What Is an Infrared Space Heater and How Does It Work?

November 19th, 2013

The cost of trying to heat a large space, such as a warehouse, garage, patio, or construction site, can turn prohibitively high using standard heating systems that channel hot air through ducts. However, there is now a cost-efficient alternative for commercial spaces: infrared space heaters. These heaters allow specific targeting of warmth without the significant heat loss that comes from most traditional systems

If after reading over our description of how infrared space heaters operate you think your business would benefit from installing them, contact Clean Air Act to schedule an appointment with a specialist in heating service in Portland, OR. Our trained technicians will go over your options and provide you the heating solution that will satisfy you.

Infrared space heaters: the basics

Infrared heat comes from a light that is invisible to the naked eye because it is out of the spectrum of light that the cones in our eyes can detect. But this unseen light can warm up objects around us, and through the heat that radiates off them, we too become warm.

Infrared heaters work cost-efficiently as long as they are used to target specific areas—this is why they are useful for large spaces that need only portions heated instead of trying to pump heated air into the entire space. Infrared heaters are effective at counteracting the frequent loss of heat in warehouses and garages that often lose heat through large door and poor insulation. Any time you need direct heat on an object, an infrared space heater will help you out with minimum heat loss.

These heaters can run from a variety of energy sources: gas, electricity, and propane are the most common.

Installation

On their own, infrared heaters are not particularly difficult to install. But when you need to have them installed in a large space, it will require expertise to have them placed and sized correctly. If either of these steps is done poorly, then you will lose most of the advantages that you want to receive.

Once the heaters are installed, you should schedule routine maintenance for them—gas-powered heaters in particular should have maintenance visits at least once a year to make sure they are operating efficiently and calibrated correctly.

Contact Clean Air Act today to begin the process of installing these energy-efficient solutions for your heating troubles in your business. Infrared heating is a superb option, and if you trust to our heating service in Portland, OR, you’ll discover why so many businesses have adopted them.

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How Does a High-Velocity System Work?

November 12th, 2013

Heating in Portland, OR involves more than just traditional gas furnaces and boilers. Those earlier systems still see a lot of use today – they’re easy to install and simple to operate, which makes for a winning combo – but these days they have to share the podium a numerous other systems and upgrades. You may hear the phrase “high velocity system” when discussing heating options. What is it? And more importantly, how does a high-velocity system work? A brief outline of the features involved can be found below.

High-velocity heating systems are based on the notion of using pressure rather than power to distribute air through the system. They use small, narrow air ducts to move the air around, causing the air to move more rapidly (with a little help from specialized fan blowers and similar components). They work according to the tenets of aspiration: creating a subtle circulation that moves throughout a room, making the temperature change more even and balanced throughout a given area.

The benefits of the notion are considerable. Because the ducts are smaller, they can fit into crawlspaces and between walls more easily. That makes them easy to install in older houses that might not be able to support a more traditional duct system. Most high velocity systems are very quiet, and the speed of the air helps reduce dust build-up and other contaminants within the system.

Perhaps most importantly, aspiration helps keep the temperature change steady and even: eliminating cold spots and drafty corners (which you find in more traditional duct systems). It also helps pull more moisture from the air, reducing humidity and keeping our famously wet Oregon weather in check.

Perhaps most importantly, it works to solve a number of potential problems, especially in older houses with a lot of open spaces or which can’t support a standard duct system. The more you know about the principals – the better you can answer the question “how does a high-velocity system work?” – the better you can decide for yourself is such a system is right for you. Clean Air Act handles all kinds of issues related to heating in Portland, OR and can provide guidance and support as well as installation services for high velocity systems. Pick up the phone and call our Portland heating service technicians today!

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What AFUE Means and How It Affects You

November 5th, 2013

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

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

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

“Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”

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

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

Why this is important

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

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

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

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What Is Radon and Why Is It Dangerous?

October 30th, 2013

“Radon” is one of the scariest words a homeowner (or business owner) can hear. This substance is one of the great boogeymen of public health in the United States—but unlike childhood boogeymen, radon is real, as is its danger.

But most people don’t know what radon actually is, or what sort of health hazards it poses that make it so urgent to get radon testing done. It’s a long subject, but in this post we will try to get to the heart of the problem so you’ll understand why radon testing in Portland, OR is something you shouldn’t delay.

Radon is a chemical element (Rn). It occurs as a product of the decay of uranium and thorium, which first produce radium, and then radon. Radon is gaseous, colorless, odorless… and radioactive.

Radon decays as well, and the product of this isn’t gaseous, but solids that can adhere to most surfaces. These “radon daughters” are the main danger that radon presents, since if humans inhale these particles, they will stick to the inside airways of lungs. The radioactivity of these radon daughter particles increases the chances of lung cancer. According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarettes and accounts for approximately 20,000 cancer-related deaths each year. Radon is responsible for the majority of the public’s exposure to radiation.

How does this apply specifically to housing? In 1985, an accident led to the discovery of large concentrations of radon inside many U.S. homes. At least some level of radon is present in every home: it usually enters the lower levels of a house, such as the basement, from the ground, infiltrating through cracks, the water supply, and gaps around service pipes.

You almost certainly have some levels of radon in your home, but don’t panic yet. The concentration might be low enough to pose little danger. However, you need to be certain—and radon can enter the best-sealed homes or those without have basements. Professional radon testers can detect if you have a potentially dangerous radon concentration, and then devise a mitigation solution that will give you improved air quality… and peace of mind.

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, and so you might shrug off the possibility of it lurking around your house. Please don’t make such a potentially hazardous assumption. Contact Clean Air Act and our radon detection and mitigation specialists. We offer complete testing and abatement service to protect you and your family from one of the only true “boogeymen” you’ll find hidden in your home. Contact us today for radon testing in Portland, OR.

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Common Indoor Air Quality Issues During the Heating Season

October 23rd, 2013

The U.S. Department of Health has determined that poor indoor air quality is one of the major threats to health in the country today. Because modern homes are designed as near-sealed environments to prevent heat loss during winter and heat infiltration during summer, contaminants that gather inside have little chance to escape. This lowered air quality is particularly acute during the heating season, when we close up our homes from the cold outdoor air—giving dust, debris, and other particles in the air even fewer places to get out.

At Clean Air Act, we want the Portland, OR heating season to go as pleasantly as possible for your household. Keeping your air free of pollutants is a large part of this. Here are some indoor air problems that are common at this time of the year which we can help you eliminate:

Dust and dirt buildup: Dust, dirt, and other pollutants will build up in your home during winter because of the sealed environment. If you have a heat pump or a furnace warming your home, dust will gather in the ductwork and get blown about your living spaces. A clogged air filter will increase this problem, as will breaks in the ducts that go without repair.

Humidity issues: You may not think about humidity as a problem during winter, but trouble with high and low humidity can strike at any time. If your air becomes too dry (a common trouble during cold weather), it can lead to cracked skin, nose bleeds, and dried out respiratory passages. High humidity will cause general discomfort and can contribute to the spread of common illnesses.

Mold and bacterial growth: The dark spaces inside ductwork offer an ideal spot for the growth of mold, fungus, and unwanted bacterial infestations. Increased humidity will encourage this growth. This can create a serious drop in your air quality.

There are a number of ways to combat these problems and keep the air in your home safe for your whole family. Have your ducts cleaned and your air filters changed regularly. Install mechanical filters or electronic air cleaners to remove contaminating particles. Place UV germicidal lights near vents to eliminate mold and prevent it from returning. Look into getting a humidifier or dehumidifier to control unusual humidity levels.

Clean Air Act can help you get quality indoor air with your heating in Portland, OR. We install different air filters and electronic air cleaners, as well as humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and we can find the right one for your home. We can also take care of bacterial infections with UV germicidal lights and perform top-quality duct cleaning. Contact us today to get the heating season started with indoor air quality products and services from clean air from Clean Air Act.

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Take Care of Your Heating Repairs Before the Cold Hits

October 14th, 2013

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

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

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

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

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How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill this Season

October 8th, 2013

Oregon City OR heating issues are no different from those in other Oregon cities. We have wet, cool winters, meaning that an effective heating system is the best way to keep your home warm and cozy when the temperatures drop. Because of that, we often accept high heating bills as the price of fending off the cold and the damp. It doesn’t have to be that way, however. With a few easy steps, you can cut down on costs without skimping on reliable heat from your furnace. Here’s how to save money on your heating bill this season.

The obvious steps are those you’ve likely heard about since elementary school. Set your thermostat a few degrees cooler than you’re accustomed to and wear warm clothes in the house instead of just depending on the heater to warm you. Don’t run the heater if you’re not going to use the whole house, and turn the heat down before you go off to work in the morning to avoid unnecessary expenditure of energy.

You can use upgrades to your existing energy system to help meet some of these goals. Zone controls, for instance, let you tailor the heat settings to warm only one or two portions of the house while leaving unused sections alone. Similarly, programmable thermostats let you automatically set the heat to turn off when you leave in the morning and turn back on again ten minutes before you arrive home.

In addition to such features, you can ensure that your heater is running at maximum efficiency by scheduling regular maintenance sessions to tighten loose fittings and clean dirty parts. That will ensure that your heater isn’t wasting unnecessary energy.

If you need more tips on how to save money on your heating bill this season, or you want to schedule an upgrading or maintenance service for your existing heater, call the Oregon City, OR heating experts at Clean Air Act. We handle heating issues, and will work to ensure that our wet winters don’t impact your family’s health and comfort. Contact us to make an appointment today.

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Benefits of Radon Testing in Portland

October 4th, 2013

Radon is a radioactive gas, which appears whenever there are significant quantities of uranium in the soil or water. It is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. (behind only cigarettes): it gets caught in your lungs when you breathe it in, damaging the tissue and resulting in long term health problems. Radon testing is a comparatively simple process designed to determine the levels of radon in your home and whether they constitute a danger. The benefits of radon testing in Portland and other Oregon cities are obvious – to alert you to any danger to you or other members of your household – but a little more information can help you understand the particulars betters.

Radon can get into you house through any kind of crack or crevice, such as a fracture in the floor or walls, or a gap to allow plumbing or electricity in. It can also get in through crawlspaces, and can infiltrate your water supply as well (especially if you get your water from a well). If radon is in the water, it can get into the air once it passes through a faucet.

You can’t predict when or where radon will get into your home. It has nothing to do with your home’s location or the proximity to hazardous sites. The only way to spot it is with testing, which a qualified professional can perform safely and efficiently. You should always have a test performer before buying or selling a home. It’s also a good idea to have it tested before having a baby, bringing a new pet into the home or before undertaking any large home improvement projects.

A good Portland, OR radon testing technician will perform both short-term and long-term tests, then discuss your options with you when he test comes back. In the case of high radon levels, you should first re-test to confirm, then discuss adding radon resistant features in your home, such as sealing or plastic sheeting. Radon testing in Portland can be performed by Clean Air Act. Our Portland radon testing technicians are dedicated to the highest quality of service, so give us a call today.

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What to Look for in a Heating System

September 25th, 2013

With the chillier months rolling toward us, now is the time to think about how we’re going to keep our homes cozy until spring arrives. If you are debating a new heater installation in your home in Oregon, you’re probably already bombarding yourself with questions. This isn’t a choice to make quickly, since if you get the wrong system installed it can be difficult and expensive to replace it. To help you make the right choice the first time, read this list of what to look for in a new heating system.

Contact Clean Air Act for your Portland, OR heating questions and services. We will make getting a new heater much easier.

Heating efficiency: Not all heaters provide the same level of warmth distribution through your home, or the high temperatures you might need. For example, heat pumps can have trouble with extreme cold. To get the premium level of comfort, you need to balance the needs of your home with the heating ability of your new system. The best way to find out your home’s heating requirements is to bring in an HVAC specialist to perform a heat load calculation. This will provide you with a precise measurement of how your home should be heated.

Energy efficiency: The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating describes how efficiently a heating system uses energy. AFUE is measured as a percentage; the higher the percentage, the more cost-effective the system. The U.S. Department of Energy requires all furnaces to have a minimum AFUE of 78%, and many boilers score 85% or higher. Check your new system’s AFUE if reducing your annual energy bills is important to you.

Ease of installation: Consider the current layout of your home and how it will affect installation. If you already have ductwork for central air conditioning, then installing a furnace will present few problems. In general, furnaces are easier to install than boilers, and electric furnaces take up less space. If you don’t have ductwork however, boilers can present a better choice.

Deciding what heater to install can be a dizzying process. But you can simplify it with professional help from trained HVAC technicians. Not only will they assist with your choice, they will install the system correctly so it performs at peak level and requires fewer future repairs.

For excellent heating services in Portland, OR, make The Clean Air Act your first choice!

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Transitioning to the Heating Season: What You Need to Know

September 16th, 2013

With summer now over, we are transitioning into the heating season. It’s the time when air conditioners go off and furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps turn on. Although Oregon doesn’t get the brutal cold that some other states have to suffer, we can have some very chilly and rainy days during the fall and winter.

Here are some things you need to know about moving from one season to the other so you’re prepared for the cold weather. For your heating needs, you can rely on the highly-trained Portland, OR heating technicians of Clean Air Act.

Although modern heating systems are very efficient at providing warm air throughout your home, your home might not be as efficient keeping the warm air in. Before the temperature drops any lower, take time to survey your house and locate spots where heat can escape. Check for leaks around your windows and outside doors. (You can use a candle flame to help locate them.) Caulk the windows and put weather stripping around the doors. If you have a fireplace, keep the damper shut when it’s not in use. Your attic should have sufficient insulation, since it is one of the main spots where rising heat can leak out of your home.

When it comes to your heating system, you can also take a few steps yourself to get it ready for the cold. If you have a furnace, change out the filter and make sure nothing is blocking the vents. For boilers, look for leaking water that might indicate cracks or loose valves, and clear out the space around the radiators.

However, you should call in a professional to perform a regular maintenance check to see if your heating system is fully prepared for the season. We recommend an annual service visit, and the best time is during the fall—before HVAC specialists get booked up with winter emergency calls and while a temporary loss of heat won’t be too inconvenient for you. A maintenance check will help prevent costly repairs or a breakdown during the worst times. A properly tuned-up heater will also save you money on your power bills because it will operate more efficiently.

We take the health and comfort of our customers seriously at Clean Air Act. We want you to be prepared for when you need heating in Portland, OR. If you have any concerns, or need repairs or installation, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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