The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Air Conditioning’

Energy Efficient Home Cooling Tips

Wednesday, 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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Portland
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Amana Air Conditioning Options

Wednesday, 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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Beaverton
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Summer Air Conditioning Tips

Wednesday, 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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Beaverton
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What You Need to Know about Air Conditioning and Humidity

Wednesday, June 26th, 2013

“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.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Dehumidifier, Portland
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Benefits of Preventive Air Conditioning Maintenance

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Are you ready for the hottest time of the year? Are you concerned about the longevity of your AC? One of the best ways to make sure that your AC is ready to perform no matter how hot it gets outside is by enrolling preventive air conditioning maintenance. During these annual visits, a Beaverton air conditioning technician will make sure that your system is well adjusted and cleaned so that it performs well and efficiently. Considering the cost of energy these days, maintenance remains cost-effective in light of its potential energy savings. At Clean Air Act, we recognize the value that you place on your AC, so give us a call today for excellent air conditioning services in Beaverton, OR.

When it comes to keeping your home in good shape, prevention is key. While some homeowners think that once installed their air conditioners will simply operate autonomously, regular maintenance is necessary, and may even be required to fulfill the terms of your manufacturer’s warranty. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:

Cleanliness. Dirt, dust, and debris all cause premature replacement. There’s no substitute for the professional cleaning that comes with AC maintenance. Over time, your coils and other parts of your system will accumulate debris that can interrupt the thermal absorption and dissipation processes, as well as airflow.
Early detection. Most problems with your air conditioning do not come out of nowhere. They start as small issues, whose neglect leads to major problems and premature replacements. During maintenance, a professional Beaverton air conditioning technician will look over your entire system, looking for problems and signs of future problems. This can help you avoid costly repairs and cooling disruptions later on.
Adjustment. Over time, your AC may develop issues with its voltage or its refrigerant level. During maintenance, both of these areas are checked so that you can remain confident in your AC.

Preventive air conditioning maintenance can help you make your home a cleaner, more energy efficient, and more comfortable place to live. It’s also one of the most cost-effective services. Call Clean Air Act today for excellent air conditioning services in Beaverton.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Beaverton
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Improve Indoor Air Quality While Maintaining AC Efficiency

Monday, June 10th, 2013

At Clean Air Act, our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians understand just how important the effective operation of your air conditioning system is to your comfort. However, we also know that comfortable temperatures alone are not enough to ensure that your home is as comfortable as possible. In addition to an efficient, reliable performance from your air conditioner, you must also be able to maintain great indoor air quality throughout the cooling season. Many homeowners are not aware of how the process of cooling their home can impact the indoor air quality therein. Here are a few tips from our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians.

A common mistake that a lot of people make during the cooling season is trying to make their homes as airtight as possible. This stems from a desire to get the most efficient performance possible from their air conditioning system. While it is obviously important to prevent heat from working its way into your home, sealing up your house too tightly can result in a negative impact on your indoor air quality. Air can become stale without proper ventilation. By giving your air conditioner a rest when the temperature cools off at night, you can enjoy great comfort while also allowing your house to breathe. Open up some windows and let fresh air in, being sure to close them again before the heat of the day really picks up.

Because an air conditioning system also dehumidifies air in your home, it is also possible for your air to become too dry. This can cause a number of problems, from very dry, sore throats and sinuses to chipping paint and peeling wallpaper. If dry air is making your home less comfortable, contact a professional Portland, OR air conditioning technician immediately. You may need to incorporate a humidifier into your HVAC system in order to balance humidity levels.

If you have any further questions about how your air conditioning habits may impact your indoor air quality, call Clean Air Act. We have the answers you need to enjoy increased air quality. Call now to learn more. Don’t sacrifice air quality for comfortable temperatures this cooling season.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality, Portland
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How Can I Improve the Performance of My Air Conditioner?

Friday, May 24th, 2013

The ability to cool your home effectively and efficiently is a great benefit in the midst of the summer heat. At Clean Air Act, we do not believe that any of our customers should have to compromise when it comes to comfort, no matter how hot it may get outside. If you are at all dissatisfied with the quality of your air conditioning system’s performance, give us a call today. There are many ways in which you can improve the performance of your air conditioning system without investing in a new one. Our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians can help you keep your cool this summer.

One way you can help your air conditioning system to operate with greater performance levels is to schedule professional duct cleaning service. If you use a ducted forced air distribution system to circulate conditioned air throughout your home, you should make sure that your air ducts are in the best condition possible. Otherwise you risk reducing the efficiency and effectiveness with which your air conditioning system operates. A buildup of dirt and debris in your air ducts impede the flow of air throughout your system. It can also lead to clogged air filters within your air conditioning system, which in turn leads to increased airflow resistance. Your air conditioner will need to work harder in order to force air through this resistance, which will lead it to work with decreased efficiency, as well as putting unnecessary wear and tear on the system.

If your air ducts are damaged, leaking or otherwise compromised, professional duct repair can also help to greatly improve the performance of your air conditioner. All of the air that you pay to cool must pass through your ductwork system. This means that air leaks in your ducts waste energy. Your air conditioner will have to work overtime to replace this lost energy, resulting in high cooling costs despite a weaker performance.

The best way to keep your air conditioning system operating as successfully as possible is to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance service. Only when every component of your air conditioner is operating properly can you hope to get the most efficient, reliable performance possible from your AC. Contact Clean Air Act today to learn more. Our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians want to help you live more comfortably throughout the hottest time of the year.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Duct Cleaning, Portland
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Simple Ways you can Improve Your Air Conditioning Experience

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

During the heat of summer, you are going to need to be able to count on the great performance of your air conditioning system. If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your air conditioning system, you do not need to completely replace your air conditioner. There are plenty of simple ways that you can improve your Beaverton, OR air conditioning experience. Here are a few tips to help you get through the cooling season comfortably. Contact Clean Air Act today with any questions that you may have. Our Beaverton, OR air conditioning technicians have the answers you need to keep things cool this summer.

First of all, head down to your local hardware store and pick up some basic weather stripping material and shrink wrap. You can install the weather stripping in your door frames to keep heat from getting into your home through the gaps. Put the shrink wrap up over your windows to improve efficiency there. If you really want to seal up your home for increased efficiency, buy some caulk and put a beading around your stationary windows.

Never underestimate how much using a few floor or ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioning system can help improve your comfort. Fans cost less to operate than an air conditioner, and while they cannot cool air, they can help to evenly distribute cooled air throughout your home. This will help you feel more comfortable, and you can raise the temperature at your thermostat by a few degrees, cutting down on your energy costs a bit.

Finally, remember that the best way to keep your air conditioning system operating as efficiently and reliably as possible is to schedule routine Beaverton, OR air conditioning maintenance service. When your system is well maintained, it will operate as intended. The less work your AC has to do in order to cool your home, the less energy it will require to do so.

If you are interested in learning more about effective air conditioning methods, or if you need to schedule any air conditioning services, contact Clean Air Act any time. We can help you get the most out of your air conditioning system. Call today to speak with one of our Beaverton, OR air conditioning pros.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Beaverton
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The Benefits of Amana Air Conditioners

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Scheduling your Portland, OR air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance services is an important step in ensuring that you are able to keep your home comfortable one even the hottest days of the year. Of course, even the best air conditioning services cannot make an inferior product operate outstandingly. Pair the exceptional services you receive from the air conditioning pros at The Clean Air Act with a great product from Amana to keep your home comfortable with the efficiency and effectiveness that you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.

Why choose an Amana air conditioning system? Amana products are an American tradition. Amana was the manufacturer of the first walk-in cooler in the world. It is exactly that type of innovation and forward thinking that has kept the Amana brand at the forefront of the industry for so long. Even so, Amana is always hoping to do more to improve the quality of the incredible products that they offer. Amana strives to set the standards by which all other air conditioning products are measured, and they do so by manufacturing their systems with outstanding craftsmanship and the highest standards of excellence.

There are countless benefits in cooling your home with an Amana air conditioner. Enjoy perks such as lifetime compressor warranties that are only possible when a company has absolute faith in the quality of their product. Amana also offers a great variety of products, at different levels of efficiency, to perfectly suit any lifestyle and budget. Amana makes it easy to cool your home affordably, and thanks to the exceptional quality of our systems you can enjoy low maintenance and repair needs. With features such as two-stage compressors, R-410A chlorine free refrigerant and advanced control options, Amana truly lets you keep cool with confidence.

If you are interested in learning more about the Amana air conditioning systems available for installation in your home, call the Portland OR air conditioning pros at The Clean Air Act today. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Our Portland, OR air conditioning technicians are proud to offer these fine products that share the same high standards that we have for our own services.

Tags: Air Conditioning, Portland
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Why is Air Conditioning Maintenance Important in the Spring Time?

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

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!

Energy efficiency. Every AC that is manufactured and sold in the US has a SEER rating. This acronym stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it estimates the ratio between cooling output and electrical energy input during the course of a single cooling season. The higher the number the better. However, it doesn’t much matter how high the SEER of your AC is if it is dirty and in disrepair. Whether your AC is 3 or 13 years old, it will not make the most of your energy consumption unless it receives routine inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups.
Performance. You invested in a comprehensive air conditioning for your home with one thing in mind: cooling performance. But like our cars and trucks, our ACs need maintenance to ensure that they’re operating well for years to come. While you can keep vegetation from encroaching on your outdoor unit, and keep your air filter clean on a regular basis, the complex machinery of your AC needs professional attention to keep your home cool.
Longevity. An air conditioning system is a major investment in the comfort of your home. But it will simply not last as long unless it is regularly cleaned and tuned-up. Regular inspection also gives you the advantage of catching problems early before they require major repairs or premature replacement.

For comprehensive Portland OR air conditioning maintenance, call The Clean Air Act Inc. today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Portland
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