in various sizes. They don’t kink or bend and won’t tear, but are not suited for every type of installation. The materials that may be used for rigid duct work include:

• Sheet Metal: Metal ducts are made of galvanized steel or aluminum that is non-porous, which reduces the risk of bacteria or mold growth. The zinc coating with galvanized steel ducts can prevent rust, while the lightweight nature of aluminum is preferred for many applications.

While the interior of sheet metal ducts often attracts dust and other particles, cleaning the smooth interior surface is generally easy. But it’s recommended to have them professionally cleaned to ensure good air quality.

• Fiberglass: These are built similar to metal ducts but lined with fiberglass on the inside or outside. A fiberglass lining is insulating, which helps maintain air temperature, reduce noise, and prevent condensation. Fiberglass-lined ducts are popular in offices and other commercial spaces.

However, fiberglass is prone to deterioration and can release fiber particles into the air, which can cause health issues over time. Cleaning fiberglass-lined ducts is a challenge as they’re easily damaged, so they should be professionally serviced. The porous nature of fiberglass makes it more prone to mold and bacteria.

• Fiberboard: Fiberboard ductwork is made with boards of compressed resin. The compressed fiberglass fibers are sealed, preventing them from being released into the air. The result is a safer solution with insulating and sound dampening properties. Fiberboard ducts are typically the least expensive to install.

Since the interior surface is textured, dust and debris can get trapped and airflow issues can develop. There’s a tendency for mold and mildew growth in climates that are predominantly humid.

Flexible Air Ducts

Made of a steel spring coil wrapped in a helix and covered in flexible plastic, these ducts are less expensive than rigid types. However, they’re more versatile and easier to install. The 2-ply polymer plastic is extremely versatile. The ducts can be bent around obstructions, which makes them suitable for tight, awkward spaces. They’re also resistant to mold and rust, less likely to leak (but at a higher risk for puncture), and release no particles into the air.

The disadvantages of flexible ductwork include its susceptibility to kinks and bends, which can restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. The ducts also have internal ridges that can disrupt airflow. Another potential for airflow issues is if there are too many bends and sharp turns, so professionals recommend shorter lengths of flexible duct.

Contact Quality Heating Cooling & Plumbing

Specializing in all types of AC and heating services in Glenpool, OK, we can help determine the best type of duct work for your home, business, or commercial facility. Our skilled technicians can handle any job and install, repair, or replace your duct work. We also offer 24-hour emergency service plus flexible financing options that let you pay monthly. If you have questions or need information, submit your inquiry online, or feel free to call us directly at 918-393-3184.

Gas furnaces and electric furnaces are popular ways to heat homes. Both are generally part of a force-air heating system in which the thermostat monitors indoor temperature and turns the unit on and off. There are also similar considerations, such as installing the correct sized furnace and determining what is most cost effective.

How a Gas Furnace Works

When a gas furnace receives a signal, the pilot light ignites the main burner. The heat exchanger then draws in heat provided by the burner, which heats air that’s circulated throughout your HVAC system. Gas furnaces are connected to utility gas lines and use popular fuels such as natural gas or, in some cases, propane or fuel oil that require a storage tank.

How an Electric Furnace Works

In an electric furnace, the thermostat signal is sent to an electric ignition, which turns on the unit’s electric heating elements. It does not require a fuel source but constantly draws electricity. An alternative to an electric furnace is an electric heat pump, which does not require as much electricity to operate.

Comparing the Top 2

Both furnaces are similar in that a blower fan forces hot air through ductwork into different rooms. An intake vent returns cooler air to the furnace. The furnace shuts off when the desired temperature has been reached, while the fan dissipates heated air and also turns off when this is complete.

Gas and electric furnaces differ in the following ways:

Cost

For a 2,000 square foot home, a gas furnace can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $6,000 to install. A comparable electric unit runs about $2,000 to $4,000. Gas units are more costly to purchase and to install when you consider gas connections and possible modifications to your home to accommodate a new model.

The long-term operating cost for a gas furnace is lower, as the price of electricity is close to 2.5 higher than the average price of gas in the U.S. However, the cost benefits vary depending on gas prices where you live, although gas is usually more cost-effective. Another factor is the size of your house, as larger homes can magnify the operating cost of an electric furnace.

Efficiency

Electric units, rather than transfer heat like a gas furnace, create original heat. They’re generally efficient although electric heating is inefficient when you consider the techniques used to produce electricity. Burning coal also results in the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Natural gas releases these to some extent, but at a much lower rate.

Lifespan

A gas appliance rarely lasts more than 10 to 20 years. Gas burners produce particles that build up inside the furnace. Regular cleaning and maintenance are important, but soot, contamination, and corrosion eventually take a toll. These issues don’t exist in electric furnaces, so they can last as long as 30 years.

Maintenance

With an electric furnace, you don’t have to clean or inspect a burner. There’s very little maintenance compared to a gas furnace, which should be inspected and cleaned on an annual basis. Condensation can cause corrosion while a build up of carbon monoxide can be deadly. This is why carbon monoxide detectors ventilation are so important.

Noise

Electric furnaces have a simpler design with fewer moving parts, so therefore produce less noise. A gas furnace can be noisy upon start up. Owners quickly become familiar with the loud rushing sound. But any unusual sounds should be checked out right away as they can indicate something dangerous.

Contact Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

We are experienced at providing high-quality furnace and heater installation, maintenance, and repair in Glenpool, OK, and throughout the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. Contact us at 918-205-7258 for information or request an estimate online.

It’s winter—don’t you think it’s time to go green? Heating your Glenpool, OK home with an inefficient heater can be a major energy and money drain. While investing in a new system can help you save energy, there are secrets to staying warm during the winter that reduce your ecological footprint at the same time.

Go green with these simple tips from Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.

No Electricity? Heat Your Home With a Candle!

A simple way to heat your home without using electricity is to light your candles. The warmth that candles disperse while burning can be enough to provide heat and keep you warm during the cold winter days. With this, you’ll need candles all over your house. Be sure the candles won’t cause a fire.

Spin the Ceiling Fan Clockwise

In the cold months, you want the ceiling fan to pull the air up.  This only means that you have to reverse the fan to keep the warm air circulating in the entire house. After all, it won’t hurt your energy bill if you switch the direction the fans spin. Try it now, and see the difference!

Make Sure Your Home is Well Insulated

Without proper insulation, your HVAC system tends to use more energy as it has to work longer to cool your home. It can quickly overwork your heating unit while maintaining comfortable temperatures. Improving your home’s insulation maximizes the use of natural resources and saves energy as well.

Get a Smart Thermostat

You don’t want your heater to work too hard—and installing a smart thermostat can keep your system from overworking. Smart thermostats efficiently heat your home by learning your daily habits and schedule. They give you control over your comfort while using less energy in the process.

Use Natural Lighting to Warm Up Your Home

If you have west facing windows, you should know how hot your room can get in the afternoon. You can use this to your advantage in the winter to warm up your home. Just make sure you’re using the shades, blinds, and curtains effectively to let the heat in as much as possible.

Think how much you can save by taking these tips into account! You should start winterizing your home and preparing your HVAC system for the coldest time of the year.

Visit our blog page for more tips or contact us to schedule an HVAC service!

If you have recently bought a Nest thermostat from Carrier, it may seem foreign at first use. With this thermostat, you’ve got plenty of useful and handy features to play with. Unlike other types, Nest thermostats have intelligent capacities designed for convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency.     

Learn to use your nest thermostat to its full potential with these expert tips.

Energy Preservation and Temperature Safety

Nest thermostats have three (3) built-in features that protect your home and conserve energy.

1. Eco Mode

When you select the eco-mode setting, your home will cool or heat at the most energy-efficient temperature. A green leaf appears on the thermostat once it’s set to eco mode.

2. Safety Temperatures

Nest thermostats come with safety temperature features that overrule the settings and schedules to protect your home from severe cold and heat. Even when you set the thermostat to “OFF,” it will still keep your home cool or warm within the safe temperature set.

3. Home/Away Assist

Once the thermostat sensed that you’re away from home, the setting will automatically change to eco mode. Home/Away Assist can detect when you’ve been gone from home through your thermostat’s activity sensors and phone’s location. Therefore, you won’t be wasting any amount of energy even when you forgot to adjust or turn off your thermostat before leaving home.

Schedule Features

Nest thermostats can learn your temperature schedules and recall them every time you make changes in the temperature.  It creates a basic and reliable schedule of your temperature desires.

Nest Mobile App

The best thing about having a nest thermostat is its nest mobile app. While the thermostat is connected to the WIFI, you can control the temperature wherever you are using the app. However, not all settings can be adjusted using the app. Other necessary settings need to be modified on the thermostat itself.

Thermostat Voice Control

It is a lot more convenient knowing that you can control your Nest thermostat with a voice command. You can make adjustments to the settings by allowing the device to recognize your voice.

Sunblock Feature

Is your thermostat located near the windows? If yes, you may turn on the Sunblock feature to allow the thermostat to give correct readings of the temperature. This feature offers great savings on your energy bills, as your HVAC system won’t be overworked due to incorrect thermostat readings.

Check out the features of your Nest thermostat to make the most of it. If you’re having trouble using the device, we’re here to guide you. Contact our pros at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for assistance!

We know you don’t always think about your indoor air quality. But this winter, it’s important to give your IAQ that much attention and care.

With insufficient moisture in the air, your home can become a breeding ground for dust and allergens that can trigger IAQ-related illnesses. No worries! Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has you covered.

Stay healthy indoors this winter with these tips from the HVAC specialists.

Be Proactive in Cleaning Your Home

Keeping your home clean and tidy should be on top of your priorities if you want to get your health under control. Clean all surfaces including the appliances, furniture and everything inside the household. Wash all bedding, duvets, and linens. Do this at least once a week. Use hypoallergenic covers for mattresses to reduce the possibility of virus and allergens.

Let the Fresh Air In Through a Good Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key to comfort and health in the family. A well-ventilated home eliminates the risks of irritating pollutants, harmful gases like carbon monoxide and mold growth. Make sure to keep a well-designed ventilation system in the roof, attic, basement, walls, and floors. Seek professional help if you don’t feel comfortable with DIY jobs. 

Control Humidity

Clean air may still be dry. Humidifiers can be a simple fix to dry indoor air. Be sure to regulate your indoor humidity rate from 40% to 55% as too much moisture may result in condensation and mold spores. Use the humidifier only when necessary or when your heating system is on. Also, it will help to buy a quality hygrometer to control humidity.

Keep Your Heating Appliances in Check

Have your heating systems checked and serviced by professionals. Space heaters, heat pumps, furnaces, and other heating appliances perform at optimal efficiency with well-functioning parts and bearings. Clean the filters and duct system thoroughly.

Invest in HEPA Filters

Vacuuming is not enough to eliminate dirt and dust at home. You need high-quality filters to collect all dirt, including pet hair and dander. If you are going to purchase a new vacuum, get one with HEPA filters to ensure up to 90% of dirt removal.

Other Important Reminders:

Check your smoke detectors and change batteries if needed. Avoid using hazardous chemicals on cleaning materials.

Keeping a healthy indoor must be first on your priorities this winter. If you are looking for a reputable company to help you deal with IAQ, you can count on Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for the job. Call us today!

When you own a business in Glenpool, OK, the last thing you want is broken HVAC equipment. But if your comfort system unexpectedly fails and can’t be fixed, you’ll need to install a new one to ensure your staff and customers are comfortable. Before rushing to your local HVAC company for new commercial HVAC system installation, here are things you should think about:

How Big is the Building?

Commercial buildings can take up a lot of power just to meet their comfort requirements. With this, you’ll need the right size of the equipment to prevent short cycling and energy waste. For large facilities, you may need more than one heating or cooling system. You can consult your trusted HVAC contractor to help you determine the exact number of units or the right size for your building. They will carry out a load calculation to assess your property’s characteristics.

What Type of HVAC System Does Your Facility Need?

Take note that commercial HVAC systems vary in makes and models, so you have to choose the best for your building based on its landscape. Among the popular options of cooling and heating systems for businesses include, variable refrigerant flow (VRF), multi-split, variable air volume (VAV), and single-split systems. Let your HVAC contractor help you with the selection process.

Where is Your Building Located?

Your business’ geographical location can affect the performance of your HVAC system. When your commercial space experiences heating or cooling effects because of its location, the system you choose should be able to handle these effects for greater efficiency.

How Big or Small Should the System Be?

Your commercial HVAC system should neither be too small or too big for your space—it should be the RIGHT size. But take note that the size we’re referring to isn’t the actual measurement of the unit, but its overall capacity to assess your building’s heating or cooling requirements. Make sure to get the most of your HVAC equipment.

How Efficient is the System?

High-efficiency HVAC systems should be your first choice when selecting a new commercial A/C or heater. Be sure to look into the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), AFUE (Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency), SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio), and Energy Star logo.

When it comes to your business, it matters that your HVAC system suits your commercial space and is installed correctly for the best performance. For expert HVAC installation in Glenpool, OK, you can count on Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing for professional assistance. We ensure fast and quality work at every installation job. Call us at 918-518-5900 to schedule your appointment.

Air filters act as your first line of defense against health hazards. However, when they get dirty, they can be a source of air contamination in your home. Your home’s air quality depends on how clean your air filters and ductwork are. Thus, it is essential to add air filter cleaning to your house chore list.

Find out how filthy air filters can affect your health in four (4) alarming ways.

Allergen Build-up

Air filters are responsible for trapping dust, dirt and other air particles that can build up over time. Some of the allergens that can have a serious effect on your health include mold spores, pollen, dust mites and more. Excessive dirt on air filters contaminates the air inside causing nausea, headaches, congestion and other severe health cases.

Development of Respiratory Illnesses

Millions of airborne particles may find shelter inside your home without your notice. Dirty air filters increase the chance of bacteria, pollen, and virus to attack your health in many different ways. Once exposed to air irritants such as mold and bacteria, allergies and other health conditions may develop. To keep your home free from health hazards caused by air contaminants, you should maintain your air filters in working order.

Respiratory Irritation

People with asthma and existing respiratory illnesses are mostly affected by dirt buildup on air filters. Airborne elements can trigger their illnesses and allergic reactions that make the feeling even worse. If someone in the house has difficulty breathing, lung failure, or any respiratory-related ailments, do not delay cleaning or replacing air filters.

Susceptibility to Heat-Related Diseases

With a thick mat of dust collected in your air filters, your air conditioning system has to work harder to produce cool air. When your A/C cannot keep its job properly, your family may suffer from sweatiness, discomfort, and heat-related conditions during the hot days of summer. In hot climates like Glenpool, OK, illnesses brought by extreme temperature including heat stroke and exhaustion are highly possible

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing believes that our role in serving the comfort needs of our customers is crucial. Please know that we will continue to serve your needs while actively implementing preventive measures to secure the health and safety of our staff and customers.

As your trusted HVAC contractor, we want to share how we address the current situation. We have been proactively implementing a number of measures to prevent the spread of the virus and safely get through this peril.

Please know that our HVAC and plumbing services are still operational despite the situation. Our crew will remain active in responding to service calls while carefully following our safety guidelines updated by the local and national health authorities.

• Frequent hand washing
• Frequent sanitizing of all hard surfaces including our service vans
• Covering a sneeze or cough
• Immediate home quarantine for employees showing any symptoms of sickness
• Increased cleaning frequency of our facilities
• Staggered schedules to minimize employee interaction
• Heavily increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitizers

At Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, LLC, we are committed to your health and safety! We are fully prepared to continue serving your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs as we navigate through these trying times. We will keep on monitoring the situation and act quickly on the advice of our health authorities.

Thank you for your patience and your support!

Stay safe with your family and loved ones!