The Clean Air Act Inc - Official HVAC Blog

Why AC Maintenance Is Important Before Summer

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:11:46 GMT

Why AC Maintenance Is Important Before Summer

Air conditioning was often a suggestion for many parts of the Pacific Northwest. But if homeowners want to maintain comfortable homes throughout the summer, proper climate control care is more important than ever.

But why is AC maintenance for Happy Valley, OR , homeowners necessary before summer starts? Here’s why you’ll want to prepare your unit and give yourself peace of mind with a professional tune-up.

The Spring Savings Strategy

Some homeowners mistakenly see maintenance as an optional expense. While your unit might not be struggling to keep your home cool, it still needs proper care to continue to run in the most efficient manner possible.

Spring AC maintenance for Portland, OR, homeowners involves cleaning and testing every part of your HVAC, ensuring it’s ready for the coming weather. A well-tuned unit will be cheaper to run. It also benefits you long-term, reducing your chances of needing repairs and extending the lifespan of your HVAC.

Avoiding the Emergency Rush

Hundreds of homeowners realize there’s something wrong with their system way too late in the season. And like clockwork, they call for emergency repairs and maintenance appointments, filling up your local HVAC company’s calendar and causing wait times for services to skyrocket.

Handling your maintenance in the spring means you’re getting ahead of the inevitable. While your neighbors are waiting for something to go wrong, you’re guaranteeing everything goes right (a much better position to find yourself in this time of year).

Playing Your Part

There’s no substitute for professional HVAC maintenance , but that doesn’t mean you can’t support your system. You should always check your indoor air filter this time of year and, ideally, change or clean it once every few months.

Spring pollen is a major issue in Portland this time of year, so cleaning it again now, even if you just did a month or two ago, isn’t a bad idea.

Schedule Pre-Summer AC Maintenance for Portland, OR, Homeowners

If you feel like your HVAC isn’t ready for summer, there’s no time like the present to change that. Contact the team at The Clean Air Act today and schedule your maintenance appointment before the summer temperatures set in.

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Matters for Your Home

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:04:09 GMT

Why Spring HVAC Maintenance Matters for Your Home

Why is spring HVAC maintenance for Clackamas, Oregon , homes so important? After all, the heat doesn’t typically arrive in full force until June.

However, you don’t want to wait until you desperately need your air conditioner to find out that the unit can’t keep you comfortable. The sooner you schedule a tune-up, the better off you’ll be when the warm weather eventually does come to the Pacific Northwest.

Protection From Expensive Problems

The only thing worse than finding out you have an HVAC problem now is finding out you have one in the middle of summer.

Unfortunately, you might not know about an issue when you first start using your HVAC. Your home might even stay cool. But when you open your next utility statement, you’ll learn exactly why spring HVAC maintenance for Portland, Oregon, homes is actually an investment, not an expense.

Any HVAC system can benefit from optimization and a routine cleaning. A maintenance visit also allows a technician to search for and diagnose any serious issues. If the unit is already overworked, your technician may find damaged components or connections.

Delayed maintenance can bleed your wallet dry. If you aren’t positive that your system is healthy, the damage to your unit could be getting worse anytime you turn it on.

Spring Scheduling Is a Breeze

When the first real heat wave inevitably rolls through Portland, most local HVAC companies are booked. Their phones will be ringing off the hook. You might wait days for a repair, unless you’re willing to shell out the cash for an emergency appointment. And even then, you’ll be forced to adjust your schedule around the company’s.

If you schedule preventive maintenance in the spring, you dictate the schedule. You don’t have to rearrange your entire week to make a maintenance visit happen.

Reach Out Today to Schedule Spring HVAC Maintenance for Portland, Oregon, Homes

Spring weather will soon give way to summer temps. Make sure your HVAC is ready with the help of The Clean Air Act. Reach out to our team today to schedule your spring maintenance visit.

Why Indoor Air Quality Gets Worse During Washington Winters

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 10:30:07 GMT

Why Indoor Air Quality Gets Worse During Washington Winters

When you think of air pollution, you probably think of smog or pollen. But the air inside your home can often be of lower quality than outside. Sealing up your environment, never-ending rain and moisture, and higher heating system usage create the perfect storm for the poor indoor air quality winter in Happy Valley is known for.

“Trapping” Particles in Your Home

Homeowners should seal their home before winter. It’s one of the most effective ways to ensure comfort and prevent the HVAC from overworking itself. It keeps your utility bills low at a cost to your air quality by sealing you in with whatever contaminants were already inside your home.

Other seasons give you breathing room to open windows and let fresh air in. Winter is the worst time for natural ventilation. Without the fresh air coming in, you’ll keep circulating particles throughout your living space over and over again.

Humidity and Condensation

Washington winters are wet. Even if it isn’t raining, the ambient humidity is at an all-time high. The combination of damp air and heat from inside your home can cause condensation, especially in older homes or those with aging insulation.

Mold and mildew love this excess moisture. These spores significantly lower your home’s air quality and often trigger allergy symptoms that you might mistake for a cold that won’t quit.

If you notice a musty smell in your basement or see lots of condensation on your windowpanes, this is the poor indoor air quality winter in Washington is unfortunately infamous for.

Try keeping the indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. This means it’s too dry for mold but not so dry that you end up with itchy skin and more sinus issues than you started with. Whole-home dehumidifiers (or humidifiers) are excellent for regulating humidity levels.

The Kind of Indoor Air Quality Winter in Washington Should Have

Despite the uphill battle, winter doesn’t have to be a time when you feel suffocated by the air in your living room. Contact The Clean Air Act today to learn more about your options and schedule an indoor air quality assessment with one of our technicians.

Indoor Air Quality Improvement: Tips for Portland, OR, Winter

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 03:23:34 GMT

Indoor Air Quality Improvement: Tips for Portland, OR, Winter

As you're thinking about indoor air quality improvement tips in Portland, OR, winter brings some special considerations.

The Pacific Northwest air is damp and thick this time of year. When you close up your home, that same air gets stale and, usually, even more humid. The unique combination of cold and rainy weather doesn’t help, so it’s important to take proactive steps to guarantee better air quality throughout the season.

Top Indoor Air Quality Improvement Tips in Portland, OR, Winters

You don’t need a home renovation or an HVAC overhaul to improve your home’s air quality. Sometimes, even the smallest things make a significant difference.

Focus on Humidity

Humidity dictates your indoor air quality in a place like Portland. It’s a little more complex during winter, though; running your furnace can actually dry out the air, which irritates your throat and sinuses.

Whole-home humidifiers are the best solution for finding the happy medium between thick, wet air and suffocating dryness. The sweet spot is somewhere between 30% and 50% humidity. These humidity control systems can add and remove moisture, so you can easily adjust the levels based on what your home needs.

Upgrade Your Air Filters

Standard furnace filters aren’t always built to protect your health. Their primary purpose is to keep your HVAC system healthy, but many options do both.

Even if you have a high-efficiency filter already, remember to clean your filter monthly. Clogged filters hurt air quality and also force your HVAC to work overtime, increasing your energy consumption.

Ventilate

It sounds counterproductive to open a window when the air outside is freezing. It isn’t; your home needs to breathe fresh air, too. If you don’t have a mechanical ventilation system, open your windows on dry days to flush out stale air, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

Act Now for Cleaner Air

DIY methods help, but nothing beats implementing these indoor air quality improvement tips in Portland, OR, winters with the help of an HVAC professional. Contact the team at The Clean Air Act today to learn more about your options and schedule an appointment with a technician.

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Portland Homes This Holiday Season

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 01:50:29 GMT

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Portland Homes This Holiday Season

Grey skies and chilly rain are well on their way in the Pacific Northwest. That means most homeowners are spending more time inside. However, sealing up your home for the season can unknowingly trap pollutants, allergens, and odors, forcing you to deal with them for months.

Here’s how to address holiday indoor air quality in Portland, OR, for optimal health and comfort this season.

Ways Holidays Worsen Indoor Air Quality

The activity level in your home directly impacts how healthy the air is. When you’re hosting guests for the holidays, there’s more dust, dander, and contaminants flying around than usual.

Many holiday traditions, like burning candles or using your fireplace, degrade indoor air quality. Even hours of cooking your annual holiday meal can leave lingering particles called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) hovering around.

You can often deal with contaminants by cracking a window and waiting for them to clear. However, when it’s too cold outside to ventilate your home, the pollutants circulate through your HVAC over and over again.

The filter might trap some, but it won’t capture all if you have a standard filter. This affects both your HVAC's performance and your holiday indoor air quality in Portland, OR.

Having a Healthier Holiday

Fortunately, you don’t have to make the impossible choice between health and fresh air. An effective way to combat stale or polluted air is by upgrading your filtration. Standard filters trap the usual suspects, like dust and pet dander. However, for eliminating VOCs and microscopic airborne bacteria or viruses, you’ll need something more heavy-duty.

The most sophisticated solution is a dedicated air cleaner. These integrate directly with your HVAC system, working silently in the background to trap every kind of airborne contaminant you’d normally breathe in during the holidays.

Beyond a new filtration system, remember to clean your current HVAC filter often. And if it’s been years since your ducts were cleaned, now’s the perfect time to make up for lost time. A cleaning and inspection guarantees that your heating system doesn’t become yet another source of pollution in your home.

Better Holiday Indoor Air Quality in Portland, OR

Breathe better and feel festive this holiday season with improved air quality from local experts. Contact The Clean Air Act today to learn more about our air quality services and schedule your appointment.

Why a Furnace Tune-Up Is Essential for Portland Winters

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:08:51 GMT

Why a Furnace Tune-Up Is Essential for Portland Winters

In the Pacific Northwest, a reliable heating system is vital during the winter. Now is the perfect time to schedule a furnace tune-up in Portland, OR, to ensure your family stays comfortable throughout these cooler months. Here are some key reasons why you shouldn’t overlook this essential maintenance.

Avoid Unexpected Breakdowns

Getting a furnace tune-up in Portland, OR, can help prevent unwanted surprises when winter weather hits. A tune-up includes a thorough inspection to ensure that worn or damaged parts aren’t going to grind your furnace to a halt when you need it most.

Addressing any potential issues early also helps you avoid potentially costly emergency repairs in the dead of winter. Even if you don’t face an emergency, getting repairs sooner rather than later will let you save money in the long run by minimizing the extent of damage to your system.

Reduce Your Home’s Safety Risks

Gas furnaces are designed to deliver reliable safety. However, they require maintenance just like any other piece of equipment. A tune-up can ensure that the safety switches, electrical components, and controls that keep your system running properly are in working order.

Your furnace technician can also spot any potentially dangerous problems. For example, a cracked heat exchanger could let harmful exhaust gases into your home. Damaged burners are also a concern, as improper combustion produces carbon monoxide. An annual tune-up spots these issues before they can put your home at risk.

Save on Your Heating Costs

With heating likely accounting for a major chunk of your utility costs, any improvement is welcome. A tune-up will clean and optimize furnace components so that they work as efficiently as possible. That means your system can maintain comfortable temperatures while using less energy, which you may see reflected in your utility bill each month.

Schedule Your Furnace Tune-Up in Portland, OR

Getting a furnace tune-up in Portland, OR, ahead of the winter weather can save you time, stress, and money. For over 20 years, The Clean Air Act team has proudly provided top-notch HVAC services to Portland and the surrounding area. Schedule a seasonal tune-up with us today to take control of your comfort.

Improving Indoor Air Quality Before the Cold Season in Washington

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:08:38 GMT

Improving Indoor Air Quality Before the Cold Season in Washington

Preparing your home for cold weather often involves sealing everything up so you stay warm and cozy. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have less fresh air coming in, which leads to a buildup of air pollutants. Industry professionals can keep you breathing easy all winter long with some indoor air quality tips in Washington.

Taking Care of Your HVAC

Your HVAC is instrumental in keeping the air in your home healthy. Before you rely on your furnace to heat your home over the next several months, you’ll want to ensure the air it’s moving around is clean.

You can do this in two relatively simple ways. One is by cleaning or changing the filter. Clogged HVAC filters are less effective at both heating your home and trapping airborne particles. This is one of the easiest indoor air quality tips in Washington, and it’s something every homeowner should do at least once every few months.

The second simple way to care for your HVAC is to schedule maintenance with a professional. This is even more vital if you haven’t had your yearly appointment yet, as you could be going into the cold season with a subpar system.

Invest in Upgrades

You don’t have to upgrade your entire unit just to keep your air clean. Sometimes, it’s as simple as swapping out your HVAC filter for something more powerful, like one with a high MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating.

If you’re willing to invest in something more involved, you might consider installing a dehumidifier. This is especially beneficial for Washington homeowners because of the wet climate.

Managing moisture becomes a priority for not only keeping your indoor air quality healthy but also preventing water damage and mold growth. These are expensive and frustrating problems that make these upgrades well worth the money.

Need More Indoor Air Quality Tips in Washington?

When in doubt, call the professionals from The Clean Air Act to keep your home’s air as healthy as possible. Reach out to our team today and get your appointment scheduled before the cold ramps up!

Transitioning Your HVAC System From Summer to Fall in Washington

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:59:35 GMT

Transitioning Your HVAC System From Summer to Fall in Washington

As the weather cools and your attention turns to heating your home, you might start looking for energy savings tips for Washington HVAC systems. This isn't uncommon for northern homeowners, as heating costs put a massive strain on many household budgets.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare for the colder months and ensure more efficient heating.

Start With a Furnace Tune-Up

A thorough inspection and tune-up will always top the list of energy savings tips for Washington HVAC maintenance. That's because your furnace suffers wear-and-tear damage every year.

An inspection will give your technician a chance to spot more serious issues, while the tune-up service will undo most deterioration. The result is a system that runs more efficiently and uses less energy.

Keep Clean Air Filters Handy

Similar to your air conditioner, your furnace uses an air filter to deliver clean air to your living space. Try to change the filter every 30 days for best results.

In addition to cleaning the air, the filter keeps the furnace running efficiently. A clogged filter will impede airflow and force your system to work harder. If you notice rising heating costs, checking your furnace filter is a good place to start troubleshooting.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you use a traditional thermostat, try nudging the temperature down a few degrees. You likely won't notice the slight temperature change, but you will see a noticeable drop in your energy costs.

Alternatively, ask your HVAC technician to install a smart thermostat . That way, you can enjoy tighter control of your energy usage via the convenient mobile app.

Look After Your Ducts and Registers

Most homes require duct cleaning around every three years. If your house gets especially dusty, you might need more frequent service.

Make it a point to wipe down your registers and vents once a year to remove the dust and debris that might otherwise block airflow. In addition to conserving energy, keeping your registers clean will eliminate odors and unusual airflow noises.

Looking for More Energy Savings Tips for Washington HVAC Systems?

When you work with The Clean Air Act, you'll enjoy the best in HVAC care all year round. We can help you prepare for the cooler seasons with a furnace tune-up , heating repairs, or a new installation. Contact us today to schedule your service visit!

Why Air Filter Changes Matter During Wildfire Season in Washington

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:09:45 GMT

Why Air Filter Changes Matter During Wildfire Season in Washington

When it comes to wildfire season air quality in Washington, things are, to put it mildly, not good. The sheer amount of smoke billowing in the air makes it a dangerous time for anyone, especially those with respiratory concerns, to be outside. But even then, the problem doesn’t simply go away just because you head inside; wildfire smoke can get caught in your HVAC filters, impacting the air you breathe around your home.

With that in mind, here is a closer look at why Washington’s wildfire season is not the time to be slacking on your air filter changes.

The Problem With Wildfire Smoke

It’s not breaking news that wildfire smoke isn’t good to breathe in. But that’s only part of the concern. The real issue is that it's impossible to keep out of your home. Even if you’ve closed all your windows and doors, smoke will find a way into your home, and inhaling it can cause serious respiratory complications. Children and older adults are even more at risk, which makes changing your air filters regularly crucial for both their and your safety throughout the worst of the season.

How Often You Should Swap Your Filters Out

Your filters will clog up faster than normal during wildfire season; keep an eye on them and don’t just stick to your usual schedule. If your filter looks dirty, your HVAC system sounds like it’s struggling, or if anyone in your home is experiencing respiratory issues, that should be your cue to change it.

Swap for High-Efficiency Filters

Keeping whatever filter you have clean is a good start, but if you want more peace of mind against wildfire season air quality in Washington, upgrade to high-efficiency filters. The most common choice is the HEPA filter, which can easily trap the smallest smoke particles before they have a chance to cycle through your home.

Filtration vs. Ventilation

Wildfire season is the time of year when it’s best to focus on filtration, not ventilation. The latter involves bringing in air from outside to circulate the stale air in your home; filtering the air, on the other hand, focuses on cleaning the air that’s already inside your home.

Improve Wildfire Season Air Quality in Washington With The Clean Air Act

Wildfire season can be a scary time for Washington homeowners, but the team at The Clean Air Act can help ease those fears and improve your home’s indoor air quality . Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Why Duct Cleaning Matters During Portland's Peak Allergy Season

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:07:35 GMT

Why Duct Cleaning Matters During Portland's Peak Allergy Season

Everyone assumes spring is the sneeziest time of year, but Portland summers say, “Hold my hanky.” Allergy sufferers know the struggle of summer pollen and dander all too well, but as it turns out, finding the solution is easier than you think.

Here’s what makes duct cleaning in Portland, OR, summer weather such an important step to finding relief from those allergies:

It Makes Your Home More Comfortable

Your HVAC system’s ducts are responsible for delivering the crisp air that helps you stay cool in the summer heat.

The problem, however, is that a lot of that work can cause dust, dirt, dander, and pollen to pile up in your ducts. And the longer they go without cleaning, the more likely your ducts are to negatively impact your home’s air quality.

With professional duct cleaning in Portland, OR, summer (and year-round) breathing becomes a lot easier, as it’ll help get rid of that gunk.

It Prevents Mold and Mildew Growth

Portland has a reputation for being a rainy place. And though many people who call the area home love that about the place, it brings with it another problem: mold, the spores of which can set off allergies at any time of year and make your home both feel and smell less clean.

Regular duct cleaning and inspections can, thankfully, battle mold at the source and prevent it from taking over your ducts. If you notice any strange smells or stains around your vents, it’s important to schedule these services before any unwanted substances have the chance to grow out of control.

It Improves Your HVAC Efficiency

Duct cleaning isn’t all about allergies; dust and debris clogging your ducts can have an effect on your HVAC. Too much of it can make your unit work harder than usual, which makes your bills higher than usual as well.

Cleaning your ducts makes a happier home for everyone, including your HVAC system. More efficient systems last longer and keep homes cooler, to boot, so there’s no better time to invest in a cleaning than summer.

With Duct Cleaning in Portland, OR, Summer Allergies Get Blown Away!

Improve the air quality in your home fast with a duct cleaning from The Clean Air Act! Contact our team today to learn more and schedule your appointment.

The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance During Portland's Summer Heatwaves

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 01:47:59 GMT

The Importance of Regular AC Maintenance During Portland's Summer Heatwaves

As higher temperatures set into the Pacific Northwest, any resident of Portland, Oregon, will agree: The summer season is a time of year that does not mess around. But by booking AC maintenance in Portland, OR, summer can be a little less worrisome.

In particular, scheduling maintenance when temperatures rise will benefit you in the following ways:

You’ll Keep Energy Bills From Skyrocketing

A bump in energy use during summer is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you should have to shell out serious cash just to stay safe and comfortable. Portland is getting hotter every year, so it’s important to find ways to keep energy use and costs lower.

That’s where AC maintenance comes in. Systems that operate at peak efficiency won’t work nearly as hard, keeping you from experiencing those hair-raising, budget-busting bills every month.

You’ll Prevent Full-On Breakdowns

There’s nothing worse than having your AC shut down during a heatwave, but there’s an easy way to prevent it: scheduling regular check-ups. Doing so now is far better than scrambling for an emergency appointment later, especially if it means you’re in line with other local panicking homeowners.

It’s best to have a professional inspect your system, cleaning and tweaking it as needed. With AC maintenance in Portland, OR, summer will be a time to kick back and relax, as it should be.

You’ll Lower Your Carbon Footprint

A well-kept AC is an energy-efficient one, and that’s good for both your wallet and the planet. When you schedule proper AC maintenance in Portland, OR, summer temperatures won’t cause your system to drain precious resources just to cool your home.

You’ll Breathe Easier Indoors

As much as summer is considered the time of year for enjoying the great outdoors and some beautiful weather, extreme temperatures can often force you indoors. And if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or just want to avoid breathing in dust and dander for the next three months, you’ll want to schedule AC maintenance. A professional will clean any hidden debris out of your system so you can truly unwind.

With Professional AC Maintenance in Portland, OR, Summer Stays Cool!

Like it or not, the Northwest’s heatwaves are coming, but The Clean Air Act can make sure you’re ready. Reach out to our team today and schedule your AC maintenance before things get any hotter!

Is Your HVAC System Ready for a Portland Summer?

Tue, 27 May 2025 02:26:35 GMT

Is Your HVAC System Ready for a Portland Summer?

When daylight stretches into longer, warmer afternoons, it often pays to check your air conditioner before June’s heat sets in. A speedy check-up now, such as cleaning coils, replacing filters, and tightening connections, can have your system operating efficiently even before the temperatures rise.

Key Signs You Might Need to Look For

Watch for these signs and issues, and schedule Portland, OR, air conditioning service before summer to make sure your HVAC is ready when the heat hits:

Spikes in Your Power Bill

Watch your energy statement for sudden jumps. If costs climb while you haven’t changed settings, your HVAC is working harder than it should. Clogged filters, grimy coils, or low refrigerant force the system to push more (and that extra effort appears on your bill).

Musty Smells and Weak Airflow

In the same vein, check for weak airflow or hot spots as soon as the AC starts. If a musty smell drifts from the vents, mold has likely taken hold, or the drain line has backed up.

Each of these clues points to a hidden problem, such as blocked vents, microbial growth, or water buildup, that needs sorting out.

Blocked Outdoor Coils

When you head outdoors, give the condenser a close look. Leaves, dirt, and moss often collect around the coils and block airflow. Portland’s damp air can speed up rust and corrosion on metal parts.

Thermostat Readings Seem Off

Test the thermostat’s accuracy . When the room never matches the number on the display, or button presses don’t trigger a response, the sensor may need recalibration.

Months of winter cycling can knock it out of sync. A properly set thermostat keeps the AC from running overtime.

Puddles by the Unit

Watch for damp spots or puddles around the unit. A blocked condensate line often backs up and sends water onto the floor. That moisture can ruin drywall or flooring over time. Clearing the drain now stops leaks before summer demands push the system harder.

Book Your Portland, OR, Air Conditioning Service Before Summer for Smooth Cooling

Portland’s spring air typically carries pollen and dust straight into your vents. Left unchecked, that buildup can force the unit to work harder, which risks a breakdown when you need cool air most.

Don’t wait for the first heatwave; schedule your Portland, OR, air conditioning service before summer with The Clean Air Act.

4 Signs You Need a New Gas Furnace

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:19:26 GMT

4 Signs You Need a New Gas Furnace

When it comes to keeping your Wilsonville home cozy during Oregon’s chilly fall and winter months, a reliable gas furnace is essential. But even the most durable heating systems don’t last forever. If your furnace has been struggling to keep up—or showing signs of aging—it might be time to consider a replacement.

We specialize in expert gas furnace installation in Wilsonville, OR , helping homeowners stay warm, energy-efficient, and worry-free.

Not sure if it’s time for an upgrade? Here are four common signs that you need a new gas furnace.

1. Your Furnace Is Over 15 Years Old

The average lifespan of a well-maintained gas furnace is about 15 years. As your furnace nears or surpasses this age range, its efficiency naturally declines, and it becomes more prone to costly breakdowns. Even if your older furnace still runs, it may be working overtime to provide the same level of comfort, leading to higher energy bills and inconsistent heating.

Modern furnaces are far more efficient than systems manufactured nearly two decades ago. Upgrading to a high-efficiency model can significantly lower your energy consumption and save you money month after month.

Tip: If your furnace is 15 years or older, it’s wise to schedule an inspection to evaluate its condition and start planning for a replacement.

2. Rising Energy Bills and Frequent Repairs

If you’ve noticed your utility bills creeping up—despite regular furnace maintenance—your heating system/furnaces/gas–furnace-installation could be losing efficiency. Over time, wear and tear on components like the blower motor, heat exchanger, and ignition system make your furnace work harder, consuming more gas and electricity.

Frequent repair needs are another red flag. If you’ve had to call for furnace repairs more than once in the past couple of years, investing in a new system may be more cost-effective than continuing to patch an aging unit.

General Rule: If repair costs are approaching 50% of the value of a new furnace, it’s smarter financially to replace it.

3. Inconsistent Heating and Poor Comfort Levels

One of the most frustrating signs of a failing furnace is uneven heating. Are some rooms in your home freezing cold while others feel too warm? Does it seem like your furnace is running constantly but still not reaching the temperature set on your thermostat?

These symptoms indicate that your furnace may be struggling to distribute heat effectively. Aging furnaces often lose their ability to maintain consistent airflow and temperature control, leaving you with hot and cold spots—and less comfort overall. Upgrading to a new, properly sized furnace will restore even, efficient heating throughout your entire home.

4. Strange Noises or Unusual Smells

While it’s normal for your furnace to make a little noise when it starts up, loud banging, rattling, squealing, or humming noises are cause for concern. These sounds often signal mechanical problems like loose belts, broken blower motors, or damaged heat exchangers. Similarly, if you notice unusual odors—like a strong smell of gas, burning dust, or a musty scent—it’s important to take action immediately.

Some smells may indicate serious safety risks, such as a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak dangerous carbon monoxide into your home. Any unusual sounds or smells warrant a professional evaluation. If major components are failing, replacement may be the safest and most cost-effective solution.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

4 Signs You Need a New Electric Furnace

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:10:40 GMT

4 Signs You Need a New Electric Furnace

When winter temperatures drop in Portland, your electric furnace becomes the heart of your home’s comfort. But if your heating system is struggling to keep up, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Recognizing the early warning signs can help you avoid a complete breakdown and keep your home warm, safe, and energy-efficient throughout the colder months.

If you’re not sure whether it’s time to replace your furnace, here are four telltale signs to watch for—plus what to do next when you’re ready for electric furnace replacement in Portland OR .

1. Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old

Electric furnaces are known for their longevity, often lasting 15 years with proper maintenance. But no system lasts forever. As your furnace ages, internal components begin to wear down. Even if it’s still technically working, older units tend to lose efficiency and reliability.

If your furnace is approaching—or has passed—the 15-year mark, it may be costing you more than you realize. An aging system often runs longer to maintain the same indoor temperature, which translates to higher utility bills and more frequent repairs. At some point, it becomes more economical to replace the unit rather than continue patching it up.

2. Frequent Repairs Are Adding Up

How many times did you have to call for furnace repairs last year? If you’re seeing a technician more often than you’d like, that’s a clear sign your system may be on its last legs.

Constant breakdowns are not only inconvenient, but they can also get expensive—especially when major components like the blower motor or heating elements begin to fail. The cost of recurring repairs can quickly add up to the price of a new furnace. If you’re frequently investing in fixes with no long-term solution, it may be time to consider an electric furnace replacement.

3. Your Home Has Cold Spots or Uneven Heating

One of the most frustrating signs of a failing furnace is inconsistent heating. If some rooms in your home feel colder than others—or your system seems to struggle to maintain the thermostat setting, it could indicate that your furnace is no longer distributing warm air evenly.

In some cases, uneven heating can be caused by ductwork issues or a malfunctioning thermostat. However, if your system has been professionally inspected and these components are in good shape, the root problem may be your aging furnace. Newer electric furnaces are designed to provide more consistent airflow and temperature control, keeping your home comfortable in every room.

4. Rising Energy Bills Without a Clear Cause

Have your energy bills been creeping up even though your usage habits haven’t changed? Older electric furnaces lose efficiency over time, requiring more electricity to deliver the same heat. As internal parts wear down, the furnace has to work harder and longer to meet your heating needs, driving up energy costs.

If your bills are steadily increasing and you haven’t added new appliances or changed your usage patterns, your furnace may be to blame. An upgrade to a high-efficiency electric furnace can reduce your monthly energy costs and lower your carbon footprint—a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

Trust Clean Air Act for Electric Furnace Replacement

We specialize in electric furnace replacement and installation throughout Portland, OR, and the surrounding areas. Our team will evaluate your home’s needs, help you choose the right system, and install it with expert precision. We carry high-efficiency electric furnace options designed to provide quiet, consistent heat and long-term energy savings. When you choose us, you can expect:

Honest recommendations from experienced technicians
Top-quality brands and equipment
Seamless installation and cleanup
Friendly, local service backed by decades of experience

Ready for a More Comfortable Home?

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for a complete system failure. Contact our team today to schedule your furnace inspection and discuss your options for electric furnace replacement. We’ll help you find the perfect solution to keep your home warm and your energy bills in check, no matter how cold it gets outside during the next winter season.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

What Are the Benefits of Taking Action Early on AC Repairs?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In Milwaukie, OR, your air conditioning system plays a crucial role in keeping your home cool, comfortable, and safe—especially during the hot, dry summers. But when your AC starts making strange noises, blowing warm air, or just isn’t keeping up like it used to, it’s time to take action. Many homeowners delay scheduling service, hoping the problem will go away.

Unfortunately, waiting can lead to bigger issues and higher costs. At Clean Air Act, we specialize in AC repair in Milwaukie, OR , and we know firsthand how valuable early action can be. Keep reading to learn the top benefits of getting ahead of AC repairs before minor problems turn into major headaches. Don’t wait until your AC fails—contact our team today for professional service you can count on.

1. Save Money on Repairs

One of the biggest benefits of early AC repair is cost savings. Small issues like a dirty filter, a worn fan belt, or low refrigerant levels are typically quick and affordable to fix.

But if these problems are left unaddressed, they can lead to much more serious damage, such as compressor failure or overheating motors—both of which are far more expensive to repair or replace. Early intervention keeps repair bills low and manageable.

2. Avoid Emergency Breakdowns

We’ve all heard horror stories of the AC quitting on the hottest weekend of the summer. Unfortunately, those emergency breakdowns are often the result of neglected warning signs. Scheduling service as soon as you notice an issue helps prevent those high-stress, high-cost emergencies. With early repairs, your system stays reliable when you need it most.

3. Improve Energy Efficiency

When your AC has to work harder due to worn parts or blockages, it uses more energy—and your utility bills go up. Early repairs restore your system’s efficiency by ensuring all parts are clean, calibrated, and operating correctly. You’ll enjoy cooler air without the extra cost of wasted electricity.

4. Extend the Life of Your System

Just like routine maintenance, timely repairs help your AC last longer. Ignoring small problems puts additional strain on other components, causing them to wear out faster. Taking care of issues early protects your investment and maximizes the life of your system, delaying the need for a full replacement.

5. Preserve Indoor Air Quality and Comfort

A malfunctioning AC can do more than just affect the temperature—it can also affect your air quality. Dirty filters, clogged condensate lines, and leaking ductwork can all contribute to poor airflow, high humidity, and the circulation of dust or allergens. Early repairs help keep your home clean, cool, and comfortable, even during allergy season.

6. Protect Against Water Damage

Certain AC problems, such as a clogged condensate drain or frozen evaporator coil, can lead to water leaks and damage to your floors, ceilings, or walls. Catching these issues before they escalate can save you from costly home repairs in addition to HVAC service costs.

7. Increase Home Value and Peace of Mind

Whether you’re planning to stay in your home or sell in the near future, a well-functioning AC system adds value and peace of mind. No one wants to worry about whether their cooling system will make it through another summer. Early repairs ensure you’re confident in your home’s comfort and functionality.

8. Get Faster, Easier Scheduling

AC companies book up quickly during peak season. By scheduling early repairs in the spring or as soon as you notice an issue, you’ll have more flexibility in appointment times—and your system will be ready to go before temperatures spike.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post What Are the Benefits of Taking Action Early on AC Repairs? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Steps for Installing a Ductless Mini Split System

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:00:00 GMT

If you’re considering a more energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home, a ductless mini split system is a great investment. These systems allow for zone temperature control, require no ductwork, and are known for their impressive energy efficiency and long lifespan.

However, proper installation is critical to ensuring optimal performance and longevity for the system as a whole. Keep reading to learn about the key steps involved in a ductless heat pump installation in Oregon City, OR and why professional expertise makes all the difference.

Choosing the Right System for Your Home

Before installing a ductless mini split system , selecting the right unit is essential. Factors like the number of zones, your home’s square footage, and energy efficiency ratings play a major role in determining the best system. Our team conducts a thorough assessment of your space to determine the ideal capacity and placement for your mini split system, ensuring balanced comfort throughout your home.

Additionally, we’ll discuss available features such as variable-speed compressors, smart thermostat compatibility, and humidity control. These features enhance efficiency and provide year-round comfort tailored to your needs.

Site Preparation and Mounting the Indoor Units

After selecting the right system, the next step is preparing the installation site. The indoor units must be mounted on a wall where they can distribute air effectively without obstructions. We carefully position each air handler to optimize airflow and minimize aesthetic impact on your living space.

To ensure a completely secure and vibration-free setup, we use a durable mounting bracket. Proper placement is crucial to prevent operational noise and maximize cooling and heating efficiency. We will take our time and install your units with precision so that you can enjoy maximum long-term efficiency.

Installing the Outdoor Compressor

The outdoor condenser unit is the heart of the ductless system. It should be placed on a stable, level surface with proper clearance for ventilation. We carefully position the unit away from direct obstructions like fences or shrubs to allow for optimal airflow. Additionally, we install protective covers to shield the unit from extreme weather conditions, ensuring long-term reliability.

Once the outdoor unit is in place, we connect it to the indoor units using refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and condensate drain lines. Our professional installation ensures that these components are properly sealed and insulated, preventing efficiency loss and potential leaks.

Connecting Electrical and Testing the System

The final step in ductless heat pump installation is connecting the system to your home’s electrical supply and performing a thorough system test. We check for proper voltage compatibility, test airflow, calibrate the thermostat, and measure refrigerant levels to ensure peak efficiency.

After installation, we guide you through system operation, providing tips on how to maximize energy savings and maintain optimal performance. Investing in professional ductless heat pump installation with our team of experts means you can enjoy reliable, year-round comfort with a system built for efficiency and longevity.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Steps for Installing a Ductless Mini Split System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Are the Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Did you know that healthy levels of humidity can improve your health and even your sleep? If the air in your home is dry and you are looking for some relief, a whole-house humidifier may be just the solution you need. First, read more to learn about the benefits of a humidifier and how one of these unique systems can benefit your family.

Then you can give our team a call to schedule an in-home assessment for humidifier installation in Portland, OR . If you have any additional questions, we will be happy to answer them. We can also talk to you about your options for humidifier installation and care so you know what to expect after your new system is in place.

Health Benefits

Dry air can cause a variety of health issues, including dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory problems. By installing a whole-house humidifier, you can alleviate these symptoms and create a more comfortable environment. Proper humidity levels can also reduce the spread of airborne viruses, helping your family stay healthier year-round.

Additionally, individuals who suffer from allergies or asthma may experience fewer symptoms when indoor air is properly humidified, as moist air can help soothe irritated airways and reduce the presence of airborne allergens.

Improved Comfort and Sleep

Balanced humidity contributes to better sleep quality by reducing nighttime congestion and dry throat discomfort. It can also help prevent static electricity, which is a common annoyance in dry environments. You will find that adding a humidifier helps you breathe easier at night, reducing snoring and enhancing overall sleep quality. When the air is properly hydrated, you’re less likely to wake up feeling bad because of a sore throat or dry sinuses caused by dry air and the resulting health issues.

Protecting Your Home

Wood furniture, flooring, and even the structure of your home are susceptible to damage from dry air. A whole-house humidifier helps preserve these items by maintaining a stable indoor humidity level. Low humidity can cause wood to crack or warp, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

A whole-house humidifier can help extend the lifespan of furniture and ensure a strong home structure. Additionally, proper humidity levels can help protect artwork, books, and electronics from damage related to excessive dryness.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Did you know that maintaining optimal humidity levels can actually help you save on energy costs? When the air in your home is properly humidified, it feels warmer during the winter season, even at a lower thermostat setting.

This means you can reduce your heating costs in the winter while still enjoying a comfortable indoor environment. Investing in a whole-house humidifier can lead to significant energy savings over time – especially since it doesn’t consume a lot of energy for operation – making it a smart choice for both comfort and cost-efficiency.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post What Are the Benefits of a Whole-House Humidifier? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Common Gas Furnace Repair Needs

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

If you have a gas furnace, it’s important to understand what is normal for operation and what isn’t. This way when something is going wrong, you can identify the issue early and call for service before our problem affects how your gas furnace is operating.

Keep reading to learn about three different types of repairs we get calls for when it comes to gas furnaces and the signs of each one. Give us a call for gas furnace repair in Estacada, OR if you do suspect that something is wrong with your unit.

1. Ignition or Pilot Light Issues

A faulty ignition system or pilot light can prevent the furnace from producing heat. It’s possible that your furnace has a dirty flame sensor, which you can try wiping down on your own after turning your furnace off and letting it cool down. If the pilot light itself isn’t the issue, the gas valve may be stuck. It’s possible that not enough gas is releasing into the chamber to begin a heating cycle.

If that doesn’t work, other potential problems include thermocouple failure or electronic ignition malfunctions. These are things our team needs to troubleshoot and fix, so give us a call to schedule service. Whatever the problem ends up being, we can figure it out and prevent it from happening again.

2. Blower Motor Problems

If the blower motor fails, warm air won’t circulate through a home properly. Heat gets trapped in the system and your furnace may even overheat and shut down before completing a heating cycle. If your heater is on and operating, you can hold your hand up to an air vent to see if you feel warm airflow coming out. If not, it’s likely that the blower motor is to blame.

Issues can stem from a worn-out belt, the motor overheating, or electrical failures. Our team can replace any worn out parts like belts and electrical connections, tighten down the bolts that secure the motor, clean out in between bearings, and then add more lubrication for smooth operation.

3. System Overheating

We already mentioned overheating in relation to the blower motor not working. However, overheating can happen for other reasons as well. One of the most common reasons for overheating is a lack of airflow coming into the system. A dirty filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and shut down. Having shorter than usual heating cycles is a red flag that the system is overheating and turning off to cool down.

Without enough airflow coming into the system, your furnace winds up working harder in its attempt to bring airflow in against a clogged filter. If you suspect that this is the problem, you can change out your air filter and see if your furnace begins working like usual again. If it does, you may need to begin changing out your air filter a little more frequently than you usually do.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment for heating service! We will take care of you from there!

The post 3 Common Gas Furnace Repair Needs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Common Electric Furnace Repair Needs

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

If you have an electric furnace, you need to be able to identify the signs of some common problems. Below, we’ve listed three of the top reasons that we get calls for electric furnace repair in Estacado, OR . If your electric furnace begins showing some of the same signs, you’ll know that you need to call for service. Otherwise, you may wind up accidentally ignoring potentially serious problems because you don’t realize that something is wrong.

Faulty Thermostat

Many times a malfunctioning furnace is actually the fault of the thermostat. If your thermostat does not communicate correctly with your furnace for temperature changes, it may seem like your electric furnace is malfunctioning or not working completely—but it’s actually the thermostat failing to signal the furnace to turn on and off at the correct times.

When your furnace is having unusual problems, the thermostat is one of the first places we check. We want to make sure it is calibrated correctly and that it has a full battery charge. If your thermostat is the problem, it is usually a simple fix. However, if your thermostat is significantly older, we may need to replace it completely with a more modern model.

Difficulty Starting

Another common complaint we get is furnaces that won’t start. When this happens, it could be for a couple of different reasons. The first is the capacitor on the furnace that gives it a little bit of an extra boost to get started up for a heating cycle. As time goes on, this capacitor can wear out and lose its ability to hold a charge. Thankfully, it is a relatively inexpensive component to replace if needed.

If that’s not the problem, it may be the blower motor. When the blower motor has issues, your furnace may turn on for the beginning of a heating cycle, but eventually shut off due to overheating. This happens because heat gets trapped inside of the system instead of moving through and blowing out into your home.

Airflow Problems

The third most common complaint we get calls for is an issue with airflow. If you’re feeling weak airflow coming out of the air vents around your home, first check the air filter to see if it needs to be changed. If it is full, it is likely blocking airflow into the system, and thus affecting airflow going out of your system.

Alternately, you may feel strong airflow, yet it is not particularly hot. When this happens, there’s likely an issue with the burners that create heat for your home. They may be malfunctioning, or they may be dirty enough that the buildup is preventing heat from transferring into the air. You can always turn your furnace off and allow it to cool down completely. Then open the cabinet to wipe down the burners. If this doesn’t help, you likely need to call our team for professional service.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 3 Common Electric Furnace Repair Needs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Won’t Your Heat Pump Turn On?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

When your heat pump refuses to turn on for a heating cycle, the result is a disruption to your comfort and your daily life as you plan for an emergency repair appointment. You may be left with questions about what exactly went wrong. From thermostat issues to the reversing valve, there are a variety of reasons for a malfunctioning heat pump.

Before you panic about heat pump issues, give our team a call for heat pump repair in Portland, OR . You can also keep reading to learn how to figure out why your heat pump isn’t turning on and troubleshoot the issue before calling us.

Troubleshoot the Reversing Valve

The reversing valve may be the issue if your heat pump works in one mode or the other. For example, if you’ve tried to switch over to heating mode and it won’t turn on for a cycle, change your thermostat back to cooling mode. Set the temperature lower than what it currently is and see if your heat pump turns on.

If it turns on and begins cooling your home, then the reversing valve is likely the culprit. Our team may need to clean and lubricate the valve or replace it entirely. Either way, we can fix it and get your heat pump working again in both heating and cooling modes.

Check Your Thermostat

It’s also possible that your thermostat is to blame. You can gently take the cover off of your thermostat to look inside and see if it is particularly dirty. If so, you can use a soft bristle brush to wipe away any buildup and see if that helps. You can also try changing out the thermostat batteries.

If these things don’t work to get your heat pump turning on again, call our team for service. It’s possible that your thermostat is miscalibrated. When this happens, communication is interrupted between your thermostat and your heat pump. It may not send the proper signals for your heat pump to turn on and off.

Check the Circuit Breaker

While this is a less frequent problem, it does happen from time to time. It’s possible that the circuit breaker to your heat pump got tripped and turned off power to your heat pump as a safety precaution. Check your circuit breaker box to see if the switch is tripped for your heat pump.

You can try to flip it back over and see if that works to turn your heat pump back on. If it does, great! However, if your heat pump turns off again because the circuit breaker trips, then you need to leave it off and call us for service. The circuit breaker only trips when there is an unusual surge of power to your heat pump.

If this is happening repeatedly, our team needs to check it out and address the problem. Letting it continue on could leave your home and family at risk.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Why Won’t Your Heat Pump Turn On? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What’s the Best Way to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Indoor air quality plays a major role in your health and the overall comfort of your home. Poor air quality can lead to an increase in allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and other health problems. It’s why we recommend investing in air cleaner installation in Oregon City, OR .

It’s an investment that will help you, your family, and even your pets breathe easier and feel more comfortable at home all year long. Keep reading to learn more about improving your indoor air quality with a whole-house air purifier.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Health

Even if you can’t see them, the air is full of microscopic particles. Some of them are perfectly safe to breathe in, while others are potentially harmful. Dust can carry allergens, bacteria, and even chemicals and odors. As these dust particles circulate through the air, they carry all of these harmful things with them.

Each time you take a breath, you are bombarded with things that irritate your allergies or potentially make you sick. When you invest in a whole-house air purifier , you largely eliminate these particles from the air. While you cannot prevent these harmful particles from entering your home on your body and clothes, you can prevent them from hanging around for too long. A whole-house air purifier works around the clock to clean your air and maintain a high level of indoor air quality.

How Air Purifiers Operate

An air purifier uses one of two methods to clean the air. It either has a high quality HEPA filter or a UV light. In some cases, whole-house air purifiers used both. First a filter eliminates larger particles from the air and then a UV light neutralizes the remaining particles.

Smaller portable air purifiers that you plug into the wall work in much the same way. The biggest difference is that a whole-house model gets installed inside of your HVAC system and out of the way. You don’t have to worry about unplugging it and moving it around or forgetting to plug it in and turn it on.

Plus, smaller air purifiers are really only rated to clean smaller spaces like a single room, an office, or apartment. A whole-house model works around the clock without needing any adjustments or manual work from you. Our team just needs to check your air purifier once each year during regular AC maintenance and change out either the air filter or the UV light.

Other Ways to Boost Indoor Air Quality

If you’re not quite ready to make the investment in a whole-house air purifier, there are other ways that you can boost indoor air quality. Open your doors and windows to allow stale air out whenever you can. We know this is a little more difficult in the winter season when it’s cold outside and you’re trying to keep heat in. However, even just opening windows and doors for 10 to 15 minutes can make a huge difference.

You can also make sure that you are changing out the air filter on your HVAC system on time to prevent it from overfilling and allowing dust particles through and into your clean air. Vacuuming and wiping down surfaces also helps to eliminate the amount of dust to begin with.

Our last recommendation is investing in duct cleaning services every three to five years. We can eliminate dust buildup that settles in your ducts and also make sure that all of the joints are properly sealed to prevent dust from getting in that way.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post What’s the Best Way to Improve Indoor Air Quality? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Furnace?

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT

When it comes to choosing a heating system, you may be trying to decide between a gas or electric furnace. There are some key benefits that an electric furnace offers that might make you decide electric is the way to go instead of gas heating.

Keep reading to learn about the benefits of an electric furnace and why you might want to invest in one for your home. Then give our team a call to schedule your electric furnace installation in Portland, OR . We can complete an in-home assessment to talk to you about how well an electric furnace would work in your home.

Ease of Installation

Electric furnaces are known to be very easy to install. Installing a gas furnace with the required gas line setup is a bit more work. This is because gas furnaces require both gas and electricity to operate.

With an electric furnace, all we have to do is connect the electrical wires for your source of power. If you already have a heat pump or other electrical system in place, upgrading to a new electrical furnace is fairly straightforward.

Consistent Heating

Electric furnaces are known to take longer to heat up compared to a gas furnace. However, the slower heating method means that your electric furnace is producing a more even and consistent air temperature. Once it achieves your set indoor air temperature, your electric furnace will do an excellent job of maintaining that temperature around the clock without major fluctuations.

The only potential downside is that when you turn off the electrical furnace completely, it may take longer to heat your home back up. So if you plan to be away from home traveling, we do recommend that you leave your electric furnace on, even if you do adjust the thermostat setting down some. This will ensure that your home maintains a consistent level of heat around the clock, even when you are away.

Simple Maintenance

Just like a gas furnace, you do have to schedule annual maintenance for an electric furnace. However, the key difference is that an electric furnace usually requires fewer actual maintenance steps during the appointment. Maintenance appointments can cost less and be quicker when you have an electric furnace.

This is because electric furnaces have straightforward operation and have fewer components to maintain compared to a gas furnace. We do still encourage you to turn your electric furnace off every once in a while, allow it to cool down, and then wipe down the inside cabinet.

It is possible for dust to build up inside and interfere with how well the electric burner works to heat your home. The simple step of wiping down inside the cabinet can help you prevent problems. Dust gets into the intricate gears and causes components to grind and wear down faster. Our team can offer a more detailed cleaning when we visit your home annually.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post What Are the Benefits of an Electric Furnace? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Ways to Boost Energy Efficiency This Winter

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Whether your existing heater is brand new or getting older, there are ways that you can boost energy efficiency while spending very little money, if any at all. Keep reading to learn our tips for helping your heater operate with greater efficiency in the coming winter season.

Then give our team a call to schedule your heating installation in Portland if you need one. We’re also here to help with other heating services like maintenance and repairs. Taking good care of your heater will go a long way toward helping it to operate at its best and last for longer.

Check Doors and Windows

When it comes to maintaining an efficient heater, you want to make sure that you’re keeping the heat inside your home. Cracks around your windows and doors can allow warmth to escape, ultimately leaving your heater working harder than it needs to.

Your windows may need professional attention if there are gaps, but you can purchase weather stripping for your doors that helps create a tighter seal. This is a small investment to make that will pay off significantly over the years and can easily be updated whenever needed as the stripping wears out.

Add Insulation

It’s also a good idea to check the insulation and ensure that heat is staying inside your home. Otherwise, you run the risk of heat escaping through your roof as it rises up. Insulation helps absorb heat and keep it lower inside so that your home can maintain a consistent temperature as it gets colder outside.

This helps your heater to not work as hard when heating up your home since less heat is getting lost to the outdoors. Experts estimate that you should add more insulation every 10 to 15 years. However, there may be factors that negatively affect insulation, meaning you need to blow in more insulation sooner than that.

Check Your Thermostat Settings

The US Department of Energy website states that you should set your thermostat to 68°F for heating in the winter time. Every degree higher than that is costing you more money and adding strain to your heater.

68°F is also the absolute highest you should be setting your heater, and many days you should set it down lower for more efficient results. Realistically, your heater can only warm up your home so much against outside temperatures.

Bundle Up

It can be tempting to want to set your thermostat higher, but if you bundle up to stay warm that can help you make the adjustment to lower thermostat settings. Invest in electric heating blankets and wear layers indoors to stay warm when temperatures dip lower. You’ll be glad that you took these steps when your energy bill arrives and your expenses are lower than usual.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Ways to Boost Energy Efficiency This Winter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Tips for Preventing Heater Problems

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The best way to stay ahead of heater problems is to prevent them in the first place. Once a small problem begins, it can spread very quickly and have lasting effects. Aside from scheduling professional service for your heater, there are some care steps you can take as a homeowner.

Keep reading to learn about preventing problems inside your heater with a few key care steps. Then give our team a call when you do need to schedule an appointment for heater repair in Clackamas, OR . While you can prevent a wide range of problems, there are some things that are unavoidable and we are here to help when you need us.

I. Call for Service Early

One of the best things that you can do for your heater is calling for service as soon as you think that something is wrong. Whether your heater is making an unusual sound or operating a little differently than it usually does, early intervention is the best way to prevent major problems.

If you ignore a problem and hope that it goes away on its own, you may be left calling our team for an emergency appointment because your heater breaks down. Even if you just have a gut feeling that something is wrong with your heater, it’s always better to call and talk to our team.

II. Keep Up With Maintenance

The steps you take as a homeowner are crucial to maintaining your heater so it can operate at its best. Examples of homeowner maintenance include changing out the air filter on time, cleaning out the condensate drain line if your heater has one, and wiping out the inside of the heater cabinet once each month. You can also do things like vacuum and dust regularly to limit the dust and dirt in your home to begin with.

III. Schedule Regular Maintenance

While it is important to call our team when you think something‘s wrong, it is equally important to schedule professional maintenance when your heater is operating just fine without any issues. Annual heater maintenance can help our team identify problems early and fix them before you even realize something is going wrong. We can make tweaks inside of the system and replace parts as they are wearing out instead of waiting for them to break completely.

IV. Use Reasonable Settings

When you set the temperature on your thermostat, you may be tempted to set the temperature higher so that your home gets warmer. But your heater can really only heat your home up a reasonable amount above the outdoor air temperature.

You shouldn’t set your thermostat higher than 68°F for heating in the fall and winter seasons. Every degree higher means that your heater is working even harder to warm up your home and adding strain to the unit. Instead, look for other ways to stay warm. Examples include bundling up with electric blankets and jackets.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 4 Tips for Preventing Heater Problems first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Do You Know When to Schedule Furnace Service?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

As the fall season ramps up, you may be thinking more and more about your furnace. If you have not already turned it on, you will probably do so sometime this month, and you want your furnace to work at its best.

If you notice anything unusual about your furnace’s operation this season, it’s a good idea to call for furnace service in Clackamas, OR sooner rather than later. You can keep reading to learn more about some of the signs that can indicate your furnace needs a maintenance or repair appointment to help prevent problems later in the season.

Timing

You really need to schedule furnace service once each calendar year. The specific timing is less important; just schedule the service whenever it is convenient for you. Some homeowners like to schedule furnace service now ahead of the winter season. Other homeowners wait and schedule the service once spring arrives before turning their heaters off for the summer months.

The bottom line is, if you haven’t had furnace service in the past year, you need to schedule the appointment now. Even if you’ve skipped out on furnace service for years at a time, you can still enjoy benefits of getting back on track now. Then, you can consistently schedule furnace service around the same time year after year.

High Energy Costs

If your energy costs are creeping up, your furnace may be to blame. This might not be something happening right at this moment, as we are still in the fall where temperatures are more enjoyable. But as it gets colder outside, you’ll be using your furnace more.

Energy costs that are alarmingly high can point to issues with furnace operation. Small fluctuations are normal, but big ones are not. You may be tempted to simply adjust your settings in an attempt to save money, but that will only do so much. Addressing furnace problems is the best way to reduce high energy costs.

Lack of Heat

When you turn your furnace on, the air blowing out of the vents should be specifically hot. After all, this hot air has to mix in with much cooler air to increase the temperature and make your home comfortably warm. If the air blowing out of vents is lukewarm at best, your furnace is not doing much to heat up your home.

At this time of year, it may not seem like a huge deal. But as temperatures dip lower, it will become more and more of a problem. It’s better to schedule service soon. Otherwise, you may be left making an emergency appointment because your furnace is not working at all.

Other Signs of Issues

You can also pay attention to other signs that something is wrong with your furnace, even if it is producing heat just fine and your energy costs are normal. Unusual sounds coming from your furnace are always a red flag.

After having your furnace for a while, you should be familiar with what sounds are a normal part of everyday operation. Anything outside of the norm is concerning. Even if the sound is low, like a rattling or tapping, something is wrong.

On the other hand, you may hear a loud sound that only happens one time and then you don’t hear it again. You may think it was a fluke, but something could still be wrong, and it is better to get the potential issue checked out.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post How Do You Know When to Schedule Furnace Service? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Common Heat Pump Repairs

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:00:00 GMT

If you have a heat pump, it’s a good idea to know what some of the common repair needs are so you can pay attention to their signs and identify them early. Investing in heat pump repairs when problems are just beginning is a great way to take care of your unit and prevent breakdowns.

Keep reading to learn more about some of the more common heat pump repairs that we see in the area. Then give our team a call if you think that you need to schedule an appointment for heat pump repair in Clackamas, OR .

Reversing Valve

Heat pumps have a reversing valve that helps the unit move back and forth between heating and cooling. Any time you adjust your thermostat from one setting to another, the reversing valve switches positions. This allows the refrigerant to move in the opposite direction in the lines.

In one direction, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home to cool down the air. In the other mode, your heat pump absorbs heat from outside to bring it in as your heat pump acts as a heater. Over time, this reversing valve may get stuck and need to be repaired or replaced.

Defrosters

Heat pumps have defrosters on the outdoor portion of their units. When operating during the winter, refrigerant moving through the lines can lead to ice developing on the coils. Your heat pump has sensors that detect this ice and signal for the defrosters to come on.

Problems with the defroster may mean that the sensor is not acting properly or that the defrosters are not turning on when they should. Either way, our team can troubleshoot the problem and get it fixed. Otherwise, ice buildup could block your heat pump lines from being able to heat or cool your home effectively.

Electrical Problems

Since your heat pump uses a lot of power, it can experience electrical problems. These problems can vary from being relatively minor to very serious. However, it is important to remember that any electrical problem at all deserves immediate attention.

Signs of electrical problems include noticing loose wires or having your heat pump struggle to turn on and stay on for cycles. The heat pump may also trip the breaker when it turns on, which is a red flag that the system is consuming more power than necessary.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant will never leak out of your air conditioner unless the lines are damaged. Otherwise, refrigerant should last for the entire life of your heat pump. When refrigerant leaks do happen, you will hear a bubbling or hissing sound near the portion of the line where refrigerant is leaking out.

The sound depends on whether or not the refrigerant is a liquid or a gas where the leak is happening. Our team can recharge refrigerant levels and identify the site of the leak to repair the lines and get your heat pump working like normal again.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 4 Common Heat Pump Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Should You Be Planning Ahead for Furnace Service?

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Summer is still in full swing and temperatures are high, so you’re probably not giving much thought to your furnace for the coming winter season. However, it might be a good idea to go ahead and prioritize service now instead of putting it off for later.

This is especially important if your furnace was showing signs of issues at the end of the last winter season. Give us a call for furnace repair in Gresham today and we can help you ensure that your system is ready for the coming fall and winter seasons. You can also keep reading to learn more about some of the reasons that you want to go ahead and schedule furnace service now instead of waiting until later.

Potential Furnace Problems

Examples of problems that you may have experienced earlier this year include a lack of consistent heating, poor airflow, loud noises, or bad odors. If it seems like your heater is still operating fairly well, these signs can be easy to ignore. Especially if they happen sporadically. But they are actually important indicators that your heater is struggling.

Benefits of Prioritizing Service

If you didn’t schedule service at the end of the last winter season, go ahead and schedule a maintenance service now. Don’t wait until fall is in full swing and you really need to turn your furnace on. Otherwise, you could be met with some unpleasant surprises like worsening problems or a furnace that doesn’t even turn on at all.

When you go ahead and schedule service now, ahead of actually needing your furnace, you build in time for us to get repairs completed. Your furnace may need specialized parts that we have to order, which can take time. You also want to consider that as heating season begins, our team will be even busier with furnace service, as will other heating technicians in the area. Scheduling your appointment now is a great way to get a head of the fall and winter rush.

Plus, a maintenance appointment now can save you money across the entire fall and winter seasons. Instead of having inefficient furnace operation that consumes more energy each month, your furnace can work at its best and use as little energy as possible to keep your home comfortable.

Tips for Care and Maintenance

If you haven’t turned your furnace on at all this summer, it’s a good idea to go ahead and do so now. Your furnace sits largely unused for months at a time. Just turning it on and letting it run for five or 10 minutes is a great way to make sure everything is working the way it should.

If you notice anything unusual at all, that’s a reason to call our team for service. Turning your furnace on now can help you stay ahead of problems that you might not otherwise find out about until later this year. The only otherwise unusual sign that might be normal is a musty odor. As your furnace sits unused, the air inside gets stale and may smell bad when it blows out.

When heating season does arrive, you can keep up with regular maintenance for your furnace by changing out the air filter in a timely manner and wiping down the inside of the cabinet to eliminate dust buildup. These steps will go a long way toward maximizing indoor air quality and efficiency at the same time.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Should You Be Planning Ahead for Furnace Service? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Might Your Home Need Radon Testing?

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Radon is a radioactive gas that can be present in the air or water. It gets released from the ground and has no odor, so it’s difficult to detect without testing for it. The question is, how do you know if you need radon testing at your house?

You can keep reading to learn more about some of the reasons you want to schedule radon testing, and how frequently you should invest in the service. Then get our team a call for your radon testing in Portland and we can help you with the next steps.

What Is Radon?

Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive gas. It develops when metals like uranium, thorium, or radium break down in rocks, soil, and natural water sources. You’re almost always exposed to radon since it comes from the earth, but it is possible for radon levels to be too high.

High radon levels are more common when the gas enters buildings through gaps and cracks, then becomes concentrated in higher levels. This happens because the gas gets trapped inside of rooms, homes, and buildings and begins to build up more than it would outside where there is more space.

Types of Radon Tests

There are two types of radon tests. One is short-term and the other is long-term. A short-term radon test usually lasts for somewhere between two days and a week. A long-term radon test remains in your home for 90 days or longer. Important things to remember during radon testing include:

Addressing Test Results

If your home has high radon levels, you want to take action soon to address the issue. You may be wondering why radon is so concerning. The radioactive gas is known for causing lung cancer, and breathing too much of it increases your risks of developing lung cancer.

Our team can help by installing a radon mitigation system. Unfortunately most air purifiers aren’t strong enough to lower radon levels enough, so you need a customized solution. In addition to a system specifically designed to reduce radon levels, you may also want to invest in a ventilation system that constantly cycles fresh air into your home while also getting rid of stale air.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Why Might Your Home Need Radon Testing? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Does Your AC Need a Boost for Dehumidifying?

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Your air conditioner dehumidifies the air as a part of the cooling process. It does this because air with high humidity often feels warmer than it really is. By dehumidifying the air even just a little bit, your home can feel cooler without having to lower the thermostat temperature.

But sometimes your air conditioner doesn’t have quite enough power to balance humidity completely for your home. You may need to invest in a separate dehumidifier in Beavercreek, OR . Keep reading to learn more about the signs that your air conditioner needs some help dehumidifying the air in your home.

How ACs Dehumidify

When your air conditioner completes a cooling cycle, heat is absorbed by the refrigerant lines to channel outside. As part of this process, moisture from the air condenses down into droplets and moves away from your home via the condensate drain line.

Cooling cycles happen all day, every day, so moisture is consistently absorbed from the air and moved outside of your home. Eliminating this moisture from the air helps to balance humidity levels so your home feels cooler without having to lower the temperature even more. But, your home can be more humid than your air conditioner can handle.

Understanding Humidity

Experts suggest that healthy indoor humidity levels fall within the range of 30% to 50%. If your indoor humidity is consistently higher than 50%, you are facing a variety of risks, including sacrifices to overall comfort.

For example, high humidity levels can make it seem like your home is around 4 ° warmer than it really is. With managed humidity levels, your home can actually feel cooler than it really is, offering huge benefits when it comes to potential energy savings and indoor air quality.

Another risk of high humidity is mold growth, especially in dark places. Mold needs moisture to thrive, so when you lower the indoor humidity levels, you also help to improve your indoor air quality. There are always mold spores in the air, but you can prevent an infestation from developing by taking proactive steps.

Tips for Improving Humidity

The easiest recommendation for balancing humidity levels in your home is to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier. This system automates removing humidity so that you can customize how much humidity is actually and your home. You may find that you like slightly more or less humidity within that healthy range of 30 to 50%.

When you’re able to automate managing humidity, you take out a lot of the guesswork. Alternately, you might invest in a small, portable dehumidifier. If you do, keep in mind that you will have to move it around your home periodically and dump out the water it collects regularly. A whole-house solution takes less work on your part.

Keep in mind that if you think high humidity levels have already contributed to a mold problem, you need to address that separately. Lowering indoor humidity levels isn’t enough. We will need to help by treating the mold growth and eliminating the infestation alongside installing a dehumidifier.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Does Your AC Need a Boost for Dehumidifying? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Signs Your AC Needs a Repair Appointment

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 22:00:00 GMT

As the summer temperatures get higher, your air conditioner will work even harder to keep your home cool and comfortable. That added strain can lead to repair needs. But how do you know when your air conditioner needs to have repairs?

There are four key signs to watch for, and if you notice any of them, that means it’s time to call for air conditioning repair in Gresham . You can keep reading to learn more about how your air conditioner communicates that something is going wrong with its operation. Then give our team a call to schedule your appointment.

High Humidity Levels

If it seems like your home is more humid than usual, it’s probably because something is wrong with your air conditioner . Although your AC is not designed to completely dehumidify your home, it does eliminate some of the moisture from the air during each cooling cycle.

Having higher than normal humidity levels points to an AC problem. Either your air conditioner is struggling to complete a cooling cycle all the way through or the condensate drain line is clogged, allowing moisture to re-evaporate into the air instead of draining outside of your home. No matter what the problem is, our team can troubleshoot to figure it out to ensure that your air conditioner is doing all it can to dehumidify the air.

Frequent Cycles

If you notice that your air conditioner is turning on and off every few minutes, that means something is preventing a cooling cycle from completing all the way through. Cooling cycles have multiple steps. First air comes into the system via the intake grate where your air filter is located.

Air then blows over the evaporator coils where heat gets absorbed and channeled outside your home. Cool air moves through the ducts and out into your home via the air vents while heat dispels outside. Then the condenser lines compress the refrigerant back down to complete the next cooling cycle.

With short cycles, all of these steps are not happening. As we already mentioned above, you may notice unusually high humidity levels alongside the shorter cycles. It’s also possible that you have warm air blowing out of your vents—if any air is blowing out at all.

Tripping Circuit Breaker

Your air conditioner has its own circuit breaker on your electrical panel. If your air conditioner continually trips this breaker during operation, that’s a red flag that power surges happening. Something is wrong with the wiring attached to your air conditioner, and it needs to be addressed to prevent safety hazards.

Thermostat Issues

Sometimes problems with your air conditioner are actually problems with your thermostat. If your home feels warmer than it usually is, your air conditioner may not actually be to blame. Instead, your thermostat may be reading the temperature incorrectly and causing your AC to cool your home ineffectively. Sometimes we can re-calibrate your thermostat or change out the batteries to get it working again so that your AC can cool your home the way it was designed to.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 4 Signs Your AC Needs a Repair Appointment first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Tips for Maximizing AC Efficiency

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Did you know that air conditioners tend to lose some of their efficiency as they age? But when you keep up with regular maintenance and use your unit wisely, you can help your air conditioner maintain higher levels of efficiency, both now and in the future.

We have some tips for boosting AC efficiency this summer so that your energy bills are lower. The same tips will help to lessen the wear on your unit over its lifespan so that you have a better chance of maintaining strong energy efficiency for years to come. When you do notice problems with your air conditioner, give us a call to schedule service for air conditioning in Beaverton .

Prevent Water Leaks

One great way to ensure energy efficiency for your air conditioner is to clean out the condensate drain line regularly. The condensate drain line is where humidity gathers and drains outside of your home. If clogs develop and moisture backs up, the water can re-evaporate into the air and increase humidity levels.

High humidity can make your home feel warmer than it really is. No matter how hard your air conditioning works to cool your home, it will never feel as cool as you want thanks to the extra humidity. Preventing leaks is a simple as rinsing the condensate drain line out with half a cup of vinegar once each month.

Prioritize Good Airflow

You can also do a lot to ensure that your air conditioner has excellent airflow from start to finish. This begins with the air filter located inside of your home. This is the single intake area for air entering your AC system. Make sure that you keep this filter clean by changing it in a timely manner. You can check on your air filter to see if it is rated to last for a single month or three months and then set reminder so you don’t forget to change it out.

It’s equally important to pay attention to the outdoor unit where heat gets expelled as part of the cooling process. Unfortunately, the outdoor unit gets clogged very easily with dust and dirt. Once each month, you can go outside and gently rinse it off using a hose on low water pressure to help keep dirt from blocking airflow. If heat cannot escape outside, it gets trapped in your home, ultimately leading to your air conditioner working harder.

Use Reasonable Settings

It’s also up to you to use reasonable settings for your air conditioner. The general recommendation is that you set your thermostat no lower than 78°F for cooling during the summer months. Thankfully, we have fairly mild summers compared to some of the southernmost states. Still, it is important to be cognizant of your settings so that you don’t accidentally add strain to your air conditioner without realizing it.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Tips for Maximizing AC Efficiency first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Reasons to Plan Ahead and Schedule AC Maintenance

Mon, 06 May 2024 12:53:00 GMT

Have you scheduled AC maintenance yet this year? If not, you should consider scheduling your AC maintenance appointment now. It’s so easy to put off AC maintenance in Portland and think that you can just do it later.

But we encourage you to go ahead and prioritize this service while you are thinking about it. You can also keep reading to learn more about why it is important to schedule AC maintenance proactively instead of waiting for something to go wrong inside of your air conditioner.

Prevent a Future Breakdown

The top reason to prioritize AC maintenance is that doing so can mean you won’t have a major breakdown later on. Prioritizing maintenance all along is the best way to care for your air conditioner and catch problems early. When you put off maintenance, extensive repairs are more likely to pop up.

Save Money

If your AC unit breaks down completely, the bill is likely to be much more expensive than if you had just scheduled maintenance sooner. Making small repairs all along to your air conditioner will be more affordable than having to address a total breakdown or a more serious AC repair. Sure, AC maintenance does cost money. But the costs of maintenance are much less than the costs of overhauling an entire air conditioner because something major goes wrong.

Energy Efficiency

Prioritizing maintenance is also the best way to ensure that your unit remains energy efficient both now and across the rest of its service life. Making small tweaks to the unit all along to keep it operating efficiently is going to help you save money on energy costs. Sure, you can set your thermostat a little higher or turn off the unit completely when the weather is nice.

But none of these things will matter if you are not taking care of your air conditioner to begin with. Without regular maintenance, you are likely to lose some energy efficiency year after year, causing your energy costs to increase a little at a time. Small costs can add up quickly.

If you lose enough efficiency to cost you just $15 more per month, you’re spending nearly $200 more per year to keep your home comfortable. Since AC maintenance boosts energy efficiency, you could actually save more than you’re currently spending.

Peace of Mind

The bottom line is that AC maintenance offers you the assurance that your AC is in excellent condition. When our team looks over your unit, we can bring any minor problems to your attention, then go ahead and fix them right away. Once the AC maintenance appointment is complete, you will know that your air conditioner is ready to keep your home and family cool all summer long without any hiccups.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment for AC maintenance! We will take care of you from there!

The post 4 Reasons to Plan Ahead and Schedule AC Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Pros and Cons of Installing a Heat Pump

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:00:00 GMT

If it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system, you may be considering a heat pump. There are a variety of benefits when investing in this unique HVAC system, but you need to consider some of the potential downsides so that you can be completely prepared.

When you’re ready to schedule heat pump installation in Portland , you can give our team a call for your in-home assessment. You can keep reading to learn more about how a heat pump operates, including the unique benefits and potential downsides.

Pros of a Heat Pump

Heat pumps are an excellent choice because they offer heating and cooling both within the same system. Having a heat pump can mean that you don’t need separate heating and air conditioning systems. This has the potential to save you some space over having two large units installed inside of your home.

Heat pumps are also known for being highly energy efficient, especially when it comes to heating. This is because the heat pump doesn’t actually need to create heat using an open flame or burners. Instead, a heat pump is transferring heat from outside by absorbing it into the refrigerant lines. This method of heating is much more energy efficient.

Heat pumps are also safer to operate when it comes to heating. Compared to a central air conditioner, a heat pump operates fairly similarly. But with heating, safety is elevated since you don’t have any burners or open flames creating high temperatures inside of the unit.

They also come in both ducted and ductless models, so no matter how big or small your house is, there’s a heat pump that fits your needs. If you already have existing ductwork in place that’s in good condition, a central heat pump may make sense to install. But if you want to switch to a ductless version or have more customization in heating and cooling your home, a ductless model may be the way to go.

Cons of a Heat Pump

It’s important to consider that you want to install the correct type of heat pump, especially for our area. A standard heat pump is not going to be able to stand up to the heating needs on the coldest days of winter. Since a heat pump is absorbing heat from the air, there may not be enough heat to absorb and increase the temperature in your home on the days of winter that are coldest.

This is why you need a cold weather heat pump. Our team can help to ensure that you get the right model installed for your home, family, and our climate. A cold-weather heat pump has a bit more power and can absorb more heat to transfer into your home compared to a standard heat pump. You also have the option to go with a dual fuel model that has a small add-on furnace for boosting heating ability.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Pros and Cons of Installing a Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Do I Need Both Air Filters and Air Purifiers?

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 15:11:00 GMT

If you’ve heard of a whole-house air purifier, you may be wondering if one is necessary for your home. After all, your home’s HVAC system has an air filter in place to help capture dust and dirt. Is an air purifier really necessary for better indoor air quality?

The short answer is yes , and we can explain why. Just give our team a call to learn more about installing an air purifier in Milwaukie, OR . You can also keep reading to learn more about the benefits of an air purifier and how one of these systems is different from the air filter on your HVAC system.

How an HVAC Air Filter Works

An HVAC air filter is designed to prevent a lot of dust and dirt particles as well as things like pet fur and hair from getting into your HVAC system. These particles can get in between the tiny components and gears inside of your HVAC system and dry up lubrication to cause grinding.

Many of these particles can wind up cycling all the way through your HVAC system and blowing back out again with clean air. This can increase dust levels in your home and lower your indoor air quality. But most air filters are only designed to capture so much dust and dirt.

Microscopic particles like viruses, bacteria, and even bad odors are small enough to get through the fibers of a standard air filter and cycle again and again through your home, no matter what quality the air filter is or how often you change it out.

Air Purifier Difference

That’s where an air purifier comes in. A whole-house air purifier gets installed directly inside of your existing HVAC system. We position it so that all the air has to pass through before blowing back out into your home. Air purifiers are much stronger than the standard HVAC air filter and can capture or neutralize more harmful particles.

It is possible to get stronger HVAC air filters, but the most highly rated ones often block too much airflow and put strain on your HVAC system. An air purifier is a great add-on that attaches to your existing system and works around the clock to clean the air in your home, removing more than 99% of all harmful particles.

Benefits of an Air Purifier

An air purifier eliminates bacteria, germs, and viruses that can make you sick. Although you can’t prevent bringing them into your home, you can prevent them from recirculating and spreading even more. Air purifiers are also great for people who suffer from allergies since they can eliminate allergens from the air.

When you’re at home, you should feel comfortable. An air purifier helps to elevate your indoor comfort. In fact, better air quality can even help you sleep better, which also has a positive impact on your health. After your air purifier is installed, it can take the better part of a day to cycle all of the air in your home through your HVAC system and clean it.

Then the air purifier continues working around the clock to maintain that high level of indoor air quality. When you take a deep breath, you’ll be able to feel the difference in how clean your air is. Plus, whole-house air purifiers are low maintenance. You just have to change out the UV light or air filter once each year.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Do I Need Both Air Filters and Air Purifiers? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How UV Air Purifiers Work to Create a Healthier Home

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 16:27:00 GMT

If you’re looking to improve the indoor air quality of your home, a whole-house air purifier is the way to go. Yes, you can purchase higher quality air filters for your HVAC system or even invest in a small portable air purifier, but neither of these solutions can match the results of a whole-house solution.

Our team would love to help your family with a UV air purifier in Portland, OR . You can keep reading to learn more about how a UV air purifier works and how it would be set up in your home. Then you can give our team a call to schedule your appointment and take a step toward healthy indoor air quality.

How a UV Air Purifier Works

Many air purifiers use heavy duty filters to capture particles and prevent them from passing through. These filters have many layers and tightly woven fibers to prevent even the smallest particles from passing through. Air purifiers with filters work great, but UV air purifiers are a step above.

A UV air purifier neutralizes all of the particles that pass under the light. These models get installed inside of your existing HVAC system and are positioned so that all air has to pass by before blowing back out into your home. Even the most microscopic particles are neutralized with a UV light, leaving your air more than 99% clean.

UV Air Purifier Benefits

When you think about maintaining clean air inside of your home, you probably think about germs, bacteria, and viruses. But a UV air purifier also helps to neutralize all sorts of other harmful particles. These include:

While an air purifier can help to improve your family’s health, it can also reduce allergy symptoms and prevent mold and mildew growth around your home. Unlike a portable model, a whole-house air purifier is out of sight and out-of-the-way. You don’t have to unplug it and move it around or worry about it being in the way.

Clean air can help you breathe easier and even improve your sleep. If you’re struggling to go to sleep or stay asleep during the night, your indoor air quality could be to blame. If your body is fighting off harmful particles like bacteria and allergens, you’re less likely to get a restful night’s sleep.

Maintenance Expectations

Whole-house models are especially wonderful because they work around the clock to maintain a high level of cleanliness for your home’s air. When first installed, a UV air purifier can take half of a day or so for all of the air in your home to cycle through and pass under the UV light.

After that, the air in your home maintains a high level of quality. The only maintenance needed is changing out the bulb around once per year. Our team can complete this task as part of regular HVAC maintenance when we visit your home for service.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post How UV Air Purifiers Work to Create a Healthier Home first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Dehumidifiers Can Be Great for Winters

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality, you may want to consider a dehumidifier. While some humidity in the air is beneficial, too much is just too much. A dehumidifier can benefit your heater, your home, and your family all at the same time.

If you have been thinking about installing a dehumidifier in Beavercreek, OR , now is a great time to invest in one of these unique home systems. You can also keep reading to learn more about how a dehumidifier works and why they are so beneficial during the winter season.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

One of the most tangible benefits of a dehumidifier is improving the indoor air quality in your home. You want to keep your home warm, but humidity can make you feel hot and sticky, which is never comfortable. You do want to maintain some humidity in the air, and a dehumidifier lets you customize your indoor humidity levels so that their air doesn’t become too dry (dry air causes as many problems as humid air, but that’s a different blog post). You can control the humidity to reduce levels a little or a lot—it really depends on your personal preferences.

Experts recommend that indoor humidity levels fall within the 30% to 50% range for the best overall comfort and health benefits. Slightly less moisture in the air offers the added benefit of reducing the chances of mold and mildew growth around your home. So aside from the air feeling better, you can also increase the air quality of your home and prevent mold and mildew from causing expensive building material damage like wood rot.

Reduce the Strain on Your Heater

High humidity levels can add strain to your heater and make it less energy efficient. When your heater is not as energy efficient, it has to work harder to produce results, ultimately costing you more money and potentially reducing results at the same time. When you add a whole-house dehumidifier to your HVAC system, you take away some of that strain so your furnace can put more of its energy toward producing heat.

Elevate Comfort

People usually associate humidity with feeling hotter. This is an effect of high humidity, and that can feel good during the winter. However, too much humidity will also make the air feel stuffy and uncomfortable, no matter the temperature! A whole-house dehumidifier helps you get precision control over humidity for the ideal level of comfort: lowering a humidity level from over 60% down to a recommended 45%.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Why Dehumidifiers Can Be Great for Winters first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Parts That Make a Heat Pump Different From an AC

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT

A heat pump is similar to an air conditioner in a lot of ways. Even though it cools using the same methods, a heat pump also has the added feature of heating your home. It’s a feature that an air conditioner does not offer. With the addition of heating come some unique parts that make a heat pump different from an air conditioner.

When you need service for a heat pump in Estacada, OR , you can give our team a call to schedule an appointment. Whether you need preventative maintenance or repairs, our team is always here to help. You can also keep reading to learn more about the components that help your heat pump operate to warm your home during the winter.

Reversing Valve

One of the primary components that sets a heat pump apart from an air conditioner is the reversing valve. This valve is a switch that allows refrigerant to move in the opposite direction. A standard air conditioner moves refrigerant in a single loop that absorbs heat from inside your home and channels it outside to release the heat. Then the refrigerant returns to the inside of your home and completes the cycle all over again.

When the reversing valve switches over to heating mode, refrigerant moves in the opposite direction. It absorbs heat from outside your home to transfer to the air inside. After releasing that heat inside, it cycles back outside to absorb more heat. You can switch effortlessly between heating and cooling modes all with the same system.

Extra Expansion Valve

All air conditioners have an expansion valve that helps to lower the pressure of refrigerant and make it cooler after it releases heat outside. This way, when it channels back into your house it has the maximum capacity for absorbing heat to cool down the air.

A heat pump has an additional expansion valve since refrigerant can move in both directions. This extra expansion valve allows refrigerant to compress down and get cooler before exiting your home to absorb heat and bring it back in.

Controls for Defrosting

Traditional air conditioners don’t usually operate in the winter when temperatures are cold outside. This means there’s less of a risk that outside coils will ice over. But a heat pump operates all year long. As a precaution, it has controls for defrosting the outside coils just in case they ever begin to develop ice during the winter season. These controls can detect the development of ice and trigger defrosting until the ice is gone. Then the defrosting mechanism turns off and your heat pump resumes normal operation.

Suction Accumulator

Since refrigerant moves in the opposite direction, it runs the risk of entering the air compressor and potentially mixing in with oil in the system. Because of this risk, your heat pump has a suction accumulator that absorbs this refrigerant to prevent it from getting into your compressor. If it does get into your compressor, the result is called slugging and can negatively impact how your heat pump is able to operate.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointmen t! We will take care of you from there!

The post The Parts That Make a Heat Pump Different From an AC first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Furnace Filter: What It Does and Why It Needs to Be Changed Regularly

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

You may think you understand the role of an air filter in your furnace—and you probably do. But the air filter does more than you might think. It’s not just about improving your indoor air quality.

Leaving a dirty filter in place for too long can mean that you are left calling our team to schedule furnace repair in Estacada, OR . Keep reading to learn more about the importance of changing your air filter on time each month and the impact it can have if it is left dirty and clogged for too long.

Role of an Air Filter

The air filter on your furnace is designed to capture dust and dirt particles to prevent them from getting into the system. Dust and dirt can do a lot of damage to the inside of your furnace since there are heating elements or an open flame for the combustion process. But your air filter is only designed to do so much to capture these particles.

Yes, you can purchase a filter with a higher grade that is designed to capture more harmful particles. But these filters also tend to block air flow into the system and most furnaces are simply not designed with enough power to pull air through a higher grade filter. We recommend purchasing a mid-grade filter and changing it out on time each month to keep it clean.

Risks of a Dirty Filter

Dirt can get into the tiniest crevices of your furnace. If it gets into the blower motor, dirt can lead to the whole component burning up. When dirt gets down into the intricate parts, like gears that usually have to work together easily with the help of lubrication, that lubrication dries up and leads to grinding.

Dirt also makes its way through your furnace and into your ductwork, ultimately blowing back into your home and exacerbating the problem by creating higher dust levels. If you want to help out your furnace and your filter, really prioritize dusting and vacuuming during the winter season. This is a great way to eliminate dust and dirt from being able to get into the furnace in the first place.

When to Change My Air Filter

Most air filters are rated to last for a month before they need to be changed out. Depending on the dust levels in your home, you may need to change your furnace filter out a little bit sooner. Set a reminder for yourself to check the filter a few days before it is due to be changed out. If it looks like it is particularly full of dust, then it’s a good idea to go ahead and change the filter out early.

Other filters are rated to last longer than a month or may even be reusable so that you can clean them out and put them in place again. No matter what type of filter you have, be sure to prioritize changing it out or cleaning it on time every month.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! The Clean Air Act team will take care of you from there!

The post The Furnace Filter: What It Does and Why It Needs to Be Changed Regularly first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Can I Know It’s Time for Duct Cleaning?

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Duct cleaning is an important service for a couple of reasons. Cleaning your ducts regularly helps your heater and air conditioner each run more efficiently. The service also helps to improve your indoor air quality.

The trick is knowing when it is time to schedule a heating duct cleaning in Clackamas . We typically recommend that you schedule a service every three to five years. You can keep reading to learn more about the signs that it is time to schedule a duct cleaning service for your home.

Time Since Last Service

First you want to think about the last time that you scheduled a duct cleaning service. If it has been at least three years, there’s a good chance that it is time to schedule the service again. If you’ve never scheduled a duct cleaning service, now is a great time. You can get your ducts cleaned out ahead of the winter season to help your furnace or heater run more efficiently over the holidays.

Indoor Air Quality

You can also pay attention to your indoor air quality. If the air in your home feels musty or has a dusty smell, your air ducts could be to blame. Even with an excellent air filter in place, some particles of dust still get into the system, ultimately settling in your ductwork. It’s not a lot at one time, but over a period of years the dust can really add up. Eventually that dust and dirt stirs back up with the clean air and blows back out into your home.

Dust Levels

You may notice that you have to wipe down indoor surfaces more often. If you have a layer of dust on tables and shelves in your house within a couple of weeks of wiping them down, that’s a big red flag. Your ductwork is likely to blame.

You can clean more often, vacuum thoroughly, and it yet still won’t make a difference if your ductwork is dirty. The best thing to do is schedule a duct inspection so that our team can check to see if your ductwork needs to be cleaned and resealed to lower the dust levels.

High Energy Bills

It’s also possible that dirty ductwork will cause an increase on your monthly energy bills. When the dust stirs up to mix in with clean air, this interference can lead to some of the heated air being trapped in your ductwork instead of making it all the way to your home’s living spaces.

As a result, your heater may stay on longer or turn on more often and then attempt to heat your home to your desired temperature. When your ducts are clean, it elevates heater efficiency so that you can save a little bit of money on your monthly energy costs.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! The Clean Air Act team will take care of you from there!

The post How Can I Know It’s Time for Duct Cleaning? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Obstinate Heat Pump: Why It Just Won’t Heat the House

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

If you have a heat pump, you probably chose it because it is highly efficient and offers both heating and cooling all in one. But the colder the temperatures get outside, the more that your heat pump may struggle to keep your home warm.

If you’re not comfortable with the indoor air temperatures with your heat pump turned on and set to “heat,” it may be time to invest in heat pump repair in Clackamas, OR . You can keep reading to learn more about how a heat pump works to heat your home, and why it may not be up to your standards during the wintertime.

How a Heat Pump Heats Your Home

A heat pump is most comparable to a central air conditioner. It has refrigerant lines that cycle refrigerant in one direction to provide cooling for your home. The difference is that a reversing valve allows the refrigerant to move in the opposite direction and also bring heat into your home instead of removing it.

Essentially, heat pumps work by transferring energy into or out of your home as a method of heating and cooling. Heat pumps are considered highly efficient heaters compared to other heating options where heat is created using burners or igniters. Much less energy is required and the process is also safer.

Potential Shortcomings

The one downfall to having a heat pump is that the colder temperatures get outside, the less heat there is in the air to transfer it to your home. Even when it’s very cold outside, there’s some heat in the air that a heat pump can absorb and bring into your home. But as temperatures drop lower and lower, a heat pump may struggle to keep your home as warm as you would like.

Scheduling Heat Pump Service

If you think that your heat pump is struggling to keep up with your heating needs, your first step should be to schedule a maintenance appointment with our team of professionals. We can tune up your heat pump and check to make sure everything is working as it should. If there are any issues that might be contributing to a lack of heat, we will talk to you about them and get the issues fixed.

Additional Solutions

If your heat pump is working great without any issues, but still cannot keep up with heating your home, you do have another option. You don’t have to overhaul your entire heat pump system and replace it with something new. Instead, we can add on a small furnace that is designed to turn on and help your heat pump on those days of winter that are the coldest.

It basically helps to make up the difference and keep your home warm when your heat pump can’t quite stand up to the outside temperatures and weather. This is the best of both worlds. You enjoy the overall efficiency of a heat pump while also having a back up for when you need it.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post The Obstinate Heat Pump: Why It Just Won’t Heat the House first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Some of Your Options for More Energy-Efficient Heating

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 23:55:00 GMT

If you’re thinking about installing a new heating system in your home, you have a variety of options. Even if your current heater worked great for its entire lifespan, there may still be a better option on the market. Since heaters can last for anywhere between 15 and 30 years, there is a good chance that technology has changed a lot since you last had a heater installed.

When you need service for heating in Beavercreek, OR , our team is here to help. Keep reading to learn more about the types of heaters that we install.

Furnace

Under the furnace category you have a variety of options. Aside from different brands, you can also choose between a gas or electric furnace. Gas furnaces are a popular since they provide heat quickly. Electric furnaces can take longer to heat up and use more energy so they may cost more to operate.

No matter what type of furnace you choose, you can always upgrade to a high-efficiency model that can save you money over the life of the unit by lowering energy costs for heating. While it costs more up front to get a high-efficiency heater, the savings over the life of your heater can easily exceed the initial expense.

Heat Pump

A heat pump connects to a network of ducts located in your attic or basement. Heated air travels through these ducts and blows out into your home. A heat pump doesn’t use an igniter or heating elements to provide heat for your home. Instead, it uses refrigerant similar to the way an air conditioner does. The refrigerant just moves in reverse to bring heat into your home from the outside.

The one potential downside to a heat pump is that it may struggle with heating your home on the coldest days of winter. In this case we can install a small add-on furnace alongside your heat pump to provide additional heat. We call this a dual-fuel system.

Ductless Heating

Ductless heating is similar to a heat pump. The operation is the same, but instead of ductwork you have miniature units attached along the ceiling in each room of your home. Ductless heating is efficient and can cut your energy costs by as much as 50%. Additionally, you can customize temperatures across your home in each room since each unit operates independently of the others.

High Velocity Heating

If you’ve never had central heating before, the process of installing ductwork can be a hassle. Oftentimes we have to cut out portions of the walls or floors to accommodate the ductwork. If you want to skip out on that or you have limited space for ductwork, a high velocity heater may be a better option. It works similarly to a central heater, although it has more power and pushes heat through a network of smaller tubes and flexible ducts. This can eliminate the need to do any type of renovations to your home to accommodate a central heater.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! The Clean Air Act team will take care of you from there!

The post Some of Your Options for More Energy-Efficient Heating first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Make Sure to Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up and Inspection in Fall

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 22:00:00 GMT

You’ve likely already turned your heater on for the season, and now it’s time to ensure that your heater is 100% ready no matter how cold the temperatures yet this winter. The only way to do that is by scheduling furnace service in Clackamas, OR .

Our team can check out your system and make sure that everything is operating the way it should. If we have any concerns, we can bring them to your attention and offer to repair or replace parts that need to be addressed before winter is in full swing. You can keep reading to learn more about why a tune-up and inspection for your furnace is so crucial at this time of year.

Prevent a Furnace Breakdown

One of the top reasons to invest in a tune-up is that you can stay ahead of a furnace breakdown happening. Heater breakdowns can happen at the least convenient times and there’s no way to predict when or how a breakdown will happen. But you can prevent them almost all together.

When you invest in a tune-up, it’s an opportunity for our team to check on all of the individual components that make up your furnace. We can see how they are working together and where there might be red flags in operation. By making minor repairs now, you can keep your furnace running instead of facing a breakdown later in the season.

Save Money

Investing in a tune-up is also saving you money in a couple of ways. First, a tune-up is much cheaper than other potential repairs that you may face otherwise. When you spend money on maintenance now, you’re addressing much smaller problems. Waiting until you absolutely have to make a repair or replace a component in your heater can lead to much higher service costs.

You’re also saving money on your monthly energy bills. Let’s face it, the cost can be high to keep your home warm in the winter, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. You want to stay warm, but you don’t want to break the bank doing it. The more efficient that your heater is, the less energy it needs to use to produce results. Even just saving $10 or $20 a month on your energy costs can add up quickly over the life of your furnace.

Invest in Longevity

Tune-ups are not just about the short term benefits. You’re also investing in your heater by ensuring a longer lifespan. A heater can last for anywhere between 15 and 30 years, depending on how well you care for the system. Heaters that have annual tune-ups consistently will last longer than heaters that rarely get tune-ups, if at all.

It may seem like overkill to schedule a tune-up when your heater isn’t having any obvious problems, but chances are there is something minor that we can tweak now to prevent problems later on. Doing this all along is going to ensure that your heater lasts up to twice as long. You’ll be happy in the coming decades that you made this investment.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Make Sure to Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up and Inspection in Fall first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Your Heating Can Suffer This Season With Dirty Ductwork

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 22:00:00 GMT

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.

Indoor Air Quality

It’s no surprise that dirty ductwork contributes to poor indoor air quality. When your heater is on to warm your home, the air blows through the ductwork and returns some of the dust buildup back into your home. You may notice that you have to wipe down surfaces more frequently because they get dusty faster. You may also seem to get sick or suffer from allergy symptoms more often with dust in the air.

Impact to Efficiency

When dust and dirt particles mix in with the clean heated air, they disrupt the otherwise streamlined airflow. For your heater to get enough warm air into your home, airflow has to be streamlined perfectly through your network of ducts. When the system was originally set up, your ductwork was designed in a unique way to provide heating evenly through your home.

But when dust stirs up inside of those ducts, it can slow down airflow. This may lead to heat being trapped in your ductwork instead of blowing out into your home. As a result, your heater stays on longer or works harder to produce more heat so that your home reaches the desired temperature. The harder that your heater has to work to heat your home, the more energy it uses. This increases your monthly energy costs so that you are spending more money than you otherwise would to keep your home comfortable.

Strain on Your Heater

A lack of efficiency doesn’t just cost you more money by way of energy bills. It also costs you more by putting a strain on your heater. When your heater has to work harder, it takes on more wear and tear. This could mean that components need to be replaced sooner or that repair needs come up more frequently.

All from a little dust. We know, it can be hard to believe. Dust and dirt build up so slowly, but over several years they can make a significant impact. This is why experts recommend that you have your ductwork cleaned every three to five years. If it has been five years or longer since you’ve had your ductwork cleaned, it’s definitely time to schedule an appointment for the service. Think of it as an investment in your indoor air quality as well as an investment in your heater.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! The Clean Air Act team will take care of you from there!

The post How Your Heating Can Suffer This Season With Dirty Ductwork first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Do Professionals Perform Duct Cleaning?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:18:00 GMT

Before you schedule an air duct cleaning, you may be wondering just what is involved in this service. How does an air duct cleaning work? We’ll review step-by-step what our professionals do during air duct cleaning.

When you’re ready to schedule an appointment for duct cleaning in Portland, OR , give our team a call. You can also keep reading to learn more about the details of duct cleaning services so you know exactly what to expect. We’re also highlighting the benefits of duct cleaning so you know why the service is so important.

Step One: Inspection

Before we do anything, we want to complete a thorough inspection of your ductwork. This can help us identify any broken seals or holes where your ductwork may be particularly dirty. We can even peek inside your ductwork from different angles to see how dirty the inside is. This gives us a good idea of what types of cleaning tools and solutions we need to use. It also gives us an overall idea of what condition your ductwork is in.

Step Two: Vacuum

Once we inspect your ductwork, we seal it off completely to create negative pressure. We attach our specially designed vacuum to your ductwork and then turn it on. This negative pressure allows us to pull out a lot of the dust and dirt from inside your ducts.

Eliminating buildup inside of your ductwork is important for a couple of reasons:

The first is that all of these dust and dirt particles can stir up and interfere with streamlined airflow from your AC unit into your home. The second reason this step is important is because of your indoor air quality. When these particles stir up and mix with clean air, they blow out into your home and continue recirculating. Then you and your family are breathing in dirty air that is full of bacteria, pollution, and even viruses.

Step Three: Scrub

Some dust will not get sucked out using our vacuum tool without a little help. We have scrubbers and rotating brushes that can aid in loosening buildup so that we can eliminate it from inside of your ductwork. Even the toughest buildup doesn’t stand a chance during a duct cleaning service. If your ductwork is particularly dirty, we may take an opportunity at this point to sanitize the inside as an extra precaution.

Step Four: Clean Your HVAC System

We also want to clean your HVAC system ahead of your ductwork. After all, if there is existing dust in your ductwork, then there’s likely dust and dirt in the rest of the system too. By cleaning the entire system, we can give you a fresh start. If we only clean your ducts, then the existing dust in your HVAC system will simply continue to pass through and settle once again in the ducts.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post How Do Professionals Perform Duct Cleaning? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Having Your AC Maintained Benefitted You This Summer

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT

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.

Benefits of AC Maintenance

Justifying AC maintenance is easy enough, but the results aren’t always obvious at first. When AC maintenance is done right, you don’t actually notice a difference in your air conditioner. It may leave you wondering if you really need AC maintenance at all. Isn’t your air conditioner working great? You may have heard the old saying “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken.”

But that’s the thing about AC maintenance: the only time you notice a difference is when you skip out on it. Skipping out on maintenance for your air conditioner can lead to higher utility bills, frequent AC problems, and a less comfortable home. But if you invested in air conditioner maintenance last year, you haven’t had to worry about any of these things.

Peace of Mind

Aside from the tangible benefits of air conditioning maintenance, the peace of mind that it offers is perhaps one of the greatest benefits. If you’re like most families, you have a lot going on. You work and you have children at school and in various activities to keep up with. You even have your own obligations outside of your work and your family. You don’t need to add to your list of things to worry about. It’s already long enough.

When you invest in air conditioner maintenance, you can breathe a sigh of relief, because you know you won’t have to worry about your air conditioner for the next year. Even if you have to spend money during your AC maintenance appointment to make repairs, that’s the whole point. Any investments you make during an AC maintenance appointment are proactive. You are fixing small problems so they do not become big problems later on.

Savings

You also save money on your energy bills. When you think about AC maintenance affecting a single summer of AC operation, it’s honestly probably not that big of a deal. The amount that you would have spent more on your energy bills for a few months probably doesn’t even add up to the cost of the maintenance you invested in.

But AC maintenance is not about a single summer. It is about the entire lifespan of your air conditioner. And every AC maintenance appointment you have scheduled up to this point has helped you save money year after year. So while a single summer may not add up to a lot, 15 to 20 years’ worth of energy bills from your air conditioner can add up quickly when you’re talking about saving money.

Lifespan

If your air conditioner is older than 15 years, then your AC maintenance has earned you additional years of life beyond what was expected from your air conditioner. Keeping up with AC maintenance can easily mean that your air conditioner will last for 20 years or longer. All of those years are extra on top of the 15-year average lifespan for a residential unit.

The team at California Indoor Comfort is here to help. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post How Having Your AC Maintained Benefitted You This Summer first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Scheduling Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance: What to Expect

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 22:00:00 GMT

If you’re not familiar with air conditioning maintenance, you may wonder what to expect during your first scheduled appointment. AC maintenance in Beaverton, OR is a great way to care for your air conditioner so that it can last for much longer than the average lifespan and be more energy efficient.

Call us anytime to schedule your AC maintenance appointment. In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about what to expect during AC maintenance so that you are prepared. Even though there’s nothing you have to do to get ready for our visit, it’s always nice to know what to expect.

Overall AC Assessment

The first thing we do is talk to you about any specific concerns you have. If you’re scheduling an AC maintenance appointment because you think something is wrong, we want to know about your concerns. Even if it’s as simple as your AC not operating the way it usually does. We will look at your AC from top to bottom, inside and out, but it always helps to have an idea if there’s anything particularly wrong.

After that, we complete a high-level general inspection of your air conditioner, including both the indoor and outdoor portions of the unit. This helps us to identify any glaring problems that need to be addressed right away. We are looking for obvious signs of damage, any parts that are loose, or areas that are particularly dirty.

Homeowner Maintenance

Next, we’re going to take a closer look at a few key areas where you should be completing maintenance regularly as a homeowner. We will check your air filter to see how dirty it is and what type of filter you are using. We may make recommendations for a different type of filter or talk to you about how often you are changing the filter.

We will also check the condensate drain line for any potential clogs. If you aren’t already cleaning out the condensate drain line monthly using vinegar, we recommend that you do so, and we can walk you through how to do that.

We can also look at your outdoor unit to see how dirty it is. Since it is exposed to the elements 24/7, it is important to gently hose off the coils regularly for optimal airflow. Dust and debris can easily get into the fins and prevent heat and humidity from being able to funnel out of your home during a cooling cycle.

The Details

After that, we are going to get into all of the nooks and crannies of your air conditioner. We want to do things like tightening screws and making sure that fan blades are all secure. We also want to clean out any areas that are particularly dirty, especially in between gears that are working together.

We will re-lubricate any parts that have dried out and replace belts that are wearing down or loosening. All of these things help your air conditioner to be more energy efficient so that you can save money on your monthly energy bills and ensure that your air conditioner lasts for a long time to come.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Scheduling Professional Air Conditioning Maintenance: What to Expect first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

5 Signs Your AC is Hurting

Mon, 22 May 2023 22:00:00 GMT

Sometimes, your air conditioner works great. Other times, it is on the verge of a breakdown. But there’s also a middle area where your AC may not be working as well as it should but is still functioning. It’s during this time that you want to pay attention to signs of problems and identify them so you can get them fixed before you do reach a complete system breakdown.

If you notice any of the five signs below, it’s time to schedule an appointment for air conditioning repair in Portland, OR . Our team of experts can troubleshoot any problem and offer tips for preventing it again in the future. Keep reading to learn more about how to identify when your AC has something wrong.

Lukewarm Air

Your air conditioner has one job: provide cool air for your home. Even if the temperature in your home is still reasonable, feeling lukewarm air coming out of the vents is a problem. There may be an issue with refrigerant levels, airflow, or something else entirely. But no matter what the problem is, you want to get it addressed before temperatures heat up this summer.

Unusual Sounds

If you take five minutes to sit quietly and listen to your AC during a cooling cycle, you would not hear much. Your air conditioner sounds should fade into the background as white noise. If your AC is too loud or begins to make sudden alarming noises, give us a call right away. Even the gentle whirring of fan blades or humming of the air compressor can be concerning if it becomes too fast or too loud.

Leaks

If you open the closet inside of your home where the indoor portion of the unit sits, you may notice a condensate drain pan. Your condensate drain line may drip from time to time if there is a clog. This drain pan is a back up to prevent water damage from occurring to the floors and walls nearby. But, that doesn’t mean a leak is normal. Give us a call if you notice your AC leaking so that we can fix the problem before the clog gets worse.

Bad Smells

It may seem obvious that the air coming from vents connected to your air conditioner should be smell-free. If you stood near a vent and took a deep breath during a cooling cycle, you should not smell anything. If the air seems musty or smells damp, you may have a mold problem.

If there is any kind of burning smell, you may have an electrical problem. Basically, any smell coming from your air vents indicates that something is not quite right. You may not know what exactly is wrong, but you should give our team a call. We can check it out, solve the mystery, and clean out your AC to prevent the odor from happening again in the future.

High Energy Bills

There may be months that you get an energy bill and gasp at the increased cost. While it is normal for energy usage to fluctuate from month to month, you should never receive an alarmingly high energy bill. If you do, your AC unit may be to blame.

As one of the largest appliances in your home, your AC uses a lot of energy each month. Any unusual spikes can be attributed to your air conditioner and can indicate a problem that is causing your AC to work harder than it usually does.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment with the Clean Air Act team! We will take care of you from there!

The post 5 Signs Your AC is Hurting first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Happens During a Tune-Up

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 22:00:00 GMT

If you haven’t had an AC tune-up in the past year, now is a great time to schedule one. You can make sure that your AC is in great condition for the coming summer. But what should you expect during an AC tune-up appointment?

The short answer is, our team checks everything from top to bottom, inside and out. We get detailed with everything when it comes to AC maintenance in Clackamas, OR . You can keep reading to learn more about exactly what we do so you know what to expect at your next AC tune-up.

Before doing anything else, we take a quick look at your indoor and outdoor units as a whole. If there is anything that jumps out at us as a red flag, we take a closer look.

Thermostat

Then, we start with your thermostat. After all, your thermostat has a lot to do with how well your air conditioner operates. If your thermostat is miscalibrated, dirty on the inside or needs new batteries, we will take care of all of those problems. Once we know your thermostat is in good working order, we can move onto looking at your AC in greater detail.

Electrical Connections

Next, we look at all of the electrical connections in your air conditioner to make sure that you don’t have any loose wires potentially causing any problems. Aside from posing fire hazards, loose wires can also affect how well your air conditioner can cool. It may be that one or more components within your air conditioner cannot work properly, adding strain to other areas of your AC.

Refrigerant Charge

We also take a look at your refrigerant lines and check for holes. Your air conditioner is designed to maintain a refrigerant charge across its entire lifespan. As long as there are no problems, you never have to refill or recharge your refrigerant. However, if you have a leak that is causing your air conditioner to lose refrigerant, we need to repair the leak and recharge the refrigerant levels. Otherwise, your AC will not produce enough cold air to keep your home cool this summer.

Belts, Fans, Motor

We use the same attention to detail across all of the remaining parts inside of your air conditioner. We tighten loose screws and check all of the belts to make sure that they are in good working order. It’s completely normal for belts to stretch out and wear down as time passes. Ideally, you want to replace those belts before they break and cause more problems.

We will also look at gears and other components inside your motor to make sure they are well lubricated and can work together with ease. All of these steps help your AC to work more efficiently so you can have peace of mind for the rest of the year until your next AC tune-up.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! The team at Clean Air Act will take care of you from there!

The post What Happens During a Tune-Up first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Tips For Turning Off Your Gas-Powered Furnace

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 22:00:00 GMT

As the temperature is warm up, you’re probably thinking more about your air conditioner and less about your furnace. But, your furnace still needs attention as the heating season winds down.

If you have a gas powered furnace, you want to make sure that it gets shut down the correct way in spring so that it’s in best condition when you turn it on again in the fall.

If you’ve never shut your furnace down for the spring season, it’s not too late to start. And if in doing so you notice anything about your furnace that concerns you, you may want to invest in furnace repair in Portland, OR , before heading into spring. You can keep reading to learn more about how to turn off your gas powered furnace for the spring.

Is It Necessary to Turn Off My Furnace?

Many homeowners wonder if it is absolutely necessary to turn the furnace off as they transition into spring. If you don’t turn it off, you’re not risking any particular danger as hurting your furnace. However, not turning your furnace off properly can impact its overall functionality and lifespan in the years to come.

If you leave your furnace on going into spring and summer, it will continue to use low levels of energy. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can add up over time. You’ll see higher expenses on your energy bills, and experts estimate that you may spend $50 more for energy use during this period. It may only be $10 or so more per month, but over the life of your furnace it adds up to be more than $1,000. Plus, it will also shorten your furnace’s lifespan if the pilot light is staying on.

Steps for Turning Off Your Furnace

If you have a gas-powered furnace, you want to locate the gas valve that leads to it. Turn that individual valve off to prevent gas from continuing to feed into your furnace. This should turn off the blue pilot light inside of your furnace. Once the step is complete, or you want to look at your electrical plant panel and turn off the breaker for your furnace. This prevents it from using any electrical power during the spring and summer.

It’s really that simple. Of course, if you notice anything concerning as you complete these steps, you should always give us a call. It’s better to address any potential problems now then to wait until you need to turn your furnace on again in the fall or winter. Even with your furnace turned off completely, problems can still fester and get worse as time goes on.

Furnace Maintenance

Turning off your furnace is also a great way to ensure that you remember to schedule annual furnace maintenance. You can either schedule the maintenance ahead of shutting down your furnace for the season, or you can wait and schedule the maintenance at the time that you’re ready to turn your furnace back on for the heating season again.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Tips For Turning Off Your Gas-Powered Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

6 Signs Your Heater Needs Repairs

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 22:00:00 GMT

You definitely don’t want your week or month ruined by a failing heater. That’s why we want to encourage you to follow your gut instinct to get ahead of trouble.

One of the best ways to prevent trouble is through expert maintenance. This allows one of our technicians to check out your system and address issues before they escalate.

Not every problem will be preventable. At some point or another, you’ll need to schedule a heater repair in Beaverton, OR . Here’s how to tell it is time to make the call.

1. It Has Gotten Noisy

Is your heater making some new sounds? This isn’t a sign that it is learning new tricks! Strange new sounds from a heater usually denote a problem. For example, a rattling noise could indicate loose parts or a loose blower door. Or perhaps a screeching noise developed which indicates a dry blower motor belt. Don’t ignore a noisy heater—reach out for repairs before your system breaks down and goes silent.

2. It Never Turns Off

You turned on your heater this morning … and now you are having lunch and it is still running. This means that your system has a problem that needs addressing. If your heater runs nonstop it may be due to a thermostat malfunction or a problem with the heating elements. This uses up a lot of energy, so make sure to have this issue checked out ASAP.

3. It Short Cycles

On the opposite end of things, what does it mean when your heater turns on and off in ever-shorter spurts of time? This is known as short cycling and indicates a problem in your heater just as much as if the system never shuts off. Short cycling isn’t a sign that your heater is working faster. If anything, it is a sign that it is headed toward an early replacement. Get a short cycling system addressed before this happens.

4. It Is Increasing Your Energy Bills

How steady have your energy bills been? Extreme hikes in your monthly bills are a sign of trouble that we are sure you’d rather avoid. If you notice a large increase in your monthly heating bills that don’t match your usage then it is a good reason to call for repairs.

5. It Causes Circuit Trips Often

You turn your heater on only to have it shut down shortly after it kicks on. Then you have to hoof it all the way to your circuit box to flip the circuit that was tripped. This is a problem that occurs almost regularly now and it means your heater is in trouble. Frequent circuit trips may indicate a big malfunction in the electrical components or a risk of overheating.

6. It Is Producing Cold Air

The heater is running and air is exiting the vents but there is no warmth to be found. A heater that is blowing cold air is one that is having issues with its ability to actually create heat. But that won’t cost you any less money! Make sure to contact our pros to resolve this issue.

Having trouble with your heater? Don’t hesitate to schedule repairs with our team.

Contact The Clean Air Act for your next heater repair .

The post 6 Signs Your Heater Needs Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

We Help With Every Heater Service You Need

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

At this point in the year, it is still clear that our heaters are highly important to our homes. Snow, rain, and cold temperatures would combine forces to make life indoors pretty unpleasant otherwise.

Our team wants to make sure that you can keep your heating system in prime condition whenever you need it. We make sure to provide each and every heater service in Gresham, OR so that you only have to go to one place to find the assistance you need.

Here are the comprehensive heating services you can count on The Clean Air Act for.

Maintenance

If you haven’t ever gotten a tune-up for your heater before, you should start making a habit of it. Start today by contacting us for an appointment!

While maintenance may feel unnecessary, it actually helps save you in the long run. It saves time, money, and energy. This is because it helps to reduce the impact that wear and tear will have on your system, improving its effectiveness, preventing efficiency loss, and reducing repair needs. Maintenance can help prevent and minimize trouble, making it easier to enjoy a warm home.

Repairs

While heater maintenance is helpful in preventing a majority of the issues your system could run into, it won’t prevent all of them. That’s why we also offer heating system repairs. With our help, when trouble does pop up for your heater, you have an easy way to get it resolved—let our technicians handle it!

Make sure you reach out to our team for heating repairs when you notice any of the following warning signs:

The sooner you reach out to a professional for your heater repairs, the better. Our team works with gas and all-electric furnaces, along with heat pumps and ductless systems.

Replacement

Last but not least, we know that no heater is going to last forever. That’s why our team makes sure to provide replacement services for your system as well. We can help you figure out if and when your heater is ready to retire. Then we will work with you to select the best heater to meet your home’s needs.

We also make sure to take care of all of this in a timely manner. We know that, when the cold weather hits, you’ll need a new system in place ASAP. Whether you are choosing a furnace, heat pump, or another kind of heater, we will make sure to have it set up and operating quickly.

We don’t just promise to provide comprehensive service, we deliver it! Whatever you need to keep your home warm, our team can help.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Schedule your heating service with The Clean Air Act.

The post We Help With Every Heater Service You Need first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Show Your Furnace Some Love With Expert Service

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

We have certainly seen some drastic weather this season. It put everyone’s heaters to the test. After the extreme cold we experienced, your furnace may be feeling the hurt. Now is an ideal time to get your system checked out. After a period of more intense heating, your system may need a professional furnace repair in Beaverton, OR to keep it going.

You love when your furnace works the way it is supposed to. We’ll explain if and when you should schedule repairs to keep your system running the way you want.

“Do I Need Repairs If My Furnace Is Still Working?”

A need for repairs doesn’t always translate to a system breakdown. One of the biggest reasons to get furnace repairs as soon as you notice an issue is because it can prevent a breakdown. The answer, then, is, “Yes!” Scheduling repairs for a furnace that is still operable can help keep it that way and prevent an early replacement.

“How Can I Tell My Furnace Needs Repairs?”

We can agree that you don’t want to wait until your furnace breaks down to get it repaired. The question now is how to figure out if you need repairs before it costs you the operation of your furnace. We’ve listed some common symptoms to watch for here:

“Should I Bother Repairing an Older Furnace?”

Believe it or not, there is a certain line that your furnace can cross that will make a replacement a better choice than a repair. Again, you don’t want to wait until your system breaks down but you also shouldn’t have to spend money on a repair to a system that needs to retire. If your furnace is over 12 years old and needs repairs once a year, then your money is better spent upgrading.

If you have questions about your next furnace repair, don’t hesitate to contact The Clean Air Act . Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Show Your Furnace Some Love With Expert Service first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

6 Sounds Your Furnace Shouldn’t Make

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

How has your furnace been operating lately? Is the system working around the same as always, or has your furnace begun to exhibit some strange new quirks? If you have begun to have some concerns with the way your furnace is functioning, then we’d advise reaching out to a technician for assistance.

One of the indicators that you can be on the alert for is the development of new noises from your system. Different sounds that weren’t there before can be a sign of different issues. If you pick up on any of the following sounds, we’d say now is a great time to talk to our team about furnace repair in Portland, OR .

6 Noises Your Furnace Should Not Make

If your heater starts to sound “off,” we’d suggest getting it checked. Even if the solution is a simple one, you’ll sleep better at night knowing that your furnace is operating correctly and safely. Here are the noises that you should pay attention to.

If it seems like something is going wrong with your furnace, it is better to be safe than sorry: reach out to a professional to check things out!

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Trust your heating system repairs to the experts at The Clean Air Act.

The post 6 Sounds Your Furnace Shouldn’t Make first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Dirty Ducts Mess With Your Comfort…And How to Solve the Problem

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

No one enjoys spending time in a home that is dusty and dirty. The issue is you can try to keep your home clean, but if your ductwork is dirty, it may be working against you. The rooms you dust may have dusty air that is just mucking them up the instant you turn on your heater. That is a frustrating situation!

If you are battling with dusty air then it may mean it is time to have your ductwork checked. Our team can help to address the following problems and improve your comfort and air quality in the process.

The Problem Dirty Ductwork Creates

The idea that ductwork collecting debris is not going to present a problem is a mistaken one. A layer of dust in your ducts can have more than one negative impact on your home comfort and your indoor air quality too. This can include:

How Ducts Get Dirty

Curious how all that dust got into your ductwork in the first place? It’s a valid question! Ductwork can become dirty for a variety of reasons. For one thing, dust and other debris can be airborne and get past your HVAC filter and settle in your ductwork. In addition to this, there is also a chance that your ducts have developed holes or leaks allowing debris to get in.

How The Clean Air Act Can Help

While dirty ductwork may not seem like a problem at first, the truth is that the debris sitting in your ducts can have a negative impact that you’ll start to notice. That’s why it is important to take the time to have your ductwork checked out. If there is a layer of debris in your ducts, then it can help to schedule duct cleaning in Portland, OR . This service will remove all of the debris collecting in your ducts without damaging your ductwork. This will help improve your air quality and home comfort this season and beyond.

Contact the team at The Clean Air Act to schedule your duct services . We are proud to serve homes throughout Portland.

The post How Dirty Ducts Mess With Your Comfort…And How to Solve the Problem first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Your Heater Might Be Smelling Strange

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

You are starting to use your heater on a regular basis by now (or at least most of us are). We hope that you already got a tune-up for your heater before now. However, even with having maintenance done, there is a chance that your heat pump in Portland, OR is going to run into some issues.

If you are starting to notice some issues with your heat pump heater then it is a good idea to schedule service with our team. But how do you know that something is up with your system? Watch out for warning signs such as strange smells and other symptoms of trouble.

Why Your Heat Pump Smells Bad

A smelly heat pump is often a cause for concern. There is more than one odor that may become apparent when you start using your system. These can include:

What Are the Other Signs of a Heat Pump in Trouble?

Maybe it isn’t a smell that is catching your attention but another concerning indicator. Be alert for other warning signs of trouble from your heat pump such as:

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Schedule your heat pump services with The Clean Air Act today .

The post Why Your Heater Might Be Smelling Strange first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Worrisome Truth About A Cracked Heat Exchanger

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:00:00 GMT

With this in mind, it makes sense that you’d want any furnace repair in Milwaukie, OR to be taken care of promptly. We agree wholeheartedly, not just because it helps you stay more comfortable but also because it can help keep you safer too.

If you are one of the many in the area with a gas-powered furnace, a specific system issue can be a safety hazard: a cracked heat exchanger. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

The heat exchanger is the component of your furnace that holds the hot, combustion gases created by your furnace burners. This is a component that is made entirely of metal. The metal heats up as it fills with the combustion gas which helps to heat the air in the system that is then blown into the home.

Why a Crack in Your Heat Exchanger Is a Problem

Over the years, wear and tear from regular expansion and contraction can lead to the development of a crack in the metal that makes up your heat exchanger. In many cases, this crack is nearly microscopic, making it almost impossible to see without the right tools. However, this doesn’t stop the problem from creating a bigger issue in your home.

Firstly, a cracked heat exchanger will allow the escape of heated combustion gases that would warm the metal of the heat exchanger. This will undermine your home comfort and will only worsen as you continue to use your furnace more frequently.

Secondly, those cracks allow combustion gases out of your heat exchanger and into the air that is flowing into your home. This can have serious consequences for your health.

How to Handle the Issue

Let’s be clear, we do not want you to try to fix a heat exchanger issue on your own. When we say “handle,” we mean that these are the steps to take to get the problem seen to quickly.

The first step is knowing the warning signs. These include the smell of sulfur, the sound of hissing, and a reduced level of warmth.

We’d also add that you should know what the warning signs are of carbon monoxide poisoning. Dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath all indicate that there is enough gas to affect your well being. If this is the case, you’ll need to evacuate your home and call emergency services before doing anything else.

The second step is knowing who to call. You need to get a repair scheduled for this problem as soon as you can. Make sure to reach out to a team of professionals like ours to get your system checked out and repaired.

Schedule your furnace repair with the experts at The Clean Air Act . Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post The Worrisome Truth About A Cracked Heat Exchanger first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Your Furnace Is Struggling to Heat Your Home

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:00:00 GMT

The question you are probably asking is, “Why isn’t my furnace doing its job?”

The hope is likely that the thermostat is actually off by mistake or that it was set wrong. However, in most cases, a furnace that isn’t heating your home probably needs a furnace repair in Portland, OR .

Below we’ve listed some possible causes behind this issue so you know when to contact us for a fix!

4 Cause of a Furnace That Isn’t Heating

Here are some of the problems that may make it hard or impossible for your furnace to heat your home.

1. The burners or pilot light are dirty

Dirty build-up can lead to more issues than just some unpleasant smells. It can hinder the heating process for a furnace too. If you have a gas-powered furnace the dirt in the system may block the burners from igniting the gas supply, or it may stop the system from igniting at all by clogging the pilot light. In an electric furnace, too much dirt can coat the heating elements, causing a hindrance to the heating process—and making some bad smells.

2. There is an issue with the gas or electrical connection

Maybe your furnace has a problem with its power source(s). In either type of heater, a loss of electricity means that the system can’t turn on to heat up the house. In a gas-powered furnace, a loss of gas will mean that the furnace has no way to create heat, even if it has a connection to the electrical supply.

3. There is an issue with the heat exchanger (in your gas furnace)

Let’s talk a little more specifically about gas furnaces. These systems burn natural gas which then becomes combustion gas that is fed into a metal heat exchanger. This heat exchanger then heats up, passing that warmth into the air that is blown into your home.

A crack in the heat exchanger causes two problems. The first is that it will allow the combustion gases to escape before they can heat the air, undermining the ability to warm the home. But, what’s worse, this can present a safety hazard for anyone in the home who may be at risk of gas exposure.

4. There is something hindering the airflow into or out of the furnace

There may also be a problem with the airflow entering or exiting your furnace. You may need to change your system filter, causing a reduction in the amount of air that enters your furnace. Or perhaps there is a problem with the fans in your furnace or the ductwork delivering your warm air.

Not sure which issue your furnace is facing? We can help you identify the problem and fix it correctly.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Schedule your furnace repairs with The Clean Air Act .

The post Why Your Furnace Is Struggling to Heat Your Home first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs Quickly

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Be on the lookout for these issues and, if they pop up, reach out to get an air conditioning repair in Oregon City, OR as quickly as you can. Otherwise, you may find yourself in need of a system replacement far earlier than expected!

If you notice any of the following issues, reach out to schedule repairs now before you encounter a major breakdown.

The system is short cycling

Short cycling is a term that refers to when your air conditioner’s cooling cycle is interrupted or cut short. This is going to be a big problem. When the cooling cycle is stopped early, the system will end up starting again almost immediately. This will lead to:

If the system short cycles for an extended time, it can also cause the system to stop functioning completely. Make sure to have a technician examine your AC if it starts to short cycle.

Your AC has a delayed start-up

When you turn the air conditioner on by adjusting the thermostat, there shouldn’t be much of a delay between when you hear the thermostat “click” and when the system turns on.

But what if, instead, you hear repeated clicking and a longer delay of several minutes before your AC unit responds? If this sounds familiar, then you should contact an HVAC expert to examine your system. There may be problems with the electrical connections in the system or another harmful issue causing the delay.

The AC is unable to cool the air

Your air conditioner has been installed for the key purpose of cooling the air in your home. It is made to pull heat out of the air and send the now-cooler air supply throughout your house. If this isn’t happening because your air conditioner can’t cool the air, then you have a serious issue on your hands.

We do want to warn you that in some cases an air conditioner that has lost its ability to cool the air at all may need to be replaced. However, this issue may also denote a refrigerant leak or a problem with the air supply getting into the system. You can count on a trained professional to get the core issue diagnosed and figure out what solution is best.

Whether you have a major issue that could cost you the entirety of your AC system, or you need help with regular maintenance, you can always count on our team to get the job done right.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act today.

The post 3 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs Quickly first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

The core culprit may lie within your ductwork. Namely, your ductwork may be dirty enough that it is acting as the source of the debris! If this is the case, it is worthwhile to talk to our team about a solution. If your ductwork is chock full of built-up debris, it may be time to schedule air duct cleaning in Portland, OR .

Let us tell you more about air duct cleaning and other ways that we can help to improve your indoor air quality.

Solution 1. Air Duct Cleaning

First things first, what are your ducts looking like these days? Chances are high that you haven’t looked in your ductwork system before now. Most people don’t. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to pay attention to how dirty they are.

Dirty ductwork can easily be the main source of your indoor air quality issues. This is because, over time, a large amount of debris can collect in your ductwork and continue to create trouble for your home, not just getting things dirty but also reducing airflow. If you remove all that built-up debris with expert air duct cleaning, though, you can enjoy airflow that is clean, clear, and unhindered again.

Solution 2. Air Filters and Purifiers

There are whole-home systems that can help to combat airborne debris throughout the year too. Air filtration systems and air purification systems are both wonderful investments to consider if you are looking to improve your indoor air quality.

Air filters use semi-permeable membranes to capture dust and other contaminants. Air purifiers use electricity or UV light to take things a step further, removing or breaking down airborne particles.

Solution 3. Air Cleaners

You may also want to consider the investment of installing an air cleaner in your home. This system is actually great because it serves as a combination of an air filter and purifier system. This gives you a powerful, all-in-one defense system against a wide range of unwanted airborne particulates.

If you are trying to clean up the airflow in your home, or even figure out if it’s necessary, then our team is here to help. We know the signs and symptoms of a house with poor indoor air quality and we know how to determine which services or systems will be the most helpful.

Schedule an appointment with The Clean Air Act . Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post 3 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Is Your AC Making Noises You Should Worry About?

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:00:00 GMT

An air conditioner that is making more noise than usual while in operation is one that likely needs an AC repair in Clackamas, OR . But are the noises you are hearing ones to be concerned about? Read on to discover the noises you don’t want your AC to make.

Rattling or Clanging

When your air conditioner starts to emit a rattling or a clanging noise, we’d advise calling a technician to have your system checked.

What you are hearing may be a loose part. This doesn’t sound like too big of an issue at first, but the reality is much different. A loose part that is still in its housing may rattle or buzz and it may reduce the efficiency of your system’s operation. Rattling, on the other hand, is a likely indicator of a part that has come free of its housing and is bouncing around in the system, wreaking havoc and increasing the price on your repair bill.

Hissing or Bubbling

Perhaps your air conditioner sounds like it is trying to impersonate the sounds made in your kitchen when you cook. Hissing and bubbling won’t create anything other than trouble though. Both of these noises can be indicators of possible refrigerant leaks in your air conditioner.

Hissing indicates there is a leak that is allowing gaseous refrigerant to escape the system. Bubbling is created when air is allowed into the refrigerant line in an area where the refrigerant is still a liquid. Neither is a good noise to hear from your AC.

Humming and Buzzing

These might be harder to pick up on, but they are signs of trouble. Humming or buzzing can indicate a couple of issues including:

Screeching or Screaming

It is pretty apparent that if your air conditioner is creating a loud sharp noise that can be described as screeching or screaming, something is wrong. The most likely cause of this noise comes from metal scraping against metal, such as when you have a blower motor belt that is dried out. The best response is to shut the system off before the damage gets worse and schedule an inspection and repairs ASAP.

If there is something that doesn’t sound quite right in your air conditioner, the sooner you have a professional technician check out the system the better. Our expert team members work quickly and effectively, getting your diagnosis and your repairs handled in a reasonable amount of time while still offering quality solutions.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act to book your AC repairs today .

The post Is Your AC Making Noises You Should Worry About? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Reasons to Install a Ductless AC

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:00:00 GMT

If you haven’t considered a ductless air conditioning installation in Beaverton, OR before now, it may be a good idea to do so. These systems offer home comfort opportunities that may have seemed impossible before now. Read on to learn more and see how you can cool your home off this summer—with or without ducts!

How a ductless system does what it does

No, we aren’t kidding when we tell you that this kind of system can reliably cool your home without ductwork.

Ductless systems are a kind of heat pump. They use refrigerant to move heat out of the house (or into it in the winter, but we’ll touch on that further down).

The unique part about ductless systems is that, rather than using ductwork to distribute the air they create, they use multiple air handlers. Connected to the outdoor unit with condensate and refrigerant lines, these air handlers effectively and efficiently keep the temperature under control.

4 benefits a ductless AC offers

Is a ductless system worth it? We’d say yes if you are interested in the following benefits:

Hoping to install a ductless air conditioner before the heat really hits? Come to the pros at The Clean Air Act to get the job done right.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 4 Reasons to Install a Ductless AC first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Are AC Tune-Ups or Repairs More Important?

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:00:00 GMT

You may be wondering if you can get by with just maintenance or repairs. We understand the inclination, but we want to make sure that you understand why both expert maintenance and expert repairs are vital to your AC system.

The Importance of AC Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance is like training before a marathon. This service will help prepare your AC system for the hard work that it will have to do throughout the summer. Without expert maintenance performed each year, your AC may not be able to provide the most effective or energy-efficient performance possible.

Schedule air conditioner maintenance with a trained professional each year will provide benefits such as:

The Importance of Expert AC Repair in Portland

So, if you schedule maintenance, do you really need to worry about air conditioner repairs? The answer is yes! Well, maybe you don’t need to worry about it, but you will still need to get repairs now and then over the course of your system’s lifespan.

Air conditioner repairs address the problems that develop in your system due to regular wear and tear. While maintenance can reduce the need for repairs, it won’t completely negate the need for them. Dirt may still collect on your evaporator coil and cause problems. Leaks can still form in your refrigerant line or ductwork. Fan blades can still break. AC repairs are still important because they keep your system running!

Is One More Important Than the Other?

Maintenance and repairs are both important to your air conditioner. Neither one is truly more important than the other because they are meant to work together to keep your system working properly for the maximum amount of time.

You can of course skip maintenance in favor of just addressing repairs when they pop up—but you’ll see a good deal more repairs and they will become far more expensive far more quickly. And you can stick with just getting maintenance but you’ll be biding time until your system breaks down. Maintenance and repairs make a good pair!

Of course, the follow-up question is, will your AC last forever with regular maintenance and prompt repairs? Sadly no, because no AC system can last forever. But these services can help keep your system working for the maximum number of years possible before it needs to be replaced, saving you money and time.

Whether you need maintenance, repairs, or a replacement for your air conditioner, you can count on The Clean Air Act to get the job done. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Are AC Tune-Ups or Repairs More Important? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Ready for a New AC? 3 Factors to Consider

Mon, 23 May 2022 15:00:00 GMT

We can help you figure out if and when you need an AC replacement and also take care of the job. Here are three key factors that will alert you to when an air conditioner needs to be replaced soon.

1. Your AC system is 15 years or older

This may seem obvious, but if you have an older air conditioner, you should prepare to purchase a new unit. Modern AC units last between 10 to 15 years, depending on a number of factors. If you’ve properly maintained the unit, then your air conditioner can reasonably function for up to 15 years. Once your unit has reached 15 years, it’s time to prepare for replacement.

2. You’re constantly calling for repairs

If your current AC system is breaking down often and you frequently need to have technicians out to repair it, you may need to replace it. Your air conditioner shouldn’t break down if you’re having it regularly serviced. The technicians who come for maintenance can also help to spot any issues your AC system may be experiencing.

3. Your AC system just isn’t working the way it used to

Does the temperature in your home remain consistent? Are the rooms evenly cooled? Is the unit quiet when it turns on? Are your energy bills consistent? If you answered no to any of these questions, it’s time to talk to a technician about whether you should repair or replace your AC system.

Three factors to consider for your new AC system

If it’s time to replace your AC system, the first step is finding the right company to work with. Ask for referrals, do your research, and you’re sure to come up with a good partner for your installation!

There are three factors to consider in the installation as well.

1. The state of the ductwork

If you have an older home, or a home with ductwork that isn’t in the best shape, you’ll want to install an AC system that isn’t reliant on ductwork to function. Ductless heat pumps are an energy-efficient and effective choice to deliver temperature-controlled air to your home.

2. If you also need a heating system

If you need both heat and cooling abilities, you’ll want a heat pump rather than just a central air conditioner. A heat pump will provide you with the ability to both heat and cool your home, while a central air conditioning unit will only allow you to cool your home.

3. How much zone control you want

If you want to change the temperature in each room in your house, you’ll want a zoned HVAC system such as a zone control central AC or a ductless AC.

If you’re looking for air conditioning installation in Portland, OR , we’d be happy to help. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there. Contact The Clean Air Act to get started today .

The post Ready for a New AC? 3 Factors to Consider first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Address Repairs Now; Prevent Breakdowns Later

Mon, 09 May 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Getting an AC repair in Portland to address a malfunctioning system is something you don’t want to put off. Here are the warning signs you should know about that will tell you it is time to call a technician for assistance.

5 Signs Your AC Needs Repairs

If you notice any of these warning signs of trouble, especially this early in the year, you are better off getting repairs scheduled ASAP. Doing so can help you prevent a full system breakdown and even an early system replacement.

The One Task You Can Take Care Of: Filter Changes

When it comes to taking care of your air conditioner, maintenance and repairs are best left in the hands of trained technicians like the ones on our team. However, there is one task that we actually encourage all residents to try to remember to handle themselves: filter changes.

Changing your air filter every one to three months will go a long way toward keeping your AC system running properly. It can ensure airflow into the system is strong and clean, which will keep your system efficient and effective for far longer.

If your AC system is having problems, make sure to contact The Clean Air Act to get your repairs scheduled. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Address Repairs Now; Prevent Breakdowns Later first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Battle Spring Allergies With Our Help

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:00:00 GMT

But it isn’t just the outdoor world that can present a problem for your respiratory system. Did you know that the air quality in the modern home can often be worse than the air outside? This is because all the dust, pollen, and debris that gets into the house often stays there. Thankfully, there are ways to solve this problem.

Here are some of the ways our team can help you battle your allergies and achieve better indoor air quality this year.

Option 1: Install an Air Filter or Purifier

Installed within your ductwork, air filtration or air purification systems help to address the dust and debris that are in the air being pushed throughout your home. Through the use of a permeable membrane, electricity, or even UV light, these systems remove or destroy airborne contaminants, leaving you with cleaner and more comfortable air.

Option 2: Have a Professional Clean Out Your Ductwork

What’s in your ducts? You probably don’t look into your ductwork often and that’s okay! But after a few years, your ducts can accumulate a good deal of debris that will negatively affect the airflow throughout your home. If it has been three years or so since someone took a look at your ductwork, it may be a good idea to schedule duct cleaning in Portland, OR to ensure that your ductwork isn’t worsening your indoor air quality.

Option 3: Adopt Some Additional Habits to Keep Your Allergies At Bay

We are sure that you do a lot to keep your home clean. But there are some additional habits you might not know about that can help keep your allergy symptoms to a minimum. If you aren’t already, try adding these habits into your regular regimen:

You can rely on our team to help you boost your indoor air quality.

Contact The Clean Air Act to learn more about duct cleaning, indoor air quality systems, and more ways to improve your indoor air. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Battle Spring Allergies With Our Help first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Is Your Furnace Fixable?

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Furnaces that are struggling to keep you warm are likely to need professional service to get them up and running again. The key question to consider is whether or not your system is actually fixable.

Here are the distinct signs to watch for that will let you know whether you need a furnace repair in Portland or a furnace replacement.

Your furnace may be fixable if…

When you notice these warning signs, we’d say it is best to schedule repairs. Remember to get repairs done promptly or you may end up with a broken-down furnace anyway.

It is time to replace your furnace if…

No furnace lasts forever. Here’s how to tell it is time to replace yours rather than spend more money trying to fix it.

Whether you need repairs or a system replacement, you can rely on the experts at The Clean Air Act to get the job done right.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Is Your Furnace Fixable? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

5 Signs You Need Repairs For Your Furnace

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Issues with your furnace shouldn’t be ignored. They aren’t going to improve on their own. This is why we want you to know we are here to help. Here are some possible warning signs that you need furnace repair in Gresham, OR so you know when to reach out for prompt service.

These 5 Issues Mean Your Furnace Is in Trouble

You will want to know what the warning signs are that your furnace needs repairs so you can act fast. Things won’t become dangerous overnight, but prompt service is always the best choice.

When something seems to be wrong with your furnace, it is always the right course of action to reach out to a professional technician for help. Only a pro can provide the level of service and the safety that you need.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there. Schedule your repairs with The Clean Air Act today .

The post 5 Signs You Need Repairs For Your Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Don’t Forget To Change Your Filter

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The need for a heating repair in Milwaukie, OR is common around this time of year. We are here to help if you need assistance getting your heater back in working order! But we are also here to help you avoid those repairs if possible.

Did you know that there is one easy task that can help you reduce your repair needs? It’s regular filter changes! Don’t believe us? Read on to discover how this helps.

What a filter is for

Your HVAC system has a filter in it that is there to help keep the airflow into your system clean and clear. This component consists of fibers that capture a wide variety of debris, from dust and dirt to pollen and fur. By doing this, it keeps the internal components of your heater (and your AC) cleaner. which helps your system operate more effectively and efficiently.

The negative impact of a dirty filter

How bad can a dirty filter really be? Pretty bad, in all honesty. The more debris your filter collects, the more likely it will be to start creating issues for your system. This can include:

The positive impact of regular filter changes

We’d advise that everyone check and change out their air filter every one to three months, based on their system use and indoor air quality. Why? Because it is a low-cost and easy way to really help your system and your comfort.

Looking to help out your heater this season? Check your filter regularly and schedule services with our team regularly too!

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act today.

The post Don’t Forget To Change Your Filter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Cracked Heat Exchangers Require Quick Work

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

When there is a problem with your heater, it is always best to take care of it as quickly as you can. By this, we mean getting repairs performed by a trained professional right away. Unless the problem is a dirty air filter, it is always best to leave repair in the hands of the experts.

There are some repair needs that you absolutely need to address as fast as you can. The main one we are discussing in this post is the need to fix a cracked heat exchanger. This is a problem in your furnace that can both affect your comfort and can put your well-being at risk.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

Both gas furnaces and all-electric furnaces have heat exchangers that warm up the air around them to heat up the house. The difference with these systems is how the heat is made.

For an all-electric furnace, heat is created through electrical resistance. In contrast, a gas furnace uses the heat created by burning natural gas to create warmth.

When a gas furnace is in operation, natural gas is burned to create combustion gas that goes into a metallic heat exchanger. The metal of the exchanger then warms up and heats the air around it.

Why a Cracked Heat Exchanger is a Serious Problem

So, now that you know what your heat exchanger does, you likely already have taken a guess as to why a crack in this component is a major issue.

For starters, a cracked heat exchanger allows hot air to escape the system. This means that it won’t be able to be used to warm up the air being pumped into your home, resulting in reduced comfort and higher energy bills.

In addition to this, and on the more serious side of things, a cracked heat exchanger allows harmful combustion gases to escape the system and get blown into your house. This includes chemicals like carbon monoxide, which can create unpleasant health problems and can even be deadly in some cases.

How to Address the Problem

It is easy to see why a cracked heat exchanger should be taken care of quickly. But how do you know that you have this problem with your heating system? The cracks are often minuscule hairline fractures and are hard to detect. This is just one of the many reasons to leave the repairs to a professional.

Be on the lookout for warning signs such as longer heating cycles, reduced comfort, higher energy bills, and common signs of carbon monoxide exposure like fatigue, nausea, or dizziness. Make sure you have CO detectors in your home to alert you to dangerous levels of this gas. If you notice these indicators, it is best to have your heater examined and repaired by a trained professional as soon as possible.

You can rely on The Clean Air Act for this repair and any other furnace service in Oregon City, OR you might need. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Why Cracked Heat Exchangers Require Quick Work first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Tips on How to Choose Your Next Heater

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:00:00 GMT

In this blog article, we’ll share tips on how to choose the right heating system for your home. We cover what the options are and what factors to consider for your home.

What Are Your Home Heating System Options?

To choose the right system, you first have to know what the options are and which is best suited for your home. These options usually include a furnace, a heat pump, and a ductless system.

A Furnace

The furnace is the most common heating system in the United States. It works by sending hot air through ducts to heat up rooms in your home. The heat can be turned on or off with a thermostat that monitors the temperature in your home. Furnaces can be gas-powered or can be all-electric.

Heat Pump

A heat pump works by extracting heat from one area and transferring it to another. This process works through the use of a refrigerant as a heat transfer medium. Heat pumps can be expensive to install but they’re still one of the more energy-efficient ways you can keep your home warm. They are certainly worth the investment.

Ductless Heat Pump

This functions similar to the traditional heat pump, except it operates without ductwork. This system is ideal for older or smaller homes that don’t have ducts. They are much more efficient than traditional furnaces because they use heat transfer as well and can be run individually too.

What Factors to Consider

So, you’ve been given the options and now you need to select one that suits your home. When you are speaking to the specialists about what system to choose, it’s important you share the following with them:

What Fuel Source Is Available?

Another important factor to discuss with your heating specialist is what fuel source you have available in your home. Do you have natural gas or only electricity, or both? This will help guide the team tasked with providing a heat source in your home to choose the perfect system for your needs.

When it comes to installing a heating system in your home, it’s important you speak to the specialists. A reliable home heating company will make sure you choose the right system for your home, and that you don’t pay for more than you need.

If you need help with your home heating in Gresham, OR , we’ve got you covered. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post Tips on How to Choose Your Next Heater first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Noises Are Normal For a Heater To Make?

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Knowing this, you may have one of two questions. The first is what noises is a heater NOT supposed to make? The other is what noises are normal for a heater to make? We are happy to answer these questions below and provide any heating repairs you need to get your system running normally again rather than noisily.

Noises No Heater Should Create

Let’s start with what you don’t want to hear. Be on the alert for these sounds when running your heater and, if you hear them, schedule repairs ASAP.

What Sounds Are Okay for My Heater to Make?

We already covered what you don’t want to hear from your heating system. Now the question remains what is okay to hear coming from your heater?

The list is relatively short. The main noise that it is okay to hear is the whoosh of warm air being pumped through the system. Aside from this, as we mentioned above you might hear a relatively brief amount of clicking or crackling upon the startup or shutdown of your heater. Beyond these noises, you’re not supposed to hear much else out of your heater.

If your heater has been creating a lot of extra noise as of late, then it is worthwhile to have it checked out by a professional technician like the ones on our team. We can identify the source and address it properly so your heater works properly again.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act today .

The post What Noises Are Normal For a Heater To Make? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

6 Problems Your Heater Might Have

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

This shouldn’t be too much of a shock. Over the course of a heating system’s lifespan, there will be a need for repairs now and then. If you are curious about what might be causing problems within your system, we have some answers below. We also have the services that will get your system back in working order in no time.

6 Possible Issues a Heater May Develop

Here are some of the potential problems that your heater could be dealing with. If you think your heater is fighting with any of the following issues, it means you need to get a technician over to check things out ASAP.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Get the services you need from the team at the Clean Air Act.

The post 6 Problems Your Heater Might Have first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

5 Heating Systems You Can Choose From

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Read on as we uncover five heating systems you can choose from.

1. Furnaces

Furnace systems are still the go-to for many homeowners throughout Beaverton and beyond, and for good reason. Today’s models have a higher AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratio than ever before, with some of them as high as 98% efficiency! You can use a furnace whether you use natural gas or electricity to heat your home. We can help you find the perfect furnace, properly size it for your home, and make sure it’s installed correctly so it will give you worry-free service for the years to come!

2. Heat Pumps

Heat pump systems are set up much like central split-air conditioners. Split air conditioners, which have a single outdoor unit and a single indoor unit, draw in heat from your indoor air, and through a refrigerant circulation process return chilled air back into your living space. The difference between a heat pump and a central air conditioner is that in a heat pump the refrigerant process can be reversed. This allows a heat pump to efficiently heat your home, as it transfers heat rather than generates it.

3. Ductless Heating Systems

Ductless heating systems operate on heat pump technology, meaning they can both effectively cool and heat your home. The difference with these is that they actually have multiple indoor air handlers (up to four per outdoor unit) and do not have ductwork connecting these air handlers to the outdoor unit. They’re highly versatile, allowing you to heat and cool the rooms in your home by zones, since each air handler has its own thermostat.

4. High-Efficiency Small Ductwork Systems

Ductless systems are great for homes that don’t have a lot of room for bulky air ducts. However, they are a bit pricey to install. So what if you want a ducted system but also want great efficiency? Then a high-efficiency small ductwork system may be perfect for you!

5. High-Velocity Heating Systems

While traditional forced-air heating systems require bulky ductwork and sometimes aren’t as efficient as they could be due to the limitations of your home’s setup, high-velocity heating systems resolve this problem. How? By working with small, flexible ducts or tubing that can be squeezed between floorboards, walls, or ceilings throughout the home. There are many benefits to this setup, which we’re happy to discuss with you!

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Proudly serving the greater Portland area for over 20 years.

The post 5 Heating Systems You Can Choose From first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Duct Cleaning Is Important for Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 15:00:00 GMT

We’re sure that this concept isn’t a huge surprise. What may be a surprise, however, is the fact that dirty ductwork can actually cause problems for both your indoor air quality and your comfort. When it comes to using your HVAC system with dirty ducts, the dirt really can hurt.

We want you to enjoy optimal comfort this season and beyond. That is why we provide duct cleaning in Portland, OR . Let us tell you a bit more about how dirty ducts can be a problem and when it is time to call in backup to clear them out.

Over the years your ductwork can start to collect a fair bit of debris. This is completely normal. Dirt, dander, pollen, and other airborne contaminants are going to find their way into your system and into your home and settled within your ductwork. We aren’t focusing on completely preventing anything from getting into your home—that is relatively impossible, to be fair. Instead, we’re focusing on dealing with the buildup that can occur within your ductwork over the course of several years.

Dirty ducts are a problem, but thankfully they don’t happen overnight. It can take a few years for your ductwork to pick up enough debris to start causing problems. The key here is that when your ductwork does collect too much debris, you are able to recognize it so you can call in the professionals to clear things out and restore optimal comfort again.

Indicators You Have Dirty Ductwork

Here are some of the indicators that you have ductwork with a bit too much buildup in it:

How Often Do Your Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

So how often do you need to have your ductwork cleaned out? It really shouldn’t be more than every few years. When you schedule your next duct cleaning appointment, make sure to have a professional from our team be the one to clean out this vital system in your home.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there. You can always rely on The Clean Air Act to keep your home comfortable.

The post Why Duct Cleaning Is Important for Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

7 Ways to Enjoy Better AC Efficiency

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 15:00:00 GMT

7 Habits to Boost AC Efficiency This Summer

Here are some ways to increase the efficiency of your AC this summer and keep yourself a little cooler in the long run without a higher cost.

When you need expert service for your HVAC system, make sure to come to a team known for its top-notch workmanship and customer care.

Contact The Clean Air Act to schedule your next appointment.

The post 7 Ways to Enjoy Better AC Efficiency first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Call For Repairs When Your AC Leaks

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:00:00 GMT

You may be wondering to yourself, “How in the world does my air conditioner leak?” It is a good question, and we have several answers to it. We also have the solution to the leak itself, depending on what is causing it. Let’s explore what might be leading to a leaky AC so do you understand why prompt repairs are a must.

3 Main Causes of an AC Leak

If you have a system that is leaking water, you will need to schedule an air conditioning repair in Portland sooner than later. Here are some of the main causes of this issue:

When the Leak Isn’t Water

There is a chance that the week that you are noticing is outside of your home near the condenser unit. In this case, it is more than likely not water. It is probably refrigerant. The condenser housing is the part of the refrigerant line where it is in its liquid state. If this part of the line has a leak it will allow the liquid refrigerant to leak out. We address this individually because a refrigerant leak is a far more serious issue than a leaking condensate line because it can lead to a full system breakdown.

If your air conditioner is leaking, the main takeaway is that this is not normal and not good. A leaking air conditioner is something that requires professional repairs as soon as possible. You can come to our team to get the issue identified and addressed.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act today .

The post Call For Repairs When Your AC Leaks first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

5 Signs Your AC Is In Trouble

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

If your air conditioner has a problem that needs to be fixed, now is the time to address it. You can turn to The Clean Air Act for your AC repair in Clackamas, OR . All you need to do is let us know if and when you need help! Here are some of the symptoms to be on the alert for that will let you know when there is a problem with your air conditioner.

5 Indicators You Need AC Repairs

Have you noticed that your AC unit isn’t working quite right? If you’ve noticed any of these issues, make sure to reach out to our team for service.

These are just some of the potential issues that may arise to alert you to a repair need. No matter what the symptom is that you notice, the response should be the same: contacting a professional to get things back into working order. Our team is here to provide the repairs you need when you need them.

The Clean Air Act is here to help keep you cool this summer. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 5 Signs Your AC Is In Trouble first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Your AC System Options

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Don’t force yourself to sweat your way through summer. Instead, reach out to our team to help with your air conditioning installation in Oregon City, OR so you can enjoy a working system to keep you comfortable.

What Are Your AC System Options?

Whether your need to replace an old AC unit, or you are looking to finally install one in your home, you will need to know what your options are. You need to make sure you have an air conditioner that will suit your specific needs and home situation the best.

Have a Professional Do Your Installation

So are you in the market for a new air conditioner or a replacement for your older system that has finally given up the ghost? If so, make sure to come to a professional to perform the replacement or installation. Whether you are getting a central air conditioner or a ductless system, you need a professional to complete the job properly. An amateur or a DIY installation attempt is far more likely to result in an improperly installed system that ends up needing more repairs and has a far shorter lifespan.

When you need help getting set up with a new system, you can turn to our team for the expert services you need. We can even help to assess your needs and pair you with the best system possible.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! You can come to The Clean Air Act for all of your home comfort needs.

The post Your AC System Options first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Ways You Can Help Minimize Repair Needs For Your AC

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 15:00:00 GMT

However, there is a way to avoid frequent repair needs. All you have to do is schedule maintenance with a pro from The Clean Air Act. It’s that simple.

While an expert’s opinion and professional help are almost always necessary, there are certain things you can do on your own to help avoid repairs. Here, we will discuss some of the easiest things you can do to dodge AC repairs in the future.

Taking Care of the Basics

You can avoid more significant problems by taking care of some of the smaller AC maintenance tasks. Here are some things you can do on your own, without professional help:

Change or clean the filters in your air conditioner

Air conditioners have filters installed in them to capture d irt and debris from the air before it gets inside the system.

Depending on the type of filter your system has, you will want to either replace it or clean it regularly. If you have a disposable filter, make sure to change it every one to three months. On the other hand, if you have a reusable filter make, sure to follow the instructions for cleaning it on a regular basis. (In general, we recommend using replaceable filters.)

This is one of the easiest ways to help your air conditioner operate more efficiently. By cleaning the filter or replacing it, you can lower AC energy consumption by 5% to 15% .

The Evaporator Coil

While filters need to be cleaned every month or two, the evaporator coil will only need to be wiped down every once in a while.

It is important to keep this component of your air conditioner clean since, o ver time, it will collect dirt and have trouble absorbing heat.

In addition to changing out your filter, you should also clean any dirt surrounding the AC to avoid the coil from getting too dirty.

Other Basics

The filter and the evaporator coil are some of the main things that affect your AC’s function. However, there are more things you can take care of to avoid any mishap. These are:

If Problems Arise, Don’t Hesitate to Get Professional Service

Whether you need repair, installation, or maintenance, we always have your back!

The Clean Air Act has provided expert AC repair in Portland and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. You can trust us with all your air conditioning and heating system needs.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Schedule your maintenance or repair services today.

The post Ways You Can Help Minimize Repair Needs For Your AC first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs Repairs

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Lukewarm or Cold Air

It goes without saying that your furnace blowing lukewarm or cold air is the first sign that it requires repair. There can be numerous reasons why your furnace is unable to produce hot air. There could be a problem with the pilot light, an electrical issue, a leaking duct, a dirty flame sensor, or a dying fan motor. For an accurate diagnosis, call a technician.

Increased Utility Bills

If there is a dramatic, unexpected increase in your utility bill, your furnace may be the culprit. The efficiency of the furnace may be low if you haven’t increased usage, but there’s still a spike in energy usage. You can try some tips to increase the efficiency of the furnace such as insulation of the furnace. However, a proper inspection from a technician is necessary if you wish to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.

Weird Noises

Your furnace may start producing various noises such as rattling, popping, hissing, dripping, etc. This may be a major sign that your furnace requires immediate attention. The blower wheel may be broken, there may be a loose part, the burner may be dirty, or there may be a belt or fan issue. Turn off the furnace immediately and call an HVAC specialist and have the furnace checked out if you notice any weird noises.

Odd Smells

When you turn on your furnace after a long time, it may initially give off a foul smell due to lack of use. Usually, these smells go away in a day or two when your furnace starts working properly again. But if these smells persist or increase, you may have a problem with the furnace. There may be a gas leak or dust in the unit or filter. If you notice a gas smell, call a technician immediately and get the furnace checked for a leak. Gas leaks can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.

The Pilot Light Is Yellow Instead of Blue

Make sure that you routinely check the pilot light. Make it a habit. A pilot light tells you a lot about the health of your furnace. A change in the color of the light can indicate a ventilation problem that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and a combustible furnace. This can lead to numerous health problems or injuries.

Tripped Carbon Monoxide Detector

Modern furnaces come with detectors for carbon monoxide because it is a colorless, odorless gas that can be highly poisonous and lead to numerous health complications or even death. If this detector is tripped, turn off the furnace immediately and open all the windows and doors to ventilate your home and let in fresh air.

The Clean Air Act is here to help you with furnace repair in Beaverton, OR. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there.

The post How to Tell if Your Furnace Needs Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Happens When You Procrastinate on Repairs?

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

This is all well and good, but you are going to run into problems in your house when your heating system starts having, well, problems. Even with regular maintenance (which we encourage, by the way), you may end up needing a heating repair in Portland . And we want to emphasize just how important it is that you get that repair knocked out ASAP.

What happens when you ignore repair needs?

There are residents in Portland and the surrounding areas who realize something is off with their heater … and then they ignore it. It happens. But we want you to know that this isn’t a good idea.

When you ignore repairs, things are never going to improve for your home comfort. They will only worsen. This is what you can expect when you try to skip over that heater repair:

As you can see, when something is wrong with your heater, your best option is to get it fixed ASAP. We are here to help you keep your system in working order.

Schedule your next repair with the pros at The Clean Air Act. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment. We will take care of you from there!

The post What Happens When You Procrastinate on Repairs? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Don’t Ignore a Noisy Furnace

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 16:00:00 GMT

You may be wondering what some of the earlier signs of furnace trouble are. How do you know when to schedule service long before things take a turn for the worse? Listen to your system! No, we don’t mean to try to get your furnace to talk. We mean listen to the sounds it makes when it runs.

A Noisy Furnace Is One That Needs Repairs

When you run a furnace that is in good shape, you shouldn’t hear from it too much. Common noises from an operating furnace may include the whoosh of hot air being passed through your ducts or a small amount of clicking or crackling at the end of the heating cycle. Noises that are outside of these, or are louder or more concerning, shouldn’t be brushed off. New, worrying sounds should prompt you to reach out to a professional for service.

5 Furnace Noises That Mean Trouble

When you hear these sounds, make sure to reach out to us for assistance.

Have a noisy furnace? Contact The Clean Air Act for service . Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Don’t Ignore a Noisy Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

5 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For the Holidays

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Below we’ve listed some tips we hope will help you prep your home for the holidays and any guests who may be able to visit. Our hope is that these tips will help you get some tasks you may not have thought of knocked out ahead of time and will help ensure you enjoy a more comfortable season at home.

1. Make sure your summertime gear is stored for the winter

Maybe the kiddie pool has stayed out a little longer than expected. Perhaps the trampoline or the toys are still scattered around the yard. Or maybe the BBQ is still out in the open. Whatever it is, we want to remind you that it is a good idea to get all of the summertime gear and goodies put away. This will help them last longer and will save you the trouble of dealing with a blow-up pool filled with leaves and dirty water.

2. Cover up your outdoor AC unit to protect it

Do you have a central AC system? If so, we know it has likely been out of use for a while now. But don’t let it slip from your mind just yet. Invest in a good cover for the outdoor unit to protect it from the ravages of winter storms, branches, leaves, and other debris. This can help add years to your system’s lifespan.

3. Take some time to dust around the house

If you haven’t already, make sure to go around your home and tackle any dust on your furniture or decor. This includes your vents or air handlers. It may not seem like a big deal, but removing any built-up dust from your home environment can make things much easier on your heater and can improve your indoor air quality. All in all, it saves you money and improves your comfort.

4. Make plans for safe holiday gatherings

We can all agree that our holidays in 2020 aren’t likely to be what we expected. For those of us lucky enough to be able to visit with family members, make sure to communicate safety measures beforehand. It can be hard but it is a good idea to dissuade visits from sick family members. Likewise, encourage hand-washing, quarantining before and after a visit, and wearing a mask as much as possible. The safer you are the less likely someone you love is to end up fighting with the virus.

5. Schedule heating services to keep your home comfortable

Last but not least, make sure to take time to check in on your heater. Is it operating well? Are your bills showing any spikes in energy use? Do you notice any funky smells when you run the system? Any issues with your heater should prompt a call to a professional to ensure your heater will provide you with safe, reliable comfort.

Need help with your heating system services in Portland ? Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there!

The post 5 Tips To Get Your Home Ready For the Holidays first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Time for Heating Maintenance Is Now

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The fall season is here and many of us are excitedly decorating and preparing our homes for Halloween and the holidays that are soon to follow. We are also getting ready for chillier temperatures and the opportunities it brings to settle in with a good TV show, a hot cup of tea, and a cozy blanket. However you are preparing for this season, there is one thing that you shouldn’t forget to take care of: heating system maintenance.

Maintenance that is performed by an HVAC contractor in Milwaukie, OR can often be what makes or breaks your comfort this season and beyond. That is why now is the best time to get this service taken care of. After all, who doesn’t appreciate the great benefits that a tune-up provides?

What Are the Perks of a Yearly Heater Tune-Up?

Didn’t know that maintenance created noticeable benefits for your heating system? Don’t worry, you aren’t the first and you won’t be the last. That’s why we always love the tell people about these benefits.

When you need a professional technician to perform your heating maintenance service, you can turn to the team at The Clean Air Act. We have the training and expertise necessary to keep your heater in prime condition so you can enjoy reliable comfort this season and beyond.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! Turn to The Clean Air Act team for all of your services in the greater Portland Metropolitan area and beyond.

The post The Time for Heating Maintenance Is Now first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Get You Ducts Cleaned Before Switching On Your Heater

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

You want to keep your home comfortable and clean this season. To do that, you may want to include duct cleaning in Portland, OR as part of your maintenance services this year. Here is why maintenance and duct cleaning serves as a great preparatory combination for your home comfort.

Maintenance Makes Sure Your Heater Is Operable and Safe

Scheduling heating maintenance for your heating system is going to ensure that it is able to do its job this season when you need it the most. Maintenance services are going to address a variety of different problems that your heating system may have developed. This can include anything from loose parts or a dirty filter. Maintenance is also going to include a safety check that allows a professional to inspect your natural gas furnace to make sure that it is safe for operation with no chance of gas leaks.

As you can imagine, heating maintenance is going to benefit your home and your comfort in the long term. Those benefits can include better energy efficiency, improved heating effectiveness, a longer heater lifespan, and even fewer repair needs.

Duct Cleaning Helps Your Indoor Air Quality

One of the tasks that are usually done during a maintenance check is to change out a heater’s air filter. Now, while a filter change can help to remove dust from your home, it won’t tackle your indoor air quality issues the way that duct cleaning will. When your ductwork hasn’t been cleaned in a few years but has been in use throughout multiple seasons, it is likely to collect a large amount of dust and debris. While this might not seem problematic, there are several issues that build-up in your ductwork can create:

Duct cleaning is a service that will help address the build-up in your ductwork and will restore your comfort and IAQ. Just make sure that you have a professional take care of this service so it can be done right.

Reach out to The Clean Air Act to learn more. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment . We will take care of you from there!

The post Get You Ducts Cleaned Before Switching On Your Heater first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why You Need Professional AC Installation

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

As we’ve seen over the past week or two, our weather can be pretty wild at times. Having a reliable air conditioner in your home is going to be a great help in ensuring that you stay comfortable during any surprise heatwaves that might come our way even as the summer ends. If you need a new system in your home, it will make things a lot easier to schedule a professional air conditioning installation in Milwaukie, OR .

We want to make sure that you know how important it is that you have a professional be the one to perform your system installation. A pro will know exactly how to install your system so that it can start out on the right foot.

The Difference a Professional Installation Will Make

Installing a new air conditioning system is going to be a service that you don’t want to take lightly. Having a professional technician be the one to perform this service is going to ensure that it is done right. Here are some of the things that a professional will be able to take into account for your installation:

When you need to have a new air conditioning system installed, our team can be the one you rely on to get the job done right. The team at The Clean Air Act is staffed by professional technicians who work hard to provide excellent and personable service. We are a family-owned company that treats our customers as family because we know that family means everything.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act for your AC installation and any other services you may need.

The post Why You Need Professional AC Installation first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Answering Your Questions: Do You Need AC Repairs?

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Speaking of your air conditioner, we want to make sure that your system is still in good shape. While cooler temperatures may be on their way, it doesn’t mean that you should let your AC struggle. If you need an AC repair in Portland, OR , we can help you get the job done. All you have to do is reach out to us.

If something is wrong with your air conditioner, you don’t want to delay getting it taken care of. Trust us, waiting until next summer to get the repairs done will lead to additional, and likely more expensive, issues. Be on the lookout for any of these indicators that your air conditioner needs professional repairs before you shut it down for the year.

5 Signs to Alert You That You Need AC Repairs

If your air conditioning system is struggling, the sooner you reach out to us for professional repairs the better off you will be. We are happy to diagnose and provide the repairs that you need to keep you cool.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment ! We will take care of you from there! The Clean Air Act is here for your AC repair needs.

The post Answering Your Questions: Do You Need AC Repairs? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Dusty Ductwork Isn’t Good For Your Comfort

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

If the air in your home seems too dusty to properly deal with, it may mean that your ductwork is working against you. Dirty ducts are going to hinder your indoor air quality and your home comfort unless you address them with our Portland duct cleaning .

Wait, My Ducts Can Get Dirty?

All too often we have met people who are surprised to find out that their ductwork can get dirty to begin with. The truth is that they can! Your ducts are somewhat protected by your HVAC system’s filter, but that filter can only do so much. Dust and debris can still enter your system and end up settling in your ductwork.

While some dusty ducts might not seem like a big problem, that build-up can actually have a major impact on your home. Between reducing your indoor air quality and hindering your home comfort, dirt in your ducts isn’t an issue to ignore.

The Perks of Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning is the solution that can solve the problem created by your dirty ductwork. Our professional duct cleaning services are going to help improve the air in your home without any hassle. The benefits of this service include:

Your ductwork is important to your home comfort. An investment in keeping your ducts clean is going to be an investment in your comfort by default. When you need help keeping your indoor air quality in good shape, you can trust The Clean Air Act to get the job done.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact us today to schedule your service with our team.

The post Dusty Ductwork Isn’t Good For Your Comfort first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What is Wrong With a Dirty Evaporator Coil?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 15:00:00 GMT

“A little dirt never hurt anyone.” We’ve all heard this phrase (usually applied to kids trying to get as dirty as possible while playing) but this idea doesn’t apply to your evaporator coil. An air conditioner’s evaporator coil actually needs to stay as clean as possible in order to provide reliable and effective cooling. If this coil gets dirty on the other hand it can cause a variety of problems that require air conditioner repairs in Portland .

If you have a moment and you’re curious as to why this is such a big problem for your home comfort, we’ve provided more information below. Our hope is that this information leaves you better equipped to prevent a dirty evaporator coil issue or, when one pops up, to be able to handle it more quickly.

What’s So Bad About Dirt on Your Evaporator Coil?

The short answer to this is that dirt on your AC unit’s evaporator coil is going to seriously hinder your home comfort. But let us give you a bit more detail.

The way that your AC works is that it cycles refrigerant through your evaporator coil allowing it to absorb heat from the indoor air that is blown over the coil. If, however, that coil has a layer of dirt and debris coating it, this process will become a lot harder if not impossible. That dirt layer will stop the refrigerant from absorbing heat, which means that it can’t create cool air first, and will instead put a large amount of stress on our system second.

The Damage Dirt Can Cause

So what are the issues that stem from that dirty build-up on your coil? There is more than just a reduction of cool air that will result from this AC issue. If your evaporator coil can’t absorb heat, it is going to just cool the air around it continuously. This will lead to the coil icing over which makes it even harder for your AC to cool your home and can lead to serious damage to the coil and other parts of your system. In fact, if you don’t catch it soon enough, this problem can lead to an early AC replacement.

Preventing a Dirty Coil

You may be wondering if there is any way to prevent this issue from occurring in the first place. Thankfully there are some tips to prevent a dirty evaporator coil from developing. For one thing, you will want to regularly change out your AC air filter to reduce the chances that it will get clogged with dirt and start letting that debris into your system instead. For another thing, you will want to schedule your AC maintenance each year to allow a technician to clear away any small amounts of dust and dirt that may have settled on the coil already to prevent real build-up from developing.

Whether it is a dirty evaporator coil or a broken fan blade, you can trust the technicians at The Clean Air Act to get your repairs taken care of.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact us today .

The post What is Wrong With a Dirty Evaporator Coil? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Tell You Need AC Repairs

Mon, 25 May 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Sometimes it can be a little tough to figure out when you need to schedule a repair for your air conditioner in Portland . Thankfully, you aren’t without help. We have listed some of the indicators that you should watch and listen for that will let you know to reach out to our team for help.

Beware of these Warning Signs

If you notice any of these issues popping up in your air conditioner, make sure you reach out for repairs sooner than later.

If you have a cooling system that is having trouble accomplishing its goals, you should schedule a repair service with our team to ensure you can stay comfortable this summer.

Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there! Contact The Clean Air Act today .

The post How to Tell You Need AC Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Ways to Improve Your IAQ

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT

The modern home in Portland is nicely sealed up, allowing it to keep the conditioned air the HVAC system produces flowing inside the house rather than escaping outdoors. This, as you can imagine, has multiple benefits such as better heating power and energy savings. However, a sealed home does have downsides.

As you have probably guessed, with a well sealed home, there is little to no air flow in and out of the house. This is great for your comfort–mostly. The only reason it isn’t perfect is because people enjoy fresh air and, let’s be honest, after a while filtered air can feel too filtered.

Your comfort and your indoor air quality shouldn’t have to do battle. You should be able to enjoy both at once! So when your heating system is running but you feel like you are breathing stale air that makes you question if you’d rather stand outside and shiver, consider these tips to boost your indoor air quality instead of letting your comfort levels take the hit.

3 Ways to Boost Your Indoor Air Quality

When we talk about your indoor air quality (IAQ) we are discussing the air your breathe inside your home. Even in a sealed home, your IAQ can struggle to be within that ideal range that allows you to feel comfortable and breathe easily at once. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a brief list of ways you can boost your home’s IAQ so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

1. Schedule Duct Cleaning

Over time even the ductwork in a tightly sealed home will encounter its fair share of dust and debris. When this begins to pile up in your ducts, that means it is time to schedule duct cleaning in Portland, OR . This service will get all that debris out of your ducts and leave you with clean air being blown around your home again.

2. Consider an Heat Recovery Ventilator

Clean and filtered air is one thing. Fresh air is another. Fresh air is something we all enjoy because it is good for us. It’s also something that doesn’t exactly work in the sealed-up home. And you can’t just open a window during the middle of winter to allow fresh air in without hindering your comfort. Heat recovery ventilators help you get access to fresh, pre-heated air so you can get the air quality you want without having to shiver.

3. Check for Air Leaks

Even a sealed home might encounter an air leak or two down the line. While this can let in fresh air, it isn’t the fresh air you want because it is cold and contaminant filled! Have a professional come by to check for air leaks and discuss how you can seal things up again with attic insulation, weatherstripping, and other options.

These are just three simple ways you can improve your home’s IAQ, but there are other options out there that can meet your needs. When you want to discuss those options, reach out to professionals like those on our team.

Contact The Clean Air Act today for more information. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post 3 Ways to Improve Your IAQ first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Call For Repairs When…

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT

All too often we find people wait to call us until their problem is a big one because they aren’t sure what indicators to look for that tell them it is time for repairs. We want to help clear this subject up by providing you with some of the most common indicators you should know about. The sooner you schedule service after you pick up on one of these signs the better for you and your heater!

Call for Heating System Repairs When…

There are several different signs that you should be able to identify that will alert you about when it is time to schedule heating repair in Beaverton, OR . These include:

Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned homeowner with something new to learn, we are happy to help. The staff on our team is always glad to assist with everything from diagnosing the problem to getting the fix done. The professional technicians on our team are helpful, trained and knowledgeable so you can trust that your system will be taken care of the right way when you work with us.

Need a repair? Contact The Clean Air Act today . Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Call For Repairs When… first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Duct Cleaning Can Help Keep You Comfortable

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Thankfully, this can be addressed with duct cleaning in Beaverton, OR . These services are meant to make sure you get to enjoy a home with a comfortable temperature without having it be plagued by dust. If you aren’t sure whether or not you should opt for duct cleaning services, we may be able to help you.

We have provided some details about how this service helps keep your home clean and enhances your heaters energy efficiency as well.

How Your Ductwork Works

Unless you own a ductless system, your heater and air conditioner both use your ductwork system. The ducts in your home are a series of metal or plastic tubes that deliver the air that your heater has warmed to the vents throughout the house. If these ducts encounter problems such as a major blockage, they cannot deliver the temperate air you are asking for, making your home uncomfortably cool.

Why Dirty Ducts Affect Your HVAC System

As we just mentioned. a problem with your ducts can have an impact on your heaters ability to do its job. Specifically dirty ductwork that has layers of dust, dirt, fur, and other debris can become a hindrance when it comes to delivering warm air. This is because all of that build-up will reduce the amount of space that the air can pass through and, much like a traffic jam, will slow things down a lot. Not only does this mean that you won’t get as much warm air as you want, it also means that your heater will have to work a lot harder to do its job. Ultimately, while dirty ductwork may not seem like much, it is an unassuming problem that has the ability to reduce your system’s energy efficiency and your comfort.

How Duct Cleaning Services Help

Duct cleaning services are around for a reason. For one, these services get all that dust and debris out of your ducts which prevents it from being blown into your home. Two, it clears your ducts of the build up which hinders airflow and can impede your heater’s energy efficiency. Duct cleaning services are a win-win for both you and your HVAC unit.

“Is Duct Cleaning Something I Can Do Myself?”

While the idea of cleaning out your ductwork might seem easy, it is actually something that should only be done by a professional. This is because someone without the correct training can easily damage the ducts or clean them incorrectly and release all of the build-up into their home. Instead, your best bet is to schedule duct cleaning services with the pros like those at The Clean Air Act.

Contact The Clean Air Act today to schedule your next appointment. Please call Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Duct Cleaning Can Help Keep You Comfortable first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What a Furnace Upgrade Means for You

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:00:00 GMT

So, if your furnace resembles the clunky iron box in a children’s book, then you might want to consider purchasing an upgrade before you’re stuck looking into furnace repair in Gresham, OR . These systems become more efficient, safer, and comfortable every year. You’re honestly missing out by forgetting that.

Increased Efficiency

When temperatures get low, we turn the heat up. By consuming more energy, furnaces can churn out more heat to keep us warm longer. However, what if we told you by upgrading to a newer system, you can essentially pay less to heat your home more ? If you’re wondering exactly how, we’ve got some ideas to help you understand.

These might not seem like a lot, but considering how often you use your furnace during the winter, they can end up saving you more money than you think.

A Safer Solution

Let’s face it, an old furnace can be a safety hazard. A heating system like that is comprised of many pipes and valves connected to a gas source. Over time, your system can develop cracks and problems that might lead to a gas leak. Even a potential gas leak is something to worry about, so make sure you’ve got a professional technician looking at your furnace to tell you how an upgrade could help improve the safety of your home.

An Upgrade in Comfort

Newer furnaces these days have systems in place that can regulate temperature more accurately and thoroughly throughout a home. Variable operating speeds, zone control systems … there are an impressive amount of tools that a modern furnace uses to keep your home comfortable. Furnaces produced today can regulate temperature far more effectively than they could twenty years ago. If you’d like to know exactly how, contact a professional technician for more exact details.

The moral of the story is that your winter budget and heating needs can both benefit from an upgrade. Like any appliance, furnaces that are produced and maintained today are far more efficient, effective, and safe than they were years ago.

For all your furnace needs contact the Clean Air Act today! Please call Sydni, our office extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post What a Furnace Upgrade Means for You first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Wait, Do Geothermal Systems Work in the Summer Too?

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Many homeowners don’t really understand how geothermal systems work, so below, we’ve explained it all to you (well at the very least, what it is you should know about your geothermal system). All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more.

How Can a Geothermal Heat Pump Keep My House Cool?

The indoor components of a geothermal heat pump are similar to those of a standard heat pump: a refrigerant coil where the refrigerant is either condensed or evaporated and a blower fan to send the conditioned air into the ventilation system. But where an air-source heat pump uses an outdoor coil to perform heat exchange, a geothermal heat pump uses loops buried in the ground.

These loops are placed about 6–10 feet down into the earth, which gives them access to more stable temperatures. When the heat pump is in cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat indoors, then transfers that heat into a water/anti-freeze mixture moving through the loops. The heat is then deposited into the ground, using it as a heat sink. The removal of heat from the house creates a nice cooling effect. In heating mode, the process reverses and heat is brought from the earth into the house.

Are There Benefits of Using a Geothermal System?

Certainly! There are plenty of benefits of using a geothermal system to cool your home during the summer. For one, these systems are super energy efficient. In fact, a geothermal heat pump works at 3 to 6 times greater energy efficiency than an air source model, saving you hundreds of dollars on your annual utility bills. Secondly, these systems are super reliable, simply because the temperature of the earth does not fluctuate much at all. You can always be sure that your home will be nice and cool, even during the hottest heatwave. Lastly, these systems are super eco-friendly because they do not generate their own heat, but rather move it from one place to another.

You Must Hire a Professional

You see, not every home is a great candidate for a geothermal system, so it is important that you hire a professional who can determine if it is the best choice for your home. Additionally, installing one of these systems requires a lot of planning and is quite a large undertaking, so you want to be absolutely sure that you’ve hired a team that’s going to get the job done right the first time around.

To schedule your air conditioning service in Gersham, OR , contact the team at the Clean Air Act today!

The post Wait, Do Geothermal Systems Work in the Summer Too? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Warning Signs of AC Troubles

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:00:00 GMT

There are a number of signs that suggest your air conditioner is in need of repairs, and below, we have listed a few of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading to learn more! And remember to call for professional AC repair in Oregon City, OR if you notice any of the following tell-tale signs.

Be on the Lookout for These Signs

As we already mentioned, there are quite a few signs that suggest it’s time for air conditioning repairs:

1. Low cooling output

Your air conditioner is responsible for keeping you and your family cool and comfortable all summer long, so if your AC is no longer supplying your home with the cool air that you need to stay comfortable, it is definitely time to call for repairs. Low cooling output can the direct result of a number of other issues, but fortunately, your HVAC technician should be able to diagnose the problem and repair it accordingly.

2. Short cycling

Short cycling is a term used to describe when your air conditioner repeatedly turns on and off without ever completing a full cooling cycle. Not only is this extremely inefficient, but it puts a ton of strain on the AC itself. This, in turn, leads to the need for further repair. Therefore, it is important that you call for professional repairs right away if you notice that your AC keeps turning on and off every few minutes.

3. Strange noises

Your air conditioner should not be making any strange noises. Sounds such as clanging, screeching, banging, humming, moaning, and rattling should definitely be a signal for you to call your local HVAC contractor to schedule repair services. The technician that they send will be able to pinpoint the exact source of the sound in order to properly repair it.

4. Higher bills

We always recommend keeping a close eye on your monthly energy bills. If you find that you are paying more and more to keep your home cool, then it is likely that an air conditioner in disrepair is the culprit. Of course, you don’t want to pay more than you should have to for comfort, so it is in your best interest to contact an AC professional as soon as possible.

Yes, You Need Professional Repairs

When your AC is in need of repairs, it is important that you schedule these services with a professional. Only a professional technician has the proper tools, training, and experience to handle the complex needs of your system, so you definitely don’t want to skip out on these services.

To schedule your AC repairs , contact the team at The Clean Air Act today!

The post 4 Warning Signs of AC Troubles first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Uh-oh! No Cool Air? Here’s Why

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:00:00 GMT

Obviously, a cooling system that doesn’t actually cool is not much use to you. And of course, when temperatures begin to soar, this can be a big problem! Fortunately, a friendly HVAC technician will be able to determine the root cause of the issue, as there are a number of things that might be causing the issue. Below, we have listed some of the reasons why your AC isn’t producing cool air to give you a bit of a head start.

Here’s What Might Be Going On

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might not be producing enough cool air:

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Though you might think this is too obvious, we frequently find that the reason ACs stop producing cool air is that the settings on the thermostat have been changed. It might be that the thermostat is set either too high or to “fan only” mode. Be sure to double check your thermostat!

Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is essential to the operation of your air conditioner since it is what allows the system to remove heat from your indoor air to keep your home nice and cool. Refrigerant won’t run out, but it can certainly leak out, which is a big problem! When refrigerant levels drop, your AC can lose its cooling ability, and worse, this places the compressor in danger of overheating and burning out! If you experience a refrigerant leak, a professional HVAC technician will have to “recharge” the system.

Broken Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your AC–it places refrigerant under pressure to start the cooling cycle. So if the compressor stops working for any reason, your AC won’t be able to produce any cool air. The compressor can experience all sorts of issues, including a burnt-out motor, a failed start capacitor, or dirty components. Therefore, it is important to have a qualified technician repair any issues that may exist with your compressor.

Tripped Circuit Breaker

If the circuit breaker to the indoor unit of an AC trips, the fan won’t turn on at all. But if the breaker for the circuit to the outdoor unit trips, the indoor fan and other components will continue to run, but there won’t be any cooling since the outdoor compressor won’t be running. Check to see if any circuits have tripped in the electrical panel. If so, reset them and see if that resolves the problem.

Call in a Professional

Remember, it is important to contact a qualified HVAC professional for air conditioning repair in Portland, OR , as only a professional has the training, tools, knowledge, and experience to properly handle the complex needs of your cooling system.

To schedule your air conditioning repairs , contact the experts at The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

The post Uh-oh! No Cool Air? Here’s Why first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Don’t Skip Heat Pump Maintenance!

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:00:00 GMT

They technically need twice as much maintenance.

Now, maintenance twice a year isn’t anything unusual. Even your typical central AC and furnace setup requires a separate annual tune-up for each system. Rather, we want to talk about the fact that your heat pump is doing the work of two systems. These systems are rated to last up to 20 years, but only when they’re taken care of by an expert of cooling and heating repair in Portland, OR.

Getting heat pump maintenance before the season is essential for preventing problems caused by things like:

Dirty Components

Like with any machine, too much dirt and grime can prevent things from running efficiently. It’s no different in the case of a heat pump.

The most common problem caused by excessive dirt and dust is a general loss of airflow. In turn, that means reduced heating and cooling power. It also means additional stress placed on the system, since the heat pump will be working harder to operate at standard efficiency.

The usual culprits include dirty air filters, coils, and fans. Changing the air filter regularly—about every three months—can help prevent dust and dirt from ever becoming an issue in the first place. If you haven’t been so diligent about that, however, then you can benefit from a thorough maintenance tune-up. The technician will be able to get deep inside the system to clean off the sensitive parts that might be ruining your efficiency.

Leaking or Insufficient Refrigerant

Refrigerant is as important for your heat pump as blood is for our bodies! This analogy also helps illustrate the point that you should never have to “replace” or “top off” your refrigerant under normal circumstances, which is a common misconception.

The only time your heat pump would be lacking refrigerant is if it was never properly charged in the first place or if it develops a leak. Fortunately, a maintenance check is something that can clear out either of these issues.

Leaks aren’t super common, but they’re not exactly uncommon either. Loose fittings around the refrigerant line or the right combination of chemical contaminants in your airspace can create corrosion, leading to pinhole leaks, which will only get bigger as time goes on.

Reversing Valve Malfunction

The heat pump is able to switch between cooling and heating modes thanks to a reversing valve. It’s also what allows you to switch the device from one mode to the other.

A broken reversing valve isn’t going to cost you a fortune, but it can force your heat pump to be stuck in one position. Depending on which season you’re in, you can understand how that can become a big problem!

Fortunately, this is something that can be looked at during a tune-up. It might simply be stuck and will need to be manually opened and reset.

Is it time for heat pump maintenance? Contact The Clean Air Act today to schedule an appointment for service.

The post Don’t Skip Heat Pump Maintenance! first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Dangers of Not Replacing the Air Filter

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re using a furnace or a heat pump, you can expect to find an air filter in any forced-air heating system. Their purpose is to prevent dust and dirt from damaging sensitive components inside the machine, and they’ll need to be switched out every few months. Here’s what can happen if you wait too long to replace it.

Overheating

While a clogged air filter in an air conditioner is nothing to scoff at either, heaters come with the danger of overheating. When things get too hot, it can cause the heater to malfunction, or it might even start a fire (luckily, there are many modern-day fail-safes to help prevent this).

Furnaces require a steady stream of oxygen to combust gas and to move heat through the system. A clogged air filter can be enough to slow that down, resulting in too much hot air lingering in the furnace. A limit switch is in place to turn off the furnace in such an event, so if your furnace seems to resist staying on, check the air filter. If that doesn’t work, try calling in for furnace repair in Portland, OR .

Flame Rollout

Oxygen is required for the furnace to combust natural gas into heated air. A clogged air filter can prevent enough oxygen getting through, and that can result in “flame rollout.” It’s about as scary as it sounds, as flames will “roll out” from the furnace cabinet to suck up more oxygen. Running the furnace in this state can be dangerous, as it might catch fire to nearby objects.

Frozen Coils

Heat pumps operate thanks to refrigerant flowing back and forth between two sets of coils. The phase changes that take place between these coils is what helps the heat pump remove warm air from your home in summer and bring warm air in during winter. A clogged air filter can cause the evaporator coil to become too cold, resulting in ice and frost. This can cause the heat pump to stop functioning, and it might even be enough to damage its compressor.

Short Cycling

Whether you’re using a furnace or a heat pump, another big threat of a dirty air filter is short cycling. Now, all heaters are going to go through heating cycles—the difference is when those cycles occur rapidly and within minutes.

A common cause of short cycling can be from a heater that is too powerful for the home. Typically, that means having to get it replaced. So before you let anyone talk you into installing a brand new heater, check the air filter and try running it again—it just might be what you need to fix the problem.

If your heating is acting strange but changing the air filter hasn’t helped, it’s time to contact The Clean Air Act to schedule a service.

The post Dangers of Not Replacing the Air Filter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Go Ductless for Winter

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:00:00 GMT

While ducted systems are a great choice, there are plenty of reasons to lose the ducts and go with a ductless heat pump instead. The only issue is that most people don’t realize how beneficial it can be to make the switch. Here are a few of those benefits:

Zone Control Already Built-In

“Zone control” is an HVAC term for sectioning off areas of the home. This allows you to run different temperatures in different parts of the home. The level of customization and flexibility it provides means you can make your home as comfortable as you want. Or, you can be as efficient as you want by running the system more strategically.

Retrofitting zone control onto a duct system is not an easy task. The ideal time to install zone control in a duct system is in the very beginning.

An easier way to get zone control is by installing a ductless system. Every room gets its own ductless air handler, and each air handler has its own set of controls. The temperature in each room can be adjusted separately, giving you complete control over your HVAC system.

No Ducts? No Problems!

Duct systems are great ways to provide whole-house heating and cooling to your home. However, the ducts themselves are a significant piece of equipment. And like all equipment, they can get dirty and fall into disrepair.

Older duct systems will have accumulated layers of dust and dirt. That can lead to your rooms getting dustier faster, as well as a general decrease in indoor air quality. Plus, some of that dust can end up getting inside your HVAC system.

Even worse, the ducts themselves can develop leaks. If gone unchecked, leaks and disconnects in the ducts can be responsible for losing nearly 30% of your airflow. That means more than a fourth of your energy spent on heating or cooling the home will be lost.

Getting proper repairs and cleaning on the ducts is easy enough for a heating expert in Portland, OR , but some homeowners just want to skip that altogether. A ductless system is the one that will let you do that.

What About Efficiency?

There’s a general myth that floats around the internet that heat pumps are powerless in winter. Heat pumps do lose some efficiency in temperatures below 30°F, but they’re not helpless. Most heat pumps come with an auxiliary heating mode, which kicks in to help make up for this.

The heat pumps that don’t come with that feature are usually equipped with a more substantial compressor. It allows them to create warm air even in temperatures as low as –13°F without an auxiliary heating mode.

Make sure to speak with your HVAC contractor about these differences so they can help you find the right ductless system for you.

Contact The Clean Air Act today to get started with a free estimate on a new system.

The post Go Ductless for Winter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Fall and Winter Are Great Times for Indoor Air Quality Services

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:00:00 GMT

But does this mean that your indoor air quality is getting worse in the cold? Not quite. It could be that you’ve had these air issues all along, and they’re affecting you only now in this cold weather. If this sounds like you or one of your family members, then you can find great relief through maintaining a good indoor air quality .

Duct Cleaning

If your air quality seems to have become worse over time–or maybe you just realized recently that it was something that could be changed–then it might be time for a good and thorough duct cleaning.

Many homeowners simply forget about their ducts. After all, they’re tucked away in the attic and rarely seen. It also might be assumed that, because it’s a closed system, that they would stay relatively clean. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Dust and dirt are capable of entering your HVAC ducts through the supply and return vents. It’s also not uncommon for leaks in the duct system itself to invite in dust and contaminants. As you can imagine, this dust will have nowhere to go except back inside your home!

A professional duct cleaning service in Portland, OR will be able to give your ducts a thorough cleaning and inspection. Just cleaning them requires special brushes and vacuums designed to get the job done–without making the problem worse. DIY duct cleaning attempts usually start off with good intentions, but they end up loosening up even more dust and dirt instead of meticulously cleaning out all of it (thus making the air quality even worse!).

Air Treatment Systems

Cleaning the ducts is one thing. It’s like getting a cleanse or detox; you’ve flushed out all the toxins and are ready to start living nice and clean. But it only stays that way if you stop inviting pollutants and contaminants in.

Of course, we can’t stop outdoor pollutants from entering your home. One proactive step we can take, however, is to use air treatment systems to capture or destroy those pollutants. The systems are divided into three main types:

Need your indoor air quality inspected this season? Contact The Clean Air Act today to schedule a service!

The post Fall and Winter Are Great Times for Indoor Air Quality Services first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Signs Your Forced-Air Heater Needs Repairs

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 15:00:00 GMT

While both of these systems operate quite well, they do have their share of common repair issues, just as any other heater would. We don’t want you to be stuck in the cold, so make sure to call for furnace repair in Portland, OR at the first sign of trouble.

Furnaces

Some of the biggest furnace repair issues come from those fueled by natural gas. Although electric fueled furnaces exist, they don’t have the same dangers.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is the part of the furnace that actually heats the air. If there’s any damage to the heat exchanger, it creates the risk of a carbon monoxide leak, and that can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, so the only way to know there’s been a leak is through a carbon monoxide detector. Luckily, these are inexpensive for the amount of damage they can prevent.

Gas Odors

Although not always a problem with the furnace itself, smelling gas can be an indicator of gas leaks. Gas is naturally odorless, too, but the gas companies deliberately mix a chemical in the gas that smells like rotten eggs. If gas odors are coming from the furnace itself, turn off the furnace immediately and call for emergency repairs.

No Heat

Whether it’s a gas or electricity powered furnace, a lack of hot air is most likely due to a problem with the heating elements. Regardless of what kind of furnace you’re using, neglecting maintenance can leave these crucial parts in disrepair.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps facilitate the transfer of warm air via refrigerant. Although highly effective for heating and cooling, it can bring about some unique problems.

Frozen Outdoor Unit

Low outdoor temperatures can sometimes cause the heat pump’s outdoor unit to freeze over. When this happens, the heat pump will go through a defrost cycle. This means your home will feel cold air during that time, but it should only last about 15 minutes. Any longer will mean it’s time to call for a repair.

Frozen Indoor Unit

If it’s the indoor unit that’s freezing over, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. Refrigerant is necessary for the heat transference process, so any lost through a leak will have an adverse effect on the system. That can mean the evaporator coil—found in the indoor unit—can become so cold that it freezes over.

No Heat

If the heat pump is only blowing cold air, first double-check that it’s switched to “heating” mode. Then, check the thermostat to make sure it’s not on a cooling program. Otherwise, your heating issues could be due to the previously mentioned refrigerant leak, a duct leak, or compressor failure. Either way, the best course of action is to shut off the unit and call for repairs.

If you’re having problems with your heater, don’t hesitate to call for help. Contact The Clean Air Act today to schedule a service.

The post Signs Your Forced-Air Heater Needs Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Which Forced-Air Heater Should I Install?

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Of course, even forced-air heaters vary amongst each other, on everything from price to function. We’ll help clear the air on the differences, so you can make a more informed installation or replacement when that time comes.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the most common kinds of forced-air heating systems—and for good reason. They’re easy to install, don’t cost a fortune, and they get the job done. It’s not unlikely that you own a furnace because it was already installed in your home.

Furnaces use gas burners to generate heated air, which is then blown into your home through a series of ducts. Ducts are one of the most efficient ways to get air to every room in your home, but you have to take care to have them maintained and cleaned every year. Over time, the sealant holding the ducts can wear out, leading to inefficiencies.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are an entire category of heaters—and air conditioners, for that matter. They’re beloved systems because they can either heat or cool the air, all with the flip of a switch, allowing them to be used year-round.

How do they work? Simply by reversing the process that makes a central AC system work! Instead of generating heat from nothing, heat pumps move warm air from one place to another. This makes them incredibly efficient heaters, which puts their monthly operational costs lower than other systems.

Traditional heat pumps are installed similarly to furnaces or central AC systems, using ducts to transport air. On the other hand, ductless heat pumps consist of one outdoor unit and as many indoor units as there are bedrooms to be heated or cooled. Ductless heat pumps are even more efficient, but they do come with a heftier installation price.

Geothermal Heating

While technically heat pumps, these systems deserve their own category. While traditional and ductless heat pumps are air-sourced, meaning they transfer warmth through the air, geothermal heat pumps are ground-source. These heat pumps consist of big metal coils dug under the ground. Since underground temperatures stay stable all year, the system can efficiently pull in warm air no matter the season. Their parts are estimated to last for decades, meaning you won’t need to call for heating repair in Portland, OR nearly as often.

High-Velocity Heating System

High-velocity systems are the solution for older or smaller homes that aren’t equipped to have normal ducts installed in the walls or floorboards. Traditional duct systems use custom-fitted ducts to supply air to the vents of each room. Instead, high-velocity systems use small, flexible tubes that deliver air at much higher speeds. This process creates much more even heating and cooling, making them more efficient.

Looking for the perfect heater to carry you through the season? Contact The Clean Air Act today!

The post Which Forced-Air Heater Should I Install? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Everything You Need to Know About Your Air Filter

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Types of Air Filters

Air filters are rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV, rating. The range goes from 1 to 16. So that means you need a MERV of 16 to give yourself the best air quality in your home, right? Well, not quite.

The highest MERV rated air filters are required for inpatient care rooms, surgical rooms, and other places where airborne contaminants of any kind are a danger. The reason you shouldn’t use these in your home is that they’re so tightly woven that they actually restrict airflow—thus costing you more money in the long run.

A range from 5 to 8 is perfect for the majority of homeowners, but those who have reason to believe they need a higher rating should go as high as 12. Anything above that is inefficient.

How Often to Change It

An air filter is going to collect contaminants and dirt over time, so it won’t last you forever. If you don’t change it, it can have negative effects on your system (more on that later).

Those who live alone with no pets or allergies are safe to change their filter as late as 12 months. The average family without pets should change it as soon as every 3 months. With one cat or dog in the home, their pet dander will contribute to a clogged filter much faster, so you should expect to change it about every two months. With more than one pet, and especially if anyone in the family has allergies, then you should expect to change it as little as every 30 days.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Change It

Neglecting to change your air filter can cause a number of problems that share symptoms with much larger problems.

For example, short-cycling. Short-cycling is when your AC turns on and off too quickly, and is usually caused by an air conditioner that’s too powerful for the home it was installed in. An AC that’s too large for the home is more common than you’d think, and the only solution is to replace the entire air conditioner.

But in reality, if the short-cycling is caused by a dirty air filter, it can be easily fixed by changing out that filter. That’s why before you call in for air conditioning repairs in Clackamas, OR , you’ll want to always take a look at the air filter to make sure that it hasn’t become clogged.

Dirty air filters can also share the same symptoms of refrigerant leaks, an overheated system, and more.

Did you change your air filter? And you’re still having problems? Contact The Clean Air Act and ask for Sydni, our Office Extraordinaire, to schedule your next appointment! We will take care of you from there!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Your Air Filter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Portable Vs. Whole-House Dehumidifiers

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 15:00:00 GMT

“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.

Capacity

This refers to how much moisture your dehumidifier can collect. Factors affecting the necessary capacity include the amount of space required to be dehumidified, as well as the amount of humidity in each room.

Portable

There are different sized units for moderately damp, very damp, wet, and extremely wet rooms. Square footage ranges from 500 to 2,5000 square feet, so you’ll need to do the math to make sure that you’re getting the right unit for your room. Also, for every additional room that you want to dehumidify at the same time, you’ll need a separate unit.

Whole-house

Your HVAC technician will size one unit to accommodate all the rooms in your home.

Water Removal Options

The dehumidifier doesn’t simply “remove” the moisture from the air—it transplants it somewhere in the unit. Depending on the type of unit, there are several different means of disposal.

Portable

Portable dehumidifiers collect all the moisture in a bucket. The user must manually remove that bucket. If you don’t shut off the dehumidifier at this point, it could overflow, damaging the unit along with nearby furniture, floors, and pets. Some units turn off automatically before this happens. A hose configuration can drain the moisture automatically, but you have to make sure the hose is flowing downwards at all times.

Whole-house

The collected water goes down the drain automatically.

Placement

Whether or not your home has space for a dehumidifier can make or break your plans for a humid-free summer.

Portable

As mentioned above, units that don’t automatically stop when full could present a problem when considering placement.

If your unit’s air discharge is not located on the top, you won’t be able to put it against the walls or furniture. Portable dehumidifiers take moisture from its entire surroundings, not just one direction. You’ll need to place the unit in the middle of the room to it can absorb the maximum amount of moisture.

Whole-house

It’s located in the same place as your HVAC system, and it uses the same network of ducts to dehumidify your home. It will never take up space in the middle of a room.

Relative Humidity and Humidistats

Relative humidity is a measurement of the humidity in the air. Anything between 30% and 50% is comfortable. A humidistat measures the amount of humidity and adjusts the dehumidifier accordingly.

Portable

Most units have a humidistat installed. If not, you can buy a hygrometer separately and place it next to the dehumidifier (but not too close) to get an accurate reading. Unfortunately, this will not allow the portable unit to adjust itself, so you’ll have to do that part manually.

Whole-house

The humidistat is integrated into your thermostat, and you control it from there.

If a whole-house dehumidifier sounds like a good idea, we can help with that. Contact The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

The post Portable Vs. Whole-House Dehumidifiers first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Indoor Air Quality Improves with Duct Cleaning

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Dust and dirt can build up inside your ducts quite readily, and getting rid of it takes more than just running the duster across the vents. How do you get at dust lodged inside your system? The answer is a duct cleaning service from trained professionals. They possess the tools, skills, and experience to clear the dust out of your ducts, and in the process keep your home cleaner and your indoor air quality high. Ideally, you should schedule a duct cleaning session for your home every 2-3 years for ideal results. Here’s a quick look at how the process works.

How It Works

Duct cleaning entails careful training and specialized equipment which is why you need trained experts to conduct it. The principles, however, are very simple. Vacuum power is used to pulls dust and other contaminants from the ducts.

First, coverings are placed on the furnishings in your home to protect your property from the dust. (The technicians will wear gloves and coverings on their feet to avoid tracking dust.) The ducts in your home will be sealed – all save one, which has a vacuum pump attached – and high-pressure air blown through the system. The vacuum collects any loosened dust or dirt and pulls it out of your system.

In many cases, brushes will be used as well, particularly around the edges of the vent to get all of the remaining contaminants out of the system. When it’s over, your ducts will be unsealed and the coverings in your home will be removed: leaving your ducts cleaner and your home in excellent shape.

The Results

As a result of the duct cleaning, the quality of your air will go up, since dust and dirt won’t circulate every time you turn your system on. You won’t need to spend as much time dusting or cleaning your home as you would otherwise, cutting down on the amount of housework you have to do.

You’ll also find your family tends to be healthier, with fewer instances of illness cropping up. (We especially recommend duct cleaning services if you’re expecting a new baby in the home, or if you have sensitive family members in the household such as the elderly or those with conditions like asthma.) Perhaps most importantly, your heating and air conditioning system will tend to stay cleaner, which cuts down on friction on moving parts and helps prevent issues such as clogged burners from interfering with your system’s ability to function.

For quality duct cleaning in Portland, OR , call on the friendly professionals at The Clean Air Act today to make an appointment!

The post Indoor Air Quality Improves with Duct Cleaning first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

The good news is that many air conditioners display signs of trouble before they break down. Here’s always the chance of something unexpected happening, of course, but if you can spot the symptoms of trouble early enough, you might be able to stop a big problem while it’s still small. Now is the perfect time of year to plan such an operation: when the weather is still relatively cool and you have time to schedule the repairs at your leisure.

One surefire way of spotting the signs you need air conditioning repair is to schedule a maintenance session from a trained technician. They know how to spot the signs that something is wrong, and can improve the efficiency of your air conditioner just in time for summer.

Signs You Can Spot

But there are some signs you can spot on your own, and while only a trained professional should attempt to formally diagnose a problem with your air conditioner, you can still check yourself to see if there’s a problem. That way, you can simply call in a repair service to get the issue taken care of.

Simply turn on your air conditioner and let it run for 15-20 minutes, looking for any of these common symptoms in the interim:

If you spot the signs that you need AC repair in your Beaverton, OR home , turn the system off and call The Clean Air Act today!

The post Signs You Need Air Conditioning Repair first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System Before Summer Hits

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

If you have something more radical in mind, you might look into an upgrade or two to your system. These are options that can lower your energy bills, allow more precise cooling power and generally make your home more comfortable. If that sounds like something your home could use, now is the time to talk about an installation.

The type of upgrade you need depends a great deal on the specifics of your home. Every household is different, after all, and what works for one person’s home may not work for another’s. We’ve provided a brief list of some options below, offering some idea of what each of them can offer.

Air Cleaners

All HVAC systems come with a filter, designed to screen dust and dirt out of the air as the system runs. It works, but the filters are messy and require changing every month. Worse, they can’t always get every speck of dirt, since tiny particles can always slip through.

An electronic air cleaner, on the other hand, ionizes the particles instead of just screening them: causing them to stick to the sides of a collection pan. It provides comprehensive dust removal, capturing even the smallest particle and ensuring that it no longer circulates through your home. This can benefit any home, but especially homes with people who spend a great deal of time outdoors, or who have sensitive or vulnerable family members.

UV Air Purifiers

If germs are a particular concern in your home, consider the benefits of a UV air purifier . The UV stands for ultraviolet, a kind of light we cannot see, but can feel nonetheless. UV light bulbs are harmless to humans and pets (they’re what causes our white clothing to glow in the dark at rock concerts or amusement parks). But they’re lethal to germs and bacteria. When installed in your ducts, they can make your air cleaner and healthier: reducing the risk of illnesses in your home.

Dehumidifiers

Humid air is common in our part of the world, and when combined with high summer temperatures, it can make your home feel like a swamp. Air conditioners can address high humidity levels by default, but they’re not built for it and the results can cost you a lot in wasted cooling energy. A whole-house dehumidifier, on the other hand, can take care of the problem properly: allowing you to set humidity levels to taste and taking a big burden off of your air conditioning in the bargain. Over time, it can even extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system.

If any of these indoor air quality products sounds like a good fit for your Beaverton, OR home , or you already have one and it could use a little spring tune-up, call the friendly professionals at The Clean Air Act today!

The post Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System Before Summer Hits first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Lower the Chances of Heating Repair with Indoor Air Quality Products

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Beyond that, it behooves you to think about your heating system’s needs for next year. Once warm weather arrives, you can think about ways to improve your heater’s performance and cut down on future stress and strain. That, in turn, will lead to lower bills next winter, and possibly even help extend the life of your heating system overall.

Among the options you should consider is the installation of an indoor air quality product in your HVAC system. Such products provide considerable benefits to your home in and of themselves, but they can also provide considerable benefits to your heating system too. They can include the following.

Humidifiers

Dry air is a big problem in the winter time. It can cause static electricity, create terrible itches on your skin and makes your family more vulnerable to colds and flu bugs. As far as heating systems go, dry air tends to feel colder than moist air in your home. While a heating system can compensate, it needs to work harder to do so, and the increased strain can lead to higher bills and increased strain on the system. And force-air furnaces tend to lower the humidity even further, compounding the problem.

A whole-house humidifier will raise the moisture levels in the home, helping it feel warmer and more comfortable. That, in turn, will ease the strain on your heating system, and allow it do to its job without spending quite so much energy.

Electronic Air Filters

Dust and dirt can affect your entire home, but they have an impact on your heating system too. For example, excessive dust can coat moving components, which elevates the friction and increases the wear and tear on them. Burners, too, can become clogged by dust, and will need to be cleaned before they work. Otherwise, your furnace won’t generate as much heat as it should, and the system will suffer for it.

One possible solution to such an issue is to install an electronic air filter in your system. They work by charging dust particles as they pass through your system, causing them to stick to a collection pan. As a result, the dust count in your air drops considerably. That helps your heater function more effectively and reduces the impact of wear and tear on it, as well as providing other benefits to your home as a whole.

For indoor air quality products and heating repair in Beaverton, OR , call The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

The post Lower the Chances of Heating Repair with Indoor Air Quality Products first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Call Professionals to Deal with a Cracked Heat Exchanger

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger is one of the most vital parts of your system: transferring heat from the burners to the air for distribution to your home. Burners generate a lot of heat, but they can’t always move that heat to the air in an efficient manner. That’s where the heat exchanger comes in. It’s essentially just a piece of shaped metal sitting between the burners and the air they need to heat. It can transfer the heat much more effectively, and the heated air can then be blown into your home with a fan. The shaping of the heat exchanger also channels potentially toxic gasses — a byproduct of the heating process — safely out of your home via a venting pipe.

Because there are no moving parts, a heat exchanger is very durable. But over the years, the constant heating and cooling of the metal can take its toll. Eventually, cracks may form in the heat exchanger due to the stress. In most modern furnaces, safety features will prevent the system from turning on: alerting you to the problem and preventing potentially toxic gas from entering the home. If your furnace doesn’t have such a feature, you should seriously consider installing some manner of leak detector nearby.

What to Do If Your Heat Exchanger Is Cracked

Only a trained technician can successfully diagnose a problem like a cracked heat exchanger, which is why you should always turn off your system — even if it doesn’t operate when you turn it on — and call in a professional the moment you detect any problems. If you suspect that your heat exchanger is cracked, the best step is to consult your warranty to see whether it is still in effect. If it is, you may be able to replace the heat exchanger for no cost beyond the labor required to do so, or even replace the system with a new one depending upon the specifics.

If the warranty has expired on the unit, however, you’re probably looking at replacing the entire furnace with a new one. Your technician can examine the damage and make recommendations based on your specific circumstances. A cracked heat exchanger is a serious problem regardless, and should always be treated as such.

For quality furnace repair and replacement services throughout the Portland, OR area , call the friendly time at Clean Air Act, Inc. today to schedule an appointment!

The post Call Professionals to Deal with a Cracked Heat Exchanger first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Benefits of HVAC Maintenance

Mon, 08 Jan 2018 16:00:00 GMT

A good repair service can respond swiftly when trouble arises, but an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure. HVAC maintenance sessions give the technician a chance to check your system for any potential problems. Small ones, like loose bolts or clogged filters, can be fixed as part of the servicing session. If further repairs are required, the technician can schedule them immediately and, in many cases, such repairs can take place immediately after the servicing session.

If you haven’t scheduled such a session in the last 12 months, now is a very good time to do so. It can provide a number of considerable benefits to your home, three of which are detailed below.

1. It Improves Efficiency

Heating systems can accumulate little problems that don’t necessarily halt its functioning but force the system to work harder to do its job. Things like loose bolts cause individual components to rattle in their housings, for instance, while clogged burners will keep the system from becoming as hot as it should be. That, in turn, can drive up your monthly heating bills, as well as subjecting the components to a lot of unnecessary wear and tear. Servicing can correct those little issues, and cut into the monthly cost of running your heater accordingly.

2. It Gives You an Early Jump on Repairs

In the event that further repairs are needed, servicing gives you a chance to get a handle on them sooner rather than later. In many cases, that will reduce the cost of the repairs, since the damage will not have had as much time to spread. It also gives you some flexibility as far as scheduling the repairs goes: letting you set a time that is convenient to you instead of having to rush around rearranging your life in the midst of an unexpected breakdown.

3. It Helps the System Last Longer

Over time, HVAC systems wear down just like any other system. That can lead to increasingly expensive repairs later in life and, eventually, force the replacement of the entire unit. But when applied regularly over time, servicing sessions can cut down on that wear and tear. Not only does that tend to make repairs less expensive down the road, but it can help extend the overall life of the unit by months or even years in some cases. Considering the cost of a new heating and air conditioning system, that can mean a great deal of savings.

If you haven’t scheduled an HVAC servicing session here in Portland, OR , call the friendly professionals at Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

The post 3 Benefits of HVAC Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Signs You Need Furnace Repair

Mon, 25 Dec 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The good news is that a furnace repair service can move quickly to address the problem and handle the issue before the lack of heat turns your home into an icebox. The better news is that, in most cases, the problem in question exhibits signs and symptoms well before the system itself shuts down (or forces you to shut it down). Spotting signs you need furnace repair early usually means a less expensive repair (since the damage has less time to spread), as well as allowing you to conduct the repairs at a time that is convenient to you, instead of having to rearrange your whole schedule to get it done.

You should never attempt to formally diagnose an issue with your heater. That requires formal training and licensing. You can, however, learn to spot the signs that something is wrong, and act accordingly by turning off the system and call in a repair service. Some of the most common signs of furnace trouble recur across multiple different problems. All you have to do it take notice of the symptom. Such symptoms can include, but are not limited to:

1. Strange Noises

Most problems with the furnace come with an odd noise signaling the issue. Over time, you’ve likely become very familiar with the sounds your furnace makes when it’s running. If any sounds don’t match that – whether it be a pounding, a whistling, a grinding or something else – turn off the system and call a repair service. (In most cases, the noise will start and stop with the starting and the stopping of the system itself.)

2. Low Heat Levels

If only cold air comes out of the vents when you turn the heater on, you know you’ve got a problem. But the same problem can occur even when the air is warm, just not as warm as you expect it to be. It can come from anything from a breach in the ducts to a clog in the burners, but whatever the issue, it will force your furnace to work much harder than necessary: raising your bills and the strain on the rest of the system in equal measure. Eventually, you’ll be looking at a serious breakdown unless the underlying issue is addressed.

3. Low Airflow

Low airflow is caused either by something blocking the flow of air (such as a clogged filter or a crimp in the ducts) or else by something interfering with the fan mechanism (such as the blower or the fan belt). It forces the system to work harder than it should, and also keeps hot air trapped in the body of the furnace, which can cause a breakdown.

For quality heating repair in Portland, OR , call The Clean Air Act today!

The post Signs You Need Furnace Repair first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Things to Look for with Central Air Conditioning Services

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT

The right service can make a huge difference as far as these services go, and while any licensed company can do a decent job, your home – and your air conditioner – deserve more than that. Every service is different and only you can make the right choice that works for your home. But in most cases, you should look for the following three signs to ensure that you choose the right service.

1. Free Estimates

The basis of any successful business is repeat business, and that means delivering quality service for a reasonable price. That starts with up-front estimates. A quality air conditioning service technician will spell out all of the costs involved in any repair job up front, before any work has been done and any money has changed hands. That protects you in the event of the unexpected and ensures that you know exactly what’s entailed in any repairs. It also speaks to the honesty and forthrightness of the service: protecting you and your system regardless of the circumstances.

2. Manufacturer Endorsements

AC manufacturers have a vested interested in keeping their systems maintained by quality technicians. It helps them maintain their own reputations for quality and reliability. Most AC repair companies have endorsements from satisfied customers, but endorsements from manufacturers carry a huge amount of weight. It means those companies have faith in the repair service to do right by their products: to treat any issues swiftly and efficiently and to enhance their own reputation where it matters the most. Look for a company with endorsements from major AC brands such as Goodman, Aprilaire, and Mitsubishi, with a particular eye on your specific brand of air conditioning.

3. Guarantees

Estimates and endorsements are terrific signs that the air conditioning company has the right skills and integrity to do the job. But at the end of the day, the system needs to work once the repair technician is done. The most effective way to get those results it to look for a company with a guarantee: who promises that the parts and labor are top-notch and offers to return and correct any further issues should the repair job not be up to snuff.

For quality repair jobs throughout the Portland, OR area , call the friendly professionals at Clean Air Act, Inc.

The post 3 Things to Look for with Central Air Conditioning Services first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Air Conditioning Services Include Maintenance

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMT

What Is Maintenance?

A maintenance session most closely resembles a tune-up for your car or a check-up from the dentists. It’s not the same as repairs, which are intended to address a specific problem. It’s more of an overview: a chance to look the entire system over and make sure there are no lingering problems.

If a little issue springs up – something that can be easily corrected, such as a loose wire or a clogged filter – the technician can correct it as part of the maintenance session itself. In the event a larger repair job is needed, the technician can schedule it right away. Assuming the needed parts are available in the van (and the homeowner has the time), the repair session can take place immediately after the maintenance session. Otherwise, it can be scheduled at a time of the homeowner’s convenience within the next few weeks.

What Benefits Does It Bring?

The benefits of regular maintenance sessions can be divided into three basic categories.

For quality air conditioning maintenance in Portland, OR , as well as repairs and replacement services, call upon the friendly technicians at The Clean Air Act today!

The post Air Conditioning Services Include Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Signs You Need a Heater Repair Call

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMT

Only a trained technician should attempt to formally diagnose a heating problem, let alone conduct repairs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spot the symptoms. Many signs are quite common, and can be caused by a wide number of possible issues. You don’t need to know what those issues are to realize that something’s wrong.

Watch that Air Flow

Furnaces depend on moving heated air through the ducts in order to warm your home. When trouble arises in the ducts, such as a breach or a divot in the duct, it can slow the flow of air through the system. Sometimes similar problems can occur when the fan motor is having trouble, the fan belt is broken, or the fan blades themselves. Regardless, it means that the air is moving the way it should, which forces the system to work harder than it should: elevating both the monthly costs of running the system and the strain on other components.

Low Heat Is a Problem

You can probably guess that a furnace that only blows cold air is a problem. But the same principle holds true if the air is warm, just not as warm as you’re expecting. It could mean anything from a breach in the ducts to a set of clogged burners, but the problem is the same. The system will work harder than it should to heat your home, which raises both the monthly costs and the chances of a repair considerably

Safety First

Sometimes, you don’t need to guess to determine that there’s a problem with the heater . It simply won’t turn on. In most cases — assuming the issue is with the heater itself and not a loss of electrical power — that usually means a safety issue. Most modern heaters will refuse to turn on if there’s a gas leak, for example, in order to prevent the gas from spreading. The same thing will happen if the hot air backs up into the system because of a clog or the like. Many systems will turn off before the heat has a chance to damage components in the system. The good news is that you know there’s a problem very quickly. The bad news is that you’ll still need to have it addressed.

If you spot any of these signs, don’t attempt to resolve them yourself. Instead, turn off the system and call in a repair service to get it taken care of the right way.

For quality heating repairs throughout the Estacada, OR area , call on the Clean Air Act, Inc. every time!

The post Signs You Need a Heater Repair Call first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Perform Heating Repair Jobs Now

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMT

How Can You Tell if You Need Repairs?

You should never attempt to formally diagnose a repair issue with your heater yourself. It takes proper training and licensing to properly determine what is wrong with a given furnace or boiler. There are some steps you can take to determine if there’s a problem, however.

What Are the Benefits?

The benefits of performing heating repair jobs now are twofold:

For quality heating repair and maintenance services for homes throughout the Estacada, OR area, call the friendly pros at The Clean Air Act today

The post Perform Heating Repair Jobs Now first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Air Conditioning Repair Calls May Need to Replace Your System Instead

Mon, 18 Sep 2017 15:00:00 GMT

If you need to install a new system , now is the perfect time to do so, when you have plenty of time to plan for the new system and schedule an installation at your leisure. But when is replacement necessary and when can you get by with repairs? Only you can answer that question, since every air conditioner is unique and you are likely more familiar with the state of yours than a repair technician. Repair services can provide strong guidelines, however, and in general, you should look for some of the factors detailed below. They can help you make an informed decision as to the right way to proceed.

Is the Warranty Still Good?

A/C warranties protect you from the cost of replacement parts for a given period of time (usually 8-12 years, though the exact length varies by make and model of the air conditioner). So if a part breaks down — assuming it’s the original part in place when you first bought the system — it won’t cost you anything to replace it beyond the cost of labor and perhaps a few incidentals like bolts or wires. As long as the warranty is in place, it’s usually best to repair the problem rather than replace the system. Indeed, even if the warranty has expired, a repair job is still probably in order as long as the costs are kept down. Only when the costs rise and the warranty has expired should you consider replacement.

When Do Costs Get Excessive?

Again, only you can determine whether the cost of repairs is more than the system is worth and would be better spent investing in a new system. However, there are some factors that can help you decide.

If you’d decided to replace your air conditioner in the Gresham, OR area, the friendly pros at Clean Air Act, Inc. are standing by to help.

The post Air Conditioning Repair Calls May Need to Replace Your System Instead first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

High Humidity Can Damage Your AC

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 15:00:00 GMT

Why Is High Humidity a Problem?

High humidity generally means a relative humidity level that stands higher than 50%: the point at which our discomfort becomes apparent. Human beings keep cool by sweating, and more specifically by allowing the sweat to evaporate off of our skin in the breeze. When humidity levels get too high, there’s too much ambient moisture in the air to let that happen. As a result, our bodies stay heated and the sweat stays on our skin, leading to that gross sweaty feeling when the air is muggy. High humidity also fosters the growth of mold and bacteria, which no household wants to see.

How Does That Affect My Air Conditioner?

The best way to lower the humidity in the air is to lower the temperature, which causes the ambient moisture to coalesce into droplets. (It’s the same principle that creates dew in the early hours of the morning.) That means that air conditioners can serve as dehumidifiers by default. However, there are some problems with that issue.

For starters, air conditioners can’t control the humidity levels in any real way: they remove the moisture in the air haphazardly at best, and you have no say in how much that might be. Furthermore, high humidity forces the air conditioner to work harder at its primary job: cooling the air. Since the air feels hotter when humidity levels are high, the AC needs to do more, which will raise both your monthly bills and the possibility of a breakdown in the future. Over time, high humidity levels every summer could shorten the lifespan of your system considerably Finally, because the air conditioner isn’t set up to handle excess moisture, it might be overwhelmed by high humidity. Most systems have a drain pan to collect condensate, but excess humidity could overflow the pan and create a shutdown.

The solution is to install a whole-house dehumidifier in your home, allowing you to deal with excess mugginess properly. Dehumidifiers are set up to allow precise control over the relative humidity levels, allowing you to set the level you like. They can better dispose of excess humidity than air conditioners, and most importantly, they can ease the strain on your AC, allowing you to keep your home comfortable without wasting money on unnecessarily high bills. Summer is the ideal time to schedule an installation, allowing you to benefit from your new dehumidifier for the remainder of the season.

For quality dehumidifier installation and servicing in Wilsonville, OR , call The Clean Air Act today!

The post High Humidity Can Damage Your AC first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

IAQ Products Help Make Your Home a Better Place to Live

Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:00:00 GMT

Humidity levels are always a factor in Oregon too, with muggy air dominating in the summer and dry air arriving in the winter. All of these factors contribute to your household comfort levels, and unfortunately, a heating and air conditioning system just isn’t set up to accommodate them.

The solution is an indoor air quality product or IAQ product, designed to address the specific issue and work in conjunction with your HVAC system to maximize efficiency and comfort. Since every home is different, and thus has different comfort issues in need of addressing, the IAQ product you need depends a lot on the specifics. We’ve included a quick list of some of the more common ones below, to give you an idea of the kinds of options you have.

Electronic Air Cleaners

Air conditioning systems come with filters designed to screen out dust, dirt, pet hair and other contaminants. They do the job, but they need to be replaced periodically, and can often create a mess in the process. Electronic air cleaners can do a much more effective job. They work in conjunction with your air conditioner, which cycles air through the system as it runs. The air passes through an ionization chamber, which ionizes the dust particles – no matter how small – and causes them to stick to a collection plate: removing them from the air stream. Not only does that result in a cleaner house, but less dust will settle on the components of your air conditioner itself, helping it run more smoothly.

UV Air Purifiers

If you’re more concerned with germs or biological contaminants than dust, you might look into a UV air purifier, which shines an ultraviolet light across the apex of your ducts. The light is harmless to us, and to other multicellular organisms like pets. But it will instantly kill any germs, viruses or bacteria that encounter it. As the air conditioner runs, it will scrub your air clean of biological contaminants, resulting in a happier and healthier household overall.

Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

If the air in your home is too dry, it will make heating more difficult, as well as resulting in dry, cracked skin and other mild health issues. If it’s too muggy, it will feel hotter than it should and foster the growth of mold and bacteria. Heaters and air conditioners can crudely address their respective issues, but doing so adds a lot of stress and strain. A whole-house humidifier and dehumidifier can help you keep a handle on the moisture in the air properly.

For quality IAQ product installation and service in Oregon City, OR , call The Clean Air Act!

The post IAQ Products Help Make Your Home a Better Place to Live first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency This Summer

Mon, 03 Apr 2017 15:00:00 GMT

You’re likely going to be using your air conditioner pretty soon and, as the weather continues to get warmer , you’ll be called upon to use it more and more until it becomes a daily exercise. You’re going to need to spend more on monthly cooling bills by default when running the system so often. But take care that the need for increased air conditioner use doesn’t make you pay more than you should for the privilege. By improving your air conditioner’s efficiency this summer, you can help lower those bills and get a handle on the wear-and-tear that hot weather inflicts on your system.

Get It Serviced

The first step towards improving your air conditioner’s efficiency is to schedule a maintenance session from a trained technician. This isn’t the same as a repair session, which is intended to fix one specific problem. Instead, it lets the technician look for signs that such a problem may be coming in the next few weeks or months. It also allows them to correct countless little issues that don’t merit a repair call in and of themselves, but which can add up to trouble if you let them. That includes things like loose bolts, dirty components, low refrigerant and moving parts in need of lubrication, Besides lowering the risk of repairs, such efforts also improve the system’s efficiency, helping it cool your home while using less energy in the process.

Look Into Upgrades

If you need something a little more extensive to cut down on high summer cooling costs, consider an upgrade to your air conditioner: something that doesn’t actually replace the system but helps it do its job better. Every home is unique and you should consult with a technician to determine which system is right for you, but possible options include:

For air conditioning maintenance, repairs and upgrades in Oregon City, OR , call The Clean Air Act today!

The post Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency This Summer first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Get Your Air Conditioner Checked Today

Fri, 17 Mar 2017 15:00:00 GMT

What Is a Maintenance Session?

Maintenance isn’t the same thing as repairs, which are intended to address a specific problem with the air conditioner. Instead, they’re intended to address countless little problems which don’t merit a repair call on their own, but which can add up to bigger problems very quickly if you let them. They include things like moving parts that lack lubrication, bolts or screws that have become loose, worn fittings that cause components to rattle in their housings, low refrigerant levels, filters in need of changing and similar little hiccups in the system. It also gives the technician a chance to check for more serious issues, allowing you to schedule formal repairs before they become a problem.

What are the Benefits?

It may not seem like a maintenance session can provide much for your system, but in fact it can do a great deal. The benefits usually boil down to the three following factors:

Indeed, now is the optimum time of year to schedule a maintenance session, since you still have a few weeks of comparatively cool weather to schedule anything you may require. That way, your air conditioner will be ready to go when the hot weather hits, and you can rest easy knowing that it’s been given a thorough look.

Here in Portland, OR, The Clean Air Act provides timely maintenance sessions for air conditioners of all varieties!

The post Get Your Air Conditioner Checked Today first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Install a Dehumidifier This Spring

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:00:00 GMT

High Humidity Makes for Problems

As human beings, we’re most comfortable when the relative humidity (which measures the amount of ambient moisture in the air) sits somewhere between 20% and 50%. If it gets any higher, there’s too much moisture in the air to vaporize the sweat on your skin, which is our body’s natural way of keeping cool. That elevates our body temperatures and makes the air feel hotter than it is, as well as leaving the sweat on your body and making for a clammy gross feeling.

It gets worse. High humidity levels can easily foster mold growth, which is a serious problem in our part of the world, and again. It elevates the cost of running your air conditioner as well, since it must run longer to keep your home cool. And the added strain means that there is a greater chance of a breakdown sooner, which no one wants to deal with in the middle of summer.

Dehumidifiers Make for a Better Way

One of the reasons air conditioners act as jury-rigged dehumidifiers is because lowering the temperature of the air is the best way to remove moisture from it. As the temperature drops, the water vapor shifts from gaseous to liquid form coalescing into droplets in the process. That’s why you get dew in the early hours of the morning, when temperatures can do that.

Dehumidifiers thus lower the temperature of the air the same way air conditioners do. But they don’t need to eject the hot air since that’s not their function. And they can vary the amount of water vapor removed from the air, allowing you to exercise more precise control over the amount of moisture in the air. Not only does that ease the strain off of your air conditioner – saving you money and loads of wear and tear in the process – but it can reduce the mold and fungus growth in your home, and makes for a cleaner and healthier home overall. Whole-home dehumidifiers often work in conjunction with your air conditioner, making them easy to operate and eminently reliable.

If your home could use a little less mugginess and a little more comfort, then a whole-house dehumidifier might be a perfect fit. Call The Clean Air Act today. We service homes throughout the Wilsonville, OR area !

The post Install a Dehumidifier This Spring first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Importance of Mid-Winter Heating Tune-Ups

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT

What It Involves

A tune-up or maintenance session isn’t the same as a repair call . Repair calls are conducted when your heater is experiencing a specific problem interfering with its ability to function. But there are countless other things that accrue over time that can affect your heating system. Bolts can loosen, wires can become frayed, filters need changing, burners can get clogged. All of these issues are inevitable, and yet none of them merits a repair call on their own.

Maintenance sessions are designed to address that. The technician will tighten fittings; replace older screws and similar parts that may have worn out; clean the filters; unclog burners; check the ignition system;; examine wires and other electrical components; lubricate moving parts; and finally run the system for 15-20 minutes and ensure that everything is working the way it should. If more repairs are needed, the technician will be able to spot the signs and can speak to you about your options before making plans to get them addressed.

The Benefits

The benefits of a maintenance session are numerous, but boil down to three basic points:

If you haven’t scheduled a maintenance session yet this year, now is a good time to do so. It will allow you to take advantage of the benefits detailed above immediately, and give your heating system a big leg up in preparation for next winter.

Call Clean Air Act, Inc. today for heating maintenance services in Tigard, OR.

The post The Importance of Mid-Winter Heating Tune-Ups first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Conduct Heating Repairs Now

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMT

With fall colors appearing in Tigard, OR, we only have a few weeks left to go before the snow start to fall. That gives you a window to conduct any heating repairs that may be needed. We all hope for the best when it comes to heating, but with the weather still warm enough to allow for some flexibility, it’s easy enough to take some sensible precautions. Doing so can pay big dividends in the future.

Why Now?

No one wants to think about suffering a heating breakdown in the middle of the winter, but if you haven’t checked on your system, that could very well be what happens. Scheduling a heating maintenance session means that you have time to correct any problems before the weather gets too cold. You can schedule repairs (if needed) at your leisure, and balance it against the responsibilities of family and work. Contrast that with an unexpected breakdown in the middle of winter, forcing you to scramble before your home turns into an icebox. Making repairs now also means avoiding the damage you would incur by running the system over the next few weeks or months: making the overall costs lower in most cases.

How to Tell If You Need It

A maintenance session is the perfect way to look for repairs, because your heater will benefit even if nothing is wrong. Maintenance sessions are designed to improve efficiency, which is never a bad idea this time of the year. Beyond that, you should look for any signs that things aren’t running as normal, including:

If you haven’t scheduled maintenance this year, or if you detect any of the issues listed above, call the pros at Clean Air Act, Inc to give your heating system a look!

The post Conduct Heating Repairs Now first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Need a New Heater? Consider a Heat Pump

Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Fall has officially arrived in the Portland, OR area, and that means you’ll soon have need of a heating system to keep your home warm during the cold winter nights. If you have an older heater, replacing it may be a good idea, lest it break down on you in the middle of a cold front, and if your air conditioner’s warranty has expired, you may need to consider a new AC as well. Either way, it pays to make a heat pump a possible replacement from both. They provide a number of benefits over other kinds of heating and cooling, and they make a particularly good fit for homes in our part of the country.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is essentially no different than an air conditioner. It simply adds a new feature that increases its versatility. Normal air conditioners cycle refrigerant through a series of valves and coils. First heat is bled off of the refrigerant in the outdoor portion of the unit (which releases the heat through the vents), then the refrigerant pulls heat from the air inside the unit (which can then be blown into your home with a fan).

During the summer, the heat pump functions exactly like any other air conditioner. However, it can also reverse the flow of refrigerant so that it cools the air outside your home and releases hot air into it. That allows it to function as both a heater and an air conditioner in one system. More importantly, it can save you big money on monthly heating bills, since it uses the refrigerant (which isn’t consumed) to create the heat instead of gas or electrical power.

If a heat pump sounds like a good fit for your home, then call the pros at Clean Air Act, Inc. today to discuss your options!

The post Need a New Heater? Consider a Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Labor Day Is a Great Time for Heating Maintenance!

Mon, 05 Sep 2016 15:00:00 GMT

We usually mark Labor Day on our calendars as the last unofficial day of summer. After that, kids tend to head back to school and the fall season slowly settles in, though hot weather may persist for a few more weeks here in Wilsonville, OR. We like to use this holiday to remind our customers that cooler weather is right around the corner, and that they may wish to schedule a heating maintenance session sometime in the next few weeks. It makes sense in a lot of ways and could end up saving you a lot of money.

Why Maintenance?

A maintenance session is designed to perform two basic tasks:

Why Now?

It may seem counter-intuitive to focus on y0ur heating system now when the weather is still comparatively warm. But doing so give you the luxury of time: not only to schedule the session at your leisure, but to give yourself plenty of padding in the event further repairs are required. That lets you deal with any problems before the weather gets too cool, which means your system will be ready to go the moment you need it to be. The more you delay, the smaller the window to deal with such issues becomes and the few options you will have for dealing with a problem.

Call Clean Air Act, Inc. today to schedule a maintenance session for your heater !

The post Labor Day Is a Great Time for Heating Maintenance! first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Heat Pumps Perform Two Jobs in One

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Late summer is a good time to perform an assessment of your older air conditioner and determine if a replacement is in order once the summer turns to fall. It’s also a good time to evaluate your heating situation before the temperatures drop here in Oregon City, OR. In both cases, you would do well to consider a heat pump as a possible option. Though not right for every home, they offer a number of advantages, including combining the effects of a heater and an air conditioner into one single system, Here’s a quick breakdown about how they work.

ACs with a Twist

An air conditioner works by circulating refrigerant through a series of valves and coils. They first bleed heat out of the refrigerant (releasing it outside), then pull heat from the nearby air (inside, where the cool air can then be circulated through your ducts). Heat pumps work the same way, but with an added feature: they allow you to reverse the flow of refrigerant, releasing warm air inside and cool air outside. That lets it serve dual duties as a heater and an air conditioner.

The Benefits

Heat pumps tend to do extremely well in environments like ours with comparatively mild winters, and recent improvements in the technology have made them more effective than ever, and you can see the results with your winter heating bills. Because heat pumps use a renewable source (the refrigerant) to generate heat instead of gas or electricity, they cost much less to operate than other forms of heating, and the reduced strain also lessens the chances of a breakdown or similar issues with wear and tear.

If a heat pump sounds like a good fit for your home and you’re in the market for a new system, contact the pros at Clean Air Act, Inc. to discuss your installation options.

The post Heat Pumps Perform Two Jobs in One first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Geothermal Air Conditioning is Good for the Environment

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:00:00 GMT

You may have hear about geothermal systems in passing, and admittedly, it’s not a system for everyone. But if you have a large piece of property and can pay the installation costs, there are a huge number of benefits to be gained from the geothermal heating and cooling system. It draws upon the ambient power of the earth itself — which never changes temperature once you dig down past 10-12 feet or so. The system merely takes advantage of that fact to provide you with cheap, plentiful and environmentally friendly heating and cooling. Here’s how:

Coils Beneath the Earth

The core of a geothermal systems is a series of tubes or coils buried beneath the earth on your property (sometimes, they can be placed at the bottom of a small body of water such as pond. The tubes have a mixture of water and antifreeze pumped through them that facilitate a heat exchange with the earth: either releasing heat into the earth in the summer or pulling heat from the earth in the winter, The liquid then circulates back into your home and can then be used to warm or col the air in there.

Why So Elaborate?

The cost of installing a geothermal system comes from the need to bury the coils, requiring construction equipment and significant man-hours. Obviously, you need the space to be able to set up a system like that properly. But once installed, it uses very little energy: just enough to run the fan and pump inside your home. It eliminates the need to burn fuel or use electricity to heat or cool the air, pulling on an infinitely renewable resource instead. Besides being great for the environment, the system can save you a huge amount of money on monthly heating and cooling bills.

Clean Air Act, Inc. can install, maintain and repair a geothermal system for you!

The post Geothermal Air Conditioning is Good for the Environment first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Look into a Dehumidifier This Spring

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 15:00:00 GMT

Beaverton, OR can get plenty hot in the summer, which is why you need your air conditioner to run at top condition before the temperatures get too high. But Oregon is also a very humid part of the world, and excessive moisture can be just as much of a factor in your household comfort level as high temperatures can. If you don’t already own one, look into a whole-house dehumidifier this spring. You’d be surprised at how much of a difference it will make.

High Humidity Causes Problems

When the relative humidity levels get above 50% or so, there’s too much moisture in the air to absorb the sweat off of your skin. That’s the main way our body has of keeping cool. So high humidity means that it feels hotter than it actually is, as well as making you feel sweatier and grosser. It can also foster the growth of mold and bacteria, which is never a good thing. Air conditioners can address the issue, but they’re not set up to specifically deal with humidity, and as such will need to work much harder to compensate: raising your monthly bills and the possibility of a breakdown in equal measures.

Dehumidifiers Ease the Burden

Essentially, a dehumidifier doesn’t do anything differently than an air conditioner does – lowering the temperature and causing the water vapor in the air to coalesce into droplets. But because it specifically deals with humidity, it can handle that load much more readily, including storing the liquid formed for easy disposal. As a result, it can ease the strain on your air conditioner, helping to lower those monthly bills as well as helping your home feel cooler. It also helps return the growth of mold and similar creepy crawlies, making your household healthier as well as happier.

Clean Air Act Inc. can install and repair a whole-house dehumidifier for you.

The post Look into a Dehumidifier This Spring first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Prep Your Air Conditioner for the Spring

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 16:00:00 GMT

This time of year, we like to instruct our clients to start to prepare their air conditioners for the summer season ahead. We’re still in the last stages of winter, but getting your AC system ready now will avoid having to rush around before an unexpected heat wave and ensure that your system is ready to go. The best way to do so here in Clackamas, OR is to schedule a maintenance session from a trained professional. It will clear out the cobwebs and help your system perform at maximum efficiency, as well as spotting any potential repair issues before you have need of your air conditioner. In addition to the professional touch, there are a few steps you yourself can take to prep your air conditioner for spring. Here’s a pair of them to think about.

Change the Air Filter

Air filters are designed to work in conjunction with the flow of air through your ducts: screening out dust, dander, pet hair and other contaminants which you don’t want circulating in the air. You should change your filter once a month or so, but definitely before the cooling season begins. A clogged filter will reduce the flow of air and create a number of issues in your air conditioning itself.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit can easily become covered in detritus and overgrowth during the long winter. You might also have stacked firewood or other objects beside it while it sat unused. We recommend using an outdoor cover to protect against the elements, but whether you have one or not, you should still clear away all the leaves, twigs and other debris, as well as pulling weeds and moving heavier objects at least two feet away from the system.

Call upon the pros at Clean Air Act to schedule maintenance or repairs on your air conditioner!

The post Prep Your Air Conditioner for the Spring first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Reasons There’s Ice Forming on Your Heat Pump

Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:00:00 GMT

It gets cold here in Portland, OR this time of year, and it’s natural to assume that ice will form on the outdoor part of your heat pump just like it does everywhere else. In point of fact, however, ice on the heat pump can be a big problem, and it might not be the weather that’s to blame. Of the ice seems excessive or you witness a corresponding loss of heat or similar problem accompanying its appearance, you should shut off your system and call in a trained professional right away. Here are three reasons there’s ice forming on your heat pump , most of which need a technician to correct.

1. Broken Defroster

Modern heat pumps come equipped with defrosters to melt the ice that forms on their surfaces. If the defroster goes down, ice will form up, interfering with the heating and cooling process. The system will then struggle to heat and cool your home efficiently, and the strain will eventually lead to a serious breakdown if the defroster isn’t fixed.

2. Lost Refrigerant

Refrigerant in the system travels through a closed loop, alternately heating and cooling the air at different stages of the process. When it leaks, frost forms on the evaporator coil (which is located in the outdoor part of the unit) which interferes with the heat pump doing its job. Again, the system will work harder to do its job, raising your monthly heating bills and the risk of a further breakdown in equal measures.

3. Outside Factors

Sometimes the problem isn’t with the heat pump at all, but with things outside of the system. Snow build-up around the outdoor unit can contribute to ice formation, as can ice that melts in a thaw and then refreezes when the temperature drops again. Keep your system clear of snow and wipe off any meltwater that forms during a thaw.

Talk to Clean Air Act, Inc. for heat pump repairs of all varieties!

The post 3 Reasons There’s Ice Forming on Your Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Benefits of a Heat Pump

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 16:00:00 GMT

A heat pump is a wrinkle on the traditional notion of air conditioning systems, which circulate refrigerant in a close loop. AC systems first vent hot air outside your home, then lower the temperature of air inside the system before blowing it into your home with a fan. Heat pumps similarly offer a “reversible” variation of that cycle: allowing you to heat the home as well as cool it with just the flick of a switch. Heat pumps are more expensive than traditional air conditioners, but provide a number of benefits that Portland, OR residents would do well to consider. Here’s a few of them laid out for you.

Lowered Heating Costs

Heat pumps don’t rely on gas or other fuel to generate warmth: just the cycle of refrigerant and the electricity required to power it. That means you can heat your home for much less than you might with another system, lowering those monthly heating bills in the bargain.

Improved Efficiency

Heat pumps used to work best in areas where the temperatures rarely dipped below freezing. Portland’s winters are comparatively mild, but we still have our share of cold fronts that come rolling in. Recent advances in heat pump technology have mead them effective at much colder temperatures, however, which means you can run it without fear no matter how cold the temperature gets.

Convenience

Since heat pumps combine the effects of a heater and an air conditioner into one, you don’t need to worry about the separate needs of a heater and an air conditioner. That makes repairs and upgrades a lot easier to handle, as well as simplifying the specifics of your HVAC system more than you can imagine.

If a heat pump sounds right for your home, or you already own one and it needs repairs or maintenance, then the Clean Air Act is here to help!

The post Benefits of a Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Common Problems with Your Geothermal Heater

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 16:00:00 GMT

“Common” is actually a misnomer when talking about geothermal systems. Part of the attraction of the system is its reliability: using coils full of liquid to pull heat from the unchanging temperatures beneath the ground (or to release heat from your home and cool the air in the summer). Here in Portland, OR, the system matches our environment quite well and with proper maintenance you shouldn’t expect many problems from your geothermal system. Having said that, no system is perfect, and issues with your heater may crop up from time to time. Here are a few of them for you to consider.

Insufficient Heat

If the geothermal system isn’t circulating liquid through it, it might not be generating heat the way it needs to. Similar problems can arise if too much air travels through the system if there’s a fluid leak somewhere, or if the reversing valve is damaged somehow. Either way, it forces the system to work harder to do its job, resulting in higher bills than necessary and an increase possibility of repair.

Electrical Issues

Geothermal systems still rely on fans to move the heated air through your home and pumps to circulate the liquid through the tubes. When they run into electrical problems – frayed wires, loose connections and the like – it can shut the whole system down, or at least create significant problems with the system’s performance.

Leaks

Leaks are infrequent, especially below ground where the earth protects the coils from damage. They are a little more common at the apex of the system, however, which is actually good news since they can be treated far more readily there. Besides the damage from the leak itself, the loss of liquid will severely impact the system’s performance, and can lead to other problems to boot.

If you detect problems with your geothermal system, call the pros at Clean Air Act, Inc. to help!

The post Common Problems with Your Geothermal Heater first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Schedule a Heating Maintenance Session Before the Holidays!

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 16:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving arrives this weekend, and with it comes the annual tradition of family, friends, good food and football games. If your Portland, OR home is looking to host a Thanksgiving dinner this year – or perhaps something later in the holiday season, whether it’s a formal get-together or just some friends coming over to watch the game – you might want to schedule a maintenance session for your heating system to ensure that everything is working correctly.

What Is a Maintenance Session?

A maintenance session isn’t quite the same as a repair session. Repair sessions are usually conducted to correct a specific problem that’s bedeviling your heater, such as a lack of air flow or an unexpected rattling noise. Maintenance on the other hand, is designed to look for signs of potential trouble that haven’t happened yet, as well as addressing the countless little issues that keep your system from functioning at its best. They can include (and are not limited to) the following:

The benefits of a maintenance session mean that your heater will work as efficiently as it can, helping to save you money as you run it throughout the holidays. It also gets ahead of any potential issues, and ensures that you can focus on food and family this holiday season, instead of scheduling a repair.

Call Clean Air Act, Inc. today to schedule a maintenance session before the holidays!

The post Schedule a Heating Maintenance Session Before the Holidays! first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Possible Causes of Low Heat in Your Furnace

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Your furnace is going to see daily use this winter, as it will most winters in a town like Portland, OR. That makes it doubly concerning when you turn your heater on and the air isn’t warm enough, or worse: it’s not hot at all. That usually merits a visit from a repair technician, who can pinpoint the problem quickly and implement a proper solution. As a homeowner, however, it may help you to understand the possible causes of low heat in your furnace , which can stem from a number of different sources and usually requires professional expertise to resolve. Here’s a partial list of some of the more common causes to help you out.

Clogged Burners and Gas Lines

The burners are where the heating process gets started, and over time they can develop clogs and similar problems, preventing them from working as they should. In some cases, this can stem from trouble in the gas lines, where a clog or disruption is preventing the gas from getting to the burners. (This is one of the reasons why you should shut off the heater and the gas immediately upon detecting a problem: leaky gas is nothing to fool around with.) A service technician can unclog the burners, and regular maintenance session can help keep them from forming in the first place.

Overheating

Furnaces can overheat, and when they do, a limit switch turns the burners off to prevent the problem from causing permanent damage to your heater. A good first step if this happens to you is to check and replace the furnace’s filter. If it’s dirty, that may be the source of the problem. If overheating continues, however, call in a technician.

Duct Breaches

When the duct system experiences a breach, it can either drag heated air out of your ducts or pull cool air in. Either way, your system won’t deliver the heat that it needs to. Duct breaches are likely in situations where only one vent or area of your home is blowing cool air.

If you detect low heat levels in your furnace, call Clean Air Act, Inc. immediately!

The post Possible Causes of Low Heat in Your Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Is Geothermal Heating Right for Me?

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:00:00 GMT

Geothermal heating is an exciting alternative to traditional forms of heating. It uses a physical constant to provide warmth for your home: once you get more than a few feet below the ground, the temperature of the Earth never changes. A geothermal system simply runs a series of tubes below the ground on your property, then pumps a mixture of water and anti-freeze through it. The mixture facilitates a heat exchange with the ground, allowing you to warm or cool your home by drawing on an infinitely renewable natural resource. Geothermal heating can save you a great deal of money over the life of the unit, and a lot of Portland, OR residents will appreciate its environmentally friendly format. That being said, there are some factors involved which you should consider carefully before pulling the trigger. “Is geothermal heating right for me?” you ask. Here are some things to think about.

Property Space

Geothermal heating can be inserted vertically in the ground in some cases, but by and large, it requires a fair amount of space to capitalize on. If you have a good-sized chunk of property, it can likely be facilitated fairly readily. But if you’re living on a smaller patch of land, the logistics involved might not be a good fit.

Up-Front Costs

In the long term, geothermal systems can save you a great deal of money, but the initial investment costs a fair amount. Furthermore, because the coils need to be buried, the initial installation can be quite disruptive, and you need to be prepared for a significant operation before being able to use it. The good news is that, because they’re underground, the tubes are protected from wear and tear and rarely need repairs. But you’ll still need to front-load the costs before moving forward.

If geothermal heating sounds like the right option for you, then call the pros at Clean Air Act for more!

The post Is Geothermal Heating Right for Me? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Install a Dehumidifier to Maximize Home Comfort

Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:00:00 GMT

If you live in Portland, OR, you know that rain and high humidity levels are a way of life around here. It gets particularly bad in the summertime, when relative humidity combines with high heat to make things unbearable. Your air conditioner can provide some relief, but cool air can only deal with humidity levels so much. If you really want to address the problem, you should talk to a service professional and have him or her install a dehumidifier to maximize home comfort.

How They Work

Dehumidifiers work in a manner not dissimilar to your air conditioner. When the temperature of the air falls, the moisture in it coalesces into droplets of water, which is why you see dew in the early morning, when temperatures are coolest. Air conditioners do this too, but they’re not specifically set up for it and high humidity levels can increase the strain on their systems. A dehumidifier is built specifically to do that, with a larger reservoir for condensation than an air conditioner and a reheater to ensure that the air that comes out of it is the same temperature as the air that went in.

The Benefits of a Dehumidifier

First and foremost, a dehumidifier makes your home more comfortable by reducing the clamminess in the air. That, in turn, helps the air conditioner do its job more readily, decreasing the strain on your system and reducing the chances of a breakdown or other serious repair job. Perhaps most importantly, however, a dehumidifier makes it harder for germs and bacteria to breed in your home: cutting down on mold and lowering the chances of household members getting sick. This is especially beneficial if you’ve recently brought a new baby home, if you have an elderly member of the household, or if someone in your family suffers from asthma.

The pros at Clean Air Act have years of experience installing dehumidifiers in the Portland, OR area. Give us a call today and let us show you what we can do!

The post Install a Dehumidifier to Maximize Home Comfort first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Factors to Consider with a New Air Conditioning Installation

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT

A good air conditioner is a staple of your home, and while routine maintenance can make yours last a long time, sooner or later every AC unit needs to be replaced. Here in Portland, OR, spring makes an excellent time to replace an older or faulty air conditioner before the summer months bring heat and humidity with them. Because it represents a significant investment in your home, however, the decision to replace your air conditioner should come only after careful planning and consideration. Here are 3 factors to consider with a new air conditioning installation .

1. Sizing is Key

Most people know better than to install an air conditioner that isn’t powerful enough to adequately cool your space. But you also need to avoid selecting a unit that is too powerful, which will cause it to cycle on and off more than it should – increasing strain and raising your monthly bills in the bargain. A trained professional can help you pick a unit that is sized right for your space and conditions.

2. Check the SEER Rating

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio: a measure of how efficiently the air conditioner uses energy. The higher the ratio, the less energy it needs to cool your house and the lower your bills will be. Look for units with the highest SEER rating you can afford, and always make sure the new unit has a higher SEER rating than the old.

3. Look into Upgrades

Technology advances constantly, and chances are a new air conditioner will offer features and options that your previous one does not. Look into features like multi-speed fans, UV filters to improve the air quality and units that offer quiet running modes.

If you’re considering a new air conditioning installation, contact the experts at The Clean Air Act . We’ll go over your options with you and find the one for you!

The post 3 Factors to Consider with a New Air Conditioning Installation first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Factors to Consider with a New Air Conditioning Installation

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT

1. Sizing is Key

2. Check the SEER Rating

3. Look into Upgrades

If you’re considering a new air conditioning installation, contact the experts at The Clean Air Act . We’ll go over your options with you and find the one for you!

The post 3 Factors to Consider with a New Air Conditioning Installation first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Are My Options for Air Conditioning Installation?

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT

It’s still cool in our part of the world, but it won’t be long before it’s time to switch the thermostat from heating to cooling. If you are in need of a new air conditioner for the coming summer season, whether for a brand new installation or to replace an aging one, you’ll want to take some time to consider your available choices. There are a number of options for homeowners when it comes to air conditioning, and taking some time to review them with a trained professional helps ensure that you’ll purchase and install an air conditioning system that will fit your needs and the needs of your home for a long time. The experts at Clean Air Act can help you every step of the way, so call us today and schedule an appointment.

AC Options

Here are the air conditioning choices available from Clean Air Act:

Not sure which system will fit best with your home in Portland, OR? Call us today and schedule an appointment!

The post What Are My Options for Air Conditioning Installation? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Are My Options for Air Conditioning Installation?

Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT

AC Options

Here are the air conditioning choices available from Clean Air Act:

Not sure which system will fit best with your home in Portland, OR? Call us today and schedule an appointment!

The post What Are My Options for Air Conditioning Installation? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Common Furnace Repairs

Mon, 12 Jan 2015 19:10:00 GMT

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.

The post 3 Common Furnace Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch?

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:07:00 GMT

There are many parts of a furnace whose roles are pretty well known. Most homeowners already know what a pilot light does, or a heat exchanger, or an air filter. The furnace limit switch is rarely regarded as a major part of how the furnace operates. However, the limit switch serves a vital role in proper furnace operation. Let’s examine what the furnace limit switch is, what it does, and what can happen when it malfunctions.

What is the Limit Switch?

The furnace limit switch is a control circuit that determines whether to turn the furnace fan on or off. It is also responsible for turning off the burners. When the heat is turned on, the limit switch is the object that actually starts the fan in the furnace to that air can begin circulating. When the thermostat determines that the target temperature has been reached, it tells the limit switch to shut off the fan and the burners.

The limit switch is also attached to a separate thermostat, which measures the internal temperature of the furnace. The switch usually doesn’t turn the furnace fan on right away. Instead, it waits until the internal furnace temperature gets warm enough to begin heating the home. If the furnace’s internal temperature rises too high, the limit switch will shut off the furnace to prevent overheating. This brings us to the major issue that can occur with furnace limit switches.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is the name for when your furnace turns itself on and off rapidly and repeatedly throughout the day. This is caused by the limit switch registering an internal furnace temperature that is too high. When that happens, the switch shuts the furnace down to prevent overheating damage. After the furnace cools off, however, it starts up again and the cycle goes on indefinitely. This causes quite a bit of damage to the furnace, and should not be allowed to continue for any length of time. You’ll need a professional to determine whether the limit switch or the furnace is responsible for the short-cycling.

If you need to schedule service for your furnace in the Portland area , call Clean Air Act. We offer heating services throughout Portland, OR.

The post What Is a Furnace Limit Switch? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is a Gas Furnace Draft Pressure Switch?

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 16:22:00 GMT

Your gas furnace comes equipped with a number of safety switches to ensure smooth and safe operation. One of these safety switches is known as the draft pressure switch. Correct internal air pressure is critical to the proper operation of your heating system, and this switch helps your system to know whether or not the right level of air pressure is present for operation. As with any component in your heating system, the draft pressure switch can malfunction. If you are experiencing issues with your system, don’t try to determine what the problem is yourself. Instead, call the Portland heating experts you can trust: Clean Air Act.

The Draft Pressure Switch

When your heating cycle starts, air is pulled into the combustion chamber via the draft inducer fan. The furnace pressure switch is designed to sense the negative pressure created by the draft inducer fan at start up, and if the air pressures and venting are not correct, the switch will shut down ignition.

Types of Draft Pressure Switches

The design of the draft pressure switch used in your furnace will depend upon the design of your furnace itself.

Common Problems with a Draft Pressure Switch

Pressure switches operate at 24 volts, so if the electrical flow to the switch is below that, the switch won’t work. Another common problem with draft pressure switches is that they can become stuck in an “open” position, which will shut down the ignition process every time your furnace starts up.

Draft pressure switches are important safety controls, and are delicate components to work on; this is why it’s important to call a professional for repair. Having problems with your furnace? Call Clean Air Act today and schedule an appointment heating service in Portland with one of our HVAC experts.

The post What Is a Gas Furnace Draft Pressure Switch? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Scheduling Fall Maintenance Is Important

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:28:00 GMT

Before the winter cold weather arrives, you must make sure that your home’s heater—whether a furnace, a heat pump, or geothermal system—is ready to do its job. You probably have not used the heating system for a number of months; you don’t want to encounter an unpleasant surprise when you first turn it on for the winter and find it malfunctioning, or perhaps not even working at all.

The best way to prep your heater for the winter is with professional maintenance during the fall. This is the time of the year when most people schedule an inspection and tune-up for their heating system, the same way they schedule it for their air conditioning system during the spring.

Arranging for maintenance is easy: you only have to call Clean Air Act and talk to one of our friendly technicians. We will give you all the details about our maintenance plans for heating and air conditioning in Portland, OR.

The Importance of Fall Maintenance

There are many reasons that you should arrange for heating maintenance during the fall, but the principle one is to avoid surprise malfunctions and breakdowns . During one of the coldest days of the year, the last thing you want is for your heater to start losing its power to keep you warm, or to fail completely. But without maintenance to catch potential faults and reduce the effects of aging and strain on the system, a heater is at much greater risk of needing emergency repairs.

You also need to schedule maintenance during the fall to keep the heating system efficient. A heating system undergoes a great deal of stress every year, and unless it receives regular attention that stress will make it drain more energy as it works. Each year that a heater goes without an inspection and tune-up, it will lose on average 5% of its efficiency. But with regular maintenance, it will keep 95% of its efficiency for most of its service life.

Finally, it’s always wise to arrange for maintenance during the fall because technicians have much less crowded schedules during this time of year. You should have few problems scheduling a convenient time for the maintenance visit.

At Clean Air Act, we offer regular maintenance for heating and air conditioning in Portland, OR that will protect your comfort and your investment in your HVAC system. We have a three-tiered maintenance program: please call us today for more details, and get a head-start on the winter.

The post Why Scheduling Fall Maintenance Is Important first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Air Conditioner Sizing: Why It’s Important

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 22:29:00 GMT

When selecting an air conditioner for a home, one factor installers must give serious consideration is the system’s size. In this case, “size” doesn’t mean how much space the cooling system takes up (although that is, of course, something they must consider) but how powerful it is in term of cooling capacity.

Correctly sizing an AC is more important than you may realize. You need your air conditioner to have enough cooling power to keep your home at the right temperature, but an AC that is too powerful will also cause serious problems. This one of the reasons that it’s vital for only professionals to handle installation for an air conditioner—any mistake can lead to a poorly working system that will need to be replaced.

For skilled technicians to size and handle air conditioning installation, look to the experienced teams at Clean Air Act.

When An Air Conditioner Is Too Small…

An AC that cannot provide sufficient cooling capacity will fail to keep the temperature in a home at a comfortable level. It will also unevenly distribute cooling, so that more distant rooms will contain hot spots. The AC will run longer than it should, trying to make up for its lack of cooling power with constant operation, and this will cause the system to age rapidly. It will also significantly raise your utility bills. You may think that a smaller system will save your money, but in the long-run it will cost you money.

When An Air Conditioner Is Too Large…

It may seem odd that an oversized air conditioner can present problems. Why not just turn it down? But the problem with an air conditioner that is too large for the space it is required to cool is that the system will begin to “short-cycle”: it will lower the temperature in the nearest rooms so rapidly that the thermostat will register it has completed the cooling cycle and shut off the compressor early. The compressor will then turn back on shortly after, only to shut down again… and so on. This constant “stop-start” has the same damaging effect you would expect to occur with a car engine doing the same thing: it will wear down faster. Short-cycling also wastes energy, since air conditioners draw the most power when the compressor starts up. The system won’t provide even cooling, either, since the cooling will shut off too soon for the conditioned air to reach the rest of the home.

Have Your Air Conditioner Sized Professionally

In both cases, there is little that repairs can accomplish to fix these problems. You will need to replace the under- or oversized system and start over.

You can avoid this major hassle and expenditure by making sure to hire only experienced technicians to size an air conditioner. Trained installers will perform a heat load calculation for your home to determine exactly the amount of cooling load necessary to keep it comfortable. After that, the installers will have no trouble selecting the AC that will do the ideal job.

Make your first call for air conditioning installation in Beaverton, OR to Clean Air Act. We will make certain that you receive the right AC to keep you comfortable any time of the year.

The post Air Conditioner Sizing: Why It’s Important first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Common Geothermal Repairs

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 17:33:00 GMT

One of the major advantages of having a geothermal system to provide your home with heating and cooling is that it will last for many decades; the ground loops will often endure for more than 50 years. Geothermal heat pumps require fewer repairs than most other home comfort systems, but they will still need occasional professional attention, as well as annual maintenance.

If you detect problems with your geothermal heat pump—such as a drop in cooling or heating power, strange noises from the indoor cabinet, or indications of leaking from the ground loops—call for repairs immediately from technicians experienced with geothermal work. At Clean Air Act, we provide air conditioning repairs in Portland, OR that can take care of your geothermal system, no matter what is wrong with it.

Some of the More Common Geothermal Heat Pump Repairs

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are more extensive than standard air-source heat pumps, so they need to have experts familiar with their layouts perform any necessary repairs. You can’t simply turn to any HVAC company that handles heating and air conditioning repairs to handle the work. Look to a company like Clean Air Act. We have more than a decade of experience working on geothermal systems in Portland, OR . Along with repairs, we also do installation and maintenance work.

The post 3 Common Geothermal Repairs first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Problems That Can Happen with Geothermal System

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 18:16:00 GMT

When it comes to reliable heating and cooling for a house, geothermal heat pumps offer one of the best options available today. Using the stable heat of the earth as a medium for exchange, a geothermal heat pump can provide heating and air conditioning that is far more efficient than that of an air-source heat pump. No matter the temperature outside, you can turn on your geothermal system and receive the comfort you need.

Although geothermal systems have remarkable durability (the ground loops can last for more than 50 years), they can still sometimes run into problems. When any of these problems occur, you need to contact professionals in geothermal air conditioning repair in Portland, OR to handle the work. Clean Air Act can handle the geothermal services you need to restore your system whenever you encounter any of the problems below.

If you detect a drop in the heating or cooling reliability of your ground-source heat pump, call for professional repair work right away. Installing a geothermal system is not a DIY job, and neither are repairs for one.

Clean Air Act is available 24 hours a day with emergency heating and air conditioning repair in Portland, OR. We specialize in geothermal repairs and replacements, so make us your first choice when you need help with your ground-source heat pump.

The post 3 Problems That Can Happen with Geothermal System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Compressor Problems Affect Your Whole Air Conditioner

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:37:00 GMT

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

The post How Compressor Problems Affect Your Whole Air Conditioner first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Troubles with the Motors in Your Air Conditioning System

Thu, 19 Jun 2014 16:04:00 GMT

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:

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:

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 .

The post Troubles with the Motors in Your Air Conditioning System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Causes of a Faulty Fan in Your Air Conditioning

Thu, 05 Jun 2014 16:07:00 GMT

A basic part of air conditioning operation is the fans. There are two fans in an AC: the indoor blower fan that sends air from the return vents past the evaporator coil (cooling the air) and then out into the ventilation system; and the outdoor fan that pulls in exterior air and exhausts heat. The fans are not only crucial for sending air through the vents, but for permitting heat exchange to occur.

If the fans in your air conditioner develop faults, you will need to have professionals look into their operation, diagnose the problem, and apply targeted repairs. This isn’t something you should attempt to do on your own. For the necessary air conditioning repairs in Gresham, OR that will take care of your fan problems, contact Clean Air Act any time of the day or night.

Reasons for fan faults

Fan, motors, and capacitors are too complicated for non-professionals to handle, so don’t turn to amateurs or a DIY guide for the work: call Clean Air Act and let our training and expertise fix the fans that are threatening your cooling. For all your needs for air conditioning repair service in Gresham, OR , put your trust in us.

The post Causes of a Faulty Fan in Your Air Conditioning first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

3 Factors Involved in Sizing a New Air Conditioner

Fri, 30 May 2014 20:12:00 GMT

How large an air conditioning system should you have for your home? The right answer isn’t, “As large as will fit and that you can afford.” An AC that is too large for the house it is supposed to cool down will encounter as much trouble as one that is undersized. The undersized system will struggle to reach the right temperature and run wastefully, while an oversized system will constantly turn on and off before completing its cooling cycle (short-cycling), draining energy and quickly wearing down.

The process of finding the right size air conditioner for a home is called sizing . Although you can attempt to size an AC on your own, you shouldn’t: the amount of factors involved in determining how much heat a home traps and how much cooling is necessary to overcome it is detailed and intricate, and you should leave this job to HVAC professionals.

For your new air conditioning installation in Beaverton, OR, make sure you have the team at Clean Air Act helping you. We will make sure you have the best installation possible.

3 important factors in AC sizing

There are many factors in sizing, but here are three of the key ones.

Once the installers have finished this process, which is known as a heat load calculation , they will have a strong idea of how large an air conditioner you need to keep you comfortable without causing trouble with short-cycling and energy drain.

It’s easy to get started: you only have to call Clean Air Act and talk to our specialists in air conditioning in Beaverton, OR. We strive to the highest levels of customer services and will dedicate ourselves to providing you quality comfort.

The post 3 Factors Involved in Sizing a New Air Conditioner first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Estimate Size for a Replacement Gas Furnace

Wed, 09 Apr 2014 19:33:00 GMT

Gas furnaces are designed to be long-lasting and reliable, but sooner or later, they need to be replaced just like any other appliance. Furnace specialists can replace your old furnace with a new one, but before that happens, you need to determine the size and type of furnace for your home. The easy solution is to simply ask for a furnace the same size as your old one, but that may not be the best option.

Here’s how to estimate size for a replacement gas furnace in Oregon City:

Sizing matters because an improperly sized furnace can cost you a great deal. If it’s not powerful enough to heat your home… well… it won’t heat your home! If it’s too powerful, on the other hand, it will cycle on and off throughout the day, costing you a great deal of money in unnecessary wear and tear. Proper sizing is critical for maximum furnace efficiency.

Estimating that size is trickier than it seems. In the first place, you have to take the furnaces AFUE (annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating into account. The higher the rating, the more efficiently it will heat your home, and the smaller it will need to be. In most cases, your new furnace will have a higher AFUE rating than your old one, so you might not need to spend as much as you thought.

Other factors involved in calculation include your home’s exposure to sunlight (which can naturally warm you home if you have a lot of it) and the amount of insulation it has (which will help it better retain the heat generated by the furnace). And of course, you need to estimate the square footage of your home, which remains the primary factor in determining the proper size.

As you might imagine, the calculations to estimate size for a replacement gas furnace can get very complicated with all of those variables to consider. That’s why you need trained professionals like the ones at Clean Air Act to help. We handle furnace services in Oregon City and we can properly size your new furnace to ensure you get the most value for your money. Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

The post How to Estimate Size for a Replacement Gas Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Furnace Repair Issues to Take Care of at the End of Heating Season

Sat, 05 Apr 2014 03:53:00 GMT

With winter fading, your home’s furnace will see less use, and soon the air conditioner will start up to keep you cool for the middle of the year. However, in Oregon we can expect our heating systems to come back on a few days during the summer, so it’s wise to make sure that your furnace has all its necessary repair needs taken care of after the hard labor over winter.

The stress of heating season will take a toll on any furnace, no matter its age; if you notice anything about your furnace that seems amiss during the spring, call up professional technicians to look into the issue and see what they can do about it. For high quality furnace repair service in Portland, OR , rely on Clean Air Act and our around-the-clock, around-the-calendar services.

Here are some common problems that furnaces can encounter at the end of winter that need prompt repairs:

As mentioned above, you do not want to tamper with any appliance connected to a gas line: that includes your whole gas-powered furnace. The potential for injury from carbon monoxide exposure or explosion is too great to risk. If you think your furnace need attention, call up trained professionals right away and do not take any more steps yourself.

Clean Air Act can solve the problems in your furnace quickly and with minimum disruption to your heating . Trust us for all your need for furnace repair in Portland, OR.

The post Furnace Repair Issues to Take Care of at the End of Heating Season first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What AFUE Means and How It Affects You

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 00:25:00 GMT

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.

The post What AFUE Means and How It Affects You first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What You Need to Know about Air Conditioning and Humidity

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 17:52:00 GMT

“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” This is a common phrase that most of have heard (or said) during the summer. It seems that despite the best efforts of our air conditioners, we may still find that the humidity and heat are unstoppable during the dog days of summer. Even homes that have excellent air conditioners with high performance values may be frustrated by stuffy and uncomfortable levels of humidity in the home. While your AC does dehumidify the air, this does not often impact the relative humidity of the entire home enough. In today’s post, we’d like to examine the relation between air conditioning and humidity in more detail. Call the Portland, OR air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act today for cooling services throughout the Portland, CA area.

As part of the cooling cycle process, your AC dehumidifies the air. The indoor evaporator circulates a cool, liquid refrigerant through its coils. As the warm indoor air blows through the coils, it causes the refrigerant inside to evaporate. In turn, this cooling process partially dehumidifies the air, which leaves condensed water on the coils that drips into the condensate drain pan. But this process only dehumidifies as part of the cooling process as a whole, and high humidity levels outside will still entail high humidity inside the home, too.

When this dehumidification process is not enough, you should consider installing a whole-house dehumidifier . While portable units can be good in a pinch, to be truly comfortable and to be able to control the level of humidity in your home, you need a device that integrates directly within your existing HVAC system. High humidity can lead to stuffy air, mold growth inside your ductwork, condensation on the walls and floors, and even damp carpeting.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your comfort, you need to make sure that your air conditioner is in great working shape, and that you’re taking all the necessary steps towards excellent indoor air quality. Call Clean Air Act today for excellent air conditioning services throughout the Portland, CA area .

The post What You Need to Know about Air Conditioning and Humidity first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important in the Spring Time?

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:20:00 GMT

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!

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

The post Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important in the Spring Time? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

When To Schedule AC Tune-Ups

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:25:00 GMT

While Beaverton, OR isn’t known for its hot weather, having a good air conditioning system is a critical part of your comfort. For those few days when it’s hot you want to be able to stay comfortable in your home. Getting your air conditioning system regularly inspected and tuned up is a great way to make sure that your AC system works well when you need it. At Clean Air Act , we take our customers’ comfort very seriously. That’s why we offer high quality air conditioning tune-ups throughout the Beaverton, OR area. Here are some suggestions for homeowners in the area about the benefits of scheduling AC tune-ups and when you should do it.

When to Schedule AC Tune-Ups in Beaverton OR

During the fall and winter you likely don’t use your air conditioning system. But when the spring and summer comes around you will likely be using your AC more often. Likely, the best time to get your air conditioning system maintained and tuned up is right before you start using it again. Some companies recommend that you recommend that you get your air conditioning system tuned up in the spring before the cooling season rolls around. Call Clean Air Act if you’re interested in scheduling air conditioning maintenance in Beaverton, OR .

Benefits of Regular AC Tune-Ups in Beaverton OR

Having your air conditioning system regularly maintained, inspected and cleaned has tremendous benefits for homeowners in Beaverton, OR . During regular maintenance visits, your AC technician will inspect and clean every component of your air conditioning unit. This will allow them to find small problems before they turn into larger, more costly repairs. Not only can this potentially reduce the need for air conditioning repairs in Beaverton but it could also improve the efficiency of your system.

If you need air conditioning repairs in Beaverton OR , call the AC experts at Clean Air Act. Contact Clean Air Act today!

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Proper Ventilation for Improved Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

When you think about your Portland home’s furnace , you’re probably not thinking about indoor air quality. But the truth is that there are several ways in which your furnace can impact the quality of the air in your home. When you have a furnace in your home, it’s important to understand the relationship between these heating systems and your home’s indoor air quality.

Proper Ventilation for Byproducts of Combustion

Especially if you have a gas furnace, you need to be aware of the gasses that are produced by the combustion of natural gas to generate heat. The two that are the most relevant to indoor air quality are carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. In a furnace that’s working properly and is well maintained, these gasses will be kept from the living spaces of your home and vented outside where they can disperse and are not harmful.

Air Filters

In addition to venting fumes outside, your furnace also should have air filters that can remove all types of indoor air contaminants that may be found in your indoor air. These air filters are a great way to keep the quality of your indoor air high, but they also need to be changed out or cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they’re working properly and that you’re getting all of the benefit you should from them.

If you have a particularly severe indoor air quality problem, or if anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, you may want to invest in an upgrade to the stock filters that come with your furnace. Opting for a higher quality filter can dramatically improve the quality of your indoor air.

For more information about how to improve the air quality in your Portland home, give The Clean Air Act, Inc. a call today!

The post Proper Ventilation for Improved Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Proper Ventilation for Improved Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Proper Ventilation for Byproducts of Combustion

Air Filters

For more information about how to improve the air quality in your Portland home, give The Clean Air Act, Inc. a call today!

The post Proper Ventilation for Improved Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A geothermal system isn’t much different from other Portland heating and air conditioning systems in that it will require regular preventive maintenance visits, may need repairs on occasion, and eventually certain components will need to be replaced. But when will those replacements be needed and how will they compare to the frequency of part replacement on systems such as those for a furnace or air conditioner?

The Condenser

A geothermal system may draw heat from a unique source, but the technology used to extract that heat and distribute it throughout your home is largely the same as in a traditional heat pump or air conditioner. So, you will have a condenser unit outside your home, coils inside your home and an air handler to distribute the air that is heated or cooled.

Each of these components needs to be properly maintained over a period of time to keep it from breaking down but there will be times when certain things need to be replaced. For reference, the average condenser unit has a limited warranty of up to 10 years. The system will likely last beyond that if well maintained, but it will probably need replacement sometime between 10 and 15 years of age.

Your indoor coils will likely last longer, though if they are not cleaned properly or if your system runs a lot, they may need replacement between 15 and 20 years. The air handler is different because different models are rated for different lengths of time, but it should be inspected and checked as often as your condenser and replaced when it gets old.

Other Components

For the most part, the piping installed under your property to gather geothermal energy is likely going to last for many years – between 20 and 30 in most cases. However, there are situations in which piping may need to be replaced. Root growth from a nearby tree, damage from a natural disaster or improper installation of the system can all lead to early replacement.

Whatever your Portland geothermal component replacement needs, make sure you take action as soon as you suspect a problem to minimize the potential cost of such replacements. Call The Clean Air Act, Inc today for service!

The post When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The Condenser

Other Components

The post When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Duct Size and Central Air Conditioning

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Having proper duct size is vital to having a Portland air conditioning system that functions appropriately. If the air ducts are too small not enough cooled air will reach the intended rooms, if the ducts are too large the air will not have enough force to make its way from the AC to the room vents. As such there are some AC industry standards for duct sizing which should be followed by any Portland air conditioning professional.

Air Duct Sizing for Central AC Systems

While there are many misused rules of thumb in the AC industry, there are also some newer standards which have been put into place such as “Manual D” methods of design that have already begun to improve performance of AC systems in homes and offices.

There is a difference between what is needed for an AC system supply ducts and return ducts. Supply ducts tend to need smaller ducts while return ducts will often need to be larger.

Proper air duct sizing greatly depends on the square footage of the building being cooled, the air conditioner capacity or BTUs, how many ducts will be utilized, where they are positioned, and how many vents there are. Additionally, the entire system will need to be properly balanced so that the AC works efficiently.

Duct sizing is based on the air volume that will be produced and the velocity at which it will be flowing through the ducts. Determining the proper combination of these factors with the AC that will be used is essential to having a duct system that works efficiently. A good rule of thumb for proper air flow is to have anywhere from 600 to 900 feet per minute of air flow flowing through the ducts. To reach this, the cubic feet per minute will be determined, which will then be compared with a standard friction rate of 0.1 inches of water per 100 feet. This calculation will result in an appropriate duct size for either rectangular or round ducts based on the size of the building and how powerful the AC is.

Air ducts should be properly sized prior to being installed. Call The Clean Air Act, Inc. today to learn more about AC installation !

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Duct Size and Central Air Conditioning

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Air Duct Sizing for Central AC Systems

There is a difference between what is needed for an AC system supply ducts and return ducts. Supply ducts tend to need smaller ducts while return ducts will often need to be larger.

Air ducts should be properly sized prior to being installed. Call The Clean Air Act, Inc. today to learn more about AC installation !

The post Duct Size and Central Air Conditioning first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Features to Look for When Buying an Air Conditioner

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Air conditioning systems have come a long way from the loud window units you may remember from years past. If you’re in the market for a new central air conditioner in Portland it can be overwhelming trying to navigate through all the new models and technologies available to you. The important thing to keep in mind is not what the “best” air conditioner features are, but what features are the best for you. New and improved options are only relevant if they’re options that you’re actually interested in. At The Clean Air Act Inc. we want to make sure that you get the air conditioner that’s right for you and your home. Here is some information to give you an idea of what features are available and whether or not you will benefit from them.

Programmability

The ability to program your air conditioner’s output is a great way to fight inefficiency. Programmable thermostats paired with zoning technology will help you cut down on your energy use and reduce utility costs. By breaking your home into cooling zones, each controlled individually from the thermostat, and cooling your home only during the necessary times of day, a programmable system can really reduce the energy and monetary concerns of running your air conditioner.

Versatility

Take into account any comfort issues you know to exist in your home. If your home is consistently, uncomfortably humid, think about an air conditioner with a dehumidifying feature. Should indoor air quality be a priority for you, look into systems that continuously filter air even when the cooling system is off. Fresh air intakes and exhaust settings also allow air to be vented without cooling. With so many options available there is no reason for you to wind up with an air conditioner that will not satisfy all your comfort needs.

Keep Your Home in Mind

When it comes to a home cooling system you must keep your home’s needs in mind as well as your own. If you have preexisting ductwork then a central forced air system will be an easy installation. If you do not have the room for ductwork there are ductless mini split systems available that require only a conduit to connect the outdoor components to indoor blowers. For historic houses, look into small-duct high velocity systems to avoid virtually all renovation. There are enough air conditioning options out there to suit every individual and every home.

A home cooling system is an investment. Don’t rush into a decision. Take your time, consider your options and available features, and get the air conditioner that’s right for your Portland home. The Clean Air Act Inc. is here to answer any questions you may have, so call us anytime.

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How Do I Determine the Cooling Capacity of My Central AC or Heat Pump System?

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMT

For any type of air conditioning system in Gresham , the cooling capacity is measured in BTU’s. This is important to know if the system doesn’t seem to be adequately cooking your home, and there are many different ways to check the cooling capacity of your AC system .

1. Air Conditioning System’s Age and Serial Numbers

An air conditioner’s age will usually give you a general idea for its cooling capacity, and if you aren’t sure, you can always check the serial number. Because serial number formats vary by the year the equipment was made, you can check to see how old an air conditioner is from looking at the serial number.

The first four digits of every serial number is the week and year the unit was manufactured. For example, the serial# 1188E53294 on a compressor unit tells us that it was made between 1980 and 1990, and to be more exact, week 11 in 1988.

2. Air Conditioner’s Model Number

You should also look at the model number for your specific model because some manufacturers also vary how they assign each number in the serial number; however, they usually stand for tonnage or MBTUH. You can always call us if you aren’t sure how to read the serial number or model number.

3. AC Equipment’s RLA Numbers

RLA stands for “Rated Load Amps,” which means that it’s the manufacturer’s rate of the cooling capacity (also known as the draw) or load while it’s operating (minus the draw when you start the system). Most air conditioning compressor or condenser units will draw 5 to 6 RLA per ton of cooling capacity. You can check the data tag on the compressor for the RLA rating; however, this will need to be translated into BTUH for the total cooling capacity.

Feel free to call one of the Gresham air conditioning experts at Clean Air Act if you have any questions how to calculate your AC system’s cooling capacity.

The post How Do I Determine the Cooling Capacity of My Central AC or Heat Pump System? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why is My Central Air Conditioner Making Noise?

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:00:00 GMT

A good air conditioner is a life saver in the midst of a hot and sticky summer in Portland, but just because the system makes you comfortable and makes the hottest months bearable doesn’t mean you want to hear it clanging and banging all summer. If you notice excess noise coming from your air conditioner, it might be a problem that can be fixed by your technician. Here are some common causes of excess noise from an air conditioner and what you can do to fix them.

Most noises from your central air conditioning unit are explainable and can be fixed relatively easily. If you cannot find the source of the noise, however, and it is only getting worse, call the Clean Air Act Inc. before the problem grows.

The post Why is My Central Air Conditioner Making Noise? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Cooling Coil or Evaporator Coil Diagnosis & Repair for Air Conditioners

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 12:30:00 GMT

Inside the air handler of your Portland air conditioning system is a cooling coil or evaporator coil. From a home cooling perspective, this is where the magic happens: where the actual cooling occurs. So, if there is a problem with the cooling or evaporator coil, you will notice a decrease in the performance of your AC system.

You may notice that the air flow has slowed significantly or even stopped, even though you can hear the air handler running. You may also notice that the air isn’t as cool as it used to be or should be. Aside from having a house that is not cool enough, this can also cause problems like high electricity bills or damage to other parts of the air conditioner. Use this quick guide to start diagnosing and repairing the problem.

Diagnosis

For starters, just try to get a good look at the cooling coil. Some problems are obvious enough upon visual inspection that no further diagnostics or major repair is necessary.

If you are able to see the cooling coil, look for things like:

Repair

Any of these could be the culprit that is degrading the performance of your Portland AC system. Some of these you can take care of pretty simply on your own – if there is obvious debris that you can remove safely, do so – but for most repairs you will want to call in a licensed technician. Especially if the problem is something potentially hazardous like mold growth or a refrigerant leak, you don’t want to take the risk. Let a professional from Clean Air Act who is trained in safely and effectively repairing the problem take care of it, so that your home can be comfortable again.

The post Cooling Coil or Evaporator Coil Diagnosis & Repair for Air Conditioners first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

When Should You Check Your AC Filters?

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:30:00 GMT

The filters on your Portland air conditioning unit are vital for keeping out the dust and debris that make things like illness, allergies and air quality worse. And it’s important that you take personal responsibility for checking those filters. Sure, you have a Portland air conditioning professional visit your home once a year to check the air conditioning, but you should also check the system yourself on a semi-regular basis for possible filter degradation.

Monthly Checks

So, how often should you check? Think of it this way. There is no such thing as checking too much , but you can easily not check often enough. So, we recommend checking your filter at least once every 4 weeks. It may not always need to be changed during that four week checkup (sometimes it can last 6 weeks or longer), but it’s good to take a peek.

Why is this so important? Because filters that haven’t been checked and changed as needed have a habit of building up excess sediment and debris. Not a problem when it comes to actually working, but a huge problem when it comes to your energy bill. The harder a system has to work to keep you house cool, the more energy it draws and the more you pay to have cool air in your home. And it will break down much faster as a result of overwork and dirty filters.

Changing an AC Filter

If your filter is ready for a swap, here are some quick tips to get the job done:

Proper filter maintenance only takes five minutes and it will save you money every month you run your Portland AC – not a bad deal for a few minutes’ work. For any more information about air conditioning system maintenance, give Clean Air Act a call!

The post When Should You Check Your AC Filters? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Does Professional AC Maintenance Include?

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Besides the cool air, what we like most about our Portland air conditioning is that we don’t have to do anything to still live in a cool climate when it’s boiling outside. With programmed thermostats adjusting the temperatures automatically, we don’t even have to turn it on.

Therefore, it is very inconvenient (not to mention uncomfortable) when our unit misbehaves and forces us to pay attention. Our first inclination, suddenly over-heated, may be to call for help, but often the repair can be accomplished easily or avoided completely by checking the drain line that may be clogged.

When it gets more complicated, it is important to consult a Portland air conditioning professional .

Air Conditioning 101

Air conditioning is a process which involves the rapid evaporation and condensation of chemicals called refrigerants, compounds that have properties allowing them to change from liquid to gas and back again at low temperatures.

Simply stated: when the liquid evaporates and transforms into gas it absorbs heat. Compressed tightly together again, the matter condenses back into liquid with a residue of unwanted moist heat that must be released to the outdoors. Over the course of handling the air to cool it, air conditioners are able to filter dust and dehumidify the air as well.

Annual Service

Air conditioning units are designed to last for a decade or two of virtually trouble-free comfort, so long as they are maintained regularly. A service contract with a reputable company ensures reliable maintenance and establishes a relationship so that if anything should go wrong, your call for help will be at the top of the list with a mechanic who likely knows the details of your particular unit.

Annual maintenance includes:

To schedule your maintenance appointment today, give Clean Air Act a call!

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How Your HVAC System Uses Electricity

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 18:45:00 GMT

While not every HVAC system in your Portland home requires electricity, many of them do. Your air conditioner , electric furnace or water heater and ventilation system all need access to the central power line. So what does that mean for your system and what problems should be you beware of?

How Your HVAC System Uses Electricity

How your HVAC system works depends largely on which components need electricity to operate. Here is a quick summary of how each system uses electricity:

Electricity plays an important role in your Portland HVAC system no matter how your system works. To ensure yours continues to operate as intended, have your power system checked on a regular basis when the rest of your HVAC system is serviced. Call Clean Air Act today to schedule a maintenance appointment for your Portland HVAC system !

The post How Your HVAC System Uses Electricity first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Federal Energy Efficiency Rebates for Aurora HVAC Upgrades Explained

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:40:00 GMT

You’ve probably seen the advertisements and heard the sales pitches. Upgrade your air conditioning in Aurora , furnace, water heater, or insulation and receive a federal rebate on your taxes for a percentage of the installation cost. The government is seriously invested in improving the energy efficiency of the country, cutting electric bills and helping people stay comfortable. Here’s a quick look at some of those rebates and how you can tap into them.

Energy Efficiency Credits

There is a standard tax credit of 10% of the cost up to $500 or a specific amount between $50 and $300 for any upgrade made to your existing home for heating, ventilation, air conditioning , insulation, roofs, or water heaters. These upgrades must be made on an existing home in which you currently live – rentals and new construction homes are not eligible.

Green Energy Credits

Even better credits are available if you plan on installing a geothermal heat pump, wind turbine or solar system – either PV panels or solar heating. The tax credit here is 30% of the cost with no upper limit. This applies to any existing or new homes and can be applied to both primary and secondary residences.

Are the Tax Credits Worth It?

The big question is whether these credits are worth the investment in a brand new system? For the most part, it depends on your particular situation. If you have a 30 year old furnace and are planning on an upgrade anyways, why not take advantage of a nice rebate and get a more energy efficient system to go with it? However, if you just replaced your furnace three years ago and it works very well with a high energy efficiency rating, it might not be worth the investment.

Learn More

The Energy Star program run by the EPA contains detailed breakdowns of the 2011 tax credits , including what systems are eligible and how to go about claiming them on next year’s taxes. Learn more by calling The Clean Air Act Inc .

The post Federal Energy Efficiency Rebates for Aurora HVAC Upgrades Explained first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Can I Use Geothermal Heat if I Live in a Cold Climate?

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 12:02:00 GMT

Geothermal heat pumps in Beavercreek are able to extract heat from the ground, even when outdoor temperatures are well below freezing. They use a system of pipes installed in the ground below or around your home to collect this heat and then return it to your home where it can then be used to heat the air. While these types of heating systems are certainly more efficient the warmer the ground is, they can be effective even in very cold climates.

This is true even in areas where the ground freezes from time to time or for parts of the year because the frozen layer does not typically extend more than three or four feet below the surface. As long as the pipes for your geothermal heating system are below this level, they will still be able to gather plenty of heat from the warmer ground below the frozen layer.

In fact, there are two different ways that the pipe loop for a geothermal heating system can be installed. Most geothermal systems have a horizontal pipe system which sits about four feet below the surface and extends out from the house. This type of installation is typically cheaper than the alternative, but it also usually needs to be larger. Plus, you need to have the space for it to stretch across.

On the other hand, a vertical installation goes straight down into the ground below your home. With a vertical installation, you can usually get away with less pipe overall, but you will probably pay more for the installation because it is harder to drill straight down than it is to dig out a relatively shallow trench to lay the pipe in.

However, if you live in an area that has particularly harsh winters when the ground can be frozen for significant periods of time, it may be worth it to opt for the vertical installation. That is because the further below the surface the pipes go, the farther away they will be from the frozen layer of ground.

With a vertical pipe installation, a geothermal heating system can work quite well in a climate in which the ground usually freezes in the winter. While you will always want to have a backup heating system in place in case of emergencies, this type of heat pump should be all you need under normal conditions. Please give The Clean Air Act a call if you have anymore questions about geothermal heating and cooling.

The post Can I Use Geothermal Heat if I Live in a Cold Climate? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Consider This Before Going Thermal In Your Home

Tue, 29 May 2012 12:20:00 GMT

With energy costs rising and supplies dwindling, people are taking much more serious looks at alternatives that in the past have seemed unfeasible and too “weird” to realistically contemplate. One type of heating and cooling appliance that is gaining popularity in Portland is geothermal heating and cooling.

Plentiful beyond imagination just ten feet below the surface, geothermal is being used to provide more than 30% of Iceland’s electrical needs and it is fast becoming a viable option to provide heat and electricity for your home as well. Before digging straight down, however, it is important to look around and consider some important points.

Geothermal 101

Thermal energy is a force that is produced from the movement of warm temperature to cooler. The term “geo” is from the Greek word for Earth. Geothermal energy is the unlimited resource of power that is the result of the formation of the Earth billions of years ago (20%) and the on-going process of melting rocks nearing the core of that heat (80%).

From harnessing the energy of hot springs in ancient times to technological advances to create electricity today, geothermal has long been considered, but often was ruled out as an expensive and unnecessary alternative to other cheaper forms of energy. Now that those are harming the environment, more expensive and harder to get, geothermal has grown attractive.

Location, Location, Location

Difficult to retrieve from deep within the Earth, geothermal is most often considered for large production where natural breaks in the crust such as volcanoes, hot springs and faults are close to the surface. Just ten feet below the surface, however, there is enough temperature difference to make available enough to efficiently supply a home.

Still, it’s not a guarantee of success, however. The density of the bedrock, the water table and the balance between extreme hot and cold temperatures with the temperatures of the thermal energy are all factors to be considered.

Dollar for Dollar

For new construction, geothermal is a great alternative because after the more expensive installation, the cost from month to month can produce enough savings to quickly pay for the system. The savings are potentially so significant, there are situations where the cost of replacing an old inefficient conventional system can be neutralized by the savings in just two to ten years.

Beyond cost and feasibility, the comfort level is a major consideration. One of geothermal energy’s major attractions is that to help save the Earth, it offers a better way to tap into the Earth.

The post Consider This Before Going Thermal In Your Home first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Does Natural Ventilation Work?

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:49:00 GMT

Traditional ventilation systems in Hillsboro require the use of mechanical air handlers and fans to move air between the inside and outside of your home. However, there are alternatives that naturally pull fresh air into your home. Not only are these systems better for the environment because they use less electricity, they create a more natural flow of air that add to the comfort of your heating and air conditioning systems .

How Does Natural Ventilation Work?

There are two primary ways to employ natural ventilation in a building – either stack ventilation or wind driven ventilation. The former uses much lower pressure levels which means most buildings with natural ventilation opt for wind driven ventilation. While there are specific benefits to both systems, the best engineered systems tend to use both for a more even approach to natural ventilation.

Stack ventilation is incredibly simple. The idea is that warm air rises so when air enters a building, it heats up, both because of the people in the building and because of the indoor temperature. As the air rises and exits the building, it creates a vacuum that pulls new air in through vents placed at ground level. Simply opening windows can create this effect.

Wind driven ventilation uses the same concepts of stack ventilation but takes advantage of building design and the landscape to create pressure zones around the home. For example, the pressure on the side of a building that gets buffeted with wind will almost always be higher than the opposite side. Using ventilation based on this concept allows designers to create partial vacuums to draw new air in and expel old air.

What Is Best?

Most buildings today are built using mechanical ventilation because it can be better controlled and because it is more reliable than natural ventilation. That said, there are an increasing number of natural ventilation solutions for indoor air quality using modern technology to control the opening and closing of vents. For a small home, a system that allows you to have the natural ventilation benefits of an open window without losing all the energy you pay so dearly for is fantastic. Just be sure it will fit your specific needs by calling The Clean Air Act .

The post How Does Natural Ventilation Work? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Animal Dander Affects Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:42:00 GMT

One of the single most common indoor air quality pollutants in Gladstone is animal dander. The flakes of dead skin, fur or feathers produced by pets and outdoor creatures can be an allergy nightmare for millions of people. Even those without allergies tend to be less comfortable in spaces that have animal dander issues. Here are some things you should know about animal dander and allergies.

What’s the Issue?

Dead skin from dogs and cats is the biggest problem, with 27% of US homes having cats and 32% having dogs. Cats are a much larger allergen producer however. The number of allergy related complaints among cat owners is twice as high as that of dog owners according to the American Lung Association . Male cats are slightly worse than female cats as well. Don’t forget either that fur is not the primary source of dander. Dead skin, dried saliva and even specs of dried feces can contribute to indoor air quality issues. So, short haired cats or dogs are not any better for your home.

Another thing to consider is that pet dander is suspended in the air much longer than any other allergen because of how light it is. We’re talking about days of suspension, after which it settles into carpets, furniture, clothing and anything else with enough surface area to attract the dander.

Health Problems from Dander

For those allergic to animals, pet dander is an instant irritant. Just walking into a home in which a cat or dog is present can have an instant negative effect – including anything from coughing and wheezing to a runny nose or chest constriction.

Unfortunately, the easiest way to remove pet dander is to remove the pet and for severely allergic people, this is usually the only option. For others, however, there are some things you can do. You can remove the allergens themselves with high powered indoor air cleaning or filtration . You can also set aside areas in the house that the pet is not allowed into and take steps to make sure pet dander doesn’t get into the air supply for that room. For more information about indoor air quality solutions please call The Clean Air Act

The post How Animal Dander Affects Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Germicidal Lights?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:38:00 GMT

To improve the indoor air quality use ultraviolet germicidal lights in Portland homes to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold that can cause respiratory problems and other health concerns. These microorganisms spread by releasing airborne spores containing the genetic material used to create a new organism. UV lights use a wavelength of ultraviolet light to destroy the organism’s DNA, which takes away their reproductive capabilities and also kills them.

UV germicidal lights are fairly inexpensive and can be installed to work with your existing forced air HVAC system. They are typically used in tandem with either an electronic or mechanical air cleaner. While air cleaners can filter pollen and other irritants, UV germicidal lights destroy the viruses and mold spores once these pollutants have been trapped by the air cleaner. After the air has been filtered through your HVAC, it will circulate more easily through system and increase the efficiency of the unit. In addition, UV lights are useful in killing hidden mold growth, which can only be detected by special thermal imaging equipment.

Homeowners with particularly chronic allergy problems or extremely poor indoor air quality choose to install both types of air cleaners, in addition to a UV light, for the ultimate protection from indoor air pollutants—from bacteria to pet dander. If your home lacks adequate ventilation, or if you are unable to control the source of common pollutants, you might benefit greatly by installing UV germicidal lights. Poor indoor air circulation can exacerbate the spread of harmful microorganisms, so make sure you have proper ventilation if you don’t have UV lights in your home.

UV germicidal lights have also been used to filter tap water because they are more reliable and easier to install than other water treatment systems. However, they are typically used to provide cleaner indoor air quality .

Call Clean Air Act if you have questions or concerns about the quality of the air inside your Portland home.

The post Improving Indoor Air Quality with UV Germicidal Lights? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Spring Newsletter

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 GMT

The post Spring Newsletter first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Heat Pump Air Duct Requirements

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:31:00 GMT

Between the concerns about climate change and the rising costs of energy production and consumption, there is a lot of experimentation with new heat pump replacements in Beavercreek . Standard choices are being re-evaluated and new designs are changing the requirements for various parts.

In homes and other buildings where systems were designed and installed according to the cheaper energy parameters prevalent in the day, it may be time to consider drastic changes to increase the efficiency and decrease impact on the carbon footprint. Room for improvement can be found in many corners.

Heat Pump Technology

Among the systems getting a fresh look are heat pumps, a device that transfers thermal energy from one location to another, usually in the direction of from a colder temperature to higher and generally the opposite of the natural flow. While compressor-driven air conditioners and freezers are technically heat pumps, “heat pump is the term that usually implies one of the less-common devices in the class that are not dedicated to refrigeration-only.

Heat pump installations that maintain a thermally conditioned-space can be used to provide either heating or cooling, depending upon whether the environment is cooler or warmer than the conditioned-space. Typically pumps utilize some thermal energy from the environment itself, such as the natural heat beneath the Earth’s surface.

By simply transferring the energy rather than producing it, heat pumps are being more seriously considered as attractive alternatives to provide an efficient and clean system for conditioning public and living spaces.

Change of Use

In considering a change from an existing system to a heat pump, there are many details to compare to see if it makes any sense at all. The overall local climate (cool or hot) in general, and the availability of geothermal heat, in particular, are two major factors.

Since a heat pump typically moves conditioned air through ductwork, the advantages of the change are much more realistic with a system of pre-existing ducts such as a forced air furnace or central air-conditioning unit. While a heat pump often requires a larger volume of ducts, the old network of metal tunnels was often over-sized for inefficient furnaces and should do fine in a conversion to a heat pump.

The Right Data

Since the required formulas are dependent upon variables such as size, distance, volume and oomph, the design is strategic and makes all the difference. Call Clean Air Act to speak with a trained and experienced professional.

Do the homework to get the best recommendation for your home.

The post Heat Pump Air Duct Requirements first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Do I Get More Fresh Air in the House During the Winter?

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:43:00 GMT

Winter is a real bummer for many Welches families. It’s cold and dark outside and to top things off, you have to keep your home sealed up nice and tight so the warm air produced by your boiler or furnace doesn’t escape. Not a lot of fun. Luckily, there are solutions to help your indoor air quality in Welches . Which solution you choose will depend on a few factors, however.

The Simplest Way

The easiest way to get fresh air is to open a window. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive way. After all, the air outside is cold and by opening a window, you force all the air you just heated outside. Most modern heating systems can compensate for the energy loss, but it will cost you quite a bit over the course of the winter to heat not only your home, but your backyard.

That’s why there is so little circulation in the winter to start with. The need for effective insulation and weather stripping to reduce energy use and fuel costs led to increasingly sealed up homes.

Ventilation

So, ventilation is the next best option, and while there are fans and exhaust options that allow you to circulate air into and out of your home, the most cost efficient way to do so is with a heat recovery ventilator or for those with humidity problems, an energy recovery ventilator.

These devices contain advanced heat exchangers that will transfer the heat from your indoor air into new air as it is brought into your home. As fresh air is transferred inside, the heat is passed from indoor air to the outdoor air via a heat exchanger. By retaining the heat with a recovery ventilator, you keep your energy bills low and your home filled with fresh air.

The best part is that this same technology works in the summer if you want to let in a little fresh air on a sunny day. Instead of pouring all of that cool air conditioned air outside, you can simply use an energy recovery ventilator to draw heat out of new air as it enters your home. Heat and humidity stay outside and you stay nice and cool.

There are quite a few types of energy recovery ventilators, ranging from simple heat only models to advanced heat pumps that will gather lost heat from throughout your home. The size of your home and the climate in which you live will determine which the best fit is for you. If you have questions call Clean Air Act

The post How Do I Get More Fresh Air in the House During the Winter? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Most Effective Environmentally Friendly Heating Methods

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Protecting the environment is a priority for many homeowners these days. The problem is that it can’t be as a high a priority as your heating system in Portland home. Sure, you want your home to be environmentally friendly, but you need it to be warm.

So, it seems you are forced to run your electric or high efficiency furnace as much as is necessary and hope that it’s not too much for the environment — or your wallet — to take.

Beyond the traditional heating methods of electricity, gas, oil and what have you, there are some alternatives out on the market these days that can keep your home warm while also being green.

Geothermal

One solution is geothermal heat, which harnesses the natural heat of the Earth to warm your home. Pipes filled with coolant run through the ground outside your home, absorbing the warmth of the Earth. Then, the warm coolant is pumped into your home through a network of pipes that radiate heat.

This method is effective and requires no additional fuel or energy.

Micro Combined Heat and Power (MCHP) Systems

Relatively new to the game are so-called MCHP systems. These heating systems have on-board power generators with high-efficiency computer modules attached. The power module interfaces with the thermostat, calling for heat when necessary. That activates the generator system, which quietly and efficiently generates all the necessary power to run the heater.

These systems are incredibly efficient and can slash the cost of your heating bill. As an added benefit, they continue to work during power outages, which has obvious utility in areas that experience harsh winter storms.

Solar

Then, of course, there is the most obvious and readily available source of heat to the whole planet: the sun. Solar heating systems can be either active or passive, which essentially just depends on whether additional specialized equipment is to be installed.

Obviously, solar heating systems are a better choice for areas that get a lot of sunlight year round.

Whichever environmentally friendly heating solution you choose, they have the added benefit of lowering your heating bill, which is always welcome. Call Clean Air Act if you have any questions

The post The Most Effective Environmentally Friendly Heating Methods first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The History of Heat Pumps

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:04:00 GMT

Thermal energy is the natural movement from warm temperatures to colder temperatures creating energy in the change of temperature to the mass. A heat pump typically is a device that moves the air (or other matter) in the opposite direction from its natural flow.

A heat pump often uses an intermediate fluid called a refrigerant which absorbs heat as it vaporizes and releases the heat when it is condensed, using an evaporator to absorb the heat (or energy) from inside an occupied space and forcing this heat to the outside through the condenser. The key component that makes a heat pump different from an air conditioner is the reversing valve which allows for the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed, allowing the heat to be pumped in either direction.

Timeless Technology

While mechanical movement of this energy, what we can actually call a pump, has been a relatively recent invention, the concept of this principal of physics has been in use since ancient times. Harnessing the power of geothermal energy (produced from the heat of the earth itself), natural hot springs “pumped” warm air into cool spaces in China and Europe thousands of years ago.

By 1852, Lord Kelvin had theorized the heat pump, but it took nearly 100 years to actually build one. In the last half century, the technological advances have made heat pumps part of our lives in many ways.

First Pump

In the 1940s a man named Robert Webber was motivated to build the first known heat pump while tinkering with his refrigerator. Accidently burning his hand on the outlet pipes of the cooling system, he was quite painfully awakened to an idea about the transference of heat.

Recognizing the freezer was constantly producing heat to cool its interior, he connected the outlet pipe to the storage tank of his hot water heater, extended that into a flow through pipes which heated air nearby, and then used a fan to blow the warmth into another room.

The first heat pump was a crude, but effective method to provide comfort. Creating a full-size version soon after, Wagner could heat his entire home.

Heat and Electricity

Today Portland heat pumps are built in many ways and shapes to heat or cool buildings of many sizes. Combined with geothermal forces close to the Earth’s surface or potentially deep within its fiery core, heat pumps are able to energize the turbines that can produce huge amounts of electricity

As technological improvements are refined during this time of climate change and dwindling fossil fuels, heat pumps promise to play an important part in our futures.

If you are interested in having a heat pump installed in your home, call Porland HVAC professionals Clean Air Act Inc. !

The post The History of Heat Pumps first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Tightly Should You Seal Your Home?

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:39:00 GMT

More and more products, like high velocity heating systems , and solutions are available to Welches residents these days to help seal our homes off from the outside world. The idea is that by keeping outside air out, our homes are more energy efficient and healthier, because all pollutants and pathogens are barred from entry.

This is a good idea in theory, but it can have its drawbacks. Most notably, sealing your home up too much can be bad for your family’s health. If your home is sealed too tightly such that there is not enough air flow from within the home to the outside and vice versa, then the indoor air just…stays indoors.

That means that all the sneezes, coughs, dust, dander, smoke and carbon dioxide stay inside with it. All that stuff can make you sick, completely flying in the face of your efforts to stay healthy by sealing your home.

Now, that’s not to say that sealing your home is a bad thing. Using LEED glass in your windows does keep heat in and increase heating efficiency. Air cleaners do help eliminate pollutants and pathogens from the outside than can make you sick. Good insulation and intact ductwork do help keep your home comfortable and efficient in both the cold and hot months.

So, sealing your home is not a bad idea. The trick is to not go overboard and seal it up so tightly that you are crossing the threshold from having a healthy home to having a giant Petri dish. You want to have a home that is insulated, but not vacuum sealed. You want a home with filtered air, but still plenty of air exchange with the outside world. Thankfully, mechanical ventilation is a way to both keep your home energy efficient and keep your indoor air from getting stale.

To help you with this endeavor, there are guides available online, such as at the ENERGY STAR website . In addition, it is a good idea to call The Clean Air Act and ask plenty of questions when building a new home or making improvements to your current one. A qualified technician will know how to insulate and ventilate your home properly to protect your family’s health.

The post How Tightly Should You Seal Your Home? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Heat Pump Refrigeration Problems

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:51:00 GMT

Heat pumps in Damascus are very complicated pieces of equipment that use a number of moving parts to compress and circulate refrigerant, and extract heat from one environment and place it in another. So, if your heat pump has refrigeration problems, it will almost certainly cause problems for the heating or cooling of your home.

Common Refrigeration Problems

There are a number of potential problems your heat pump might face, especially as it begins to age and components become worn. Some common issues include:

A heat pump is a very complex piece of machinery with a number of moving parts that can all cause issues if not properly maintained. If your heat pump stops heating or cooling effectively and it is not a simple fix such as a filter or belt, you should call Clean Air Act to inspect for more significant problems such as the compressor or refrigerant.

The post Heat Pump Refrigeration Problems first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Do Electronic Air Filters Work?

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMT

For a long time, the most frequently used kind of air filter in Fairview has been the mechanical variety. This is the kind you probably think of when you hear the terms air filter , air cleaner or air purifier . They use pleated fibrous filters in-line with an air handler to trap particles in the air before circulating it back out into the home.

Many models of these work very well and have for many years. They have the added benefit of being flexible because you can put in whatever filter you need depending on what size particles you need to trap.

However, these traditional devices are not the only option. A second kind of air filter exists for trapping particles in the air– one that does not use a fibrous filter that physically snags them out of the air on the way through.

These electronic air filters work in a different way to produce a similar result. The filtering component is still a fibrous sheet, but the difference is that the fibers are made of plastic, which becomes charged when air passes through it and causes friction.

(Think something like when you rub a balloon and stick it to the wall.)

These friction-charged fibers carry an electronic charge, which attracts the ions in the air around it. These ions — and the particles that they are a part of — get trapped in the fibers and stay out of your air supply.

Electronic air filters are generally very good at trapping particles that are 1 micron in size or higher, putting them about on par with a mechanical air filter that carries a MERV rating of 12. The electrostatic method works well for many common household air pollutants, such as dust, pollen, mold and pet dander.

As with many ventilation-related decisions, the choice of what kind of air filter is right for you depends on your needs and those of your family. If you are having trouble deciding, then an air quality assessment and consultation with a professional can be a good way to reach a decision. If you need any help with this decision please contact Clean Air Act AC .

The post How Do Electronic Air Filters Work? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Install a Programmable Thermostat in your Home

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Programmable thermostats are one of the best ways to save on heating costs, especially if you have a hard time remembering to turn down the heat in your Hubbard home. Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to set the times you want the heat turned up or down. Not only will this make heating your home more consistent and save energy, but it will also allow you to tailor your heating needs to your schedule.

For instance, you can set the thermostat to turn on before you get up in the morning so that the house is already warm when you get out of bed, and conversely, set it to turn down after you go to bed or leave the house for work. Depending on the brand and setting options, programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Although all styles are slightly different, here are some basic instructions that show you how easy it is to install a programmable thermostat. Remember, this is only a general guide; always check the instructions inside the packaging of your new thermostat before you install it, or check with an electrician.

1. Remove the Old Thermostat

Before you remove the old thermostat, check to see where it’s mounted. If it’s mounted to an electrical box, the voltage used to power the old thermostat may not be compatible with the new one. Ask a certified electrician or heating technician if you aren’t sure.

CUT THE POWER TO THE HEATING SYSTEM TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. You should always turn off the main power supply to your heating system before installing any new thermostat. If you aren’t sure how to do this, ask your HVAC contractor. Once you unscrew the mounting plate for the old thermostat, just unhook the wires. Don’t throw an old mercury controlled thermostat. You should ask your local waste management facility how to properly dispose of mercury products.

2. Locate all Wires

Wrap the loose wires around a pencil to keep the wires from falling back into the wall. Identify and label each corresponding wire with a letter (do not use color coding since this is not always accurate). Strip the plastic off the ends of the wires about ¼ inch if you need to.

3. Install and Insulate Wallplate

If the area around the new wallplate is larger than the plate, insulate the hole with non-flammable insulation. Take the wallplate off the programmable thermostat and hold it against the wall to mark the screw holes with a pencil. Pull the wires through the large opening at the bottom and screw the plate to the wall.

4. Wiring

Make sure you are comfortable with wiring before you attempt to do any electrical installations. Check the manual for your programmable thermostat for instructions on wiring that specific model. In general, you’ll want to make sure you match the wire labels with the corresponding terminals on the thermostat. Sometimes there will be extra wires that aren’t needed. Always test it before completing the installation. Don’t forget the battery!

5. Install the Faceplate

Once you have it wired correctly, all you need to do is align the brackets on the faceplate with the corresponding slots on the wallplate and fasten the faceplate to the rest of the mounting. Lastly, tighten the screw at the bottom of the thermostat to hold it in place.

If you have any questions regarding programmable thermostats, give The Clean Air Act a call .

The post How to Install a Programmable Thermostat in your Home first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Rhododendron Heat Pump Question: When Do You Need a Backup Heating System?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

A backup heating system is sometimes necessary for Rhododendron homeowners who heat their homes with an air-source heat pump . This style of heat pump transfers the heat from the outside air to your home in the winter, and it pushes the warm air outside the home in the summer. Although some systems are efficient enough to work in colder climates, most heat pump systems require a backup heater when temperatures drop below 20° F.

Furnaces are commonly used as a backup heater for air-source heat pumps, especially since the furnace fan blower can help distribute the hot air throughout the home. Although they are more expensive to buy and install, geothermal heat pumps typically do not require a backup heating system. These are also called ground-source or water-source heat pumps since they draw in heat from the ground below the house or from a nearby water source. Because they take advantage of the ground or water temperatures, they are also easier to maintain and have lower operating costs.

Getting the most cost-efficiency from a geothermal heat pump will depend on several factors, such as the size of your property, the temps of the subsoil, and access to local water sources. You will most likely not have to install a backup heating system with a ground-source or water-source heat pump; however, it is important to think about the installation costs and the variables that need to be in place before deciding on this type of heat pump.

Absorption heat pumps use a heat source, such as natural gas or solar-heated water, instead of electricity. Natural gas is typically used for absorption heat pumps, so they are also called gas-fired heat pumps. Depending on the source of the heat, you may or may not need a backup heating system. It’s always best to speak to a professional heating and cooling contractor if you are not sure when it’s necessary for a backup heating system.

Call The Clean Air Act Inc. if you have any questions about a backup heater for your Rhododendron home.

The post Rhododendron Heat Pump Question: When Do You Need a Backup Heating System? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

A Brief History of Geothermal Energy

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Geothermal energy is nothing new – it just gets more ink because of its increasing use to naturally heat and cool buildings in Gladstone , leaving a smaller carbon footprint and providing for an efficient, more cost-saving method to achieve indoor comfort.

History shows that geothermal energy dates back over 10,000 years when American-Paleo Indians used hot springs for bathing and heating, possibly even as a source for healing. And geothermal energy is not just a North American idea either. The oldest known hot springs spa was built in the Qin dynasty in China in the 3rd century B.C.

Romans used the water from hot springs for their public baths. Geothermal water was also used by the Romans for treating skin and eye diseases. Minerals found in hot springs water has been long believed to have healing qualities. Geothermal water was also used to heat the buildings in Pompeii. Subsequently, building heat was obtained from under floor systems.

History notes that France is home to the world’s oldest known geothermal district heating system. The system in Chaudes-Aigues has been in use since about the 14th century. And starting in 1960, France began using geothermal heating for homes in other areas. Up to 200,000 homes in France are heated by geothermal means.

History also shows geothermal energy use during the late 18th century near Pisa, Italy. Geothermal energy had been used to extract boric acid from the Larderello Fields through the use of steam. In 1904 at Lardello Fields, steam was successfully used to generate power for the first time. At the time, geothermal energy was seen as the power of the future.

In the U.S. in 1892, the first district heating system in Boise, Idaho was powered directly by geothermal energy, and was soon copied in Klamath Falls, Oregon in 1900, where geothermal water was pumped under sidewalks and roads to help prevent freezing and ice build up. In New Mexico rows of pipe were placed underground to keep soil warmer for agricultural purposes.

A deep geothermal well was used to heat greenhouses in Boise in 1926.

For the residential market, an inventor built a “downhole heat exchanger” in 1930 to heat his house. The heat pump, which was invented in 1852, was patented to draw heat from the ground in 1912. However, it was not until the 1940s that the geothermal heat pump was successfully launched. Records show that the first commercial heat pump was put into use in Portland, Oregon in 1946. The first residential open loop system was installed in 1948.

In the 1960’s, the first large scale industrial geothermal energy power plant was constructed, producing 11 megawatts of geothermal electricity. From the 1960’s to the present day organizations and governing bodies have been set up to manage, research, and develop new and improved geothermal energy sites and technologies.

Today, there are many geothermal power plants in working order in the U.S. and across the globe.

The post A Brief History of Geothermal Energy first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Heating Replacement Checklist: 5 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Many Estacada homes are heated with furnaces , since they generally provide safe and efficient heat. Furnaces have also improved dramatically over the years as manufacturers find ways to make them more efficient. Even if your furnace has been reliable for many years, it may be worth the money to replace your old furnace with a newer, more efficient model.

Here are five major benefits to upgrading your furnace.

1. Lowering Your Utility Bills

Whether you realize it or not, your current furnace could be costing you more than it should in heating bills. If your furnace is 15-20 years old, it’s probably not heating your home as efficiently as the newer models with higher AFUE ratings. Even if your heating system has been replaced within the last ten years, the technology has advanced enough to consider an upgrade.

2. Fewer Repairs

Repair costs can add up if you are constantly repairing your furnace. Routine maintenance for your furnace can help reduce the need for repairs, but as furnaces age, they tend to need more repairs and replacement parts. If you need frequent repairs for your furnace, it may be time to replace it with a newer one.

3. More Consistent Heat

While maintaining consistent temperatures throughout your home involves several factors, such as insulation and thermostat control, your furnace could also be the reason you aren’t getting enough heat to all parts of the house. If some rooms are colder than others, or if your heating bills have recently gone up, it may be time for a furnace replacement.

4. Reduce the Chances of a Breakdown

When a furnace breaks down, it not only leaves you without heat, but it is also a major expense. Budgeting for a new furnace before it breaks down will put less financial burden on you than needing an emergency furnace replacement. Newer model furnaces are also more reliable and less likely to give you problems if maintained properly.

5. Safety

There’s higher potential for safety concerns with older or poorly maintained furnaces. In addition to fire hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning is another serious threat. When the heat exchanger stops working because it’s corroded or faulty, carbon monoxide can leak into the home. If you’ve had your furnace for more than 20 years, it could create safety hazards that you may be unaware of.

No matter how long you’ve had the furnace in your Estacada home, it’s always wise to speak with a qualified HVAC technician about furnace upgrades, particularly if you have expensive heating costs. Call The Clean Air Act Inc. today to talk with one of our heating experts about furnace upgrades.

The post Heating Replacement Checklist: 5 Reasons to Replace Your Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Different Types of Furnace Maintenance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

There are different types of maintenance tasks associated with keeping your automobile in tip top shape. Did you also know there are tasks that can be performed at various intervals to keep your Happy Valley home’s furnace in peak running condition?

For example, the most frequent maintenance task is checking the filters in your air handling unit. These are often called furnace filters but in reality, they serve the same function to filter air to and from your air conditioner , too. It might be easiest to just call them air filters. The frequency of replacing or cleaning air filters usually depends on the type of indoor environment you live in – like humidity levels, number of household pets or occupants, etc. In general, filter maintenance should occur every one to three months.

A less frequent maintenance task is cleaning the moving parts of the internal mechanism. You may only need to have your furnace cleaned every six months to a year, depending on its use. In some cases you can perform the cleaning yourself or it is included in an annual cleaning as part of a service agreement with a qualified heating and cooling contractor. A furnace can typically run at peak efficiency when it is cleaned on an annual basis.

You can also make it a regular habit of checking the motor bearings and fan belt, too. You can lubricate the bearings and tighten or replace the fan belt on a same schedule as cleaning the moving parts.

Other maintenance tasks related to your furnace, which may require longer interval times include ventilation system cleaning, or more commonly known as duct cleaning . Some homes don’t require this type of maintenance more than every five to ten years – perhaps longer. Unless there are unusually high levels of dust, allergens, or contaminants in the air, most ventilation systems can remain clean for several years.

Of course, you can turn all of your maintenance tasks over to a Happy Valley heating and cooling contractor – and have the most peace of mind.

The post Different Types of Furnace Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Different Types of Furnace Maintenance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Of course, you can turn all of your maintenance tasks over to a Happy Valley heating and cooling contractor – and have the most peace of mind.

The post Different Types of Furnace Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Comparing High-Efficiency and Mid-Efficiency Furnaces

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Whenever you are in the market for a new furnace for your Hubbard home, there are many models to choose from. Many of the furnaces manufactured within the last few years are high-efficiency furnaces with a high AFUE rating (AFUE measures the amount of fuel the furnace converts into heat). When people refer to a mid-efficiency furnace, they are usually talking about older furnaces.

Single-stage furnaces were considered to be an efficient heating system when they were manufactured, but compared to newer furnaces, they use up a lot more energy than they need to. Single-speed furnaces are designed to run at full capacity until the temperature inside the home reaches the thermostat setting. After they shut off, the home not only loses heat, but the furnace will also take longer and burn more fuel when it cycles on again.

Newer, two-speed and multispeed models run consistently at lower speeds, and the ones with variable-speed blowers are even more efficient because they can operate at various levels. These models will also automatically adjust to the thermostat to maintain a constant temperature, which saves energy by keeping the home at a consistent temperature so that there’s little heat loss.

When shopping for a new furnace, keep in mind that the AFUE ratings for multispeed and variable-speed furnaces only determine the efficiency of the actual furnace. If you are upgrading your old, mid-efficiency furnace to a high-efficiency furnace, you should make sure that your Hubbard home is properly insulated and sealed. You could also consider upgrading any older doors and windows to more efficient double-paned ones, or you can also install storm doors and windows.

The post Comparing High-Efficiency and Mid-Efficiency Furnaces first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How Does Geothermal Energy Work?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Geothermal energy is energy extracted from the ground. This energy is in the ground in the first place because the ground absorbs the heat coming from the sun. This heat is always there, even when it is very cold outside. In fact, even when the ground appears to be frozen, you can actually extract plenty of heat to keep your Tualatin home nice and toasty.

While this may at first appear to defy logic, the way that geothermal energy can be used for heating your home is actually quite simple. A geothermal heating system typically consists of an indoor air handler with a fan, a series of air ducts for the heated air to travel through and a closed loop of pipe that extends into the ground below and around your home.

This closed loop of pipe is actually where the geothermal heat is collected. Some type of liquid, usually water or antifreeze, will be continuously run through this pipe loop. As the liquid passes through the area of pipe that is below ground, it will absorb the heat from the surrounding soil. Once the liquid makes it back up to the air handler, the heat is able to disperse, heating the air in the chamber.

This heated air is then circulated throughout your house through the ducts by a fan. After it has released its heat into the air in your home, the liquid will cycle back into the ground to absorb more. This allows a geothermal heating system to provide you with a constant supply of warm air.

Unlike a furnace , which mixes in blasts of very hot air with periods of inactivity to try and keep your Tualatin house at a constant temperature, a geothermal heat pump is able to provide a more consistent flow of air that is just the right temperature to keep your home comfortable. This means that these types of heat pumps are running just about all of the time as opposed to furnaces, but they are designed to work this way and the constant operation does not cause any excessive wear and tear.

Another great benefit of geothermal heat pumps is that they are able to keep your house cool in the summer as well. Just as the ground is warmer than the air in the winter, it is also cooler in the summer. That means that heat removed from your indoor air can be transferred to the ground in the same way that it was transferred in during the winter.

The post How Does Geothermal Energy Work? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Will Switching to Geothermal Heating Save Me Money?

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

There are simply a ton of different types of heating systems available for your Colton home and they are each more appropriate in different situations. However, some are certainly always going to be cheaper to operate than others, although that alone may not make one or the other right for you.

In the case of geothermal heating systems, the operating costs are definitely quite low. But those are not the only costs you will have to think about when you are considering what type of heating system to put in your home to keep your heating bills down.

Geothermal heating systems do not actually generate heat – they absorb it from the ground. Because of this, they actually use very little energy when they are running. All you are really paying to power is the fan that blows the heated air around your house. Also, because geothermal heating systems are more efficient at extracting heat in below freezing conditions than traditional heat pumps, they can continue to keep you warm on their own in more extreme conditions.

Traditional heat pumps , while they also cost very little to operate, do sometimes need to be supplemented by more conventional forms of indoor heating like a furnace when temperatures outdoors get too low. This is not the case with geothermal heat pumps, so if you live somewhere that has colder winters, a geothermal heat pump may be just what you are looking for. Of course, you can always opt for a furnace instead, but these will definitely cost more to run than either type of heat pump.

When you are trying to assess whether or not switching to a geothermal heating system will save you money, you first have to start with the heating bills you currently have. Then, factor in the cost of the geothermal heat pump installation as opposed to the installation of a more conventional system.

You are then in a position to see whether or not the amount the geothermal system will save you each month is enough to offset the higher cost of installation within a reasonable amount of time. Of course, the savings will always eventually add up over time, but if the length of time it will take you to break even is the same or longer than the expected life of the system, it is probably not worth it to invest in this type of heating.

The post Will Switching to Geothermal Heating Save Me Money? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Troubleshooting Your Problematic Heat Pump

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMT

If your Gladstone home’s heat pump isn’t working properly, there are a number of things that might be wrong. But, where do you start and how do you solve these problems quickly and inexpensively? Here are some tips for common heat pump problems.

Low Air Flow

Your heat pump is designed to provide steady air flow to the entire house. When it was originally installed , the technician sized it to do so. If it suddenly stops providing enough air flow to your entire house or if the air flow it provides isn’t as comfortable as you’re used to, something is probably wrong.

More specifically, there is likely an issue with the heat pump itself since the device will compensate for most external problems by running longer and harder. A quick inspection will often rule out serious problems, so you should have someone inspect your device as soon as you notice a problem.

Leaky Duct

If there is an external problem, such as leaky ductwork, it tends not to be as noticeable right away. Often, when ducts are leaking, air flow problems will occur only in certain rooms of your home. Even then, the heat pump might be able to maintain the right temperature in those rooms – you’ll just have a higher energy bill because of the energy loss in the ductwork.

The best way to determine what is happening and how best to tackle the problem is to have someone test your ductwork for leaks, a relatively quick process.

High Energy Bill

If your energy bill suddenly increases dramatically, it is usually due to energy loss somewhere in the transfer between the heat pump and the rooms of your home. Leaky ducts can be the culprit, but so too can the air handler or the heat pump itself. If you notice a sudden increase in your energy bill, look for other symptoms like uneven heating or cooling in certain parts of your home or noises coming from the ductwork or your air handler.

No matter what other symptoms accompany the increase, you probably need repairs . Your home may still be comfortable now, but the heat pump can only make up for the problem for so long and in the interim, it is being put under excessive stress that reduces its lifespan.

The post Troubleshooting Your Problematic Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Furnace Air Temperature

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

When your furnace turns on every day and warms your Gladstone home, just how hot is the air being blown through your vents? It’s a common question and while it varies depending on the type of furnace you have and the length of your ductwork, normally, the air is about the same temperature in most homes.

The Heating Process

When you turn on your furnace, it ignites fuel (gas or oil) or heats elements (electricity). A blower fan blows air through the heat exchanger and then into ductwork that distributes the heated air to vents around your home. When the combustion occurs and air is first heated, the temperature is between 140 degrees F and 170 degrees F.

This is extremely warm and could be dangerous to anyone if they got too close to it or it was blown directly into your home. However, as the heated air is distributed into your home it starts to cool. In some cases, it loses a significant amount of its energy in the ductwork.

This is intended, of course, because the temperature would be much too high if it was distributed directly to your rooms. That’s why high velocity ductwork often requires regulation to avoid overheating of the air. Cooling like this is normal and results in a better, more evenly distributed airflow.

When Something’s Wrong

To know something is wrong with your heating system , you must first understand what temperature air normally is when distributed through the vents. This will vary depending on which room you are in and how big your home (and furnace) are. However, if you notice a sharp drop off in comfort level in your home, it takes longer to heat rooms when cold or if that heating is suddenly uneven, it may be time for someone to inspect your furnace and check for potential problems.

A technician will then check to see if the air is being heated to the target 140-170 degrees F or if heat is being lost in the air handler or ductwork. There are a number of issues that can contribute to lost heat in your heating system – the easiest way to be sure the problem is solved properly is to call a professional when you notice the problem.

The post Furnace Air Temperature first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

High Efficiency Furnaces and Chimney Concerns

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

When upgrading to a high efficiency gas furnace in Portland, you may need to make some upgrades to your chimney. Older chimneys built for standard furnaces with normal exhaust needs are not built to the specifications needed by today’s high efficiency models. Not only is it unsafe to leave it as is, but the cost of repairs if you don’t have it upgraded can be substantial.

Down-Sizing

A common concern when upgrading to a high efficiency gas furnace is the issue of condensation and draft. Because the amount of exhaust being vented is reduced by a high efficiency furnace, your current setup is not sufficient for the new model. So, it needs to be reduced in size by a professional to avoid backup of exhaust. Proper chimney sizing is a complex process that requires professional guidelines and careful measurements of all appliances in your home.

Because the chimney often isn’t used at all for a high efficiency furnace (often PVC pipe used instead), the extra airflow in the chimney can become a major issue.

Chimney Condensation

The biggest concern for the chimney when changing the furnace efficiency is condensation. Specifically, acidic condensation droplets can build up in the chimney if not properly stopped. A new chimney liner must be placed in the chimney to avoid excessive corrosion due to the acid droplets. Keep in mind that the efficiency of your new furnace will determine whether you will use the traditional chimney for exhaust or if a new line will be installed to vent your furnace.

When to Take Action

If you have your furnace replaced, your technician will likely discuss the chimney situation in your home with you. Keep in mind that this might be necessary and that there might be an added cost involved because of it. Modern furnaces are not designed to accommodate aging chimneys and your safety and the integrity of your house are at risk if you don’t retrofit the chimney if necessary.

The post High Efficiency Furnaces and Chimney Concerns first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Most heating systems have as their main component some sort of heat generator, such as a furnace . These machines generate heat through some form of combustion, which obviously converts energy directly to heat, which is then distributed throughout your Lake Oswego home. That’s a pretty simplified schematic explanation, but that’s more or less how most heating systems work.

Air source heat pumps are another type of heating solution; one that does not actually produce or generate any actual heat. There is no combustion. What an air source heat pump (ASHP) does instead is regulate the temperature of the home by essentially moving air around.

An air source heat pump use electricity to exchange indoor and outdoor air. Think of it like a more versatile air conditioner. In cooling mode, like an air conditioner, an ASHP will pump warm air from the inside out, using a system of refrigerant-filled coils and a compressor. By turning the ASHP to heating mode, the refrigerant flow is reversed, allowing the outdoor coils to extract heat from the outdoor air and pump it in higher concentrations to the inside.

If it seems like a simple system, that’s because it is. All the heat pump does is move heat either in or out, depending on what you need in the current season. Because this process generates no heat on its own, heat pumps can be very efficient. ASHP efficiency has been estimated at 150% to 300%, meaning that the heat energy produced is up to three times as much as the electricity used. That makes for a very efficient home heating and cooling solution.

Air source heat pumps are not necessarily right for every situation, however. In colder climates, where temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for stretches at a time, a heat pump will likely not be able to keep up on its own. In these situations, you may either need to supplement the ASHP with an additional heating source, or use a different system altogether. Newer so-called “cold climate” heat pumps may also be an option. Under ideal circumstances, an air source heat pump can act as a complete home heating system, as well as providing heat for hot water.

If you are looking for a simple and efficient home heating solution in Lake Oswego, look into whether an air source heat pump can work for you.

The post What Is an Air Source Heat Pump? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Heat Pump Maintenance

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Heating and cooling your Cornelius home is a priority. You need your home and family to be comfortable all year round, so you either got or are considering a heat pump . These machines are great because under the right circumstances, they are essentially all-inclusive and incredibly efficient solutions for all your home heating and cooling needs.

Notice the “under the right circumstances” part. A number of things have to be considered when choosing a heat pump, such as the climate and the size of your home. But these are not the only circumstances that influence how well your heat pump works for you. Proper maintenance is a vital component of heat pump ownership, ensuring that you get the best performance out of your heat pump for the longest time possible.

A major part of properly maintaining any machine is to keep it clean. A heat pump is no exception. Dirt and dust can affect the efficiency of your heat pump, as well as speed up corrosion problems. Keep the compressor and coils clean. Check them monthly or so and remove any accumulated dirt. Also, consistently check and change filters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Simple cleaning is an easy and effective first step to heat pump maintenance, but there are some things that you just won’t be able to do on your own. For more intensive maintenance, it is best to call in a professional for an annual inspection.

During a routine maintenance check of your heat pump, a technician will inspect the whole heat pump system for problems. He will clean the compressor and coils, tighten any connections that may have loosened up and change the filters as needed. In addition, a skilled technician will be able to detect any early signs of trouble and make necessary repairs to prevent break downs. These small repairs can prevent big problems later on, thereby preventing some serious discomfort and a possible big expense.

If you are considering a heat pump as a heating and cooling solution for your home, great. If you have already decided on one and had it installed, congratulations on making a smart decision. Now, make another smart decision to protect that investment by keeping your new heat pump properly maintained.

The post Heat Pump Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What to Expect in a Low, Medium or High Efficiency Furnace

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

When buying a new furnace in Eagle Creek, you have many options. You can purchase a low end model to save money up front and you’ll still get exceptional fuel efficiency, but as you go up the scale, more innovative, money saving features become available. Here is a brief look at what you can expect based on which type of furnace you purchase.

Low Efficiency Furnace

This is a bit of a misnomer as even entry level furnaces have efficiency ratings of at least 80%. For comparison, if you’re still using an old gravity furnace, your efficiency rating could be lower than 50%. Modern furnaces are built to conserve, and while you won’t receive all of the bells and whistles that tend to accompany high efficiency models, you will get a durable, affordable furnace that will last for 10-20 years.

Medium Efficiency Furnaces

Furnaces in the mid-efficiency range have AFUE ratings of between 85% and 92% and are therefore significantly better than those in the entry level range. They also have some of the higher end features available in high efficiency models like programmability and the option for zone control. Because they are still mid-range, they are affordable without skimping too much on features too – a must for any homeowner wanting to save money on both ends.

High Efficiency Furnaces

The highest efficiency furnaces on the market are very different from those you would have purchased even just 10 years ago. Top end furnaces can carry AFUE ratings of up to 95% with a boat load of added features to conserve energy. These features include two stage gas valves so you can maintain a low BTU heating system for most of the year but crank up the heat when the temperature outside drops too low. They are also programmable, which allows you to easily change the temperature settings, fan speed and more from anywhere in the house.

And while they cost more to install, high efficiency furnaces use less energy over their lifespan, last longer and are more environmentally friendly than any other furnaces on the market today.

The post What to Expect in a Low, Medium or High Efficiency Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Signs of an Oversized Furnace

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Most people, when they choose a new furnace for their Wilsonville home, think that “bigger is better”. However, an oversized furnace can present just as many if not more problems than an undersized furnace. So, if you feel you may have overdone it in the past or you want to avoid making a mistake in the future, here are some signs that your furnace may be oversized.

Short Cycling

The most common sign of oversizing is short cycling. Short cycling occurs when your furnace turns on and off frequently because it reaches the thermostat setting so fast. Basically, your furnace is so powerful that it can produce what you need rapidly and then shuts off. But, because it does this, the temperature in your home is likely to cool much faster as well since the furnace isn’t on all the time.

Additionally, the on and off short cycling has a negative effect on your furnace, causing excess wear and tear on the system and eventually leading to extra repairs and in some cases early replacement .

High and Low Temperatures

When your furnace is turned on for a comfortable indoor temperature like 70 degrees F, the high and low temperature between cycles should be relatively close to that temperature. In an ideal situation, you shouldn’t even notice a fluctuation.

So, if the high temperature gets close to 75 degrees F and the low temperature is around 66 degrees F, you have a furnace much too large for the size of your home.

Furnace Room Issues

You might find that the space and exhaust given for the furnace are not sufficient either, especially if your previous furnace was replaced with this oversized unit. Backflow of a gas or oil smell or excess heat in and near your furnace room are both common signs that the furnace is much too large.

So, what should you do about your oversized furnace? If you have had that furnace for some time or just moved into a new home, it’s a good idea to have a new one installed. Have a proper load calculation done and then get a new furnace installed so you don’t have to worry about the system cycling on and off so often. If it’s a newer unit, call your heating technician and discuss possible options to reduce the negative effects of the miscalculation of its size.

The post Signs of an Oversized Furnace first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Fix a Faulty Furnace Blower

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The blower fan on your furnace is designed to distribute warm air through the ductwork in your Troutdale home evenly, ensuring you use all of the energy consumed by your furnace. If the blower doesn’t turn on when the furnace turns on or it continues to run when the furnace is off, it can cost you money and result in cold rooms. Here are some tips on how to fix a faulty furnace blower.

What is the Problem?

First, check to see what the problem is. If your furnace blower remains on all of the time, it may be a thermostat issue. Make sure the fan isn’t set to stay on continuously (a common setting for most air handlers). You should also check the limit control switch to make sure it is working properly. If this is broken, it needs to be replaced which is a relatively simple fix.

If the furnace blower isn’t turning on at all, you may have a belt problem. This can be fixed by you if you have the proper tools. To repair the belt problem, first turn off all electricity to the device. You’ll need to remove the old furnace blower belt, so release the tension in the pulleys before removing the belt.

Installing a new belt is not unlike doing so for your car. Make sure to check the blower or your user manual for proper tension when you install the new belt. Make sure you purchase the right size belt and set it to the right tension. If you cannot or you do not feel comfortable doing so, you should call a professional to inspect and repair the problem for you.

Getting the Blower Back Up and Running

Once your new belt is in place, test the system carefully, starting with the lowest setting (if there are variable settings). If it does not yet work or if something sounds strange, call a technician right away. You don’t want the motor to burn out or something else more substantial to go wrong with your furnace or air handler during the middle of the winter.

The post How to Fix a Faulty Furnace Blower first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Calibrate Your Thermostat

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Have you ever set the thermostat in your Cornelius home to a desired temperature and “hoped for the best?” Maybe it’s because the temperature setting you expected this finely tuned instrument to maintain just isn’t right. You may see 70 degrees on the thermostat but the home feels more like 65 degrees. In fact, if you used a hand-held thermostat, you might get real proof that your thermostat is not working like it should.

There are reasons for a malfunctioning thermostat and solutions to correct them, namely calibration. First, let’s look at some reasons why a thermostat can be out of kilter.

The first thing to note is that thermostats are very sensitive instruments and change to the slightest changes in temperature. An incorrectly installed thermostat or one that is accidentally bumped or jarred can malfunction. It may wind up out of level, causing it to operate incorrectly. Possibly the most common problem affecting accuracy is a build-up of dirt, which can affect the calibration of the thermostat. Other problems may be caused by loose wiring.

Here are some steps you can take to check your thermostat for accuracy and recommended actions.

Today’s thermostats have few working components but are very sensitive, advanced instruments. It takes little to throw off a thermostat but luckily, it takes little effort to correct the resulting problems.

The post How to Calibrate Your Thermostat first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Size Heat Pump is Right for My Home?

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

One of the most important questions to answer when purchasing and installing any new heating or cooling system, no matter what type, is what size is best for your Sherwood home. You need something that has enough capacity to heat or cool your whole home comfortably; otherwise your house will consistently be at an undesirable temperature.

Some people might think that the quickest solution to this problem is to just buy a system that they are sure has a capacity larger than the size of their home. You may even be tempted to get the biggest model out there, under the logic that the biggest is the best and it will be sure to be able to cover your whole house.

While this line of thinking might make sense to you, it’s actually not a good idea. The problem with this “solution” is that you can wind up with a heat pump that is considerably too large for your needs, which means your home will consistently be either too cool or too hot, and your energy bills will be unnecessarily high.

The best way to choose a new heat pump is to have a professional do a load calculation in your home. This can be a highly technical process, so it is best to leave it to the pros. However, here are some quick tips and other things to consider on the subject:

All of this means doing some extra leg work up front, but getting the proper sized heat pump is well worth the effort.

The post What Size Heat Pump is Right for My Home? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving! We plan to celebrate by eating lots of turkey and enjoying some time with our loved ones, and we hope you do the same! Thanks for choosing us as your contractor. Here is a recipe from allrecipes.com for Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake, a treat that will get your holiday started off right!

The post Happy Thanksgiving! first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Things to Look for When Buying a Heating System

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

If you are in the market for a new or replacement heating system and don’t know much about heating systems, you are not alone. Many Newberg homeowners are in the same boat as you. And many of that number put their trust in their heating and cooling contractor to find the right furnace for their homes.

Before calling for an estimate, there are some things you can do to “prepare” yourself for one of the most important purchase you can make. Here is a checklist of things you should look for when buying a heating system.

The post Things to Look for When Buying a Heating System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

What if the heart of your Oregon City home’s heating system – the furnace – stops working? The warm air that used to flow from your vents has been replaced by a chilly draft. It isn’t time to panic, but it is time to take action. Before you do anything, determine why the furnace stopped working. It may be something as simple as a tripped circuit breaker in your electrical panel. Check the circuit breakers first.

The pilot light in your furnace may have blown out. It can be re-lit if you follow the directions in your furnace owner’s manual. You can find answers on how to re-light a pilot light on the Internet, too.

If the shutdown has not been caused by an electrical or pilot light failure, there is still no need to panic. But another obvious question is: did you pay your last gas bill? Maybe you had a shutoff notice and either ignored it or forgot about it.

Now that you are convinced that the furnace has pooped out, here are some things you should do. First, find the name of a qualified heating and cooling professional . If you already use a heating contractor, contact them and schedule a service call.

While you are waiting for help to arrive, ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for. Make sure pets are nearby and protected from the cold, too. What you don’t want to do is use any appliance to keep you warm that is not designed to keep you warm, like a stove. If you have electric space heaters or propane heaters, carefully locate them in a well vented room (windows open a bit or portable fans circulating air). You don’t want any build-up of gases from fossil burning appliances, gases which could contain deadly carbon monoxide.

Huddle up everyone into a room and break out lots of blankets. You may even want to make an “adventure” of this – find a movie to watch and pop up a bunch of popcorn. If your waiting time is more than 24 hours, you might want to call up a friend or relative and make arrangements to spend the night with them.

The main thing to remember is not to panic. Most qualified heating contractors, knowing the circumstances, will send out a repair person in a matter of minutes or within one or two hours. Just remember to avoid keeping warm by using unvented heating devices.

The post What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The post What to Do if Your Heating System Breaks first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Is Geothermal Energy Renewable?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Geothermal heating systems take heat from the ground and transfer it to your Gresham home. But how does this heat get into the ground in the first place? Conventional heating systems like furnaces use energy sources like oil or natural gas to generate heat. These energy sources are not renewable, and neither is electricity which is typically generated by burning coal or another non-renewable resource.

The renewable resources we usually think of first are solar and wind power. The sun, of course, will continue to shine and provide heat year in and year out whether we make use of it or not. Similarly, we cannot use up the wind. It will continue to blow no matter how many times it has blown before.

But what category does geothermal energy fit into exactly? Well, it is actually a renewable resource just like solar or wind energy. In fact, geothermal energy is a direct result of the sun’s heat relentlessly pounding the ground. The ground actually absorbs a considerable amount of the heat from the sun that reaches the earth every day, and that is the heat that your geothermal heating system is using to heat your home.

Of course, a geothermal heating system cannot run on geothermal energy alone. The indoor components of this heating system that keep the air flowing throughout your house must be powered by electricity. But the amount of energy needed to do this is much less than what you would need to use to run a furnace or other type of more conventional home heating system.

Over all, geothermal energy is an excellent and renewable source of energy. And once you have the heating system in place, you will need to spend very little to keep it up and running. It is an excellent option for many people, and can help to keep your home cool in the summer as well.

The post Is Geothermal Energy Renewable? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is Geothermal Heating?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Having a geothermal heating system installed in your Hubbard home means that you will actually be able to heat your home with heat extracted from the ground. If this sounds a bit preposterous to you, you are certainly not alone. But this type of home heating does actually work and the technology is not actually that much different from what is used in a standard heat pump system.

Regular heat pumps are able to remove heat from the outdoor air and transfer it into your house to maintain a comfortable temperature in the winter. You may think that there is no heat in the outdoor air in the winter, but that is not actually the case.

Air contains a substantial amount of heat even at very cold temperatures, and heat pumps are able to work quite well, particularly when the outdoor temperature is above freezing. Conveniently, the same process used to heat your house in the winter can be reversed in the summer to extract heat from the indoor air, providing you with a year round home comfort solution.

Geothermal heating works in much the same way, except that geothermal heat pumps extract heat from the ground rather than the air. In order to accomplish this, a loop of pipes is installed in the ground near your house and your geothermal heating system will pump a liquid, generally either antifreeze or water, through those pipes.

As it passes through the pipes, the liquid will absorb heat from the ground and carry it back to a heat exchanger within your house. At that point, the heat from the liquid will be released into air, which is then blown throughout your house.

And just as conventional heat pumps can cool your house in the summer by removing heat and pumping it outside, so too can geothermal heating systems. They do this simply by letting the liquid flowing through the pipes absorb the heat from inside air and then release it into the ground as it travels through the pipe loop below your house.

Because the ground is never as cold in the winter or as hot in the summer as the air, geothermal heat pumps are actually able to work effectively in more extreme conditions than many traditional heat pumps . However, because they require an entire system of pipes to be installed underground, they can be quite a bit more expensive initially as well.

The post What Is Geothermal Heating? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is Geothermal Heating?

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The post What Is Geothermal Heating? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

HVAC Maintenance the Whole Family Should Know

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

If you think the most important thing a heating and cooling (HVAC) system can do is to provide an comfortable environment in your Cornelius home, you are right. But there is another thing an HVAC system does that is very important and it affects your entire family. It provides a safe indoor environment, too.

Besides warmth in the winter, a finely-tuned HVAC system can clean and filter the air you breathe. That’s important to people who suffer from allergies and is especially important for minimizing the spread of germs that cause colds and the flu. The key phrase in this paragraph is finely-tuned. If your HVAC system is not working correctly – out of tune – it can cost you a great deal in monthly utility bills and can be harmful to your health.

It is important for you and your family members to understand the basics of HVAC system maintenance so you can all understand the symptoms of improper maintenance and its consequences. For example, if anyone in your home is suffering from flu-like symptoms or are constantly drowsy or listless, they may be suffering from the a silent killer: poisonous carbon monoxide gas. This gas is formed during incomplete combustion of fossil oils like natural or propane gas. A malfunctioning furnace can emit carbon monoxide gases and you may never even realize it, until it is too late. Long-term exposure to the gas can cause brain damage and/or chronic sleepiness. It some cases, it can even cause death.

You may be able to diagnose the problem, but you aren’t qualified to test and repair a furnace that is creating deadly carbon monoxide gas. Your best bet is to call a qualified HVAC contractor who can diagnose the furnace and offer repair or replacement suggestions. But there are things you can do to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide gas.

Check all exhaust vents, like chimneys and flues for any blockages. A blocked or partially blocked vent can cause the build-up of carbon monoxide gas. And never, EVER, use a gas or propane powered heater in an unvented area of your home. These types of heaters create various levels of carbon monoxide gas that needs to be circulated out of each room and replaced with clean, fresh air. So, your family can actively ensure that there is no debris, bird’s nests, animals, leaves, or snow in the ventilation system.

You can also “help” your HVAC system by keeping vents clean by vacuuming dirty vent grilles and, in general, keeping the home clean. The cleaner the home, the easier it is for your furnace to do its job and the easier it will be for you and your family will breathe. These are a few easy maintenance tips will keep you and your family warm – and safe – this fall and winter.

The post HVAC Maintenance the Whole Family Should Know first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Should I get a space heater or upgrade my heating system?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

If your heating system isn’t really cutting it in your Molalla home anymore, it may be time to take a step back and consider what your options are. After all, upgrading to an entirely new heating system is a big investment and a large project that will likely disrupt your life at least for a short period of time. However, under certain circumstances it’s the best alternative out there.

One option to consider when you’re unhappy with your home heating situation is supplementing your central heating system with space heaters. These are generally inexpensive and can be placed virtually anywhere in your house or taken with you from one room to another.

Especially if there is a small part of your home that your heating system just doesn’t seem to reach or that you want to keep a bit warmer than the rest of the house, space heaters can be an excellent option. They’re small, safe and portable and can easily keep a smaller portion of your home or room cozy and warm.

However, you’ll have to take into account the operating costs of a space heater as well as the initial investment when you’re trying to evaluate the overall cost effectiveness of this option. Most space heaters run on electricity, which often costs considerably more than oil or natural gas. If your home heating system runs on electricity anyway, this might not be so much of a factor. But if you have an oil or gas furnace , you could wind up paying significantly more to run space heaters as supplemental heat over time.

Also, it’s worth considering that new home heating systems are likely much more energy efficient than the system you currently have in place. Although the initial installation cost can be pretty substantial, you’ll wind up saving a very large amount on your monthly heating bills by upgrading to a newer model.

Plus, you’ll be getting a system that should be able to satisfactorily heat your home without the need for space heaters or other supplemental heat sources. This translates into a pretty hefty savings over time and that’s something you’ll certainly have to take into consideration when you’re evaluating your options.

The post Should I get a space heater or upgrade my heating system? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Should I get a space heater or upgrade my heating system?

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The post Should I get a space heater or upgrade my heating system? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Clean the Parts of a Heat Pump

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

It is very important to keep the heat pump in your Newberg home clean. It improves efficiency, helps performance and prevents malfunctions. Cleaning your heat pump should be part of your home maintenance routine in order to keep the house as comfortable and worry-free as possible.

That is all well and good, but how do you go about cleaning the components of your heat pump. It’s one thing to advise you to clean, clean, clean…but it doesn’t do much good if you do not know how. To correct that, here are some tips to help you clean the different parts of your heat pump.

Caution: before doing any maintenance on your heat pump, including cleaning, be sure to turn off the power to the unit. This is a necessary safety measure.

Filters

Coils

With that done, put everything back, replace the grille covers and power the heat pump back on. It should run smoothly with a fresh filter and no debris to gum up the works. Clean the coils every few months to keep the heat pump in tip top shape.

The post How to Clean the Parts of a Heat Pump first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Why Should I Clean My Air Ducts?

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Everyone in Hillsboro knows it’s important to keep your home’s air ducts clean , but why? Many people ask that question, and it’s important to understand why you are doing such a chore so that it has a purpose.

Actually, there is no one reason why your air ducts need to be kept clean—there are several, all of which are connected to one another. Here are five of them for you to consider:

Clean air ducts go a long way toward making your home a pleasant place to live, as well as making home ownerships as worry-free as possible. Yes, it entails some extra work and/or expense, but in the end the benefits far outweigh the cost.

The post Why Should I Clean My Air Ducts? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Did You Change that Furnace Filter?

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

No matter what type of furnace you have in your Cornelius home, it’s important to remember to change or clean the filter on a regular basis. This is a relatively straightforward process and doesn’t require any professional help. However, if you’re not sure how to go about doing it, you can always have your heating technician demonstrate the process for you on their next regular maintenance visit.

Indeed, changing or cleaning out the furnace filter is an important part of regular furnace maintenance . However, it often needs to be done more than once a year. The specific amount of time that you can go between filter changes depends on many things, but typically it’s good to check on it once every three months or so.

If you have a lot of pets or if anyone in your family has severe allergies, it may be worth it to check and change the filter even more often. Check with the manufacturer to see what their recommendations are as well. Some high performance furnace filters can last up to six months or even a year, but you should still check on the filter periodically to make sure that too much hasn’t built up on it in between replacements or cleanings.

You’ll need to make sure you have the right type of filter to install as a replacement as well. You can get this information from the owner’s manual of your furnace, from the manufacturer or by taking out and examining the current filter in your furnace. Some furnaces also have filters that are meant to be cleaned and then put back in and the cleaning instructions are usually located near the filter itself.

Of course, in order to change your filter you’ll first have to be able to find it. Most of the time, the filter will be located near the blower towards the bottom of the furnace. However, if you’re not having much luck finding it, your owner’s manual should be able to tell you quickly where it is and how to remove it. Before you go to open the chamber and take the filter out, however, be sure you’ve turned off the power to the furnace.

Changing your furnace filter can help improve the air quality in your home and it is also very important when it comes to keeping your furnace running efficiently and effectively. The filters are there to trap airborne particles that can get into the blower and clog it up. When that happens, the performance of your furnace will likely drop and you’ll need to have a professional come out and complete the necessary repairs.

The post Did You Change that Furnace Filter? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Common Furnace Problems

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When it comes to your Colton home’s furnace , you simply want it to work all of the time. But just like any other piece of equipment, your furnace will have problems from time to time. A few of these are relatively simple to fix on your own, but for the most part you’ll need to call in someone to take care of the repairs for you.

However, before you can do that, you’ll need to recognize that a problem exists at all. And the earlier you notice the warning signs, the better off you’ll be. It’s always better to get a furnace problem taken care of right away than to wait until your furnace stops working completely.

It’s also good to remember that quite often the problems you’re having with your furnace are really originating with your thermostat. This is usually welcome news, as thermostats are much cheaper and easier to repair and replace than many other parts of your furnace. In fact, even if your furnace isn’t working at all, it may only be the result of a faulty thermostat.

Another problem you may start to notice is that one part of your house is being warmed more than another part. When this happens, it can be a sign that there is something wrong with the furnace, but it may also be that the pressure in your duct system is not balanced properly. A simple rebalancing of this system can have your house heating evenly again in no time.

You may also realize that your furnace seems to be cycling on and off too often. When a furnace is working properly, it will come on for a considerable period of time and then shut off until the temperature in the house drops below the desired level. However, some problems can cause your furnace to complete many short cycles rather than fewer short ones.

If this is happening to your furnace, there are several possible causes. Something might be wrong with the blower on the furnace or the thermostat might not be feeding the furnace the correct information. Another possibility is that your furnace’s air filter is dirty or clogged.

While there are sometimes simple and straightforward solutions to these types of common furnace problems, it’s best to call in a professional to have them take a look if you’re not sure where to start searching for a problem. In most cases you’ll need them to come out and make the necessary repairs anyway.

The post Common Furnace Problems first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What Is a Downflow vs. an Upflow Furnace?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When you go looking to buy a furnace in Clackamas, you may well be surprised by how many different elements go into making a good purchasing decision. There are simply so many different kinds of furnaces available now and they each are more appropriate for certain situations. That means that finding the one that’s right for you is less about finding the one best unit than it is about finding the one that is the best match for your particular circumstances.

This applies to the type of fuel the furnace uses, its energy efficiency, and whether it’s an upflow furnace or a downflow furnace. Energy efficiency and fuel types are probably things that you’re more or less familiar with. But what are we talking about when we classify a furnace as an upflow or downflow model?

Well, it’s pretty much what it sounds like. These terms refer to the direction the air flows as it is taken in and heated by the furnace. So in an upflow furnace, the cool air is taken in at the bottom, warmed, and then expelled at the top. A downflow furnace, on the other hand, takes in cool air at the top and expels heated air at the bottom.

While this is all very exciting, it may still not be obvious what impact this will have on your decision about what type of furnace to buy. The main thing you’ll have to think about when you’re deciding between an upflow and a downflow furnace is where the furnace will be placed in your house.

An upflow furnace is generally installed in the basement so that the heated air is directed towards the parts of the house you want cooled and so that the furnace can be appropriately vented outside of the house. On the other hand, a downflow furnace would be installed in your attic for the same reasons.

So where you want to have the furnace installed is probably the biggest thing to take into account as you’re comparing these two types of equipment. Of course, whether you pick an upflow or a downflow furnace, you’ll still have to select the appropriate AFUE, size and fuel source to best meet your needs. But making the choice between upflow and downflow can at least make it easier to narrow down your options.

The post What Is a Downflow vs. an Upflow Furnace? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If you’re preparing to replace your existing heating system in Cornelius, you may very well be struggling with the question of whether to go with a furnace or a heat pump for all of your future home heating needs. Each of these systems have their own advantages and drawbacks, and once you’ve narrowed it down to one type or the other, you’ll still have a pretty wide variety of products to choose from.

Furnaces are still the most popular type of home heating equipment on the market. You can get furnaces that run on gas, oil or electricity, although gas furnaces are by far the most common type of furnace around these days. The latest models are extremely energy efficient, with AFUE ratings reaching into the high 90%s.

Like heat pumps, furnaces use ducts to transfer heated air throughout your home. They typically require regular maintenance once every year or two depending on the type of furnace you have, and they can be expected to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years when properly maintained. Most modern furnaces are also made to be compatible with a central air conditioning or cooling system as well.

Heat pumps , on the other hand, don’t generate the heat that they circulate throughout your house. Instead they are able to extract the heat from the air outside and pump it inside. This means that they use much less energy than even the most energy efficient furnaces.

However, heat pumps are only capable of heating your house comfortably when the outside temperature is above freezing. If you live in an area with particularly long and frigid winters, you’ll probably find that you need to supplement your heat pump with another heat source. Because of this, it actually makes little sense to use a heat pump in more extreme climates.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with relatively mild winters, heat pumps can be a great option. They provide a constant flow of warm air to all parts of your home and can also keep you house cool during hot summer months. To cool your home, heat pumps simply reverse the process they use to warm it. They take the heat out of your indoor air and pump it outside. This is a very effective home cooling method and makes heat pumps a great solution for year round comfort.

The post Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

The Top 7 Mistakes Homeowners Make with Home Maintenance

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Maintaining your Gladstone home is important, but it must be done properly. Learn these common maintenance mistakes so you can avoid making them yourself.

There are other ways to err in home maintenance, but this list covers some of the more common doozies. In general, as long as you are careful, diligent and not afraid to call in professional help when needed, you will be just fine.

The post The Top 7 Mistakes Homeowners Make with Home Maintenance first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Turn that Thermostat Down a Degree and Save Money

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

There are literally dozens of things you can do to cut back on your heating (and cooling) costs in Troutdale. These range from things like getting a high energy efficiency system to just making sure that you have adequate insulation in all parts of your house. But too many people overlook one of the simplest things that you can do to cut down on your monthly heating bill, and that is to turn the thermostat down.

Of course, you did not pay for that high tech home comfort system just so that you could walk around cold all winter long. You certainly want to keep your house at a temperature that is comfortable, but what does that really mean?

The normal default setting for a home heating system is usually somewhere between 72°F and 75°F. If you have your thermostat set somewhere in this range in the winter, you are probably quite comfortable indoors. In fact, you might not even need a sweater. But would you really notice if it was a degree or two cooler? Would it be incredibly inconvenient to put on a sweater or sweatshirt after all?

The truth is that most of us will be just as comfortable at 69°F as we are at 72°F, and the effect that small adjustment can have on your heating bill is actually pretty significant. In fact, you will save an average of 3% on your monthly bill for every degree you turn your thermostat down. Drop the temperature down by three or four degrees and that will give you up to a 10% monthly savings – hardly something to turn up your nose at.

And setting the regular temperature in your house a bit lower is not the only way your thermostat settings can save you money. You will also save quite a bit if you take the time to turn down the temperature when you leave the house and when you go to bed at night. There simply is no reason to pay to heat your house when you are not there and you will certainly be rewarded with a lower energy bill for your efforts.

The post Turn that Thermostat Down a Degree and Save Money first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

4 Ways to Improve IAQ and Reduce Air Pollution

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Your Gresham home could be a haven for pollutants that can cause irritation to the upper respiratory system of anyone who comes inside. These allergens and pollutants are easy to remove however by taking some simple steps such as the four listed below:

Proper cleaning and careful selection of compounds and what goes into your air will help you avoid creating new air quality problems in the house. Done right, this process will make everyone in your home feel more comfortable.

The post 4 Ways to Improve IAQ and Reduce Air Pollution first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When we think of air pollution we often think of outdoor “smog”, but the air in your Aurora home or office may also be polluted, even if it looks clean. Sources of indoor pollution include

Indoor air quality is of particular concern in newer, better-insulated homes, or in older homes that have been recently weatherized. The “tightness” of modern houses means that any pollutants that get into the home stay there – and perhaps even increase in concentration over time if the source of the pollution is inside the house.

Indoor air quality problems can cause discomfort and even serious disease, especially in children. The good news, though, is that there are many effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

There are two basic strategies for improving indoor air quality:

Air purification. Air cleaners range from small tabletop models to full-house models that are part of the central heating and cooling system. Small air purifiers are typically not very useful, but central air filters can be very effective at removing airborne contaminants. If your heating and cooling system does not include central air filtration, you should consider an upgrade to a new system.

It is important to note that air purification will not remove gases like carbon monoxide or radon from your home.

Source control. This is the most important indoor air quality strategy, and in many cases, the simplest one. Source control is definitely the most cost-effective strategy for improving indoor air quality, because purification requires a constant use of energy.

Switch to all-natural household cleaners, buy household furnishings made of natural fibers (instead of synthetic fibers that can “off-gas” volatile organic compounds). When painting, use VOC-free paint. Quit smoking, if you haven’t already.

And, don’t forget to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, ideally next to the sleeping areas.

The post How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When we think of air pollution we often think of outdoor “smog”, but the air in your Aurora home or office may also be polluted, even if it looks clean. Sources of indoor pollution include

Indoor air quality problems can cause discomfort and even serious disease, especially in children. The good news, though, is that there are many effective ways to improve indoor air quality.

There are two basic strategies for improving indoor air quality:

It is important to note that air purification will not remove gases like carbon monoxide or radon from your home.

And, don’t forget to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, ideally next to the sleeping areas.

The post How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

What is R410A?

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If you’ve recently started researching a new air conditioner for your Newberg home, you may have run across “R410A” – a newer form of refrigerant increasingly being used in high end air conditioning equipment. What is R410A and why is it different from the existing refrigerant most air conditioners have?

Chemical Composition

R-410A is a composite of diflouromethane and pentafluoromethane. This mixture of R-32 and R-125 creates a new compound designed to be used in commercial and residential air conditioning devices. Sometimes referred to as Puron, Genetron and EcoFluor, R-410A is a more environmentally friendly approach to cooling than the existing coolant most air conditioners use – R-22.

To date, R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for millions of devices. However, because R-22 will no longer be permitted in new devices starting in 2020, R-410A is growing in popularity rapidly and will soon become the standard refrigerant option in new devices.

Environmental Impact

Despite being very similar in chemical composition to other refrigerants like Freon and R-22, R-410A does not contribute to ozone depletion, a major step forward for air conditioning. However, it has as very similar global warming impact – producing nearly 1725% more damage than carbon dioxide. One of the factors that negates this high global warming risk is the fact that R-410A is being used in a more efficient manner than past refrigerants.

Choosing R-410A

You cannot simply replace the R-22 in your cooling system with R-410A. Because it requires higher pressure, the devices that run with R-410A must be built specifically for this refrigerant. As a result, many manufacturers are starting the transition to the new refrigerant now, in anticipation of the 2020 phase out date for R-22. If you are preparing to buy a new unit, keep this in mind. You can still buy R-22 devices, but they are not as environmentally friendly as this newer form of refrigerant.

The post What is R410A? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

When to Replace Your Air Conditioning System

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

One of the last things you probably want to think about is replacing the air conditioning system in your Colton home. However, the time will come when you can no longer ignore the fact that your air conditioning system is not getting the job done like it used to. And considering your replacement options early can help save you a lot of money and aggravation in the long run.

Before you can start looking at replacement options, though, you need to be aware that the time has come to replace your current model. But how can you tell that your air conditioner is on its way out? Well, there are actually quite a few warning signs that, if you are attuned to them, will help you determine whether or not it is the right time to replace.

First of all, if you have to call for repairs, even minor ones, on a regular basis, chances are that you would be better off replacing rather than continuing to patch up the air conditioning system you already have. This is true for several reasons including the fact that a system that requires repairs so often is probably not going to last you much longer anyway.

By replacing now rather than continuing to pay for repairs, you will save a lot of money in the long run. After all, you are going have to pay for the new system sooner or later, so you might as well skip the shelling out of extra cash to repair a system you are just going to get rid of anyway.

Problems like inadequate or uneven cooling or mismanaged humidity levels in your home are a good sign that something is not working right in your air conditioning system and that it may be time to replace. At the very least, you should call someone out to take a look and let you know what type of repairs you are looking at.

You should also think about replacing an older system even if it is still working fine because the newer systems available are much more energy efficient than even the top of the line models available ten years ago. While you will have to pay the purchase and installation cost up front, you will immediately begin to save substantial amounts on your monthly cooling bills.

The post When to Replace Your Air Conditioning System first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Benefits and Disadvantages of Window and Through Wall Units

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

When you’re trying to decide what type of air conditioner to get for your Troutdale home, you’ll first have to determine whether a central air conditioning system or smaller individual unit is best for you. These smaller air conditioners are generally installed either in a window or through the wall of your home, and they can provide excellent cooling under the proper conditions.

If you’re still on the fence about what type of air conditioner to install in your home, here are a few items to consider:

The post Benefits and Disadvantages of Window and Through Wall Units first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Different Types of Room Air Conditioners

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If you are like most people in Happy Valley, you probably picture the air conditioner hanging out of the window when you think of room air conditioners . However, while these are by far the most popular type of room air conditioners, they are not the only option. When you are shopping for a room air conditioner, it is a good idea to explore all of your options before you make a purchase.

The traditional window mounted air conditioners have plenty of advantages, and that has helped to keep them at the top of the room air conditioner market for a long time. These types of units can be installed in windows of multiple sizes and you can just about always get them in yourself. These units are available in a wide variety of sizes too, so you will be able to match the unit to the size of the space you need to cool.

No matter what type of air conditioner you get, it is very important to make sure it is the right size for the task you have laid out for it. Bigger is not always better and you do not want an air conditioner that is too powerful for the space any more than you want one that is too small. Also, be sure to check the energy efficiency rating of the air conditioner you are considering before making your purchase. That can save you a lot of money over time as well.

Another type of room air conditioner to take a look at is a wall mounted unit. Many of the window mounted units can actually be used in this way as well, but the installation involves actually making a hole in the outer wall of your home so you will most likely need some professional help to get it in place.

Just like window mounted units, wall mounted air conditioners come in all sizes and with all different energy efficiency ratings. Always take care to check out the specifics of the model before you buy it to make sure it is the right choice for your home.

Portable air conditioners are a third option in the room air conditioner category. They typically have wheels so that they can be easily moved from one room to another and they have an exhaust hose that must be hooked up to a window to ensure adequate ventilation. These types of room air conditioners are usually more expensive than wall or window mounted units, but it is definitely convenient to be able to move them from one place to another. If you have more questions, contact your local air conditioning professional .

The post Different Types of Room Air Conditioners first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Freon and Load Capacity – How Are They Linked?

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about how your air conditioning system works. All you really need to know is that when you switch on the system, your house gets cooler. But if you’re looking to purchase a new air conditioner for your home, it’s a good idea to know how to select the right one to fit the space you’re trying to cool.

Air Conditioning Basics

Air conditioners use Freon as a coolant to remove heat from indoor air and transfer that heat outside. To do this, they cycle the Freon through a closed loop of coils. When the cold Freon enters the cooling coil of the air conditioner, it absorbs heat from the air passing by, thereby lowering the temperature of the air. That cooled air can then be transferred into your home and more warm air can be cycled past the cooling coils.

Air Conditioner Sizing

The more air your air conditioner can cool at once, the larger its load capacity. In order to keep a particular space cool, an AC unit has to have a large enough load capacity to accommodate that type of air volume. A unit that’s too small will obviously never be able to keep your room cool enough, but one that’s too big will have a similar problem.

The truth is that when it comes to air conditioner sizing, bigger is not better. It’s best to simply get as good an estimate as you can of what type of load capacity is ideal for the space you’re trying to cool and stick as close to that as you can.

Load Capacity and Freon

Of course, if you want your air conditioner to cool more air at a time, you’ll need more coolant. But simply increasing the amount of Freon in your air conditioner won’t make it cool any better. Freon is simply one of many elements that contribute to effective cooling. And the larger the entire system is, the more Freon is needed.

So more Freon technically contributes to greater cooling capacity, but it’s not enough to accomplish that all on its own. There is really nothing you can do to increase the load capacity of your air conditioner once it’s in place. So for best results, make sure you pick out an appropriately sized unit the first time around.

The post Freon and Load Capacity – How Are They Linked? first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Considering Remodeling? Tips To Be Sure It’s Done Right

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:00:00 GMT

Remodeling your home is a great investment and can be a satisfying accomplishment once it’s done. Any remodeling project is a major one, however, and therefore requires some strategizing and careful execution in order to prevent setbacks, added expense, and a great deal of frustration. Here are some tips to help your remodeling project go smoothly, and help you keep your sanity.

Think like a Boy Scout

The best first step in any remodeling project is to prepare yourself by planning ahead. Every little bit of time and energy spent on planning and preparation can greatly reduce the amount you have to spend on tough decisions and corrections later on. Before starting your project, be sure to:

Be Creative

For most of your remodeling goals and objectives, there will usually be more than one option. By considering all your options and discussing them with your contractor, you can save money while still achieving the desired result. Some examples include:

By keeping some of these tips in mind, you can help to ensure that your house becomes the dream home you have always wanted, without the nightmares of costly or incorrect updates.

The post Considering Remodeling? Tips To Be Sure It’s Done Right first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .

Save with Maintenance on HVAC

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

You can never save too much money by making improvements and taking steps around the house. Of course, it is hard sometimes to see exactly where the money saving opportunities are. That’s because you expect to spend a certain amount on various types of services when you own a home. You know you are always going to have heating and cooling bills, for instance. But are they higher than they need to be?

For many people, the answer to that question is “yes.” And it is not because they use their home heating and cooling systems inappropriately or because they have the wrong equipment. It is simply because they neglect to get their HVAC systems the regular care and maintenance that would keep them running at peak effectiveness and energy efficiency.

When your HVAC system is new, it runs well and can be remarkably energy efficient. However, over time that energy efficiency will gradually deteriorate. This drop off in efficiency is often not obvious at first, but if you compare your energy bills from the year you got your system to bills for the same time of year and same usage five years later, you will probably notice that the bill has gone up quite a bit, and not just because energy prices have gone up.

You can do a lot to prevent this loss of energy efficiency, though, if you simply have a professional HVAC technician come out once a year and give your system a tune up. During this type of maintenance service, the technician will check over your entire system looking for worn out parts and buildup that could be interfering with your system’s performance.

They can clean out any areas of your HVAC equipment that require it and they will be able to make any necessary repairs at that time. Often, a technician performing this type of maintenance will be able to catch minor issues before they are able to develop into bigger problems. And while you still have to pay for the maintenance visit, the cost is much less than what you would pay for an emergency repair.

It also represents a substantial savings over what you would be paying on your energy bills every month without it. Regular HVAC maintenance can preserve the vast majority of your system’s energy efficiency loss over time, and it is never too late to start. Even if it has been several years since you had your system installed, you will still be able to get back the vast majority of your original energy efficiency by starting with regular maintenance now.

The post Save with Maintenance on HVAC first appeared on Clean Air Act Inc. .