Beaverton, OR Air Conditioning Tip: Simple Ways you can Improve Your Air Conditioning Experience

May 16th, 2013

During the heat of summer, you are going to need to be able to count on the great performance of your air conditioning system. If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your air conditioning system, you do not need to completely replace your air conditioner. There are plenty of simple ways that you can improve your Beaverton, OR air conditioning experience. Here are a few tips to help you get through the cooling season comfortably. Contact Clean Air Act today with any questions that you may have. Our Beaverton, OR air conditioning technicians have the answers you need to keep things cool this summer.

First of all, head down to your local hardware store and pick up some basic weather stripping material and shrink wrap. You can install the weather stripping in your door frames to keep heat from getting into your home through the gaps. Put the shrink wrap up over your windows to improve efficiency there. If you really want to seal up your home for increased efficiency, buy some caulk and put a beading around your stationary windows.

Never underestimate how much using a few floor or ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system can help improve your comfort. Fans cost less to operate than an air conditioner, and while they cannot cool air, they can help to evenly distribute cooled air throughout your home. This will help you feel more comfortable, and you can raise the temperature at your thermostat by a few degrees, cutting down on your energy costs a bit.

Finally, remember that the best way to keep your air conditioning system operating as efficiently and reliably as possible is to schedule routine Beaverton, OR air conditioning maintenance service. When your system is well maintained, it will operate as intended. The less work your AC has to do in order to cool your home, the less energy it will require to do so.

If you are interested in learning more about effective air conditioning methods, or if you need to schedule any air conditioning services, contact Clean Air Act any time. We can help you get the most out of your air conditioning system. Call today to speak with one of our Beaverton, OR air conditioning pros.

Portland OR Air Conditioning: The Benefits of Amana Air Conditioners

May 6th, 2013

Scheduling your Portland, OR air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance services is an important step in ensuring that you are able to keep your home comfortable one even the hottest days of the year. Of course, even the best air conditioning services cannot make an inferior product operate outstandingly. Pair the exceptional services you receive from the air conditioning pros at The Clean Air Act with a great product from Amana to keep your home comfortable with the efficiency and effectiveness that you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.

Why choose an Amana air conditioning system? Amana products are an American tradition. Amana was the manufacturer of the first walk-in cooler in the world. It is exactly that type of innovation and forward thinking that has kept the Amana brand at the forefront of the industry for so long. Even so, Amana is always hoping to do more to improve the quality of the incredible products that they offer. Amana strives to set the standards by which all other air conditioning products are measured, and they do so by manufacturing their systems with outstanding craftsmanship and the highest standards of excellence.

There are countless benefits in cooling your home with an Amana air conditioner. Enjoy perks such as lifetime compressor warranties that are only possible when a company has absolute faith in the quality of their product. Amana also offers a great variety of products, at different levels of efficiency, to perfectly suit any lifestyle and budget. Amana makes it easy to cool your home affordably, and thanks to the exceptional quality of our systems you can enjoy low maintenance and repair needs. With features such as two-stage compressors, R-410A chlorine free refrigerant and advanced control options, Amana truly lets you keep cool with confidence.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amana air conditioning systems available for installation in your home, call the Portland OR air conditioning pros at The Clean Air Act today. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians are proud to offer these fine products that share the same high standards that we have for our own services.

Portland OR Air Conditioning: Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important in the Spring Time?

April 30th, 2013

Spring is the perfect time to make sure that our air conditioners are working well for the hot summer months. While professional air conditioning installation is critical to ensuring that your system is both energy efficient and effective, routine maintenance is just as important. It may even be required for the purpose of keeping your AC under warranty. Whatever type or brand of AC you have, professional care is a great to improve energy efficiency, increase performance levels, and improve the longevity of your system. To schedule a consultation with a Portland OR air conditioning pro about your AC system, call the experts at The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

  • Energy efficiency. Every AC that is manufactured and sold in the US has a SEER rating. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it estimates the ratio between cooling output and electrical energy input during the course of a single cooling season. The higher the number the better. However, it doesn’t much matter how high the SEER of your AC is if it is dirty and in disrepair. Whether your AC is 3 or 13 years old, it will not make the most of your energy consumption unless it receives routine inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups.
  • Performance. You invested in a comprehensive air conditioning for your home with one thing in mind: cooling performance. But like our cars and trucks, our ACs need maintenance to ensure that they’re operating well for years to come. While you can keep vegetation from encroaching on your outdoor unit, and keep your air filter clean on a regular basis, the complex machinery of your AC needs professional attention to keep your home cool.
  • Longevity. An air conditioning system is a major investment in the comfort of your home. But it will simply not last as long unless it is regularly cleaned and tuned-up. Regular inspection also gives you the advantage of catching problems early before they require major repairs or premature replacement.

For comprehensive Portland OR air conditioning maintenance, call The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

Spring Has Sprung!

April 23rd, 2013

We are very excited about the change in weather – how about you? As a show of our excitement, we would like to share with you our Spring Newsletter. Click the link to find articles on Duct Cleaning, AC Tune-Ups, a promotion, a delicious spring recipe, a “did you know” fact, and a highlighted testimonial from one of our valued customers. Happy Spring!

Romaine Salad with Orange, Feta & Beans

 

 

 

 

 

Romain Sailad with Orange, Feta & Beans

 

Portland OR Air Conditioning Tip: How to cool your home more efficiently

April 22nd, 2013

Energy efficiency and performance often go together. When your AC performs well, it is often making an efficient use of its electrical energy, so that it uses neither too little nor too much energy, but just the right amount to keep your home comfortable. Even still, with the ever-rising costs of energy, homeowners throughout the Portland, OR area are constantly looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. While we cannot control the price of electricity, we can control how we use it. We’d like to share with you some ways of cooling your home more efficiently. For more AC tips, or to schedule a professional Portland OR air conditioning service, call the experts at The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

  • Install a programmable thermostat. If you have not yet upgraded from your manual, conventional thermostat, then you are missing out on customizable climate control and energy savings. Installing a programmable thermostat is a great way to cool your home efficiently. By automatically turning your AC on and off according to the time of day, and day of the week, your AC will be fully in your control, whether you’re there or not.
  • Repair your ducts. Over time, your ducts can develop cracks and leaks, due to either general wear and tear, or other physical damage. Ensuring that your ductwork is in good working order may improve your energy efficiency up to 30%. Call up to find out more information about duct repair in Portland, OR.
  • Enroll in a maintenance plan. A routine maintenance plan is the best way to ensure that your AC is cooling your system more efficiently. During these visits, a certified AC technician will inspect, clean, and tune-up your cooling system. It will not only improve the energy efficiency of its operation, but may also improve its performance and longevity.
  • Upgrade. If your AC is older, or requires frequent repairs, consider upgrading to a new AC system. A new central air, heat pump, or ductless mini split may be just what you need.

For more information about Portland air conditioning services, including those related to energy efficiency, call The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

Beaverton OR Heating FAQ: What is a high-efficiency small ductwork system?

April 15th, 2013

For most of America, ductwork remains the primary way of moving heated air throughout the home. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, you need good, clean ductwork to facilitate the heating process and to provide adequate comfort for you and your family. But, the box-like ductwork that is so widely used can be inefficient, and often cannot be used in older, historical homes that do not have enough room to accommodate them. Fortunately, today homeowners can enjoy the convenience and effectiveness of ductwork without disrupting their home with major renovation or awkward retrofitting. High efficiency small ductwork systems, also known as high velocity mini duct systems, are quickly becoming a new standard. In this post, we’d like to explain what they could offer your home. For more information, or to schedule Beaverton heating, call the experts at The Clean Air Act today!

A high-efficiency small ductwork system uses small, insulated flexible ducts that circulate hot air at a greater rate. Due to the small diameter of the ducts, they can control the passage of air, and prevent the tendency of air loss and air stagnation. The outlets are about 2” in diameter, and instead of bulky grates, they appear to be small circular holes in the wall. The small diameter and higher pressure of these ducts lets the system circulate more effectively than in conventional set ups, by creating a vacuum effect of negative pressure. The result is even heat, whether you’re lying on the ground, or up on a ladder.

Furthermore, unlike standard ducts, high efficiency small ductwork resists the accumulation of dust and debris, and when paired with an air filtration system, is virtually dust-free. While conventional sheet-metal ductwork is subject to energy loss of up to 30%, small ductwork is tightly sealed and highly efficient. It also provides up to 25% more dehumidification, which is essential for the summer climate.

All in all, high efficiency small ductwork systems offer energy efficiency in a compact package. For more information about how they change your Beaverton, OR heating, contact The  Clean Air Act today!

Portland OR Duct Cleaning FAQ: How Often Should I Get My Air Ducts Cleaned?

April 8th, 2013

Duct cleaning is a great way to improve the indoor air quality of your home, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, and to reduce the impact of allergens in the household. This latter benefit is especially important for homeowners who have respiratory issues such as asthma or those who suffer from allergies. While duct cleaning makes sense, it’s not entirely clear to many homeowners how often they should schedule the service. In this post, we’d like to address this question. For Portland duct cleaning, call the experts at Clean Air Act, Inc today!

In order to address this question, let’s look at duct cleaning works and then examine the benefits.

  • How duct cleaning works. While it seems simple enough, duct cleaning is a complicated process, involving various specialized tools and vacuums to ensure that the inside surface of your ducts is free of dust, debris, and mold. The method of cleaning may depend on the type of ducts you have in your home. You can expect that all of the various duct channels, vents, and registers will be cleaned. Your duct cleaning professional may also consult with you about sanitizing your ductwork to prevent microbiological and pathogen growth.
  • Benefits to duct cleaning. If your ductwork is filled with dust and debris, then there is less room for airflow. Even very small amounts of blockage can significantly reduce the efficient passage of cooled and heated air through to your living space. Duct cleaning, along with duct sealing, can ensure that your ductwork is not limiting the efficiency of your system. Moreover, clean ductwork boosts your indoor air quality. As air blows throughout your ductwork, it makes any resident particles airborne, thus sending them throughout your house. For homeowners susceptible to allergies, this can dramatically influence their home comfort.
  • So, how often? While there is no set standard for how often you should have your ducts cleaned, annual duct cleaning is a great way to improve your energy efficiency, performance, and indoor air quality.

For more information about Portland, OR duct cleaning, call Clean Air Act, Inc today!

Portland OR Furnace FAQ: Do I Need a Furnace Repair?

April 1st, 2013

Furnaces have long been one of the most popular home heating system options, and for very good reason. Modern furnaces are very effective, extremely efficient and very durable, allowing them to heat your home reliably and affordably over the course of their long lifespan. Of course, as is the case with any home heating system, you will eventually find that you need to contact a Portland furnace repair technician. When that time comes, call the furnace repair pros at The Clean Air Act, Inc. Our professional Portland, OR furnace repair specialists will have your furnace up and running at maximum performance levels again in no time.

Generally speaking, problems with your furnace are only going to get worse over time. That is why it is so important that you schedule any necessary Portland, OR furnace repair as soon as you suspect a problem with your system. In order to do so, though, you must recognize the warning signs that furnace repair is necessary.

Any general decline in the performance of your home heating system may indicate the need for furnace repair. Uneven heating may be the result of a problem with the fan in your furnace, or even your ductwork. Insufficient heating output may be a sign of a problem with your heat exchanger. Any problem can do serious damage over time, so contact us the moment you discover a problem with your furnace.

You should also call a Portland heating technician if you notice an increase in the cost of heating your home. If you have not made any big adjustments to your heating habits then there should be no major fluctuations in your heating costs. Should the cost of heating your home suddenly spike, it is very likely that there is an underlying problem causing this inefficiency. Schedule repair service immediately.

Your comfort is too important to take any chances with. Contact The Clean Air Act, Inc. if you suspect a problem with your heating system. Our team of Portland, OR furnace repair technicians will help protect your comfort throughout the heating season.

Portland OR Heating Tip: What To Do Before Switching Your Heat Pump From Heating to Cooling

March 25th, 2013

A heat pump is a great option for homeowners that want efficient heating and cooling in one convenient system. As we leave the cold season here in Oregon and the weather begins to warm up, you may start thinking about switching your heat pump from heating to cooling. Before you do that, it may be a good idea to think about performing some simple maintenance tasks to make sure that your heat pump works well. Contact the Portland heating experts at The Clean Air Act for all your heat pump repair and maintenance. We can help you make sure that your heat pump works well throughout the year. Here are a few of the thing that you may want to think about before the weather starts to warm up.

Benefits of Regular Heat Pump Maintenance

Heat pumps get a ton of use throughout the year because you use the same equipment to both heat and cool your home. In addition to that, your heat pump’s cooling mode has been dormant for much of the fall and winter. Before you just start cranking out the cooling it could be a good idea to get your heat pump inspected, repaired and maintained. With all the use that it gets your heat pump will likely start to develop small problems and issues. Those problems can impact the operation and efficiency of your heat pump. During regular maintenance, your technician will thoroughly inspect and clean out every component of your heat pump. They will find those small problems and repair which can result in some of the following benefits

  • Reduced need for repair
  • Increased Efficiency
  • Extended equipment life

Call the Portland, OR heating technicians at The Clean Air Act if you’re interested in setting up regular maintenance for your home’s heat pump. Contact The Clean Air Act today!

Portland OR Heating FAQ: Why is My Furnace Not Heating

March 18th, 2013

Even as we enter the end of the heating season in Portland, OR, your furnace may begin to lose its ability to heat your home. This can be disconcerting, even as spring approaches. Don’t wait until next year to schedule furnace repair service. Delaying repairs typically only worsens them. If you’re concerned about your furnace, you need to rely on a trained Portland heating professional to ensure that your repair is done right the first time. The Clean Air Act Inc. is committed to providing exceptional heating repair in the Portland, OR area.

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is “Why is my furnace not heating?” Let’s take a look at some common causes:

  • Thermocouple. Your thermocouple is an electronic safety device that typically attaches to your pilot light to prevent gas from entering the combustion chamber without a flame to ignite it properly. It may be broken, or it may be accurately sensing that your pilot light is out, in which case it needs to be relit, or your fuel supply valve is blocked by debris.
  • Electrical issue. While your furnace creates energy from fuel, it is powered by electricity. Your furnace may have tripped the circuit breaker or blown a fuse. If your wiring is old or has been damaged, this can be a potentially hazardous situation and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
  • Clogged air filter. If you notice that your furnace turns on, but little to no heat emerges from the ductwork, your air filter may be dirty or completely blocked. If you can’t remember the last time you checked your air filter, it’s a good idea to do so regularly. It’s an easy and cost effective maintenance task.
  • No fuel. While this seems obvious, customers unfamiliar with how their heating system may forget to check their fuel gauge. No fuel, no fire, as they say.

We hope that this brief list of common furnace heating problems helps you identify a problem. The next step is contacting your local Portland heating professionals at The Clean Air Act Inc. We service all makes and models of furnaces. Call us today!