The Clean Air Act Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Oregon City’

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality This Heating Season

Monday, January 14th, 2013

During the winter, most of us try to keep our homes sealed up pretty tightly in order to keep as much of the heated air inside as possible. While this is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home in Oregon City, it can potentially cause the air quality in your home to suffer. With no ventilation, the contaminants that enter your air just get recirculated through your home. In fact, the EPA estimates that indoor air quality is one of the leading threats to respiratory health in the U.S. At Clean Air Act, we offer friendly and honest indoor air quality services in Oregon City. If you’d like to learn more about how to improve the indoor air quality in your home this winter, read below. Give us a call today if you’d like to speak with one of our indoor air quality technicians.

Clean Your Home

A great way to make sure that the air quality in your home is as good as possible is to regularly clean your home. Vacuuming and dusting are especially important as dust is one of the most common air contaminants. If you have pets, vacuuming can really help to eliminate some of the pet dander that is likely accumulating in your air.

Control Moisture

If you get dry skin during the winter, using a humidifier is a terrific way to add some more moisture to the air. The winter is notoriously dry which can lead to itchy and irritated skin. Make sure that areas that typically collect moisture, like your bathroom or the basement, are able to dry out so that you don’t get mold infestations. If you use a humidifier, always use fresh water and regularly clean it.

Increase Ventilation

Another good way to improve the air quality in your home is to properly ventilate it. Opening windows is a great way to let in fresh air—as long as the temperature permits it. You can also turn on attic, kitchen and bathroom fans to get more fresh air into your home.

Consider a Whole Home Air Quality Control System

Perhaps the best way to make sure that the air in your home is clean is to invest in a home air filtration and purification system. There are many different types and brands of air filtration systems available on the market. Some of them just sit in your room filter the air while other more effective models are actually installed in your ducts and air handler to filter the air as it passes through.

If you’re concerned about the air quality in your home, contact Clean Air Act today. If you or one of your family members has a sensitivity to a particular contaminants or if they suffer from asthma or allergies, a whole home are filtration system could potentially make them more comfortable. If you’d like to talk with one of the professional Oregon City air quality technicians at Clean Air Act, just call us today.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Maintaining Indoor Air Quality This Heating Season

What Can an Air Cleaner Filter Inside My Home?

Monday, November 26th, 2012

What is one thing that you need at every moment of every day? It’s air! You breathe in about 400 cubic feet of air every day. That’s about 35 pounds of air every single day. Many of us spend most of our time indoors which means that the air we breathe is provided to us by an air conditioning or heating system.

When you’re at home, you want to make sure that all the air you breathe is as clean as possible. The EPA says that indoor air quality is one of the top five dangers to respiratory health. That’s why it’s important to have a good indoor air quality system in your home. Below we’ve outlined some air quality issues that an air cleaner or other IAQ system can help improve the air quality inside your Oregon City home.

Allergens

If the air inside your home is too dry in the winter, the air can cause all kinds of allergy-related irritation. When it’s dry, you tend to create more dust from dry skin. Without moisture in the air, allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander can travel freely through the air and into your respiratory system.

Viruses

Viruses are another type of air-born problem that can be associated with poor air quality. These can be solved by installing UV germicidal lights in your home.

Asthma

In poor air quality situations, asthma related irritations can flare up. Not only is this due to increased dust levels, but also because of dry air.

Dry Skin and Throat

Without moisture, the mucous membranes in your throat and nasal passages can dry out. With proper humidity, these air passages offer our bodies a defense against viruses and infections. This can also lead to bloody noses and scratchy throats.

How Indoor Air Quality Systems Can Help

Indoor air quality systems can do a number of things for your home. When you have an indoor air cleaner, like a filter or an electrostatic system, they can help remove dust particles, bacteria, mold spores and even viruses from your air.

On top of that, some models also include humidity control features. In a dry climates, this can be almost as important. Properly humidified homes are more comfortable to live in and can be potentially cleaner.

If you’re having problems with the indoor air quality in your Oregon City home, then call the experts at The Clean Air Act.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on What Can an Air Cleaner Filter Inside My Home?

Benefits of a ductless mini-split HVAC system

Monday, November 5th, 2012

There are a lot of home heating and air conditioning systems on the market today. At Clean Air Act we understand that deciding which heating and cooling option is right for your Oregon City home can be a challenge. In order to make it a little easier for you have some information about a great home heating and air conditioning option that not everyone is aware of. If you are in the process of researching a new heating and air conditioning system, we recommend that you consider the potential benefits of a ductless heating and air conditioning system in Oregon City. Here is some basic information to get you started. If you have any other questions feel free to contact us for the answers you need to make the right choice for your home.

Ductless Mini Splits in Oregon City

The primary benefit that ductless mini splits have to offer is the fact that they are indeed totally ductless. Central heating and air conditioning systems are very popular home comfort options, and with good reason. They can both heat and cool your home and they do so very effectively throughout the entire house. However, ductwork is one of the most common sources of energy loss with these systems, and it is necessary for them to distribute the air that they have conditioned. Ductless heating and air conditioning systems eliminate this problem by eliminating the source.

Rather than use ductwork to distribute conditioned air throughout your home, ductless mini splits use wall-mounted air handlers to do so directly into individual rooms. These air handlers are connected to the outdoor unit by a simple conduit containing refrigerant and power lines. Because no air is circulated, there is no chance for any of it to be lost. This is just one feature of ductless mini splits that help increase energy efficiency.

The individual air handlers, up to four per outdoor unit, make it easy to create different temperature zones in your home using individual thermostats. This is another great way to increase energy efficiency while keeping everyone happy. Now there is no need to keep all of the bedrooms the same temperature, for instance. Everyone in a different temperature zone can have the temperature set just the way they like it.

To learn more about the features and operation of ductless heating and air conditioning systems, call the heating and cooling experts at Clean Air Act today. We have the expertise and high-quality ductless mini split services to help you take advantage of all the benefits that these systems have to offer. Contact us today to schedule service in your Oregon City home.

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Benefits of a ductless mini-split HVAC system

Benefits of a High Velocity Heating System

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

If you are considering a high velocity heating system for your home or business, call the Portland heating experts at The Clean Air Act. We can go over the benefits and your options no matter what your heating needs are. For upgrades, we can also send a technician to your home or office to determine which type of heating system is right for you. Here’s how it works and the basic benefits you’ll get.

High velocity systems are also called small duct velocity. They are an energy-efficient air delivery system to meet all your HVAC needs, including heating, air conditioning, ventilation, air filtration, and moisture control. This improves indoor air quality and provides heating and cooling in one efficient system. Similar to installing ductless split systems, there’s very little disruption during the installation process. In other words, you don’t have to tear out all your walls due to the use of a flex duct system used to deliver the air throughout your home or office building.

The other main components can fit into closets, mechanical rooms, attics, crawlspaces, and most other tight-fit spaces. This makes high velocity systems ideal for retrofits, but they are also a good option for new construction projects. These systems are quiet and provide ample heat for your space even on the coldest days of the year. You can also add a whole-home dehumidifier or humidifier for better indoor air quality.

Another benefit is that high velocity systems evenly distribute the air to every room in your house evenly. However, if you are upgrading, you will need to make sure your air handler is upgraded to ensure that it is compatible with the new high velocity system. While there are many heating replacement options, you may find that a high velocity system is the most cost-effective upgrade for your needs, but it’s always good to speak with a professional contractor first.

Don’t hesitate to call the Portland heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality experts at The Clean Air Act for all your questions about high velocity heating systems. Call today to get started!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Benefits of a High Velocity Heating System

How do I choose the right air cleaner for my home?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

At Clean Air Act, we provide a multitude of air purification systems to help improve indoor air quality in your Oregon City home. The standard filters that are installed in your heating and cooling system may not be enough if you suffer from allergies or other respiratory issues. If you aren’t sure which type of air cleaner will meet your indoor air quality needs, just give us a call to set up a consultation. Here’s some information to get you started.

Air cleaners are installed to work with your central heating and air conditioning system. Many homeowners choose either an electronic or mechanical air cleaner, since they each target different contaminants. Chronic allergy suffers choose mechanical air filters since they are more cost-effective and target the more common indoor allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, and mold spores.  Electronic air cleaners are more expensive but target smaller particles, so it is important to know what type of irritants you wish to eliminate.

Some people choose to install both types of air cleaners, in addition to a UV germicidal light to help kill bacteria and viruses. The type of air filtration system you choose really depends on your specific needs and your budget.   If you are unable to eliminate the source of the problem (people with pets, for instance), then you may one to consider one of these different combinations of air cleaners.

Keep in mind that air cleaners cannot eliminate radon or get rid of mold in the home. Mold remediation and radon mitigation should be handled by a professional. We also offer radon testing and remediation for homeowners throughout the area.

Call Clean Air Act, the Oregon City indoor air quality experts if you have questions about improving the air quality inside your home

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How do I choose the right air cleaner for my home?

Top 5 Reasons to Install an Indoor Air Quality System

Monday, October 8th, 2012

We spend a lot of our time indoors—whether it’s sleeping and eating or just relaxing with our friends and family. In Portland, we tend to have pretty clean air. But what you may not realize is that your indoor air is often more polluted than the air outside. In fact, poor indoor air quality is the fourth largest environmental threat to our country, according to the EPA. Here are a few reason why you should invest in an indoor air quality system:

Allergy relief

For any of your family members who suffer from allergies, having an indoor air quality system can trap pollen and pet dander that would otherwise irritate them. Indoor air cleaners like media filters, electronic and HEPA filters are specifically designed to capture exactly those kinds of contaminants. Installing an air cleaner in your air handler may reduce the effect that pollen and pet dander have on your family.

Reduces amount of dust and contaminants in the air

Dust can also be a respiratory irritant and can accumulate on your furniture. Media filters installed in your heating and air conditioning system can trap dust and remove it from your indoor air leaving your house cleaner. Electronic air cleaners ionize the air to filter out smaller particles like smoke and exhaust fumes.

Removes bacteria and viruses

Electronic and HEPA filters can also capture microscopic bacteria and viruses before you can even breathe them in. This can reduce the number of illnesses that occur in your home. Additionally, an ultra-violet germicidal light can further increase the purity of your home’s air by killing germs inside your ductwork before they can recirculate into your home.

Allows fresh air inside

Part of a good air purity system is to make sure it is properly ventilated. By increasing the “tightness” of your home—how much air your home lets in—you can control exactly where the air in your home comes from. By properly ventilating your house, you can continually cycle in fresh air from outside.

Keeps humidity constant

A house that has too much or too little humidity can cause you a lot of problems. With too much humidity, your house can become a breeding ground for mold. It can also make it difficult to breath in your house. But too little humidity can cause your nasal passages, skin and even your furniture to dry out and crack. With a humidity control system from Clean Air Act, you can kep your humidity at the perfect level—around 30-50%.

For more information on how an indoor air quality system can benefit your Portland home, contact the professionals at Clean Air Act today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Top 5 Reasons to Install an Indoor Air Quality System

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!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on What’s the difference between mechanical and electronic air cleaners?

HVAC Repairs That Will Save You Money

Monday, September 17th, 2012

Your air conditioning and heating system operate frequently throughout the year – so much so that regular maintenance and repairs are a basic necessity if you want to ensure absolute comfort for your family year round. There are certain routine repairs or maintenance tasks that can actually save you money though, even if they are not immediately necessary for the proper operation of your HVAC system. Here are a few such repairs and the benefits you will gain.

Clean Your Ductwork

Ductwork cleaning in Portland is an important component of annual HVAC maintenance. We recommend having this done at least once a year to remove the natural buildup of debris and dust in your ductwork that will reduce energy efficiency of your system by as much as 30%.

Clean and Replace Filters

Filters are designed to block debris and dust, among other things, from entering the air flow of your Portland home or from blocking the moving parts in your home’s HVAC system. However, those same filters, when they become clogged, are an equal impediment for your HVAC system. The blocked air flow can not only reduce efficiency but also increase the risk you’ll need repairs.

Calibrate Your Thermostats

Improperly calibrated thermostats can lead to improper cooling and heating in your Portland home, resulting in higher bills or a lack of proper comfort control. These are easy to fix but calibration needs to be done regularly, especially if you have mechanical thermostats. You might also consider an upgrade to a programmable digital thermostat.

Clean the Coils

Dirty coils can be a major impediment to heating and cooling efficiency, as the transfer of heat is blocked by a layer of dust or dirt. Regular HVAC maintenance should include full cleaning of your evaporator coils, as well as your heat exchanger and fan blower motors.

When done regularly the four maintenance tasks above will greatly reduce the cost of operating your HVAC system and save you quite a bit of money over time. Call us today! Portland air conditioning and heating customers can rely on The Clean Air Act, Inc. for quality service.

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on HVAC Repairs That Will Save You Money

Where Are Air Cleaners Installed and How Do They Work?

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Just from reading the name, most people in Oregon City can figure out what whole home air filtration systems do. But what many people don’t know is where they are placed in your house and how they actually filter the air. There are many different kinds of home air filtration systems and each one cleans your air in a different way.

Mechanical Air Filters

Air filters are installed as part of your heating and air conditioning system. They are most commonly installed in the air handler that distributes clean air to the rest of your house. As the air passes through the filter, particulates, bacteria and viruses, pollen, pet dander and other contaminates are trapped and removed from your air supply. Depending upon your needs, the filters come in varying sizes: some are designed to filter very tiny contaminates like viruses, while others are made to trap larger particulates like dust. Ask the experts at Clean Air Act, Inc. which filter is right for your Oregon City home air filtration needs.

Electronic Air Filters

Electronic air cleaners differ from mechanical air filters in that they use an electronic charge to trap particles similar to the way static electricity works. There are several types of electronic air filters. Electrostatic precipitators are installed in your air handler where they draw air across an ionized section of the filter and attach a positive electrical charge to the particles in the air. These charged particles are attracted to, and accumulate on, negatively charged collector plates.

Ion generators, another type of electronic filter, work in a similar way but without the collector plates. These devices emit charged ions into the air where they attach to other particles and collect on objects like furniture, walls or the ground.

Oregon City Home Air Filtration Installation Experts

Your family deserves to breathe clean air. For people suffering from existing respiratory problems, air filtration can be a necessity. Whole home filtration systems can reduce allergy flare-ups that result from pollen, dust and other pollutants like pet dander. Many homes in the Oregon City area are well-insulated which can leave little room for ventilation of normal allergens. Clean Air Act, Inc. has a full range of products that can remove pollutants from your air and ensure that you and your family are comfortable all year long.

For more information about improving the air quality in your Oregon City home with products such as an Aprilaire Air Cleaning system, give Clean Air Act, Inc. a call today!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Where Are Air Cleaners Installed and How Do They Work?

When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

A geothermal system isn’t much different from other Portland heating and air conditioning systems in that it will require regular preventive maintenance visits, may need repairs on occasion, and eventually certain components will need to be replaced. But when will those replacements be needed and how will they compare to the frequency of part replacement on systems such as those for a furnace or air conditioner?

 The Condenser

A geothermal system may draw heat from a unique source, but the technology used to extract that heat and distribute it throughout your home is largely the same as in a traditional heat pump or air conditioner. So, you will have a condenser unit outside your home, coils inside your home and an air handler to distribute the air that is heated or cooled.

Each of these components needs to be properly maintained over a period of time to keep it from breaking down but there will be times when certain things need to be replaced. For reference, the average condenser unit has a limited warranty of up to 10 years. The system will likely last beyond that if well maintained, but it will probably need replacement sometime between 10 and 15 years of age.

Your indoor coils will likely last longer, though if they are not cleaned properly or if your system runs a lot, they may need replacement between 15 and 20 years. The air handler is different because different models are rated for different lengths of time, but it should be inspected and checked as often as your condenser and replaced when it gets old.

 Other Components

For the most part, the piping installed under your property to gather geothermal energy is likely going to last for many years – between 20 and 30 in most cases. However, there are situations in which piping may need to be replaced. Root growth from a nearby tree, damage from a natural disaster or improper installation of the system can all lead to early replacement.

Whatever your Portland geothermal component replacement needs, make sure you take action as soon as you suspect a problem to minimize the potential cost of such replacements. Call The Clean Air Act, Inc today for service!

Continue Reading

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Geothermal | Comments Off on When to Replace Parts of Your Geothermal System