The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Beaverton’

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.

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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.

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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.

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What is a high-efficiency small ductwork system?

Monday, April 15th, 2013

For most of America, ductwork remains the primary way of moving heated air throughout the home. Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, you need good, clean ductwork to facilitate the heating process and to provide adequate comfort for you and your family. But, the box-like ductwork that is so widely used can be inefficient, and often cannot be used in older, historical homes that do not have enough room to accommodate them. Fortunately, today homeowners can enjoy the convenience and effectiveness of ductwork without disrupting their home with major renovation or awkward retrofitting. High efficiency small ductwork systems, also known as high velocity mini duct systems, are quickly becoming a new standard. In this post, we’d like to explain what they could offer your home. For more information, or to schedule Beaverton heating, call the experts at The Clean Air Act today!

A high-efficiency small ductwork system uses small, insulated flexible ducts that circulate hot air at a greater rate. Due to the small diameter of the ducts, they can control the passage of air, and prevent the tendency of air loss and air stagnation. The outlets are about 2” in diameter, and instead of bulky grates, they appear to be small circular holes in the wall. The small diameter and higher pressure of these ducts lets the system circulate more effectively than in conventional set ups, by creating a vacuum effect of negative pressure. The result is even heat, whether you’re lying on the ground, or up on a ladder.

Furthermore, unlike standard ducts, high efficiency small ductwork resists the accumulation of dust and debris, and when paired with an air filtration system, is virtually dust-free. While conventional sheet-metal ductwork is subject to energy loss of up to 30%, small ductwork is tightly sealed and highly efficient. It also provides up to 25% more dehumidification, which is essential for the summer climate.

All in all, high efficiency small ductwork systems offer energy efficiency in a compact package. For more information about how they change your Beaverton, OR heating, contact The  Clean Air Act today!

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How Can I Improve AC Efficiency & Indoor Air Quality?

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Keeping a home comfortable and doing so efficiently are goals that a lot of homeowners have. Unfortunately, too often they are goals that work against one another. Many homeowners think that in order to operate the air conditioning system efficiently they must seal up their homes, which results in stale, low-quality air. If they over ventilate their homes, though, cool air escapes and reduces efficiency. The air conditioning and indoor air quality experts at The Clean Air Act have some tips for you to operate your air conditioner efficiently while boosting indoor air quality in Beaverton, OR.

One way to increase the efficiency of your air conditioning in Beaverton and while simultaneously improving your  indoor air quality is to schedule professional duct cleaning in Beaverton. Dirty air ducts reduce energy efficiency and indoor air quality in a variety of ways. While it is unlikely that your air ducts will become so dirty that they are blocked off, it is possible that the dirt and other pollutants in them will clog up your air filters. This will increase airflow resistance and cost you more money to keep your home comfortable. Having your ducts cleaned allows your AC to operate with greater efficiency and also can reduce the amount of airborne pollutants circulating throughout your home.

A major cause of poor air conditioning efficiency and indoor air quality is damaged air ducts. We offer great air duct repair in Beaverton to help resolve this problem. We also offer ductless mini split installation if you are interested in a different way of keeping your house cool. Air ducts are a very effective conditioned air delivery system, but in many homes they are a serious cause of inefficiency. Ductless mini splits eliminate the need for air ducts in your home, allowing you to cool your home more efficiently and reducing air quality problems associated with forced air distribution systems.

For more information about ways to boost indoor air quality in your home call The Clean Air Act. We want to help you enjoy true comfort in Beaverton. Schedule service today to get the best, most efficient air conditioning system operation you can. Contact The Clean Air Act today!

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Is My AC Causing Indoor Air Quality Issues?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

The Clean Air Act, Inc. is here to serve all of your Beaverton, Oregon air conditioning needs, including AC maintenance to help improve indoor air quality. Whether you have a ductless mini split or central air conditioner, there are many ways in which your AC system can impact indoor air quality. To ensure that your system is not reducing the quality of air inside your home, we’ve put together a list of ways your air conditioner may be causing indoor air quality issues.

Dirty Air Filter

Clogged air filters do not work to trap particles in your home and keep them from getting distributed throughout the home. Even if you have a ductless mini split AC system, you should change air filters at least once a month, especially if you have pets or during times of heavy use.

Lack of Proper Humidity Control

In the summer, you probably know that your home gets more humid that normal. Most air conditioners have a built-in dehumidifier, but if moisture levels are extraordinarily high, then your AC system has to work harder, and indoor air quality is affected as well. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier or air cleaner may be your best option. Indoor air pollutants can get trapped inside homes that are too moist more easily. In addition, air that is too humid is also very uncomfortable.

Older AC Systems

If you have an older AC system, it may not be equipped with the proper type of dehumidifier or effective air filters. Unless you are thinking of installing a new air filtration system, you may want to consider an upgrade for your air conditioner.

Call the Beaverton air conditioning experts at The Clean Air Act, Inc. to provide all your AC and indoor air quality needs.

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When To Schedule AC Tune-Ups

Monday, February 11th, 2013

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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How Often Should I Change My Air Filters and Which Type Should I Buy?

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Changing the air filters in your heating system is an important part of maintaining the heating system in your home. It also helps improve indoor air quality. How often you change it and what type to get really depends on your heating system. Consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure, but most filters should be changed once a month, especially during times of heavy use. Contact The Clean Air Act for all HVAC services, including indoor air quality in Beaverton.

Some heating systems have a removable filter that you can clean instead of throwing it away. These are better for the environment and also tend to be slightly more effective, but only if you clean them often. You should check them at least once a month if not more often. If you have pets or allergies, it’s probably a good idea to check them as often as you can.

Some disposable filters are designed to last up to three months. When you buy your air filter, it should have the instructions on the package. You’ll also need to make sure you know which size and type to buy before you purchase it. Some furnaces or heat pumps will have the instructions on the door to the filter, or you can check the owner’s guide. You can also take in the old filter to the store with you so that you know exactly which type and size to get. Most air filters can be purchased at your local hardware store, but it might be a good idea to call first to make sure they have the right kind.

Call the Beaverton indoor air quality and heating specialists at The Clean Air Act if you have further questions about air filters or air cleaners.

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Will an Air Cleaner Work with My Heating and Cooling System?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Comfortable temperatures are a great luxury and necessary to maintaining the quality of life that you deserve in Beaverton. The heating and air conditioning professionals at The Clean Air Act, though, believe that comfortable temperatures are just the beginning to the total comfort that you deserve. We know that the quality of the air that you breathe is just as important as the temperature, which is why we offer great indoor air quality products such as air cleaners for installation in your home. Contact us today for more information about improving the quality of your indoor air.

An air cleaner can be easily incorporated into most any forced air heating and air conditioning system. Whole-house air cleaners, including mechanical filters and UVGI devices, are installed directly into the ductwork of a forced air heating and cooling system. Because all of the air that your system heats and cools is dispersed throughout this system an in-duct installation allows all of this air to be filtered or otherwise cleaned.

These types of air filters and cleaners are really necessary with forced air systems for a few different reasons. To begin with, while all houses have a certain amount of dirt and dust within them, homes using forced air heating and air conditioning systems have this dirt and dust stirred up the circulating air. Once the pollutants are airborne they can be pulled into the ductwork and redistributed throughout the house. If they are allowed to settle within the air ducts they can cause efficiency problems with your heating and air conditioning system.

If you use a forced air heating and cooling system in your Beaverton home you should have some sort of air cleaner in place. To learn more about the integration of an air cleaner into your heating and cooling system call The Clean Air Act. We will be able to answer any questions that you may have.

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What’s the difference between mechanical and electronic air cleaners?

Monday, September 24th, 2012

There are a number of air cleaners on the market, each of them offering a number of specific features and benefits designed to match the types or air pollutants and allergens your Portland home has. However, a common question we get is about the difference between mechanical and electronic air cleaners.

Mechanical Air Cleaners

Mechanical air cleaners are also called filters and are generally some form of physical device installed in the air flow system for your HVAC device or air handler. The air flows through the filter and particles are removed because they are smaller than air particles. Mechanical filters come in different MERV ratings, and some are rated as HEPA filtration devices, removing up to 99.9% of contaminants 0.3 microns or larger. These devices are highly effective for almost all forms of allergens and contaminants in the Portland area.

Electronic Air Cleaners

An electronic air cleaner uses a different process, actively removing particles by ionizing the air and pulling the particles out of it. The difference is that such a process only works on smaller particles like gas or smoke and fumes. So, an electronic air cleaner removes the stuff that a mechanical filter never could, and is generally only necessary if your home suffers from such contaminants.

When the time comes to have a new air cleaning system installed in your home, the first thing you should do is determine what you need to have removed. Most people will benefit from a mechanical filter upgrade, but if exhaust is a problem due to proximity to a major road or if someone in your home smokes, an electronic filter can go one step further and remove a lot of additional particles.

There are also air purification systems that combine both technologies to create a fully-featured air cleaning system. You can check if this type of system is compatible with your air handler and then have one sized for your needs.

To determine what to do about the indoor air quality in your Portland home, contact The Clean Air Act, Inc. today!

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