Gas Fireplace Safety

As the temperatures are staying below freezing much longer than they were earlier in the season, many are drawn to alternate forms of heating. One of the most popular ways to not only provide heat to a space, but also that special festive glow is with a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces bring homes a warm ambiance as well as temperature as burning gas create flames in a fireplace without the need for wood logs or the hassle of dealing with smoke. However convenient they seen to be, just like any other form of heater, they come with their own list of precautions homeowners should take in order to keep themselves and their families safe for use. 

1. Be careful with the glass doors. 
Many gas fireplaces have glass doors that surround the pit to keep unwanted items out of the fireplace. They're able to be used in gas fireplaces because there is need to enter the new fuel in the form of wood into the flame. Still, inspect the glass periodically to make sure that there are no cracks or that the glass has separated from the frame. Not only can the glass become incredibly hot, but if it is unstable, it can prove to be especially hazardous. Always keep an eye on young children as they may feel that the glass will protect them from the flame without taking into account that it is extremely hot. 

2. The silent killer - carbon monoxide. 
If you're using a gas fireplace, and carbon monoxide is an absolutely must. Complications with ventilation or how the gas is feeding can wind up with carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is not only extremely deadly, but it is also completely invisible and has no smell. Test your carbon monoxide detector each time you use your gas fireplace for optimal safety. 

3. Children like fire. 
Because a gas fire place requires little maintenance while it is running, it can be easy to forget that it's still running. Because of this, you can get caught up in what you're doing and forget that younger children may be attracted to the flame. Keep a special eye on any young children while using your gas fireplace to ensure none of them get near you while you're lighting the fire, near the flame when lit, and while the glass at all. Remember that hours after the fireplace is put out, the glass can still be hot enough to cause severe burns. 

4. Make sure the gas is completely off. 
While having an constant flow of fuel is nice in comparison to moving logs around, this gas can still be very dangerous when not managed properly. When lighting you gas fireplace, do not leave the gas on for an extended period of time as a build up of gas in the fireplace can explode when lit. If you let too much time go by, leave some time for the gas to dissipate as well as proper ventilation before attempting to light it once again. Use a long fireplace match or long fireplace lighter is recommended if a built in lighter is not installed. When finished using the fireplace, make double sure that the gas valve is completely turned off. 

For addition tips on staying safe this winter with a your gas fireplace, visit eHow's page on fireplace safety. If you decide you'd rather just stick with your home's HVAC system, the Tulsa, OK heating and air conditioner specialists from A Best Air are happy to lend a hand with your heater maintenance or HVAC installation.

Aromatherapy Heated Stuffed Animals: a Great Christmas Gift for Children

Toy makers are getting more and more creative these days.  Your child probably already loves stuffed animals, but did you know that now you can get aromatherapy stuffed animals?  Yes, it's true.  Your child can now get microwavable stuffed animals that will keep them warm and cozy at night.  These lions, tigers, and bears have beans inside of them that, when microwaved, heat up and stay hot for a while.  Most of these stuffed animals also come with lavender and other sleep-friendly scents that will have your child in a a relaxing sleep in no time.  With Christmas just around the corner, this is a great gift to get your child!  This gift will actually have your child excited to go to sleep at night.  Another great thing about aromatherapy stuffed animals is that you can buy them for pretty cheap on Amazon.  This is a great gift for a great price that will leave your kid happy!

A Best Air in Tulsa, Oklahoma specializes in air conditioning and heating services, which include installation for a home that is in need of a new HVAC system, maintenance to help keep the home's HVAC system working efficiently, and repairs to an HVAC system that is not working properly.  A Best Air values 100% customer satisfaction and sends out their very own technicians that are trained in house.  These technicians will come to your home after hours with  no additional charge!  If you are in need or an installation, maintenance work, or repairs, don't hesitate to call A Best Air in Tulsa, Oklahoma! HVAC specialists will be thrilled to take your service!
    

Reducing Bills During the Winter

December has arrived and people are beginning to wonder when the temperature will start dropping.  Lately it has been getting down to the 40s and 50s and people are beginning to turn up the heat in their homes.  Will Tulsa, Oklahoma experience super low or below freezing temperatures this year?  You should know how to best take care of your home and reduce your utility bills just in case it does happen!  The colder it gets, the higher people crank up the heat, and this can actually cause problems.  Not only is it more expensive to keep the heat running non-stop, but unprotected pipes can burst as a result of it.  You can protect these pipes by covering the outside vents on your home and also making sure your thermostat is more modern and up-to-date.  Another thing you can do is open up your cabinet doors where pipes are located so they do not get cold.  Keeping your cabinet doors shut all the time and keep those pipes isolated to where they only experience the cold on the outside of the wall they are up against.  Also, by replacing your old mercury thermostat with a digital one, it can help you to know the accuracy of the temperature if your home and save you  money.  You should also change the filter on your furnace at least once a month.  Taking these small actions can save you up to one hundred dollars a month as well as save you from having to pay thousands of dollars if one of your pipes bursts!  Here are another few things you can do in the winter to reduce your utility bills!

If you need to upgrade your thermostat or get a new heating unit for the winter, A Best Air in Tulsa, Oklahoma will be thrilled to take your service!  Committed to 100% customer satisfaction, air and heat specialists at A Best Air are available 24/7 and do not charge more for coming to your home after hours.  To get the service you want from a company you can trust, call or visit A Best Air in Tulsa, Oklahoma today!



      

Alternative Heaters

As the temperature is beginning to drop and winter is setting in, more and more people are beginning to stay inside their homes.  For people who love the outdoors or attend outside sporting events, this presents quite a challenge.  How can you do your favorite outside activities or act as your child's number one fan at a football game when the cold weather is sometimes too much to bare?  Well, there are several solutions to these problems.  Did you know you can actually purchase heated clothing?  These will keep you warm to where you can focus on what you enjoy doing outside, rather than how cold it is!  Or maybe you have a canopy in your backyard and like to eat meals outside at times with your family.  The beautiful thing about this is that you can actually get a patio heater that will keep you warm and is convenient to use.  No longer do you have to do all the work it takes to make a fire.  Simply flip a switch and enjoy your meal next to the warmth of the heater!  If you love being outside, attending outdoor events, or participating in outdoor events during the winter, you should look into alternative heaters!

A Best Air out of Tulsa, Oklahoma is dedicated to providing customers with the most high-quality air conditioners, heater, and repairs.  If you are in need of a new heater for the winter season, or need repairs done on your current heater, the professionals at A Best Air would be happy to help you!  Committed to 100% customer satisfaction, the experts at A Best Air will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are happy, even working extra hours at no charge.  Bring you service to A Best Air in Tulsa today!

The Classic Swamp Fans

If you are from the United States, this may be the first time you are hearing about swamp fans.  Many times, the most we have to do in the U.S. in order to get air circulating in our house is simply press a button.  However, this is not the case in other countries.  In India, air conditioning is not common in homes, but is mostly found in public building like malls.  At the home, they often use what are called "swamp fans" in order to keep the rooms cool.  These fans are operated by opening up the back and pouring buckets of water into them.  Once it is filled to the water level, you turn the fan on and it circulates the cool water to where the air is cool when it comes out.  The every day task involves labor that most Americans have never had to take the time to do.  This year for Thanksgiving, don't forget to be thankful for the heat and air conditioning you have at home and at work that you do not have to run yourself.  It is a great time to be thankful, even for the little things we normally don't think about!  Enjoy this Thanksgiving inside with your family, whether it be with a heater or in the cool of your home.

At A Best Air in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the technicians are dedicated to giving customers the best service there is in air conditioning or heating repairs and installations.  Whether you need a repair or new installation, A Best Air is ready to provide you with what is best for your home or business!  Don't hesitate to visit or call!

Weather Stripping For Reduced Energy Bills

We've all felt that cold breeze coming from under the door, whether it be from the front door, or a sliding glass door, we've felt it at least once in our lives, and we all know that if the gab is big enough, it can make a pretty significant difference in your monthly bill. When it comes to your bill over the winter, keeping your house warm if you have a breeze coming from under the door is just like what you would pay if there were a foot wide hole in your wall. You might not realize it, but you’re losing a lot of heat just by letting that cold air come in through that little space. It's best to make sure you get your doors sealed the correct way to make sure that you’re saving your hard earned money over the winter! For a few tips and tricks on what to do to keep your home as warm as possible over the months, you should read this article at This Old House on making your doors draft-free with weatherstipping!

In addition to preparing your doors for winter, making sure that your heater is working properly is another big concern that you might want to get taken care of before it starts to get too late. A Best Heat and Air would be glad to give you quality HVAC maintenance and Tulsa heater repair to prepare you for the upcoming cold weather!

Oil Heater Maintenance

Many people who were in caught in the path of Hurricane Sandy were not prepared for the implications of such a storm surge. Throughout parts of New York, New Jersey, and other East Coast locations, power was cut off - leaving many without power. This meant a very chilly situation in the home for those who relied on the energy to run their electric heaters in their homes and offices. Many others with back-up oil heaters were still left in the cold due to their oil heater having not been maintained properly or serviced prior to used to ensure proper functioning. If Oklahoma has any winter storms such as it has had in years past, having a back-up heater that does not require electricity is always a good idea. Many use oil heaters or heaters that run on some other form of fuel supply. For proper maintenance of an oil heater, eHow has prepared this informative article on how to maintain for your oil heater to ensure a toasty winter no matter what. 

For quality heater maintenance, look no further than the Tulsa HVAC repair specialists from A Best Heat & Air. 

Efficient Space Heater Usage

As the temperature begin to drop, many people look to electric space heaters to keep their homes toasty warm. But is this the most efficient alternative to their gas heaters? In many instances, electricity is lost on its way from the electric company to your residence. When this loss is combined with attempts to heat a large areas with a smaller heater, many discover that their energy bills can actually wind up being higher than that of paying gas to heat their homes. Space heaters can be used efficiently by being used in inhabited areas and turned off when not in use. For more information on how to figure out whether you're using your space heater efficiency, check out this column by Energy Vanguard on efficient space heater usage. 


For a reliable heater all winter long, look to the Tulsa heater repair experts at A Best Air. Specializing in heater repair, heater installation, and heater maintenance, A Best Heat and Air is pleased to bring quality service Tulsa, OK and the surrounding areas. 

Pets & Heaters

Cats enjoy lounging on heaters! 

As the temperatures start to cool off, keeping your pets safe and warm will begin to be a concern for those with animals. Since animals crave heat, you'll often see them gathered up closely next to heating vents of portable space heaters. Though this is generally fine, it is very important to keep any eye on animals around any heating units, especially heating units with heated coils. Though people realize the danger of coming into contact with heated coils or another hot components of heaters, cats and dogs may not be so privy. One means of keeping your home warmer is by letting blinds and shutters open to let heat in during the day time and closing them at night in order to help keep the heat trapped inside. 

For quality heater maintenance, repairs, or replacements, look no further than the Tulsa heat and cooling specialists at A Best Heat & Air. Tulsa HVAC specialists at A Best Heat & Air are experienced in doing whatever it takes to keep your home comfortable all year round. 

Amish Miracle Heater? Not By the Hairs On His Chinny-Chin-Chin

Just within the past couple years, a company out of Ohio has been advertising a Amish-built "miracle" heater that claims to heat your home with the illusion of fire for very minimal energy consumption. Consume affairs writer David Wood was skeptical of this product for a number of reasons. First, the company claimed to be giving them away as a promotional offer. Secondly, anything advertised as a "miracle" has to live up to the claim. Thirdly, Wood was curious as to how the Amish, known for their disdain for electricity and technology would be the masterminds and craftsmen behind an electric heater. After speaking to many different users of the heater, companies who had inspected the product, and using the product himself, he came out with a review to share his findings. 


In order to keep you heater running efficiently all winter long, look no further than the heating and cooling experts at A Best Air in Tulsa, OK. Keep energy bills low and temperatures high with the help from the experts at A Best Heat and Air. 

Filling the Nooks and Crannies: Saving On Heating Costs

Making your furnace work harder than it needs to not only ends up costing you more money in utility fees, but also puts undue wear on your heater in general. In order to keep your heater working efficiently, the authors of Popular Mechanics have come up with 9 sneaky ways to cut your home heating bills. Though we don't normally think too much about it, heat tends to escape through any opening in the wall. These openings can include electrical outlets to window frames and beyond. Keep up with keeping these areas properly insulated and you'll have a much happier time when the electricity bill arrives. 

In addition to keeping your home properly insulated, keeping your heater functioning properly is another great way to save money throughout the cold months. For quality heater maintenance in Tulsa, OK, look no further than A Best Heater & Air. 

The Balance of Warmth and Frugality: How To Stay Warm For Less

As the cold rolls in, many look for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. While some turn to space-heaters, they may end up very unpleasantly surprised when their electric bill comes back! From sealing leaks in window frames to figuring out how to balance the use of space heaters and thermostat settings inside, the Boston-based online magazine Bostonlnno give readers some tips on staying warm without burning up a lot of green. 

In order to keep your home heater in check, trust the experts from Tulsa's own A Best Heat & Air. A faulty heater can not only end up costing you hundreds of wasted dollars in utility costs, but also can be potentially dangerous if left unfixed. 

Improper Ladder Placement

In the profession of fixing HVAC systems, sometimes the air conditioning and heater installation and repair experts at A Best Air need to use ladders to get to HVAC units placed in difficult areas. While they are always sure to practice the safest ladder placement, the workers featured on the site HVAC Fun do not. From leaning ladders against overhead wires to balancing ladders in a way that would even makes a professional Jenga player nervous, here are some of the worst placed ladders for your cringing enjoyment.

Off The Wall Advertising

A new ad campaign in Thailand by one air conditioner company shows that their air conditioners also help in removing odors from homes and apartments in a unique way; the ads take the concept of literally. Run in a series, the ads feature the outside of homes and business with arms jutting from the walls, extending the sources of the bothersome smells. The advertisements feature everything from cigarettes to frying pans and incense being held outward by some anonymous arms as though the building itself is rejecting such scents. To see more, check out the Inspiration Room for more artistic takes on air conditioner performance. 

To keep your air conditioner working properly, either in removing scents to keeping your home cool, the air conditioner and heater repair specialists at A Best Air are dedicated to delivering quality fixes to your cool air ailments. Stay on top of the performance of your HVAC unit with regular updates from A Best Air in Tulsa, OK. 

Girl Saved After Falling Off Window Unit Air Conditioner

In a bizarre story of rescue, a 7-year-old was saved after she fell from a third story apartment building window. The child was reportedly standing on top of the window unit air conditioner when she lost her balance and fell. New York bus driver Steve St. Bernard was there to catch the child before she hit the ground. St. Bernard pulled a muscle in his arm catching the girl, but is expected to recover just fine. The parents are not being charged with anything at this time. 

As the temperature drops with the impending autumn season, window unit air conditioners still require proper maintenance and checks to ensure that they are secure. The air conditioner installation and repair experts at A Best Air in Tulsa, OK would also like to be remind all HVAC users to be very careful to keep children away from all HVAC components for their own safety. 

Heating, Cooling, and Reshaping the City

These days, before a structure is ever built, how the air conditioning and heating works is taken closely into consideration and even frequently augments the original design of a building or home. When looking into the design of a city, where buildings stand that were built in the early 20th century, many of these buildings where HVAC systems were an afterthought now contain window units that contribute to not just the building, but also the city's overall design. Many city dwellers take for granted just how much these strictly-utilitarian objects have reshaped the architecture of many cities that refuse to age due to existing buildings that have stood since before the window unit HVAC system was ever developed. Concentrating more on the unintended design of urban scenery,  Architecture Lab Online Magazine helps bring out how these machines free of artistic design have actually helped reshape the look of the modern downtown metropolis. 

For more information on air conditioner and heater installation, maintenance, and repair, look no further than Tulsa, OK's own A Best Air. 

Easy Ride: Motorcycle Air Conditioning

Ever wondered how motorcyclists stay cool in the blistering heat or warm in the winter? In short, they typically don't. Unless riding quickly, motorcyclists have very few means of staying cool in the summer months. To try and help combat this, Entrosys is pleased to introduce the Entrosys Motorcycle Air Conditioning system. From the back of the motorcycle, a device is attached and feeds cool air through a hose attached to the rider's jacket. The end result is a cool ride all year-round.

From the road to the home, A Best Air's certified experts are dedicated to providing the highest quality HVAC repair in Tulsa, OK. From air conditioner repair to maintenance as well as installation, look no further than A Best Air for quality air conditioner and heater services.

Mechanics In Kilts

While most of us have the luxury of spending the hot summer days in the air conditioning, other professions require workers to spend much of their time in the heat. One mechanic's shop in Tulsa, OK has taken a unique approach to beating the heat; no pants! Indeed, some of the technicians of O'Brien's Auto Performance have began wearing "work kilts" as a way to stay cool during the summer months. The mechanics report that the age-old apparel acts as natural air conditioning which is why they wear the kilts from May through October. For more on the mechanics, read this write up from Fox News Insider. If you don't feel like wearing a kilt, there's no shame in putting on a pair of pants and cranking on the air conditioner which can be professionally serviced by A Best Air in Tulsa, OK. Performing air conditioner installations, repairs, and maintenance, trust the experts at A Best Air with all your HVAC concerns. 

How Does an Air Conditioner Work?

Though most of us have an air conditioner to cool or our homes, automobiles, or campers, it can be easy to take for granted just how an air conditioner works. It's for this reason why the good people at HowStuffWorks take a little time to explain the basics of air conditioner performance.


For professional Tulsa air conditioner repair or installation, trust the experts at A Best Air HVAC Repair and Installation of Tulsa, OK.  

The Coolest Fashions: Air Conditioned Clothing

On these summer days where the temperature hangs in the triple digits, not many want to stay outdoors without air conditioning for very long. It is with this idea in mind that a Japanese air conditioned bed and clothing company Kuchaofuku has developed the first line of air conditioned clothing. Yes, clothing! USB powered and fed from intake fans placed in convenient areas, these shirts and pants are designed to keep wearers cool when they're away from the convenient world of indoor air conditioning. For an in-depth look at the coolest clothes on the market, check out this feature on the threads from Racked. For the finest Tulsa-area air conditioner maintenance and repair to never have to face a summer day without a fully-functioning air conditioner, contact the experts at A Best Air.

Heads Up: Window Unit Air Conditioners Strike

If you've ever walked through crowded metropolis, you will notice the number of window-unit air conditioners perched on window ledges many floors above the city sidewalks. While most all of them are firmly secured in place, there are a few that could stand to have another look by an air conditioner repair professional. For one New York City resident, one close encounter with an air conditioner left him grateful to be alive. As 67-year-old Vietnam War vet Anthony Franzese was lounging in a chair outside his apartment one afternoon, one such loose air conditioner fell from the window of his apartment building, broke through a local wine-bar awning, and struck him. The man reportedly escaped the freak accident with minor injuries, but that didn't keep the owner of the air conditioner from feeling terrible about the incident and offered to watch the man's dog while he recovered. For more information on this occurrence, check out this article about it from Time Newsfeed. 



If you think your air conditioning unit installation is in need of some help, let the HVAC specialists at A Best Air in Tulsa, OK. 

Air Conditioner Factoids

Though most every person in modern civilization has had some interaction with an air conditioner, most also take their air conditioners for granted. Only when an air conditioner fails to perform properly does this lack of appreciation for this device come to the forefront of one's mind and quickly shifts to one of immense gratitude when the air conditioning unit is repaired. Back before the days of air conditioning (or affordable air conditioning, anyways) much of industry would shut down during the hottest parts of the year when working conditions were simply unbearable in large warehouses, offices, and other business locations. For 12 fascinating air conditioning facts to make you love your air conditioner even more, visit this blog post from Divine Caroline. For air conditioner repair and installation year round, trust in the HVAC specialists at A Best Air in Tulsa, OK. 

Stay Healthy By Keeping Your Air Conditioner Healthy

Don't let this happen to your filter.

As the summer heat builds, your health can be directly correlated to the health of your air conditioner. Not only does an air conditioner keep your home cool during scorching summer afternoons, but your air filter keeps the cool air clean and your air conditioner running efficiently. By staying on top of the health of your air conditioner by keeping the air filter clean and free of debris, you can better escape the summer heat by enjoying all the cool, clean air that your air conditioner has to offer. By regularly checking and/or changing out your air filter, not only will your air conditioner thank you with quality performance but your electric bill will thank you because your air conditioner is performing efficiently. To ensure maximized performance, it is recommended to have an experienced air HVAC professional inspect and perform maintenance on your air conditioning unit at the first sign of any trouble. For quality air conditioner maintenance, repair, and installation, contact Tulsa's own A Best Air.

Look, Mom; No Blades!

As more people are looking for ways to make most of their air conditioners and stay cool, the makers of the popular Dyson vacuum cleaners have offered a tool to stay cool; the Dyson Air Multiplier. Providing a similar feel to that of a conventional oscillating fan, the Dyson Air Multiplier has no visible blades; rather just a circle of air propulsion that utilizes a very unique air-moving technology to push air around a space. Utilizing much of the same physics behind getting a more solid stream of water from a hose by using one's thumb to limit the amount of water that is able to come out and therefore creating pressure, the Dyson Air Multiplier is a clever alternative to a cumbersome fan that also has much to offer in the spheres of aesthetics in comparison to a conventional fan. For more information on the technology behind the Dyson Air Multiplier, check out Dyson's official fan website. 



In order to stay cool this summer, trust the air conditioner repair professionals at A Best Air HVAC Installation and Repair. Don't forget to keep your air conditioner's air filter clean and keep yourself and your family hydrated for a happy 4th of July and rest of your summer. 

Don't Let the Summer Sneak Up On You

Not even into the middle of July yet and the temperatures are heating up to August-like levels. As the temperatures heat up into the triple digits in Oklahoma, it's easy to forget that it's just barely officially summer. Being careful to keep your air conditioner in check, there are other ways to stay cool. Staying cool goes far beyond keeping your home sealed and your windows shades closed during the day. From the clothes you wear to the foods you eat, there are a whole variety of factors that contribute to your raise in body heat.  From the website Mother Nature Network, writer Chris Baskind has five easy to follow recommendations taken straight from the pre-central air play book. Incorporate these helpful tip to make the summer heat a tad more bearable. 


When your air conditioner goes out or isn't performing properly, this kind of heat makes air conditioner repair not just a luxury but a necessity. Contact the your Tulsa are air conditioner repair experts at A Best Air.

Crazy For Air Conditioning

Heat will make people do crazy things, but no group of people cross that line quite like the dedicated (or insane) people on this website. Dangling out of windows far above the streets below in order to fix air conditioners, these dare devils take their lives in their own hands and all for the sake of a cooler apartment. It is important to report that the air conditioning repair expert's at Tulsa's own A Best Air do not encourage anyone to attempt any such feats and acknowledge that these individuals are not professional air conditioner repair specialists. Still, observe the bravery and utter stupidity of these do-it-yourselfers as they put it all on the line (and at times, all on the air conditioner) for the promise of a cooler living quarters. 

Maximizing Efficiency Driving With Windows Down & A/C Off VS Driving With AC

With the economy still struggling to its feet, people are looking more than ever for methods of cutting cost without too much discomfort. One very popular bit of advice is to not run the air conditioner in one's car, but instead drive with the windows down. Others will say that the opposite is actually true; that having the windows down will create additional drag on the aerodynamics of the car and cause it to use up more fuel. Which is suggestion is correct? The answer is: both. 



Driving with the air conditioner turned off will always save you money. The only problem is that driving with your windows down may not. According to an SAE study, there is point in which vying for keeping your windows down as opposed to keeping your air conditioner on with the windows up ends up using for fuel than running the air conditioner full-blast. At around 55 miles per hour and over, having the windows down causes significant wind resistance on your vehicle and can cut gas mileage by as much as 20%. Running your air conditioner with the windows up only tends to cut gas mileage by around 10%. Driving at lower speeds, however, air resistance does not play near the same factor as it does at higher speeds; so city driving with the air conditioner off and windows down would end up saving money. 


Make sure to keep ALL of air conditioners in good health this summer in order to stay cool! For all your household air conditioner installations, repairs, and any other HVAC service needs, contact the professionals at Tulsa's own A Best Air. 

Summer Savings Secrets

As the heat cranks up, everyone is looking for the big money-saving secret to keeping down utility costs. In many instances, it's not one big cost-cutting secret but rather many smaller ones. With a little time and planning, you can make these energy cutting secrets work for your family as the days continue to get warmer this summer in Oklahoma. 


Let your dishwasher do its job. 
Dishwashers were designed with convenience in mind, but rarely do we really think about them being energy efficient. How efficient? More efficient than you. It may come as a surprise that you end up using less water when you let your dishwasher wash the dishes than what you might use when you wash them by hand.  


Go big at the grocery store. 
While it might not seem like a cost-cutting measure at the time, the more your refrigerator is filled, the more efficient it is. Open spaces don't tend to hold in the cold like a load of groceries do when the door is open. If you have a lot of space in your freezer, something as simple as a few more ice trays can help keep your ice box cooler for less. In addition to that, you'll have all the ice you could ever need at a moment's notice. 


Don't be afraid of your microwave. 
Radiation aside, your microwave is a lean, mean, cooking machine; more so than your stove or oven. For foods that don't suffer from being microwaved, your microwave is one of the most efficient cooking devices in your kitchen. 


Kick it up a notch. 
There is no reason for you to be hot in your home, but in the summertime, there's definitely no reason for you to be cold when it comes to saving on your electric bill. By raising the temperature on your thermostat from the typical 72 degrees to the neighborhood of 78 degrees, you'll notice a decent amount of savings on your electric bill at the end of the month without a considerable change in temperature. Also, why pay for cold air you're not enjoying? When you leave the house, turn the thermostat to around 80 or 85 degrees. Keep ceiling and box fans running to circulate the cool air along with making sure all windows are firmly closed with a tight seal. The air conditioner will continue to keep the humidity down, but the raised temperature will also keep your electricity bill down as well. 


Choose efficient times of day to use heat-generating appliances. 
By using your dishwasher, stove, or dryer during the hottest parts of the day, you're making your air conditioner work overtime to keep your home cool. Whether it's the steam from the dishwasher, an open dryer door, or open oven door, using these appliances on the hottest part of the day is kicking your air conditioner while it's down. By waiting till the cool of night settles or getting a head start by performing these household duties early in the day, your air conditioner and electric bill will thank you. 


For more energy savings tips, check out the Consumer Energy Center. To ensure the health of your HVAC system all summer long and avoid a mid-summer air conditioner breakdown, have the AC experts at A Best Air give your system a seasonal checkout to make sure its running at its most efficient. 

Ductless VS Window Unit

As the summer heat is turned up, keeping the home cool is becoming a concern once again for Oklahomans. One concern for those living in apartments or smaller homes that don't allow for room for the ductwork needed for a central air conditioner come the decision of which type of air conditioner to install; a window unit or a ductless air conditioner. While a window unit air conditioner is fairly inexpensive as far as AC's go and more simple to install, it comes with a whole range of other potential problems because of its location being installed in a window. A ductless air conditioner does have many advantages, such as being reliable and efficient, they are typically more costly to install and have a higher initial price tag. For more of an overview of the pros and cons of each air conditioning system, check out this article from About.com. In order to get an expert opinion as well as someone to take care of all your heating and air conditioning needs, look no further than the professionals at A Best Air. 

Air Conditioning Gone Bad

Here at A Best Air, we are happy to take care of all of your home's heating and cooling concerns; from central air units, window air conditioner units, furnaces, and beyond. However, we do suggest that you leave major installations and repairs to the professionals to save you time, money, and ensure the safety of your family. With that being said, here are some people who probably will not take our advice and have taken it upon themselves to install window air conditioning units in their cars. Not only are these not safe, but they are grossly inefficient in comparison to a car's built-in air conditioning unit. Please do not try this at home. For more of these examples, log onto Chicago Now's featured page on this do-it-yourself phenomena. For professional quality HVAC service, consult the experts at A Best Air and make it a cool summer.  

Ductless Air Conditioning

A style of air conditioning that has grown very popular in many other countries where there is a need for air conditioning, but no existing duct work, ductless air conditioning is a very capable solution to this problem. Where window unit air conditioners once reigned supreme, more people are not only desiring a more efficient air conditioner for their smaller home or apartment, but they also want their windows back! A ductless air conditioner is a slimmer unit that is typically installed just above a window or elsewhere in a room with a connection an air conditioner installed on the exterior of the room. They're very popular for their ease of use with a remote control system and their aesthetics that don't detract from the design of the room. The units also can be used to heat spaces; making them great for needing to retrofit heating and air conditioning to an older house or apartment. For more information on ductless air conditioners, check out these frequently asked questions from Thermospace.com. For information on air conditioner maintenance, repair, and installation, trust the experts at A Best Air.

Too Hot To Handle: The History of Air Conditioning

As the summer months come upon us, sometimes we take for granted that with the simple flip of a switch, we are able to fill our homes with frigid air to the point of making us actually shiver; even on the hottest of summer days. Rarely do we even dare think about what our ancestors had to deal with before the days of air conditioning. From the very first fans invented over 3,000 years ago in China to Romans using cooled water aqueducts and even importing snow from the mountains on the backs of donkeys to keep cool in the summer time, staying cool has always been an obstacle of man to overcome. It wasn't till Willis Carrier's invention of a device to reduce humidity for printing factories in the early 1900s did we have an semblance of the modern day air conditioner. The device was later updated into what is now the modern day air conditioner, but even then, only the wealthiest of individuals could afford their cool air. As some of the only air conditioners were installed in movie theaters, the tradition of going to the movies to beat the heat of a midsummer's day was started and continues on to now. The next time you turn on that air conditioner to enjoy a burst of cool air, think about what people had to go through in the summer time just to keep cool. For more info on the history of the air conditioning, check out this article from Slate. To make sure you have an escape from those hot and humid days, check in with the experts at A Best Air to keep to your HVAC system running smoothly all summer long.

Running Lean For Saving Green: How To Get Your HVAC System Running Smoothly and Cheaply

One of the largest draws on the electric bill of a home, office, apartment, or any other structure is the HVAC system. Using power to keep the facility cool or warm and the air fresh is a tall order for many systems and this requires large quantities of energy. If you think your energy bill is a little out of wack from the level of performance you've been experiencing with your HVAC system, there are some ways to tell if your heater or air conditioner is running at its optimum capabilities. Often, dust and debris can cause an air conditioner or heating system to have to work that much harder due to stress on the components. Other times, components in the system can be subject to wear, which cause the unit to not cool or heat as efficiently as they once did. If the unit is leaking water, making noise, or if you're experiencing energy bills not on par with your usage of the device, all these can be symptoms of a unit in need of inspection by a certified HVAC professional. For questions about your unit or to schedule an appointment with an HVAC expert, visit the website of A Best Air. For more telltale signs of an inefficient HVAC system, check out these symptoms to see if a visit from the professionals can increase the efficiency of your unit.

Simple Maintenance: How To Clean Your Air Filter

For many maintenance duties, it is recommended that you have a certified HVAC specialist work on your air conditioner or heating system; but cleaning your air filter is an essential snap that you can do during the commercial break of your favorite television program. Your air filter is the device that keeps dust, lint, and dirt from getting trapped in your cooling system. If the filter is not cleaned out on a regular basis, the consequences can result in inefficient heating and cooling systems, dirty air, or even fire. Typically, the air filter is made easily accessible and doesn't require much more than a screw driver to open up the grate to remove. After being removed, follow the cleaning instructions assigned to that style filter. For many filters, simply running the filter through some running water can remove most dust and debris. For others, other techniques may be required. If the filter is cleaned with water, let it dry before reinstalling it. For more information, study the instructions on this post from HowToCleanStuff.net and consult the instructions for your specific unit. If it seems like a bigger job than you can handle, have a handy person clean your filter. To make sure your HVAC unit is running at its fullest, most efficient capacity, consult the experts at A-Best Air.

Nest Thermostat: The More it Learns, the More You Save

These days, home automation has become a great tool for energy efficiency. With the Nest Learning Thermostat, this thermostat takes that concept one step further as it learns your thermostat adjustment habits and then makes the changes according to when you normally do. The Nest thermostat allows timers to be set for certain temperatures, temperatures to be set via mobile device, and a very user-friendly interface that allows users to make changes to any climate adjustment schedule. With Leaf modes for economic-friendly temperature settings as well as Away modes that detect when the home is empty, Nest's system is an ideal tool for those who want to conserve energy. For more information about Nest Learning Thermostats, check out this review from SmartHome. For installation, consult the HVAC experts at A Best Air.

Extending the Life of Your Air Conditioner

So many run out to buy new appliances in order to be more green when one of the most economical and environmentally-friendly moves we can make is to take care of and make the most of what's right in front of us. As the warmer months are fast approaching, extending the life of your air conditioner is absolutely crucial and isn't exactly rocket science. By doing a few preemptive maintenance tasks that take mere minutes, you can extend the life of your air conditioner to keep it running years after an unattended air conditioner would have bit the dust. For many helpful tips on increasing your unit's lifespan, check out this write-up from the hardworking individuals at EHow.com. For those tasks that require more than a screw driver and some common sense, visit your friends at ABest Air for all your HVAC installation and repair needs.

Adjust Your Thermostat From Anywhere

These days, it seems like you can do anything and everything from your smartphone; from balancing your checkbook to reading a book. You can take a picture, upload it to the internet, reply to a comment about the picture, and then have it sent to a lab where it's printed, framed, and sent back to your house; all without getting off your duff or even turning on a computer. In addition to the multiple tasks your phone can perform, now add "thermostat" to the list. With a whole range of different WiFi thermostat hardware kits to choose from, one can either adjust the temperature from their couch or from the other side of the world. Want to save energy this summer?  With a wireless thermostat hooked up to your internet router, you can turn down your AC while you're out and then turn it back up on the way back home. For more information on a WiFi Thermostat control, check out the SmartHome article on how to control your thermostat from anywhere. For help with everything HVAC, be sure to visit your friends at ABest Air & Heat. Don't wait till it's too late because summer is coming early this year.

More To Help Reduce Cooling Costs: Reflective Roof Coatings

Summer is coming early this year and more than likely sticking around longer. In addition to having an optimally-functioning air conditioning system, there are steps you can take to beat and heat and reduce your cooling costs. Reflective roof coatings are becoming a popular method of reflecting solar heat off of your home to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by your roof. The use of reflective roof coatings can result in an average of 25% savings on cooling costs. In addition to saving you money on cooling, the pigments found in reflective roof coatings has been found to help protect your roof from UV wear that is known to shorten the life of many asphalt shingle roofs. Relatively inexpensive, reflective roof coating can be applied by professionals and also come in varieties that can be applied by homeowners. For more on reflective roof coatings, check in with the people at wiseGeek.com to find out how a reflective roof coating can save you a bundle this summer. To also get the most amount of cooling for your buck, visit the professionals at A Best Air for all your air conditioning and heating installation and repair needs.