Three Signs That Your Heater Might Need To Be Serviced

September 11th, 2013

With the Summer just about over, we here in the Pacific Northwest are getting ready for Fall and Winter already. If you’re like most homeowners, then you’ve been running your air conditioning system this summer while your heater has sat dormant. Before you just start cranking it on, there are a few things you should look for which could indicate that your heater needs service. Read on below and then call Clean Air Act if you think you may need Beavercreek, OR heating services.

Beavercreek, OR Heating Tip: Signs You Need Service

Keep an eye out for the following indicators that could mean you need to call for maintenance or repair for your heater.

  • Noises – If you’ve started running your heater but have noticed that it’s making an unusual noise, you may want to turn it off and call for Beavercreek, OR heating repair. If you hear squealing, it could mean that the fan motor belt needs to be replaced. Rattling could be a loose component or some debris stuck in the fan.
  • Odors – If your heater is producing any odors, then you should call for help. It could be rodents, insects or some other contaminant in your heat exchanger or in your ducts.
  • Not enough heating – If you aren’t getting enough heat in your home, then it likely means that you have a serious problem. It could be that the air filter is clogged or that the compressor is bad (if you have a heat pump) or that the burner isn’t working well (for furnaces). You could also have a fan issue where it isn’t pushing enough warm air into your heater or into your home.
  • Inefficient operation – Everyone wants to stay comfortable in their home, but if your heater isn’t operating efficiently, it could discourage you from running it. This is often caused by a clogged air filter in your system. But it could also be something more serious like low refrigerant, a clogged heat exchanger or evaporator coil or some other problem.

Do you need to hire a Beavercreek, OR heating expert? Then make sure you call the experts at Clean Air Act.

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We Wish You a Happy Labor Day

September 2nd, 2013

On every project that we complete, we ensure that our customers are satisfied. We take pride in the work that we do every day, and this level of diligence and attention to detail has allowed us to grow over the years. On the first Monday of every September, our country celebrates Labor Day as a way of recognizing the hard work that has made this country great. Because making your home more comfortable and convenient is our business, we want you to have an enjoyable and pleasant Labor Day.

Labor Day is a time of good BBQ, the start of the professional and college football seasons, entertainment with family and friends, and, most importantly, taking a day off from work. Labor Day emerges as a federal holiday in the wake of the Pullman Strike of 1894. It was designated as such by President Grover Cleveland and Congress as a way to reconcile the damage done by the faceoff between the Federal government and the Pullman Palace Car Company workers and other railroad workers. But over a decade before it became official, Labor Day began as a workers’ picnic and demonstration suggested by either Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor, or Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union of New York.

From our family to yours, we wish you all the best on this Labor Day.

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Low Refrigerant: One of the Many Reasons Air Conditioning Repair Service is Necessary

August 28th, 2013

Your air conditioning system has a ton of moving parts in it that allow it to efficiently remove heat from your home and exhaust it outside. One of the most important components of the system is a refrigerant that your AC circulates through the system. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your system it can cause a number of different problems. We wanted to let our customers know about a few of these problems so that you can recognize them and call for comprehensive air conditioning repair services in Oregon City, OR. Give us a call here at Clean Air Act if you need any kind of services for your AC system.

Oregon City, OR Air Conditioning Repair: Low Refrigerant

In order to understand why low refrigerant is such a problem, it is first necessary to understand why the refrigerant is so important.

If you have a central air conditioning system then you likely have an indoor unit that contains a series of evaporator coils and an outdoor unit that contains the condensing coils. These two sets of coils are filled with the refrigerant and they allow your system to absorb heat out of your air and then exhaust it outside.

These are a few of the signs that could indicate that you have low refrigerant.

  • Not enough cooling – If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your air conditioning system then your system won’t be able to remove as much heat from your home.
  • Increased energy usage –If you start to notice that your energy bills are increasing even though you haven’t been using your AC system any more, it could be an indication that you have low refrigerant. If your air conditioner doesn’t have enough refrigerant it will have to work harder to cool your home using the refrigerant that it does have.
  • Icing – If your air conditioning system is icing up it could be because you have low refrigerant.
  • Gurgling – When your air conditioning system makes a gurgling sound it could be caused by low refrigerant in your system.

For any air conditioning repair services that you need, call the Oregon City, OR air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act. We can work on any type of system that you might have.

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Energy Efficient Home Cooling Tips

August 21st, 2013

Every homeowner wants to stay cool in their home but no one wants to have to pay an arm and a leg to do it. So with energy prices seemingly on the rise every year, what can you do to make sure that your home is as efficient as possible? Here at Clean Air Act we offer a full range of air conditioning services in Portland, OR including installation, repair and maintenance. We wanted to help out our customers by putting together a few things that you can do to make sure that your home operates efficiently.

Portland Air Conditioning Efficiency Tips

Check out a few of our tips about how you could be able to increase the efficiency of your home.

  • Regular maintenance – Probably the most important thing that you can do for your home’s efficiency is to get regular maintenance for your air conditioning system. As your AC operates, it will develop small problems that will cause your system to have to work harder to cool your home which reduces its efficiency. When you  get your air conditioning system regularly inspected and maintained your technicians will look for those problems and repair them which could return some of the efficiency to your system.
  • Change the air filter – One of the most common causes of air conditioning repairs and inefficiency is a clogged air filter. Your AC system needs the air filter to protect the moving parts from dust and dirty. If the filter isn’t changed it can clog which will restrict the flow of air through the system and cause it to work harder than it needs to and reduce its efficiency.
  • Take care of your ducts – Over time, your ducts can start to develop cracks and leaks and they can also collapse in certain places. These will greatly reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. In fact, Energy Star estimates that in the typical house up to 20% of the air passing through the ducts can leak out. Getting your ducts cleaned and repaired regularly could be able to help improve the efficiency of your home.

When you need any kind of air conditioning repair or maintenance services, call the Portland air conditioning experts at Clean Air Act.

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How Duct Cleaning Affects Your Air Conditioning System

August 14th, 2013

All homeowners want their homes to be cool and comfortable throughout the long, hot summer months. In order to achieve this goal, it is important that you schedule professional air conditioning maintenance with a qualified technician. Some issues, though, such as very dirty air ducts, require more specialized services. If your air ducts are impeding the operation of your air conditioning system, contact the air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act. Our professional Portland duct cleaning technicians have the tools and training they need to clean up your air ducts from the inside out. There are many great benefits to be had by doing so, so call now to schedule service.

As dirt, dust and other debris accumulate within your ductwork system, they can begin to negatively impact your air conditioning system in a variety of ways. First of all, if there are a lot of airborne pollutants within your air ducts, it is very possible for them to clog up your air filter. This means that your air conditioning system will have to work harder and harder in order to distribute air throughout your home. In doing so, more and more energy will be used in the process. This means that you may actually wind up paying more money for a weaker performance from your air conditioning system.

Professional duct cleaning can also help to reduce the risk of air conditioning repair needs developing. As your system works harder to distribute cooled air throughout your home, more strain is put on the system. The more strain that your air conditioning system faces, the more likely it becomes that damages will result. Do not allow an overworked system to suffer damages due to dirty air ducts. Call now to learn more.

Unsurprisingly, very dirty air ducts can also really take a toll on your indoor air quality. All of the air cooled by your system must travel throughout your air ducts in order to reach throughout your home. If your air ducts are full of dirt and dander, these substances can also make the rounds into different areas of your home. Let our skilled ductwork technicians ensure that your air ducts are able to function properly.

For more information about how professional duct cleaning can benefit your home, call the Portland air conditioning experts at Clean Air Act. Our air conditioning technicians are happy to answer any questions you may have. Let us know what your concerns are regarding the ductwork in your home.

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

August 9th, 2013

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

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

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

 

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Common Reasons to Call for Air Conditioning Repair Service

July 30th, 2013

Whether your air conditioner makes a grinding sound or it whistles when blasting cool air throughout your home, there are numerous reasons to call for professional air conditioning repair services in Oregon City. At Clean Air Act, we have encountered a diverse range of HVAC problems over the years and have devised the following shortlist so that you know what to look for. Wen it comes to the integrity of your AC, there is truly no substitute for the expertise of a professional. Only a trained technician can know how to troubleshoot a problem and provide a viable solution. Call us today for all of your air conditioning repair services in Oregon City.

  • AC does not cool home completely. This is a common complaint amongst homeowners who have become frustrated by the lack of cooling in their homes. There is not one reason why this can happen, but rather several. The only way to diagnose the root of the problem is by hiring a professional to do so. You may have low refrigerant levels or there could be a problem with your ductwork.
  • High energy bills. Keeping an eye on your energy bills is a great way to make sure that your AC is not hampered by a problem affecting its efficiency. Our energy bills are high enough without AC faults causing them to rise. If you notice yours spikes from one month to the next, then you might want to consider professional air conditioning repair. 
  • Strange sound. You should expect your AC to make some sound during its operation, but if it begins to make a strange or unusual sound, such as buzzing, grinding, banging, hissing, whistling, or something else, then it could be an indication that something is wrong.
  • AC won’t start. Before calling a professional, make sure that your AC did not merely trip the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t help, then you should also check to make sure that the thermostat is in cooling mode and properly calling for cooling. If neither of those work, then you could have a bad capacitor or a faulty control board.

Call Clean Air Act today for professional air conditioning repair services in Oregon City, OR.

 

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Amana Air Conditioning Options

July 24th, 2013

Are you moving into a new home and need an air conditioning system? Is it time to replace your current AC unit? Buying a new air conditioner is a huge decision that you will have to live with for a long time. But finding a good AC unit can be challenging and confusing. We wanted to share some of the options that you have and also recommend that you consider an Amana air conditioning system. Give us a call if you have any questions or if you need any kind of air conditioning services in Beaverton, OR.

Beaverton Air Conditioning Installation Services: Amana Air Conditioners

Check out a few of the options that Amana offers to its customers.

  • Air conditioners – Of course, central air conditioning systems are still the most common type of cooling system. They use a series of ducts that are in your home to push cool air throughout your house. Amana offers some incredibly high efficiency systems that reach 18 SEER. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an indicator that lets customers know how efficient an air conditioning system is at cooling. In order to receive an Energy Star certification an AC system must meet at least a 14 SEER rating.
  • Heat pumps – Another terrific option for homeowners is a heat pump. They cool your home in exactly the same way as a central AC system. The major difference is that they can also heat your home. They are very efficient and they contain both heating and cooling capabilities in one convenient system.
  • Packaged systems – For homeowners that want the efficiency of a central air conditioning system but the comfort of a gas or electric furnace, package systems are a fantastic option. Many homes have an air conditioning system and then a separate furnace. With a package system you get both in one unit.

If you need any air conditioning installation, repair or maintenance services, call the Beaverton air conditioning technicians at Clean Air Act. We have years of experience working with all different kinds of systems and we can help you replace or install any type of new air conditioning system.

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Benefits of an Amana Heat Pump

July 17th, 2013

Named after the Iowa birthplace of its founder, George Foerstner, in 1934, Amana began by revolutionizing the appliance industry and has retained its reputation for excellent products in the heating and cooling industry as well. In particular, an Amana heat pump is a piece of equipment that is built to last with outstanding reliability and performance. At Clean Air Act, we work a variety of system types and brands but we’re particularly proud to be able to provide Amana products to our customers. Like Amana, we have a firm commitment to the comfort of your home. Call us today to learn more about our air conditioning services in Portland.

In today’s post, we’d like to look closely at the benefits of an Amana heat pump.

  • Energy efficiency. It’s important that your new air conditioner not only be powerful to keep your home comfortable, but also energy efficient. Efficiency is the ratio between electrical energy input and cooling output, and a heat pump is one of the best around.  A heat pump has two efficiency ratings, a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). Both are numeric scales, and the higher number the better. A heat pump runs on electricity but uses relatively little when compared to other types of systems.
  • Year-round comfort. The most unique feature of a heat pump is its ability to keep your home comfortable year-round. It functions more or less like an air conditioner. By circulating a refrigerant through the various coils, compressor, and expansion valve, the heat pump dissipates heat into the outside air during the summer and absorbs the ambient thermal energy of the air in the winter. It can do this by virtue of a reversing valve that permits the pump to circulate the refrigerant in the opposite direction, unlike an air conditioner.
  • Reliability. The Amana brand is synonymous with innovation, but also reliability. Their heat pumps are built to last. And that’s critical because the installation of a new system is a major investment in your time and resources.

Call Clean Air Act today for all of your air conditioning needs in Portland, OR. We can make sure your Amana heat pump installation runs smoothly, and we also offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services.

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Summer Air Conditioning Tips

July 10th, 2013

There is nothing better than coming home after a long day of fun in the sun and relaxing in a cool, comfortable home. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why homeowners throughout the area are not able to do so. Some people are hesitant to replace an under-performing air conditioner because it still powers on. Others find that cooling their home to desired temperatures is simply too costly. Whatever reasons you may have for putting up with discomfort, Clean Air Act can help. We’ve put together a few helpful tips for successful air conditioning in Beaverton, OR. Contact us today to learn more.

First of all, if you are thinking about investing in a new air conditioning system, it is important that you discuss all of your options with a qualified professional. There are a number of different air conditioners on the market, and determining which one is right for your home can be a challenge. Do not hesitate to ask questions, and once you’ve decided on your new AC make sure it is installed by a skilled, licensed technician. You will never get the best air conditioning performance that your system has to offer if it is not expertly installed.

Also, remember that you do not need to operate your air conditioning system constantly. In fact, it is important that you give it a rest and allow some fresh air into your home in order to maintain high indoor air quality levels. When the sun goes down and temperatures follow suit, open up your windows to let your house ventilate. Enjoy the cool night air, and close your windows before the weather heats up again the next day. By repeating this cycle whenever possible you can trap in cool night air while preventing stale conditions in your home.

The most important tip that we can give you is to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance before putting your system to use each year. Your air conditioner incurs some general wear and tear during operation and the best way to ensure that it continues to operate as effectively and reliably as possible is to have it routinely inspected and tune up by a qualified Beaverton air conditioning technician. For more tips on how to enjoy successful air conditioning, call Clean Air Act today.

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