Archive for March, 2015

Common Problems That Can Develop with Air Handlers

Friday, March 27th, 2015

If you have a forced air system for cooling and/or heating, then the air is blown into your home by a large fan called the blower. The blower doesn’t work alone, though; it is part of a group of components known as the blower assembly, and when one component in the assembly malfunctions, it is likely you will have problems with your blower. It’s important to call an expert any time you have an issue with your blower or its components, and the trained specialists at Clean Air Act are here to help. Need air handler repair for your Milwaukie, OR home? Call us today and schedule an appointment.

Problem 1: Issues with the fan blades

Fan blades can loosen, bend or break, causing problems with air flow as well as potential damage to surrounding components. Problems with fan blades are often denoted by loud banging sounds, so if you hear this sound coming from your HVAC system, call for an expert.

Problem 2: Electrical problems

Electrical problems in the blower assembly can develop with wiring, especially with wires that have corroded or frayed. Electrical issues can also develop with the motor, both with wiring and with the capacitors. Any repairs that involve electricity should always be handled by a trained expert, so if you suspect the problem with your air handler may be electrical in nature, call for a specialist.

Problem 3: Limit switch malfunction

Your blower has a switch that protects your heating system while also ensuring that only warm air blows into your home during the winter months. This component is called the limit switch and if it malfunctions, it can cause your blower to run continuously, intermittently or not at all.

A malfunctioning air handler can result in low air flow and stress on your HVAC system. If you are in need of air handler repair in Milwaukie, OR, call the experts at Clean Air Act today.

The Benefits of Amana Heat Pumps

Friday, March 20th, 2015

Heat pumps are popular choices for many homeowners for good reasons: they are very energy efficient, can provide your home with both heating and cooling and have an average lifespan of 20-25 years, which is longer than traditional heating and cooling systems. There are a number of companies that produce heat pumps, and the heat pumps we have chosen to offer our Estacada, OR customers is the Amana line of heat pumps. Amana has been a leader in the heating and cooling industry since 1934, and their wide product range can meet the needs of every kind of household. And as Amana experts, you can rest assured that when you need any kind of services for your Amana heat pump, including installation, repair, replacement or bi-annual maintenance, the expert technicians at Clean Air Act have the training and expertise needed to get the job done.

Benefits

One of the first benefits of the Amana line of heat pump products is the range they offer to homeowners. Whether you want a heat pump that is budget friendly or top-of-the-line, Amana has a heat pump that will fit with your needs. Additionally, there are standard benefits that come with every Amana heat pump, no matter which model you choose. These benefits are:

  • Factory-installed filter drier – these help protect the heat pump from outside debris and excess moisture.
  • Compressor sound blanket – Amana’s engineered sound-reduction cover for the compressor, made of high-density foam and a specially designed sound-control top that significantly reduces operational noise.
  • 10-year parts limited warranty – one of the best warranties available for heat pumps.
  • Environmentally-friendly refrigerant – all Amana heat pumps use R-410A, a chlorine-free refrigerant that is friendlier to the environment.
  • High SEER ratings – the SEER rating for Amana heat pumps range from 14 to 18; the mandated law requires a minimum SEER rating of 13.

Hire an Expert for Your Amana Heat Pump

Gaining the benefit of any heat pump requires hiring an expert for all work to be done, and the Amana experts from Clean Air Act are here and ready to help.

Interested to see what an Amana heat pump can do for your Estacada, OR home? Call us today and schedule an appointment.

Why Is Visual Aid Equipment Used in Duct Cleaning?

Friday, March 13th, 2015

Most people think of duct cleaning as a quick vacuuming. But professional duct cleaning involves a whole lot more than simply cleaning your registers and removing the visible dust and dirt in your ducts. Your ductwork can run long and deep, and it is in these deeper areas where dust and dirt can really accumulate and cause problems for you, your family members and your home. However, when you hire the trained experts at Clean Air Act for professional duct cleaning in Gresham, OR, you can rest assured that your duct cleaning will have great results. Why? We’ll explore this more below.

Tools of the Trade

One of the reasons professional duct cleaning has excellent results is because of the kinds of tools that are utilized in the service. Not only are professional-grade and HEPA vacuums used, but so are pneumatic tools and visual aid devices. You may be asking yourself, why use visual aid equipment? The answer is because while there are access points in your ductwork, it isn’t possible to see everything all at once – unless you have video equipment. Video equipment allows the technician to see every nook and cranny of your ductwork so that no area is missed during the cleaning process. The video also gives the technician the ability to see problem areas and handle them accordingly.

Why Schedule Duct Cleaning?

Duct cleaning isn’t just about removing dirt, dust and contaminants in your ductwork, although this is a big part of the process. It is also about helping to improve your indoor air quality and take excess stress off your HVAC system.

When you have too much dirt and dust in your ductwork, it can restrict air flow; this creates an imbalance in your HVAC system and can lead to operational issues, malfunction and possible breakdown. Excess dirt and dust can also lead to the development of mold, mildew, dust mites and fungi, all of which will blow directly into your living spaces. Professional duct cleaning removes the dirt and dust layer that can lead to these problems.

It’s recommended that your ducts are cleaned every 3-5 years, so if it’s time to clean your ductwork in Gresham, OR, call us today!

What Are My Choices with Amana Heat Pumps?

Friday, March 6th, 2015

If you have been looking for a heating and cooling system that can work effectively and without use of fossil fuels, you may want to consider the installation of a heat pump. Heat pumps can work with both ducted and ductless systems, and when properly installed, a heat pump can give you 20-25 years’ worth of service. At Clean Air Act, we are proud to carry the Amana line of heat pump products, and our technicians can install, repair, maintain and replace them at your Portland, OR, home. Why did we choose Amana? Here are some reasons:

  • All Amana heat pumps use R-410A refrigerant, which is an environmentally-friendly refrigerant
  • All the refrigerant is chlorine-free
  • Amana pays special attention to the quiet operation of their systems, so they operate at a very low noise volume
  • Each unit is equipped with a crankcase heater and filter dryer, allowing for optimal heating power during the winter months

Amana Series of Heat Pumps

Amana offers a range of heat pumps, from systems for large homes to systems for the budget-conscious homeowner:

  • ASZC series – this is Amana’s high-efficiency series of heat pumps, and there are two types: the SEER 18 heat pump and the SEER 16 heat pump. These heat pumps are typically for larger homes and/or those wanting the benefits of a high-efficiency heat pump system; they also come with a limited lifetime warranty.
  • ASZ series – for those looking for many of the benefits the ASZC series offers, but who don’t need all of them, the ASZ series is the one to look at. The ASZ heat pumps come in SEER 13, 14 and 16 ratings, giving you choices about the level of energy efficiency you’d like to be at. This series does not come with the limited lifetime warranty.
  • ANZ series – the ANZ series is great for smaller homes and those who are looking to stay within a certain budget range. The ANZ heat pump systems have SEER ratings of either 13 or 14, but they do not have the limited lifetime warranty.

For more information on how an Amana heat pump can fit in your Portland, OR, home, call the experts at Clean Air Act today!