Posts Tagged ‘Beavercreek’

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How Your Heating Can Suffer This Season With Dirty Ductwork

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Experts recommend that you have your home’s ductwork cleaned about every three to five years. Skipping out on the service can allow dust particles to build up in your network of ducts, ultimately having a negative impact on your heater and indoor air quality. You might not think that a little dust is a big deal, but it really is.

If you haven’t had your ductwork cleaned within the last five years—or ever—it’s time to schedule a heating duct cleaning in Beavercreek, OR. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today. You can also keep reading to learn more about how dirty ducts can have a negative impact on your heater this winter.

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How Having Your AC Maintained Benefitted You This Summer

Monday, August 28th, 2023

If you invested in air conditioning maintenance last year, you may be wondering what you got out of it. After all, your air conditioner probably worked great without any hiccups. Do you really need to invest in AC maintenance if nothing is wrong?

Scheduling AC maintenance in Beavercreek, OR consistently every single year is the best way to take care of your unit. If you haven’t scheduled your service yet for this year, give us a call today. You can also keep reading to learn more about the benefits you experienced this summer from investing in AC maintenance for all of the previous years.

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Portable Vs. Whole-House Dehumidifiers

Monday, June 25th, 2018

portable-dehumidifierA dehumidifier is an excellent supplement to your air conditioning in Beavercreek, OR. But when it comes down to it, many people ask the same question:

“Can’t I just get a portable dehumidifier instead of a whole-house one?”

Instead of trying to convince you one way or the other, we’ve listed several qualities of dehumidifiers and compared how each model performs.

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3 Common Furnace Repairs

Monday, January 12th, 2015

Since furnaces are the most common kind of heating system in the country, they also happen to have the most common heating problems. This isn’t to say that furnaces experience a greater incidence of problems, simply that furnace problems are the most common by virtue of the systems’ popularity. With that popularity in mind, let’s take a look at 3 common furnace repairs.

Faulty Thermocouple

Though more modern furnaces have begun using electric intermittent ignition systems, the traditional gas-powered pilot light is still in widespread use. A gas-powered pilot light is controlled by a part called a “thermocouple,” which regulates when to feed gas to the flame. When the pilot flame is lit, the thermocouple produces an electrical current that opens the gas valve and feeds the flame. When the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple’s electrical current stops and the gas valve closes as a safety measure. A faulty thermocouple is one that has lost the ability to keep the gas valve open, smothering the flame for want of fuel. The usual fix for this is to replace the thermocouple completely.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is the name for when your furnace won’t stop turning itself on and off over and over again. It is caused by the furnace’s interaction with a part called the “limit switch.” The limit switch is there to make sure the furnace doesn’t overheat and damage itself. When it detects an internal furnace temperature that is too high, it shuts down the furnace as a safety measure. This doesn’t solve the source of the overheating problem, though, and as soon as the furnace starts up again it will repeat the same cycle. A professional will need to isolate the cause of the overheating problem to solve the short-cycling.

Duct Leaks

Duct leaks are an especially insidious problem, because they are almost impossible for a homeowner to detect but can cause thousands of dollars of wasted energy. Almost 30% of an average furnace’s heat is lost to leaks in the ducts, according to the US Department of Energy. The only way to solve this is to have a professional examine and seal the home’s ductwork.

If you’re having furnace problems, call Clean Air Act. We provide furnace repair throughout Beavercreek.

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How Compressor Problems Affect Your Whole Air Conditioner

Friday, July 18th, 2014

The outside unit of your air conditioner houses some very important components of your system. Your air conditioner cools your home by absorbing the heat from inside and releasing it outside. The compressor and the condenser coil in the outside unit of your AC are vital for releasing the heat outdoors. If the compressor runs into problems it can seriously affect your entire AC system, and you may need air conditioning repair immediately.

The compressor is a vital component of your air conditioning system. During the evaporation stage of the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant becomes a low pressure gas and absorbs heat from the air in your home. As the refrigerant moves to your outside unit, the compressor changes this low-pressure gas into a high pressure gas, so it can move into the condenser, release heat, and cycle back through the system again.

If your compressor isn’t working properly, your air conditioner may lose some cooling power or your system may have trouble starting up. If your compressor fails entirely, however, you will get no cooling power at all, and you may need major repairs or replacement.

There are many signs your compressor may be struggling. If you hear grinding noises in your outdoor unit, it may mean that something has interfered with the compressor or the compressor motor, such as a buildup of dirt, or that these parts need lubrication. However, grinding can also be a sign of wear and tear that indicates a need for replacement. Another sign that your compressor needs repair is hard starting.

You can prevent premature failure of your compressor with regular maintenance by an AC technician. Regular maintenance can help prevent compressor issues because a technician will lubricate the motor and clean parts that can cause your compressor to become worn. If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, for example, your compressor may become damaged as it is designed to handle a certain refrigerant charge.

Compressor problems can be serious, but an AC technician may be able to repair the problem if found early. For air conditioning repair service in Beavercreek, OR, call Clean Air Act today

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Troubles with the Motors in Your Air Conditioning System

Thursday, June 19th, 2014

Depending on your type of air conditioner, you will have at least one fan as part of your system. Each fan plays an important role, and if there is a malfunction or breakdown with the fan’s motor, your whole system can be affected. Motors are complex, so it is best to use a qualified technician from Clean Air Act, Inc. for your air conditioning repairs in Beavercreek, OR.

Why Use a Specialist?

The motors in your air conditioner need to operate at a certain capacity in order to do their job correctly. The motors have small, intricate parts, including a system of wires that make the motor run. In addition, the motor, like other parts of your air conditioner, is tied into your home’s electricity, so unless you have the training to both repair your motor and work with electricity, it’s better to use a trained professional for your fan motor repair.

What Can Go Wrong With The Motors?

Three separate motors can leave a lot of room for malfunction. Let’s start with the fan motors.

Fan Motors

The fans’ jobs in your air conditioner are to move air (air flow) and help with the heat release and cooling process in your system. When one of these fans malfunctions, it can affect the whole system.

Typical problems with fan motors include:

  • Wiring and other electrical issues
  • Burnout from stress
  • Breakage of the small components within the motor itself

Many times the fan motors can be repaired, but there is the possibility that the motor may need full replacement.

Compressor Motor

The compressor’s job is to take the cool refrigerant gas that enters from the evaporator and turn it into a hot, high-pressure gas that moves to the condenser. This is how your AC releases its heat.

Common problems that can occur with a compressor motor are:

  • Problems with pressurization due to issues within the compressor or from the intake valve
  • Electrical problems
  • Breakdown due to overheating
  • Issues with the run capacitor

The compressor is a complex component, and because it works under pressure, it is not a part that should be handled or repaired by an untrained person.

Motors Not Running? Give Us a Call

The best way to stay on top of potential motor repairs is to have bi-annual maintenance conducted on your air conditioning system. During regular maintenance appointments, your AC is thoroughly inspected and cleaned, including the components and wiring. If you suspect something may be off with one of your air conditioner’s motors, don’t ignore it – it could become a bigger issue than it has to be. Call Clean Air Act today and schedule air conditioning repair service in Beavercreek, OR.

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What AFUE Means and How It Affects You

Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

If you’re in the market for a new heating system or are taking a new interest in your current one, you’ll run across a slew of confusing acronyms. There’s one in particular you will see more than others: AFUE. On the cabinet of a gas-powered furnace you might read: “AFUE rating = 92%” What does this mean? Is it important to know?

We’ll explain AFUE in this post. To answer the second question first, yes, it’s important for you to know what AFUE stands for and what it means. This rating is key to understanding how energy-efficient a heater is and what you might expect to see on your heating bills.

For more information, as well as quality heating installation service in Beavercreek, OR, turn to Clean Air Act.

“Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”

AFUE is an acronym for “annual fuel utilization efficiency.” It’s a thermal efficiency rating that ranks how much heating power a heater returns from the fuel it uses, expressed as a percentage. (Air conditioners have a similar rating, SEER—seasonal energy efficiency rating—which is expressed as a ratio instead of a percentage.) It isn’t a “true” thermal efficiency rating, since it determines the heater’s efficiency over a long term instead of during steady-state, peak performance. It’s a number for consumers, not engineers.

An AFUE rating indicates the amount of heating power—measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units)—a heating system returns for every 100 BTUs of power it consumes. For example, if an oil boiler burned 100 units of oil and provided 80 units of heat, it would have an AFUE rating of 80%. The higher the percentage, the more completely the heater converts its fuel source into heat.

Why this is important

If you want to conserve energy and save money on your heating bill, a heater’s AFUE rating is one of the main aspects to consider.

Modern heaters score high AFUE ratings. The Department of Energy requires that all furnaces sold in the US must have an AFUE of at least 78%—and furnaces score higher than that. A top-of-the-line gas furnace can reach an AFUE rating of 96%. Boilers also are required to have high AFUE ratings, and most score above 85%. (Boilers in general are more efficient than furnaces.) To help you grasp these efficiency levels, consider that the AFUE of burning conventional firewood is a mere 45% to 55%.

Get more information from experts

However, you shouldn’t simply pick the heating system with the highest AFUE rating. Aside from its increased cost, a heater with a high AFUE may not do the best job for your home, no matter its efficiency, if your house has less effective insulation or other specific requirements that make it harder to heat. This is why you should rely on professional advice and installation when it comes to heating your home. Contact Clean Air Act for assistance on making this important choice: AFUE is important, but it isn’t everything when it comes to heating in Beavercreek, OR.

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Take Care of Your Heating Repairs Before the Cold Hits

Monday, October 14th, 2013

In Beavercreek, OR, heating issues take center stage during the winter months when temperatures are coldest. We don’t think about heating much during the summer or fall, which can actually be a mistake. Indeed, the early fall makes an ideal time to take care of heating repairs, whether you have something significant that needs fixing or you just want to do a little maintenance. Here’s why you should take care of your heating repairs before the cold hits.

The most important answer is the most obvious. You don’t want your heater to be out of commission in the depths of winter. You never know when the next storm or cold front is going to move through, which can put a great deal of pressure on you to get the repair done quickly. In the fall, when temperatures are warmer, the need for the heater is not as dire, and you’ll have more time to plan and accommodate a repair session. Furthermore, most service technicians are less busy during the fall than they are during the winter, when heating malfunctions are more common and require speedier solutions.

Then there’s the question of our warm summers, which means your heater has likely sat unused for several months. That means it’s built up dust and debris, and lingering issues from last heating season have not gotten better on their own. The fall is the perfect opportunity to schedule a maintenance session to clean the accrued dust, or to note areas where the idle heater could use a repair.

The benefits of taking care of your heating repairs before the cold hits are obvious. It leaves your heater in optimum shape when winter sets in, reducing the risk of further repairs just when the unit is needed the most. It also ensures that your heater is functioning at peak capacity, reducing inefficiency and saving you money on your monthly bills. If you live in Beavercreek, OR, heating issues can be resolved by the heating repair professionals at Clean Air Act. Call us today to schedule repair service in Beavercreek, OR.

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Why a Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioning Might be Right for Your Home

Friday, August 9th, 2013

Are you tired of conventional HVAC systems that use ductwork to circulate air throughout your home? Are you looking for something more energy efficient and versatile? Few innovations in the HVAC industry have been so momentous as the development and ensuing popularity of the ductless mini split system. Such systems allow homeowners like yourself a flexible, energy-efficient, and effective cooling experience. But many homeowners are still wondering about ductless mini splits: how do they work, and are they right for me? It’s hard to tell without a professional consultation, but we can offer some reasons why it might be worth your time to consider having one installed in your home. Call Clean Air Act for comprehensive Beavercreek, OR air conditioning services, whatever your need may be.

  • What is a ductless mini split air conditioner? It has a funny name, to start. A ductless mini split system is a “split” system just like central air, which means it has a rather conventional outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor evaporator/air handler. The “mini” term refers to the relatively compact size of the indoor unit, which, unlike the large steel housing of a conventional AC, sits high on the wall or recessed in the ceiling. These indoor units are nearly silent. The “ductless” refers, of course, to the absence of ducts. Instead, the drainage, electrical, and refrigerant lines that run from the outdoor to the indoor unit function as the refrigerant cycle.
  • How does it work? A ductless mini split air conditioner works like any refrigeration device. The circulation of refrigerant through a compressor allows the chemical to absorb heat from one area and transport it elsewhere. The chief difference lies in that the indoor unit sits directly in the living space, and thus does much of its work for that respective zone. That is why ductless mini split air conditioners often require multiple indoor air handlers for every single outdoor unit. The benefit of this layout is that the system has built-in zone control, which can help you cool only those parts of your living space that you need to at any given moment.

A ductless mini split air conditioning system makes a great choice if you want to save money on energy consumption in the long-term and want to take greater control of how the cool air flows throughout your home. Call Clean Air Act today for all of your air conditioning needs in Beavercreek, OH.

 

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How Do I know if I need a Dehumidifier or Humidifier?

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Humidity is a critical factor in your home in Beavercreek. Most people know that the winter is dry while the summer tends to be more humid. While there are many humidity control products available on the market, few people know how to tell if they need more or less humidity in their home. Here at Clean Air Act, we thought it would be helpful for the community in Beavercreek if we put together a quick checklist so you can know if you need more or less moisture in your home.

Why is Humidity So Important

Humidity in your Beavercreek homes plays a large part in how comfortable you are there. Humidity can impact your health as well as the quality of the air inside your home. For example, when your home is too humid, dust mites and mold can thrive. If the air is too dry, it can also cause your wood furniture to dry out and crack.

Too Little Humidity

There are a number of indications that you might have too little moisture in your air.

  • If you start to notice that your lips or hands are drying out, this probably means that the humidity in your home is too low. You may also notice that your throat and nasal passages are dry as well. This could result in a cough or a bloody nose.
  • The increase of static electricity in your home is more evidence of low humidity. If this is the case, you’ll notice that you get shocked when you walk across your home or that your clothing sticks to you.

Too Much Humidity

Here are a few indicators that you have too much humidity in your home.

  • Too much moisture can make your home feel stuffy and uncomfortable.
  • If you notice an increase in mold growth around your home, that can also mean you have too much moisture in your air.

Hydrometer

If you really want to be sure if your air is too dry or too moist, a hydrometer can be useful. Hydrometers, as you can probably guess, measure how much water is in the air as a percentage. On rainy days, a properly calibrated hydrometer would indicate a 90% humidity level.

If you would like more information about humidity control systems for your home in Beavercreek, then call the experts at Clean Air Act. We can help you measure the current humidity levels in your home and let you know if a humidity control product is right for you.

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